Humor and science fiction may seem like an unlikely pairing, but when done well, the combination can be out of this world. Whether it's poking fun at the absurdities of the future or adding a lighthearted touch to a heavy subject, a dash of humor can elevate a science fiction story to new heights.

You probably already know science fiction can go in a bunch of different directions. If you are a bit tired of the same classic warring scenario, how about some humor instead? Nothing beats the unusual mix of sci-fi and humor in a book, whether you are looking for a good book to relax or a funny story to recommend.

With these thoughts in mind, here are some of the best comedic science fiction books from recent years.

What Are The Best Science Fiction Books with Humor?

Immortality Bytes, by Daniel Lawrence Abrams (2024)

When I started Immortality Bytes: Digital Minds Don’t Get Hungry, I was hooked by its premise—a tech dystopia centered on digital immortality—but it was the mix of humor, high-stakes action, and flawed characters that kept me invested.

Chuck Rosti, a dying billionaire, will stop at nothing to steal Vekhuman technology, Roxy Zhang’s invention that promises immortality. To bypass its impenetrable defenses, he recruits Roxy’s ex, Stu Reigns, a cash-strapped influencer with a talent for bad decisions. Lured by $3 million and lingering feelings for Roxy, Stu finds himself navigating double-crosses, ruthless Russian thugs, and Robo-Krupkes—AI bots programmed to kill. The twists come fast, and Stu’s choices only deepen the chaos.

Abrams delivers a fast-paced cyberpunk thriller laced with sharp humor. The dystopian world feels eerily plausible, from oppressive heat to AI-driven inequality. Stu’s journey is a mix of absurdity and tension, with moments that make you laugh one second and gasp the next. The Robo-Krupkes are a standout, bringing a terrifying, high-tech edge to the action, while the emotional weight of Stu’s conflicted relationship with Roxy grounds the story. For those who want extra depth, interactive hyperlinks provide backstories, but the main narrative is gripping enough on its own.

It’s no surprise that this book earned “Best Sci-Fi: Cyberpunk” at the 7th Annual American Fiction Awards in 2024 and “Best Humor/Satire” at the Storytrade Awards. Abrams has created a rare mix of thrilling action, thought-provoking ideas, and biting satire. If you’re looking for a smart, entertaining read that tackles big questions about mortality and technology, this book is a clear standout.

Alexandra Forever 2291 (Alexandra Forever 2291 Series), by D.W. Richards (2020)

Out of nowhere, a red dwarf system explodes and spreads all over the universe. It sounds like a deadly scenario, but no one knows if this is a star system or perhaps something else.

It all starts with a tragic scenario. A star system goes through the mix of time and space and heads towards the Milky Way. There is not much scientists can do, but warn the population, get ready for the impact and watch it all unveil…

But out of nowhere, scientists get an SOS transmission from an old starship that was lost ages ago. The Invictus is found again, stuck around the planet that orbits the red dwarf.

Alexandra ends up with the mission to recover The Invictus or at least the secret information stored on board before it gets into the wrong hands.

This is when the action gets a hint of funny happenings, and no matter how mysterious the mission is, it is packed with lots of humorous parts that can definitely ease the pressure.

This is a great sci-fi book with a touch of humor that any fan of the genre will appreciate.

The Great American Betrayal, by Scott Stein (2022)

One of the biggest American influencers is blackmailed by someone. With no clues whatsoever, a private investigator joins to solve the case.

Frank relies on Arjay, an unusual coffeebot, for his daily dose of coffee and a few clues every now and then.

Clues start popping up, and the two end up in a massive conspiracy. With one plot twist after the other, it becomes pretty clear that the influencer is targeted by more than just a random blackmailing criminal, but a large force that tries to do something.

Believe it or not, a cup of coffee from Arjay could be the hint Frank needs to solve this case.

All in all, this humorous science fiction book hooked me in with the mystery and convinced me to finish it with the humorous part.

No matter what part of it draws your attention, trust me, the fun adventure will keep you there until the last moment. And when I say there are plenty of plot twists, I actually mean it…

The Kaiju Preservation Society, by John Scalzi (2022)

This is one of those funny sci-fi books inspired from real life. It all starts with the coronavirus pandemic, which seems to target everyone around New York City. Meanwhile, Jamie gets along with his life.

He is a delivery driver for takeaway food, so he is stuck in the middle of action. One day, he delivers it to one of his old friends, Tom. Tom is now working for an animal rights business. With Jamie trying to get out of his job, he joins the venture and signs up for a job opportunity.

What Tom fails to tell Jamie is that these animals are not on the planet. They are part of a different dimension. They are like dinosaurs and run freely in a world where humans do not exist.

These are the largest animals roaming around the universe, and they are in danger.

While it looks like only the Kaiju Preservation Society found its way to this different dimension, there are more people who have found their way in. One thing leads to another, and millions of people are about to die if Jamie fails to complete his mission.

