The best audiobooks with famous narrators

Whether you’ve been enjoying Zoom calls, online exercise videos, Instagram lives, or watching one of our Netflix, Amazon Prime, Live Streams or BBC iPlayer recommendations, the chances are your screen time has increased in lockdown. Audiobooks are a great way to spend some time away from your screen, whilst escaping to a new world. We’ve selected the best audiobooks with famous narrators, so you can delve into some legendary literature with some famous voices. 

Sherlock Holmes – Arthur Conan Doyle – Narrated by Stephen Fry

Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection contains four novels and five collections of short stories, narrated by lifelong fan of Doyle's detective fiction, Stephen Fry. If you listen on audible, you’ll be treated to nine insightful, intimate and deeply personal introductions to each title by Fry. 

Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen – Narrated by Rosamund Pike 

Rosamund Pike brings Jane Austen’s story to life, the Academy Award-nominee played Jane Bennet in the 2005 film adaptation. In Austen’s classic the Bennet sisters try to find their way in 19th-century society, falling in love and judging people by their first impressions. 

1984 – George Orwell – Narrated by Andrew Wincott

Big Brother is watching you… George Orwell's nightmare vision of a dystopian world has become even more relevant in recent times. Andrew Wincott, best known as the voice of Adam Macy in The Archers, brings one of the most influential works of the twentieth century to life. 

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning – Lemony Snicket – Narrated by Tim Curry 

The first book in the series about the terribly tragic Baudelaire orphans. The books are known for their dark humour and sarcastic storytelling, which is brilliantly presented by Tim Curry. 

Little Women – Louisa May Alcott – Narrated by Laura Dern

Two-time Academy Award-nominee, four-time Golden Globe-winner, and Emmy winner Laura Dern, who played Marmee March in the 2019 film adaptation, narrates the classic coming-of-age tale. 

Gotta Get Theroux This – Louis Theroux

Louis Theroux narrates his autobiography, taking the listener on a joyous journey through his life and unexpectedly successful career. His unique documentary style has seen him immersed in weird and wonderful worlds and encountering controversial characters. 

The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood – Narrated by Elisabeth Moss

Star of the hit TV adaptation, Elisabeth Moss, narrates Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel where The Republic of Gilead offers Offred only one function: to breed. It was shortlisted for Audiobook of the Year at the British Book Awards 2020 and won Best Audiobook (Fiction) at the New York Festival Radio Awards 2020.

Becoming – Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama reads her intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir. The former First Lady of the United States, was the first African American to serve in that role. She created the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history and established herself as an advocate for women’s rights. 

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz – L. Frank Baum – Narrated by Anne Hathaway

Academy Award-winning actress Anne Hathaway brings the classic story to life. The audiobook takes you on a journey to the Emerald City, featuring more characters and aspects of the story that weren’t included in the famous film.

Go Set a Watchman – Harper Lee – Narrated by Reese Witherspoon

Harper Lee’s novel features many of the characters from her classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, but set 20 years later. A Southerner herself, Academy Award-winner Reese Witherspoon narrates the book perfectly, giving voice to the iconic Southern characters. 

Harry Potter – JK Rowling – narrated by Daniel Radcliffe

Whilst we encourage you to take some time away from your screen, we also couldn’t resist sharing this magical reading. You can see Daniel Radcliffe reading the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. But, if you’re committed to your non-screen time, you can also listen to just the audio on Spotify, where you can also hear Eddie Redmayne and Noma Dumezweni read the next two chapters.