I think 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley is very influential. It shows a future society that is seemingly utopian but actually has many dark aspects hidden beneath the surface. It makes people think about the role of technology, pleasure, and social conditioning in our lives.
However, it's really hard to pick just one as the most influential. 'Starship Troopers' by Robert A. Heinlein also had a big impact. It explores military themes, citizenship, and the idea of duty in a future where humanity is at war with alien bugs. It has influenced many other works in the science fiction genre and even some real - world military thinking.
I think 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett is highly influential. It set the standard for the hard - boiled detective genre. Its noir atmosphere, complex plot, and the character of Sam Spade have been emulated by many writers since.
I think 'Dune' has extremely influential world - building. It has a detailed ecosystem, political systems, and a unique culture. 'The Lord of the Rings' (while some may debate its pure'science fiction' status, it has strong elements) also has amazing world - building with different races, languages, and a vast geography. 'Star Trek' in its various forms has built an entire universe with different species, technologies, and moral codes.
I think '1984' by George Orwell, although often considered a dystopian novel rather than pure science fiction, is very thought - provoking. It warns about the dangers of totalitarianism, surveillance, and the loss of individual freedom. The ideas in this book are still relevant today and make you really think about the state of society.
Some of the top ones could be 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a complex universe with political intrigue and unique ecosystems. Another is '1984' by George Orwell, which, although often considered dystopian, has strong science - fiction elements like a totalitarian regime controlling society through technology. Also, 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley, which explores a future society based on genetic engineering and mass - produced humans.
Another great one is '1984' by George Orwell. Although it can be considered as dystopian science fiction, it has had a huge impact on how we view society and government control. It shows a future where privacy is non - existent and the state has totalitarian power.
I think 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey' are highly influential. They have shaped Western literature and storytelling for centuries. Their tales of heroes, gods, and great adventures have been a source of inspiration for countless works.
The books that are most influential in the top 100 classic fiction list include 'The Divine Comedy' by Dante Alighieri. This work is a cornerstone of Italian literature and has had a profound impact on religious and philosophical thought. 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens is also highly influential. It vividly depicts the social unrest of the French Revolution and has themes of sacrifice and redemption. Moreover, 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky, with its deep exploration of guilt, morality, and the human soul, has influenced many writers and thinkers.
One of the most influential is 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' by Khaled Hosseini. Although it's set in Afghanistan, it portrays the strength and resilience of women in a highly patriarchal and war - torn society. 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen can also be considered. Elizabeth Bennet is a strong female character who challenges the social norms and expectations of her time regarding marriage. And 'The Female Man' by Joanna Russ is a science - fiction work that explores different versions of femininity and gender relations.
One of the most influential is '1984' by George Orwell. It presents a dystopian future where the government has extreme control over people's lives. Another is 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley, which also explores a society with strict control but in a different way. And 'Dune' by Frank Herbert is highly influential with its complex world - building, political intrigue, and exploration of environmental and religious themes.
Isaac Asimov's 'Foundation' series is very important. It introduced the concept of psychohistory, which is a way to predict the future of large groups of people. This series has had a great impact on how science fiction thinks about the future of civilizations and the role of science in it.