20 of the best classic audio dramas of all time

Why you should hear it: One of the most acclaimed novels of all time, George Orwell's 1984 is newly reimagined as an immersive audio drama starring Andrew Garfield, Cynthia Erivo, Andrew Scott, and Tom Hardy, with music composition by Matt Bellamy of Muse, all mixed in Dolby Atmos spatial audio.

Listeners say: "Absolutely incredible. From Andrew Garfield’s Winston and Cynthia Erivo’s Julia, you knew this would be a treat. But what it was was a heart wrenching, terrifying, and provocative retelling of a story we know so well. Andrew Scott’s devilishness wins through as it always does, and Tom Hardy’s deep London voice booms through your headphones as Big Brother. An absolute gem of a production." —Audible listener Holly

Why you should hear it: Jane Austen’s lively comedy of manners is delectably adapted to audio in this breathtaking Audible Original production led by Academy Award, Golden Globe, Emmy, and BAFTA winner Emma Thompson. The full supporting cast includes Downton Abbey’s Joanne Froggatt and rising star Isabella Inchbald as our eponymous heroine.

Listeners say: "Charming rendition. The performances and voice actors were incredible. I loved the music and the background noises added immensely to the audial scene. I would love to hear more productions like this! I love Emma Thompson and her narration was flawless." —Audible listener Lauren

Why you should hear it: Bram Stoker’s Dracula is not just a horror classic but the origin of the vampire subgenre. This multi-award-winning dramatization starring some of the all-time great voices—Alan Cumming! Tim Curry! Simon Vance! Katherine Kellgren!—is nothing short of a masterpiece. The actors are clearly inspired (or perhaps possessed) by Stoker’s spirit in this moody, atmospheric, and deliciously unnerving performance.

Listeners say: "Man oh man. Where do I start? This story tells the story of Dracula and the efforts of a group of people to chase him down after all of his horrific acts. There were so many heroes on this book. Mina Harker is a real hero as are the men in the group. I was on the edge of my seat till the very end. What a thrill I’ve had." —Audible listener Caleb

Why you should hear it: Following the haphazard voyage of an everyday Earthling who is flung all around the galaxy, Douglas Adams forever fused sci-fi and comedy with The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. In this dynamic remastering of the original BBC Radio 4 adaptation, you can hear the tale’s legendary hilarity in all of its full, vibrant sound. The brilliant full cast and remastering by audio legend Dirk Maggs make this one of the most popular full-cast dramatizations of all time.

Listeners say: "I absolutely love this one. I have listened to this hundreds of times and pick it up on every format I can. I have read the series and seen all the shows/movies. This is by far—hands down—the best way to experience this series. The book is pretty superb too! So glad to have it digital so I can listen to it much easier with current technology. Thank you so much to the glorious mind of the late D.A." —Audible listener Natalie

Why you should hear it: Boasting a remarkable cast of award-winning Canadian talent, including Sandra Oh, Catherine O’Hara, and Victor Garber, this inspired dramatization uses immersive sound design (enhanced in Dolby Atmos) to transport listeners to Prince Edward Island in a swirl of nostalgia and warmth.

Listeners say: "This is audio production at its best. Of course one needs to have spatial audio earphones to enjoy it fully. Every one of the cast is marvelous. The dramatization makes one feel he can visualize the drama unfolding in front his eyes. The story is heart warming. The little girl Anne is always acted in warm hearted way and the divine aspect of the world responded to it, thus making it a beautiful story." —Audible listener Bin

Why you should hear it: Glenda Jackson stars in this award-winning BBC Radio series, inspired by Émile Zola’s epic saga of the Rougon-Macquart family, which doubles as a shocking exposé of the decadence and moral decay of 19th-century France. These ambitious dramas, first broadcast on Radio 4 over 24 hours in 2015-16, boasts a star cast including Robert Lindsay, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Holliday Grainger, and Samuel West.

