One of my favorite things to discover about celebrities is what they read when the cameras are off. Movie roles, red carpets, and interviews only tell part of the story. Books, on the other hand, often reveal the interests, inspirations, and imagination behind the person.
That is why I was excited to come across Margot Robbie’s favorite books list. Whether you know her from The Wolf of Wall Street, I, Tonya, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Barbie, or her portrayal of Harley Quinn, Robbie has become one of the most successful actresses of her generation. But beyond Hollywood, she is also a passionate reader with surprisingly diverse literary tastes.
Her reading list spans fantasy, literary fiction, classic mysteries, coming-of-age novels, and books about the film industry itself. Some of these titles are beloved classics that millions have read, while others may introduce you to something completely new.
If you are looking for your next great read, these are the books that helped shape one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Margot Robbie’s Favorite Books
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
- The Famous Five by Enid Blyton
- The Secret Seven by Enid Blyton
- Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene
- The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Dune by Frank Herbert
- Easy Riders, Raging Bulls by Peter Biskind
- The Magicians by Lev Grossman
- The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
- Animals by Emma Jane Unsworth
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
The first book that truly captured Margot Robbie’s imagination was The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.
That fact alone is impressive because Tolkien’s fantasy classic is not always the easiest book for young readers. Yet Robbie fell in love with it at a remarkably young age.
Speaking about the novel, Robbie recalled:
“The first book I read was The Hobbit. I was 8 years old and in school, must have been Grade 3 or 4, and our teacher was reading out loud to the class. As soon as she started reading it, I was so hooked.”
It is easy to understand why. The Hobbit remains one of the greatest fantasy novels ever written. Bilbo Baggins’ adventure with dwarves, dragons, and treasure has captivated readers for nearly a century.
Many readers begin their fantasy journey with Tolkien, and Robbie appears to be no exception. Looking at the rest of her reading list, it is clear that her love of imaginative storytelling started here.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Few books have influenced an entire generation of readers quite like Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
The first installment in Rowling’s legendary series introduced readers to Hogwarts, magical creatures, and the Boy Who Lived. For countless children around the world, it transformed reading from a school assignment into an obsession.
Robbie naming this book among her favorites is hardly surprising. The novel combines adventure, friendship, mystery, and wonder in a way that appeals to readers of all ages.
Even decades after publication, it remains one of the most influential fantasy novels ever written.
The Famous Five Series by Enid Blyton
Before modern fantasy dominated bookstore shelves, many young readers grew up with Enid Blyton’s adventures.
The Famous Five follows a group of children who solve mysteries while exploring the English countryside. The books are filled with secret passages, hidden treasures, smugglers, and endless adventures.
These novels helped inspire generations of readers to embrace curiosity and imagination.
For Robbie, they clearly left a lasting impression.
The Secret Seven Series by Enid Blyton
Another childhood favorite of Robbie’s is Blyton’s The Secret Seven series.
Like The Famous Five, these books revolve around young detectives solving mysteries and uncovering secrets. While often overshadowed by Blyton’s more famous works, The Secret Seven remains beloved among readers who grew up with them.
What stands out about Robbie’s childhood favorites is how strongly they emphasize adventure and discovery. Even at a young age, she seemed drawn to stories where ordinary people found themselves in extraordinary situations.
Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene
Every mystery lover has a gateway series, and for many readers that series was Nancy Drew.
The iconic teenage detective has been solving crimes and mysteries for nearly a century. Intelligent, resourceful, and fearless, Nancy became one of literature’s most enduring heroines.
These books have inspired generations of readers and writers alike.
Robbie’s inclusion of Nancy Drew suggests she has long appreciated strong female characters who take charge of their own stories. Considering the powerful women she has portrayed on screen throughout her career, that connection feels especially fitting.
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
Moving from childhood adventures to literary classics, Robbie also counts Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Risesamong her favorite books.
Published in 1926, the novel follows a group of American and British expatriates traveling through Europe after World War I.
Hemingway’s sparse prose and exploration of disillusionment helped define modern literature. The novel remains one of the most studied and celebrated works of the twentieth century.
While some readers find Hemingway’s style challenging, others admire its precision and emotional depth. Robbie clearly falls into the latter camp.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Few novels have achieved the cultural significance of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Harper Lee’s masterpiece follows Scout Finch as she grows up in the American South while her father, Atticus Finch, defends a Black man falsely accused of a crime.
The novel explores justice, prejudice, empathy, and morality with remarkable power.
Decades after publication, it continues to appear on school reading lists and best-books-of-all-time rankings.
Its inclusion here is unsurprising. Many readers consider it one of the most important novels ever written, and Robbie appears to share that view.
