Adventures of Tintin Books Ranked
Since the first adventure in 1929, Tintin has taken readers on thrilling journeys across the globe, uncovering mysteries, foiling villains, and exploring far-off lands. Created by Belgian cartoonist Hergé (Georges Remi), Tintin is a young reporter with a keen eye for a story and an unshakable sense of justice. Alongside his loyal dog Snowy, he dives headfirst into danger—whether that’s tracking smugglers in his own backyard or traveling to the Moon. Read on to see the Adventures of Tintin books ranked by fans.
- First appeared: 1929 in Le Petit Vingtième newspaper supplement
- Creator: Hergé (Georges Remi)
- Number of books: 24 completed albums
- Main character: Tintin, a young Belgian reporter
- Loyal companion: Snowy, his clever white fox terrier
- Famous friends: Captain Haddock, Professor Calculus, Thomson & Thompson
- Art style: Ligne claire (clear line) – clean lines, bold colors, detailed backgrounds
- Global reach: Translated into over 70 languages, more than 250 million copies sold
- Fun fact: Tintin “traveled to the Moon” in comics almost 15 years before the real Apollo 11 landing
The Adventures of Tintin series stands out for its mix of fast-paced storytelling, clever humor, and meticulously researched settings. Hergé’s “ligne claire” (clear line) illustration style is instantly recognizable—clean lines, bright colors, and incredible attention to detail bring each location to life. Over 24 albums, Tintin encounters a colorful cast of recurring characters: Captain Haddock, with his booming voice and creative insults; Professor Calculus, the brilliant but absent-minded scientist; and the bumbling detectives Thomson and Thompson, whose identical looks and clumsy methods add plenty of laughs.
Quick Facts about Tintin
One of the charms of the series is how it blends timeless adventure with real-world influences. Many of the stories draw on actual historical events, political climates, and geographical settings from the early to mid-20th century. From the bustling streets of The Blue Lotus’s Shanghai to the windswept Andes in Prisoners of the Sun, each album immerses readers in a new environment, often with a touch of mystery and suspense.
While the series has its lighter, purely comic moments (The Castafiore Emerald comes to mind), it also features high-stakes plots like The Secret of the Unicorn and Red Rackham’s Treasure, which span multiple volumes and keep readers hooked until the final page. For many fans, the Destination Moon and Explorers on the Moon two-parter is a standout—Hergé’s leap into science fiction, backed by impressive scientific accuracy for its time.
Even decades after Hergé completed his last album, Tintin remains a cultural icon. The books have been translated into more than 70 languages and sold over 250 million copies worldwide. They continue to inspire adaptations, from animated series to Steven Spielberg’s 2011 film The Adventures of Tintin.
This ranked list celebrates the best of Tintin’s globe-trotting adventures—from fan favorites to underrated gems. Whether you’re discovering these stories for the first time or revisiting them with fresh eyes, you’ll find a mix of action, humor, and unforgettable moments that have made Tintin’s adventures timeless. Get ready to set sail, take flight, and maybe even blast off into space alongside one of the most famous reporters in comic history.
1
The Shooting Star
1993
282
(By Hergé) In a race against time, Tintin and an international crew of scientists set sail to claim a mysterious meteorite that has fallen into the Arctic Ocean. However, a rival expedition will do anything to get there first.
2
Tintin and the Picaros
1565
87
(By Hergé) Tintin returns to South America to rescue his old friends from a corrupt dictatorship. The story explores themes of revolution, political satire, and personal growth.
3
The Seven Crystal Balls
1470
75
(By Hergé) A group of archaeologists mysteriously falls into a deep sleep after discovering an Incan tomb. Tintin investigates, leading to one of the most suspenseful stories in the series.
4
Explorers on the Moon
1358
156
(By Hergé) Tintin and his team become the first humans on the Moon, but their mission is threatened by a saboteur onboard. This book is a classic mix of science fiction and adventure.
5
Land of Black Gold
1268
143
(By Hergé) Tensions rise in the Middle East as Tintin uncovers a conspiracy to sabotage the world's oil supply. This adventure takes him to the deserts of Khemed, where he meets the mischievous Abdullah.