Listeners say: "I cannot recommend this series highly enough. The dramatizations are tautly written, convincingly performed, and just spellbinding, really. It dramatizes the twenty novels that constitute Zola's Les Rougon-Macquart series, his masterwork, and these performances got me so interested that, in the month since listening, I've already read three of the original novels and plan to read more." —Audible listener Aaron

Why you should hear it: With acclaimed Scottish storyteller Marty Ross at the helm of this full-cast dramatization, Alexandre Dumas’s swashbuckling adventure has won legions of new fans. Young D'Artagnan arrives in Paris to join the King's elite guards but finds he is duelling with some of the very men he has come to swear allegiance to—Porthos, Athos, and Aramis, the inseparable friends known as the Three Musketeers.

Listeners say: "Immersive experience. Great theatre experience while listening. Definitely recommend it! All actors did a fantastic job bringing to life the characters." —Audible listener Andreea

Why you should hear it: Hollywood icon Laura Dern and a full cast breathe new life into Louisa May Alcott’s classic coming-of-age tale that follows the lives of four sisters against a backdrop of the American Civil War. As the sisters come of age during a time of great change, veteran narrators Suzanne Toren, Lauren Fortgang, Allison Hiroto, Emily Bauer, and Carly Robins invite listeners to experience this great American novel in an extraordinary new way.

Listeners say: "Fabulous! I couldn’t be happier to have given this book a chance; I thought that watching the movies was enough but thanks to the wonderful narration I was able to create the images of my own version of this wonderful story." —Audible listener Fabiola

Why you should hear it: This Shakespeare tragedy can also be read as a sly satire highlighting the absurdity inherent in young love. The Folger Library’s full-cast production is acted to perfection, with Romeo and Juliet’s frantic infatuation played at a veritable fever pitch, while Mercutio, the Nurse, and the rest of the cast provide the dry wit and juxtapositional irony for which Shakespeare is famous.

Listeners say: "This timeless story of teen romance and warring families was wonderfully dramatized. Universally considered one of the greatest stories but the actors brought this story of death to life with the prosody, rate, tones, inflections, pauses and the sound effects. The sound characteristics helped to translate the middle English spoken in Shakespearean times [in a way that's] understandable in modern times." —Audible listener Charles

Why you should hear it: A feat of writing and performance, Orson Welles’s supremely effective audio drama triggered a media frenzy upon its original 1938 release. Hear the original, uncut radio broadcast of this dramatic adaptation of H.G. Wells's 1898 novel, considered the granddaddy of modern science fiction. Martians have landed in turn-of-the-century England, an encounter that turns into a battle for survival as the aliens crush defense efforts and demonstrate their thirst for human blood. Close to a century after its release, the impact of this broadcast as both audio media and cultural phenomenon is indisputable.

Listeners say: "Loved it! I understand why it had such an impact on people back then. The sudden stops, the descriptive reports of attacks and the screams. if you came in the middle of the story you wouldn't know what was going on. Scary!" —Audible listener Michael

Why you should hear it: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is widely considered America's favorite homegrown fairytale. While most people are familiar with the Judy Garland film, L. Frank Baum’s book contains a host of adventures and details left out of the movie. Starring Lydia West as Dorothy and Jim Broadbent as the Wizard, this full-cast production captures the tale’s original enchantment and heart.

Listeners say: "I love productions with full casts, but it is not always easy to find a good one. This one was a gem and the voice actors did a wonderful job. It’s so well directed that one gets the feeling of being right there with the characters and living all their adventures with them." —Audible listener EllaSi

Why you should hear it: One of the most popular children’s stories of all time comes to life in this magical audio theater presentation featuring Golden Voice Barbara Rosenblat (from the original 1991 Tony Award-winning Broadway show) as Mrs. Medlock, Golden Voice Michael Crouch as Colin, ATC Seneca Award nominee Georgia Lee Schultz as Mary Lennox, and John Jarvis (Suits) as Ben Weatherstaff. Engaging sound effects and music enhance this full-cast dramatization.

Listeners say: "Well done! Captivating. Performance draws one into the story! Highly recommended. Classic story! Everyone should hear this." —Audible listener AmazonPrime1

Why you should hear it: This show-stopping Audible Original dramatization was executive produced by Academy Award-winning director Sam Mendes, with an original score by The Feeling’s Dan Gillespie Sells and an all-star cast including Succession’s Brian Cox as Fagin, Get Out’s Daniel Kaluuya as Bill Sikes, Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan as Nancy, and introducing Emilio Villa Muhammad as Oliver Twist and Elijah Wolf as the Artful Dodger.

