The Best Tintin Albums – A Complete Ranking

Wondering which Tintin albums are the best? Based on reader ratings, we’ve ranked the most beloved and least popular albums to help you discover the true gems—and the ones that missed the mark.

The Adventures of Tintin, created by Belgian artist Hergé, is one of the most cherished comic series of all time. Spanning 24 albums, published between 1929 and 1986, it follows the daring young reporter Tintin and his loyal dog Snowy (did you know that Snowy was called Milou here in sweden?) as they embark on thrilling adventures across the globe. And boy, did the readers enjoy those beautiful albums… I still do.

Hergé, born Georges Remi in 1907, revolutionized the comic world with his ligne claire (clear line) art style. This technique became a defining hallmark of European comics. His meticulous research and keen attention to detail made the Tintin albums not only captivating but also incredibly immersive. Readers of all ages continue to be drawn into his richly crafted stories. Stories which still inspire generations today.

I’m a big fan of most of Tintin’s adventures. Recently, I started thinking about creating a personal ranking of Hergé’s albums. However, as I dug deeper, I realized it would be even more interesting to explore which albums have been the most well-received by the vast Tintin fanbase. To figure this out, I combined ratings from Goodreads and StoryGraph. This allowed me to refine the results and highlight the true gems of this incredible literary treasure.

Then, what are the best Tintin albums?

Here are the five highest-rated Tintin albums, along with the lowest-rated one for comparison!

1: The Secret of the Unicorn

Year Released: 1943
Series Number: 11
Average rating: 4,24

The Secret of the Unicorn is #1 on our list of the best Tintin albums! In this very popular gem, Tintin stumbles upon an intriguing mystery when he purchases a model ship at a market. To his surprise, the ship hides a clue to a long-lost treasure connected to Sir Francis Haddock, an ancestor of his friend Captain Haddock. Determined to uncover the truth, Tintin delves deeper into the secret, only to find himself caught in a web of theft, deception, and historical intrigue.

Widely regarded as one of Hergé’s most intricately plotted stories, The Secret of the Unicorn masterfully blends mystery, suspense, and humor. Its compelling narrative and richly detailed artwork captivated readers for decades. The story’s enduring appeal even led to its adaptation into Steven Spielberg’s 2011 film, “The Adventures of Tintin”, introducing the beloved hero to a new generation of fans.

This album serves as the first half of a thrilling two-part adventure, which continues in Red Rackham’s Treasure. Hergé’s meticulous research into 17th-century sailing ships brings a remarkable sense of realism and authenticity to the story, further immersing readers in Tintin’s high-stakes quest.

2: Red Rackham’s Treasure – clost but no cigar on the list on the best Tintin albums

Year Released: 1944
Series Number: 12
Average rating: 4,22

After the events of The Secret of the Unicorn, Tintin, Captain Haddock, and Professor Calculus set off on an underwater expedition to locate the lost treasure of the pirate Red Rackham. Their journey takes them deep beneath the ocean, where they search for clues and uncover hidden secrets.

This story is especially memorable for introducing Professor Calculus, one of Tintin’s most beloved characters. His quirky personality and brilliant inventions add humor and intrigue to the adventure. Furthermore, the treasure hunt narrative, combined with Hergé’s masterful blend of history and storytelling, makes this album a true standout in the series.

Interestingly, Professor Calculus’ shark-shaped submarine was inspired by real military technology from World War II. Unlike most Tintin adventures, this story features no true villains, allowing the plot to focus entirely on the excitement of discovery and the thrill of the unknown.

3: Explorers on the Moon

Year Released: 1954
Series Number: 17
Average rating: 4,18

Years before the real-life Apollo 11 moon landing, Tintin and his friends set foot on the lunar surface in a thrilling space adventure. However, their journey is jeopardized when a traitor is revealed on board.

Explorers on the moon, published 15 years before humans actually landed on the moon, showcases Hergé’s visionary storytelling. His dedication to scientific accuracy was remarkable, and many elements of the story, including the spacesuits and gravity effects, turned out to be realistic predictions.