Stringers, by Chris Panatier (2022)

This is one of the perfect funny sci-fi books for a Sunday afternoon, packed with lots of action, plenty of humor, and a bit of romance as well, one of my perfect recommendations for a cocktail of adventure.

To keep it short, a genius is kidnapped by a bounty hunter. The kidnapper is just trying to find the location of an object, but this object is somewhere between a few dimensions. The problem is that the scientist cannot really remember this place…

Anyway, while Ben is hungry for information, he is not really a genius. He can come up with random facts from any field, but this is pretty much it. He also knows where the Chime is located, or at least he thought he did.

The word spreads quickly, and this knowledge gets him in trouble. An alien bounty hunter is trying to find him and get rid of him for the right price. Being able to tell random facts from all over the world is obviously not enough.

This is when the fun part begins, with Ben going through all sorts of adventures to prove his innocence and make his way out of danger.

The Last Watch, by J.S. Dewes (2021)

I have no idea where to start with this humorous science fiction book. There is a bit of Game of Thrones in it, as well as a bit of The Expanse and plenty of funny action.

The story begins with the edge of the universe. Somehow, it seems to collapse, and everyone around it will get lost forever.

The Sentinels can stop it, though, a group consisting of more categories of people. Basically, this is the military.

Back to where the action has started, Adequin tries to keep everything under control, but she has no resources at all. She only has a few soldiers, mostly outlaws, without too much experience. Basically, failed soldiers who could not make it to the military joined her forces.

Until one day, when she realizes that the worst of them could actually be her best option. Cavalon Mercer is an idiot with a terrible past, but somehow, all clues lead to him. He could be humanity's most important chance.

How to Mars, by David Harris Ebenbach (2021)

Six lucky scientists get a ticket to Mars. It is a one-way ticket. They are sent there to research the planet and make it inhabitable for the human race. It sounds like the perfect mission, quite interesting, and perhaps a dream for me too.

Hundreds of people tried to get there, but only a few managed to pass the selection process. Nothing made sense in the process…

Things become even funnier when they are constantly monitored, and everything they do is edited and sent back to the planet in an unusual reality show.

It turns out that no one can research forever. After a while, the scientists get sick of it. Affairs kick in, they end up arguing, and nothing seems to work anymore in a mix of funny, yet dramatic episodes.

One day, their equipment starts to fail. This is when they need to decide whether or not the next opportunity is worth their attention…

And this is where I will stop, only to avoid giving you any spoilers…

The Last Human, by Zack Jordan (2020)

This is one of the funniest reads you will have and probably one of the most detailed funny sci-fi books. The action jumps from one scenario to the other, leaving no time to settle down and chill… Trust me, this is not a sci fi book, but an adventure.

Sarya is a human and one of the worst beings in the galaxy. She does not really feel too bad about herself, as there is always something else to focus on or think about. For example, she keeps her identity secret, only to ensure aliens will never find out who she is.

Plus, there is always something to be worried about, such as her adoptive mother eviscerating neighbors…

You get the point, nothing makes sense, but everything changes one day, when Sarya becomes the captain of a stolen ship. Long story short, she ends up discovering things that could lead to the truth, a truth she has always looked for, but without knowing it.

This is a second chance for her, but also an extra chance for humanity. In her quest for the truth, Sarya will give you some of the funniest scenes and adventures in a sci fi book.

Interstellar Caveman, by Karl Beecher (2019)

If you think you can never find your place in the world, wait until you read Colin’s story.

He is an insurance agent, but he is also terminally ill. He wakes up after spending hundreds of years in a cryogenic freezing box. The world he knew is now gone. The Earth has been devastated. To make it even worth, he is not being chased by a killer tourist board…

And believe it or not, being able to calculate insurance dividends is not going to help him too much!

So, what led to this unusual event? Colin is a technophobe, but he was desperate to cure his illness. He ends up in a completely different world. Door handles are history. Toilets can talk. And out of nowhere, he finds someone who can understand him, Tyresa.

The odd couple will go through a series of adventures, with new goals and objectives cracking open on the way.

Final Thoughts on the Best Humorous Science Fiction Novels

These are the best humorous science fiction books out there. Not only do they provide an immersive experience into an unusual world, but they also give you some excellent stories to think about.

I still remember the day I stumbled upon The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in a quaint little bookstore. It was raining outside, and I had ducked in to escape the downpour. As I flipped through the pages, I found myself chuckling at the absurdity of a depressed robot and the notion of a towel being the most useful item in the universe. By the time the rain stopped, I was so engrossed that I bought the book and spent the rest of the weekend lost in its hilarious escapades. It made my day and showed me that science fiction can be really funny.

Besides, these are the types of humorous and witty sci-fi books that can prove science fiction can be incredibly hilarious too. Whether you're new to the genre or a long-time fan, these novels offer a refreshing take that combines wit with wonder.

Check out also our all time best selection of science fiction books.