Listeners say: "Loved! My entire life, I’ve struggled with ADD especially while reading, but now I can finally listen to all the classics I was never able to get through. I was captivated from the beginning and couldn’t 'put it down.' I intend to listen again with my nieces and nephews as I know they’ll enjoy it too." —Audible listener Audrey

Why you should hear it: The hunter becomes the hunted in Richard Connell's classic short story, transformed into a full-cast audio production by world-class sound designer Brandon Leith and executive producer George Caudill. Riveting sound effects, thrilling music, and a brilliant cast of talented actors transport you to Ship-Trap Island, where aristocrat and big-game hunter General Zaroff hunts, well, you know ...

Listeners say: "This new audio version of an old classic is five stars all the way. The sound effects fully immersed me into the story and made me feel like I had travelled back in time to become part of the adventure. The production quality is second to none, every voice is crystal clear and easily understood-even when there are other sounds in the background. I highly recommend this listen to anyone looking for a short escape from today’s hectic world. Sit back, plug in, and be transported to another place and time." —Audible listener Lisa

Why you should hear it: While the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and his dear friend Dr. Watson have been dramatized countless times on radio, TV, and film, this epic collection from BBC Radio 4 takes on all 60 stories in dramatized form. Beginning with A Study in Scarlet and concluding with The Hound of the Baskervilles, the project took over eight years to complete—and you can listen to it all in just under 50 hours.

Listeners say: "This is the BEST Sherlock Holmes Collection I have ever had! Same actors and all the stories in order. Clive Merrison is so good as Sherlock. I have listened to this over and over again! If you love Sherlock Holmes get this collection even if you have other stories." —Audible listener DonahMc

Why you should hear it: Here is the original American full dramatization of The Hobbit, as broadcast on National Public Radio. Bilbo Baggins, a gentle hobbit who loves the comforts of home, reluctantly joins a company of dwarves on a journey to recover plundered gold from a fierce dragon. It’s a tale of high adventure and astonishing courage, and a magical prelude to the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Listeners say: "Very well done and entertaining dramatization of this beloved story. Never read the book so this is my first exposure to the story, but it was quite good. If you are looking for a 'short' listen, I would recommend it! One caution: keep some tissues nearby as you may tear up toward the end (I did!)." —Audible listener Escoocoo

Why you should hear it: Originally published in 1881, Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island tells the story of young innkeeper Jim Hawkins, who happens upon a treasure map where X marks the hiding spot of priceless pirate gold. But he'll be up against the sinister Long John Silver every step of the way! This Audible Original dramatic performance has been modernized for today's listeners and features an all-star cast, including Philip Glenister, Daniel Mays, Catherine Tate, and Owen Teale.

Listeners say: "The overall performance of this classic story is captivating and brings all the characters to life. It remains sensitive to the subtleties of the story such as true wealth and character, while entertaining the reader with a swashbuckling tale. All evidences as to why this story has remained a staple in classic literature." —Audible listener Andrea

Why you should hear it: One of the most celebrated tales of all time, Around the World in 80 Days is part high-octane thriller, part fascinating fantasy travelogue. Pragmatic gambler Phileas Fogg has made a gentlemanly wager to the members of his exclusive club—that he can circle the world in just 80 days, right down to the minute. And there's no better way to embark on this epic journey than via the amazing performances of this star-studded production.

Listeners say: "I've always wanted to read this because the movie is so random and hilarious. While they are different, this was so well done! I absolutely loved the full cast and all the music and sound effects. This has been the most enjoyable audiobook I've ever listened to." —Audible listener Emily

Why you should hear it: What begins as a luxurious journey on a sumptuous train soon unfurls into Agatha Christie's most famous mystery, complete with an eclectic cast of suspects—brilliantly played by Tom Conti, Jane Asher, Ruta Gedmintas, and more—complete with all the chugs and choos of the Orient Express itself.

Listeners say: "This Audible Original Drama production and the abundance of talented narrators (over a dozen in total) brought the drama of this classic to life. It was like listening to a play that lacked nothing for not being visual. Conti was the perfect Poirot, but all the narrators were equally talented at breathing life into the characters. It won't matter if you already know the ending, the journey getting there is worth the credit!" —Audible listener Lada