6
Destination Moon
1267
151
(By Hergé) Tintin, Captain Haddock, and Professor Calculus prepare for mankind’s first moon landing. This scientific adventure is filled with espionage, technology, and suspense.
7
Flight 714 to Sydney
1290
177
(By Hergé) While en route to Sydney, Tintin and his friends are kidnapped and taken to a remote island. A mysterious force ultimately comes to their aid in one of the most unusual endings in the series.
8
The Secret of the Unicorn
1203
105
(By Hergé) Tintin investigates a model ship that holds a hidden clue to a long-lost pirate treasure. This story introduces Captain Haddock’s ancestor, the legendary Sir Francis Haddock.
9
Tintin in Tibet
1124
87
(By Hergé) One of the most personal Tintin stories, this adventure follows Tintin’s journey to the Himalayas in search of his missing friend Chang. The book is a powerful story of friendship and determination.
10
King Ottokar’s Sceptre
1084
125
(By Hergé) Tintin travels to the fictional Eastern European country of Syldavia to stop a plot to overthrow its rightful king. The book introduces political intrigue and foreshadows the upcoming world war.
11
The Blue Lotus
909
29
(By Hergé) Considered one of the most important Tintin stories, this book follows Tintin to China, where he uncovers a Japanese spy ring and opium smuggling operation. The story is praised for its historical accuracy and depth.
12
The Red Sea Sharks
970
105
(By Hergé) Tintin discovers a human trafficking operation and sets out to stop it. This story revisits past villains and allies while tackling the serious issue of modern slavery.
13
Cigars of the Pharaoh
921
82
(By Hergé) Tintin stumbles upon a massive drug smuggling operation while traveling through Egypt and India. This story introduces the recurring villain Rastapopoulos and takes readers on a thrilling mystery full of exotic settings.
14
The Crab with the Golden Claws
878
108
(By Hergé) This adventure marks the first appearance of Captain Haddock. Tintin uncovers an opium smuggling operation hidden in a shipment of crab tins, leading him to the deserts of North Africa.
15
The Castafiore Emerald
756
108
(By Hergé) A departure from the usual globe-trotting adventures, this story takes place in Marlinspike Hall. A stolen emerald causes chaos, leading to misunderstandings and humorous situations.
16
The Black Island
696
63
(By Hergé) After being attacked by a gang of criminals, Tintin follows their trail to Scotland. The story is filled with action, including plane crashes, daring escapes, and a showdown in a mysterious castle.
17
The Broken Ear
621
70
(By Hergé) A mysterious stolen statue leads Tintin to South America, where he gets entangled in a war between two fictional countries. This adventure involves espionage, betrayal, and hidden treasures.
18
Tintin in America
579
72
(By Hergé) Tintin arrives in the United States, where he faces gangsters and corrupt businessmen in 1930s Chicago. He takes on Al Capone’s criminal empire while also experiencing Native American culture.
19
The Calculus Affair
577
84
(By Hergé) Professor Calculus is kidnapped after developing a powerful new weapon. Tintin and Haddock race against foreign spies to rescue their friend and prevent a political disaster.
20
Red Rackham’s Treasure
515
31
(By Hergé) Continuing the quest from The Secret of the Unicorn, Tintin and Haddock search for the hidden treasure of the notorious pirate Red Rackham. Professor Calculus makes his first appearance.
21
Prisoners of the Sun
537
53
(By Hergé) Tintin follows the mystery of the cursed Incan tomb to South America, where he and his friends face an ancient civilization that still holds power over its land.
22
Tintin in the Land of the Soviets
201
116
(By Hergé) The very first Tintin adventure, published in black and white, follows Tintin and his dog Snowy as they travel to the Soviet Union. The story is an anti-communist satire, depicting Tintin uncovering corruption and oppression under Stalin’s rule.
23
Tintin and Alph-Art
54
23
(By Hergé) The unfinished final Tintin book follows a mystery in the modern art world. Tintin investigates an art forgery scheme, but the story remains incomplete due to Hergé’s passing.
24
Tintin in the Congo
78
56
(By Hergé) Tintin embarks on an adventure in the Belgian colony of the Congo, encountering wildlife, criminals, and diamond smugglers. The book has been criticized for its colonial-era depictions, but remains a part of the Tintin legacy.