Across every corner of the globe, certain products have transcended their original purpose to become cultural icons and irreplaceable fixtures in the lives of billions. Some things sell because they’re needed. Others because they’re wanted. And then there’s a rare category of products that rise far above both.
Whether it’s the spiritual influence of ancient texts, the imaginative pull of bestselling novels, the addictive fun of legendary video games, or the revolutionary simplicity of a toy or phone, some items have done more than just sell well. They’ve shaped history, shifted behavior, and, in some cases, altered the course of technology and communication.
From sacred scriptures to pocket-sized puzzles, from mobile phones that connected entire nations to consoles that reshaped entertainment, click through this gallery to find the products that have sold the most units in history.