Dune by Frank Herbert
If The Hobbit introduced Robbie to fantasy, Dune likely deepened her appreciation for ambitious speculative fiction.
Frank Herbert’s science-fiction masterpiece is often regarded as one of the greatest genre novels ever written.
Set on the desert planet Arrakis, the story combines politics, religion, ecology, war, and prophecy into an epic narrative unlike anything else.
While Dune can be intimidating due to its complexity, readers who invest in the story are often rewarded with an unforgettable experience.
The novel’s influence can be seen throughout modern science fiction, from books to films and television series.
Easy Riders, Raging Bulls by Peter Biskind
One of the most fascinating entries on Robbie’s list is Easy Riders, Raging Bulls.
Unlike the novels featured elsewhere on this reading list, Peter Biskind’s nonfiction book explores the rise of New Hollywood during the 1960s and 1970s.
The book chronicles the careers of legendary filmmakers including Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola, and George Lucas.
For an actress and producer like Robbie, this choice makes perfect sense.
It offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most transformative periods in film history and provides valuable insight into the creative process behind some of cinema’s greatest achievements.
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Lev Grossman’s The Magicians has often been described as a darker, more mature version of Harry Potter.
The novel follows Quentin Coldwater as he discovers that magic is real and gains admission to a secret school for magicians.
However, this is not a traditional fantasy adventure.
Grossman explores themes of depression, identity, adulthood, and dissatisfaction, creating a story that resonates strongly with adult readers.
The novel became a bestseller and eventually inspired a successful television adaptation.
For readers who grew up loving fantasy but want something more mature, this is an excellent recommendation.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
Among all the books on Robbie’s list, this may be the one she speaks about most passionately.
Discussing Mitch Albom’s beloved novel, Robbie said:
“This book means everything to me. I love it… I don’t know why, it’s just a really beautiful book.”
That sentiment is easy to understand.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven tells the story of Eddie, an elderly amusement park maintenance worker who dies saving a child and awakens in heaven. There, he encounters five individuals who help him understand the meaning and impact of his life.
The novel is emotional, thoughtful, and deeply moving.
It asks readers to consider how their actions affect others and reminds us that every life has significance.
Like Robbie, I found this book incredibly memorable. It is also one of those rare novels that can be read in just a few sittings while still leaving a lasting emotional impact.
If you have never picked it up, it is absolutely worth adding to your reading list.
Animals by Emma Jane Unsworth
The most contemporary title on Robbie’s favorites list is Animals by Emma Jane Unsworth.
This darkly funny novel follows two friends navigating adulthood, relationships, ambition, and self-destruction.
Praised for its sharp wit and honest portrayal of friendship, Animals became a breakout success and later received a film adaptation.
Its presence on Robbie’s list demonstrates that her reading tastes are not limited to classics. She also enjoys modern fiction that explores complex relationships and contemporary life.
What Margot Robbie’s Favorite Books Reveal About Her
Looking at this list as a whole, several patterns emerge.
First, Robbie clearly loves imaginative storytelling. From The Hobbit and Harry Potter to Dune and The Magicians, fantasy and speculative fiction feature prominently.
Second, she appreciates timeless classics. To Kill a Mockingbird and The Sun Also Rises remain literary cornerstones decades after publication.
Finally, she values emotionally resonant stories. Books like The Five People You Meet in Heaven and Animals focus heavily on human relationships and personal growth.
It is a surprisingly balanced reading list that combines adventure, literary merit, emotional depth, and creativity.
Final Thoughts
Celebrity book recommendations can sometimes feel predictable, but Margot Robbie’s favorite books list is genuinely impressive.
From Tolkien’s fantasy masterpiece to Hemingway’s literary classic and Mitch Albom’s emotional bestseller, these books represent a wide range of genres and styles. There is truly something here for every type of reader.
What stands out most is how many of these books have stood the test of time. Whether they were published ten years ago or nearly a century ago, they continue to inspire new generations of readers.
And honestly, that is probably the highest compliment any book can receive.
If you are searching for your next great read, you could do much worse than starting with the books that helped shape one of Hollywood’s brightest stars.
Which of Margot Robbie’s favorite books have you read? And which one are you adding to your TBR next? Let us know in the comments. Until next time, happy reading!
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I’ve only read 1,2,8 & 11 on her list, but agree that they are great reads! I remember reading a couple of Enid Blyton’s during childhood as well and they were such a delight and a treat!!
Ms. Robbie seems to have a spot-on favs list.
Agreed!
Does Nancy Drew mean all the books? Because there are more than one
I believe so. That was what it said from the source I got the information from
I am forever a fan of Enid Blyton