Funny Sci-Fi Books That Will Make You Laugh Out Loud (Even If You Don’t Read Sci-Fi)
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My reading list has been improvement-oriented, meaning I haven’t had a good laugh in quite some time. This is why we need a funny sci-fi book right now. Trust me! The world is stressful. Reading about the planet getting blown up, attacked by aliens, or run by robots can change your perspective. Is gridlock really all that bad?
Isn’t Sci-fi, like Sciency and Technical?
Do you consider yourself a purposeful reader? My reading tastes usually fall into several veins: fiction with cultural struggles, self-help, business, personal development, and historical fiction. Really, I am so much fun to be around, but I tend to like reading books that feel like mental work.
You need this article because I forgot how good it feels to read for fun! The last month of reading funny sci-fi books has been a welcome respite from heavy thinking and implementation. Some sci-fi can be deeply technical, full of science knowledge, and yet feel authentic, captivating, and engaging. Everyone is loving Hail Mary right now. It is full of science facts, lovable characters, and humor.
When I read The Second World, I was reminded of how much I love reading funny sci-fi books. The last time I laughed out loud while reading a book was when I read The Martian by Andy Weir. Another hilarious sci-fi. If you have only seen the movie, you need to read the book. I don’t think the movie captured half the humor the book delivered.
This happy feeling sent me into a three-month hiatus during which I read nothing but sci-fi. I found so many great new authors and books that made me laugh, touched my heart, and refreshed my soul. It felt so good to have a complete genre change. Sci-fi was the first genre of books that got me reading as a teen, and I am so glad I found it again.
Are you still hesitant about reading sci-fi?
Sci-fi doesn’t have to be serious.
It doesn’t have to be dense, complicated, or filled with words you feel like you need a science degree to understand.
Sometimes… it’s just fun.
Sometimes it’s the kind of book that makes you laugh out loud in the grocery store while people slowly back away from you (yes, speaking from experience).
If you’re looking for funny sci-fi books that are easy to read, wildly entertaining, and still surprisingly meaningful, these are the ones I’d hand you first.
What are the funniest sci-fi books to read?
The funniest sci-fi books combine humor, strong characters, and imaginative settings without overwhelming the reader with technical detail. Popular funny sci-fi books include The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Martian, and The Second World by Jake Korell.
Best Funny Sci-Fi Books (Quick List)
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
- The Martian
- Good Omens
- Ready Player One
- The Second World
- Redshirts
- Automatic Noodle (Kindle Unlimited)
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1. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
This is the classic when it comes to funny sci-fi books.
It’s ridiculous in the best possible way—full of dry humor, absurd situations, and lines you’ll want to quote forever.
👉 If you think sci-fi is too serious… start here.
2. The Martian
Yes, it’s about being stranded on Mars.
But it’s also one of the funniest survival stories you’ll ever read.
The humor comes from the main character’s voice—sarcastic, resilient, and somehow still cracking jokes while trying to stay alive.
👉 Proof that even high-stakes sci-fi can be hilarious.
3. Good Omens
This one leans into fantasy and sci-fi—but the humor alone earns it a spot here.
It’s quirky, clever, and full of characters that feel just a little too human for an end-of-the-world scenario.
👉 If you like witty humor and unexpected friendships, this one shines.
4. Ready Player One
This book feels like stepping into a game—and having a lot of fun while doing it.
Between the nostalgia and fast pacing, there are plenty of moments that feel light, playful, and entertaining.
👉 A great option if you want fun sci-fi without heavy commitment.
5. The Second World
This one caught me completely off guard.
I expected sci-fi. I did not expect to be laughing out loud in public.
Flip Buchanan’s story—second child, second-best, trying to finally prove himself—unfolds in the most chaotic, hilarious way possible. And somehow, it still manages to be about friendship, identity, and growing up.
👉 If you love:
- coming-of-age stories
- ridiculous humor
- characters that feel real
This one is a must-read.
(Read my full review here → The Second World Book Review)
6. Redshirts
This is sci-fi humor with a twist.
It plays on classic sci-fi tropes in a way that’s clever, self-aware, and honestly intuitively funny.
👉 Perfect if you already know a little sci-fi and want something that pokes fun at it.
7. The Murderbot Diaries
Yes, it’s about a security robot designed to protect humans.
But it’s also one of the funniest and most relatable stories about wanting to avoid people that you’ll ever read.
Murderbot would rather be left alone to watch its favorite shows than deal with human emotions, but somehow, it keeps getting pulled into situations where it has to save the very people it’s trying to avoid.
👉 Proof that even an antisocial security robot can become an unforgettable hero.
8. Dungeon Crawler Carl
Yes, it’s about surviving an alien-run dungeon that has been turned into the most ridiculous reality show in the universe.
But it’s also one of the funniest, most creative, and unexpected sci-fi adventures I’ve listened to. The Audible Exclusive is 100% worth the subscription for this production. I used my credit to listen to this on a trip with my husband. At 9 hours of listening time, it is perfect for a Midwest road trip.
Carl and his cat, Princess Donut, navigate impossible challenges, absurd enemies, and nonstop chaos while somehow building friendships and finding reasons to keep going. Fair warning – this series is a little more crass than many of the books on this list, with stronger language and more mature humor.
👉 Start here if you want laugh-out-loud action, nonstop adventure, and don’t mind a little rough-around-the-edges humor.
9. Automatic Noodle
Yes, it’s about a noodle shop run by robots.
But it’s also a surprisingly warm and funny story about friendship, community, and finding your place in a world that doesn’t always know what to do with people who are different. Martha Wells called it the story she didn’t know she needed right now.
When a group of former service robots comes together to open a restaurant, they discover that building a business (and a family) is a lot more complicated than making noodles. Along the way, they navigate questions of freedom, purpose, and what it means to create a life for yourself.
👉 Proof that some of the best sci-fi stories aren’t about saving the world, they’re about building a community worth living in.
The Go-To List of Best Funny Sci-Fi Books Authors
- Douglas Adams – The Founding Father of Sci-fi Humor
- John Scalzi – Wide range of books to choose from
- Martha Wells – Deep Sci-fi feels with great story lines
- Andy Weir – Characters you will love
- Matt Dinniman – Giving 90’s reality TV game show energy!
Why Funny Sci-Fi Books Are Perfect for Beginners
If you’re new to the genre, humor makes everything easier.
Funny sci-fi books:
- feel more approachable
- keep you engaged
- balance complex ideas with entertainment
And most importantly, they remind you that reading should be enjoyable.
FAQ: Funny Sci-Fi Books
What is the funniest sci-fi book to start with?
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is widely considered one of the funniest sci-fi books ever written. The series contains plenty of books to keep you reading. Goodness, Douglas Adams takes up seven of the top ten spots of the Goodreads Best Comedic Fiction Books for Sci-Fi.
Are funny sci-fi books good for beginners?
Yes—funny sci-fi books are often easier to read because they focus on character and humor rather than heavy science.
What funny sci-fi books are like The Martian?
Books like The Second World and Project Hail Mary combine humor with engaging storytelling.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been hesitant to try sci-fi, this is your way in.
Start with something that makes you laugh.
Because once you realize sci-fi can be this entertaining…
You might just find yourself reaching for more.
Next Read
If you’re new to the genre, don’t miss this:
👉 Best Beginner Sci-Fi Books: Where to Start