Hergé consulted with experts on rocket science to make the adventure feel authentic. The red-and-white rocket design became an iconic symbol of the series. And yes, the Destination Moon is also a strong top five contender on the list of the best Tintin albums.

4: Tintin in Tibet

Year Released: 1960
Series Number: 20
Average rating: 4,16

This time, Tintin embarks on a quest to rescue Chang, his friend from The Blue Lotus. After a plane crash in the Himalayas, Chang is presumed dead. Refusing to give up, Tintin braves the dangerous mountain terrain to find him.

Tintin in Tibet is Hergé’s most personal story, inspired by a dream about his lost childhood friend. The album’s stunning white landscapes symbolize purity and determination.

Unlike other adventures, there are no villains—only nature itself. The Yeti, both fearsome and sympathetic, plays a key role in the story.

5: The Seven Crystal Balls

Year Released: 1948
Series Number: 13
Average rating: 4,14

A mysterious curse befalls seven archaeologists who excavated an Incan tomb, leaving them in an unexplainable coma. Tintin investigates the case, leading to an eerie South American adventure. The seven crystal balls is one of Hergé’s darkest and most suspenseful stories, filled with supernatural elements. The tension builds throughout, culminating in its sequel, “Prisoners of the Sun”.

Hergé was inspired by real Incan legends and mysteries surrounding ancient curses. The story marks one of the few times Tintin experiences true fear.

Here’s how the rest of the list looks, ranking from 7 to 22

However, we’re not including Tintin and the Lake of Sharks or Tintin in the Land of the Soviets in this count.

#7 – Destination Moon

#8 – Prisoners of the sun

#9 – The Calculus affair

#10 – The Crab With The Golden Claws

#11 – King Ottokars Sceptre

#12 – Tintin and the Picaros

#13 – The red sea sharks

#14 – The black island

#15 – Cigars of the pharaoh

#16 – Land of black gold (listed as an honorable mention belov)

#17 – The Castafiore Emerald

#18 – The Blue Lotus

#19 – Flight 714 To Sydney

#20 – The Shooting Star

#21 The Broken Ear

#22 – Tintin In America

The two lowest ranked Tintin albums are Tintin in America and The broken ear

Tintin in America

Year Released: 1932
Series Number: 3
Average rating: 3,54

Although Tintin in America ranks the lowest among Tintin readers, it still holds a respectable average rating of 3.54 out of 5. Despite its lower ranking, the story remains an exciting adventure filled with action and historical intrigue.

Right from the start, Tintin and Snowy set off for the United States to investigate organized crime in Chicago. Upon arrival, Tintin wastes no time confronting the infamous gangster Al Capone and his criminal syndicate. As the adventure unfolds, Tintin faces kidnappings, daring escapes, and high-stakes chases, all while working to expose a vast criminal network. His journey takes him beyond Chicago’s bustling streets, leading him to Native American territories, where he encounters a stark contrast between urban expansion and indigenous life.

This album played a key role in establishing Tintin’s reputation as a fearless reporter and hero. It reflects the era’s fascination with American culture, particularly the rise of organized crime and the tension between industrial expansion and indigenous communities. However, some depictions may feel outdated to modern readers, offering insight into the societal attitudes of the time.

The Broken Ear

Year Released: 1937
Series Number: 6
Average rating: 3,78

In The Broken Ear, Tintin investigates the theft of a South American tribal statue from a museum. His search leads him to San Theodoros, a fictional Latin American country embroiled in political unrest. As Tintin follows the trail of the missing artifact, he becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving arms dealers, political coups, and oil interests. The adventure takes him deep into the Amazon jungle, where he encounters dangerous mercenaries, warlords, and indigenous tribes.

This album stands out for its sharp political satire, offering a bold critique of colonialism, corrupt governments, and the global arms trade. It introduces the turbulent world of South American dictatorships, a theme that resurfaces in later Tintin stories. Notably, this is the first appearance of General Alcazar, a revolutionary leader who would go on to play a major role in The Seven Crystal Balls and Tintin and the Picaros.

A honorable mention also goes to Tintin in the Land of Black Gold

Year Released: 1939, rivised and fully published in 1950
Series Number: 15
Average rating: 3,94

This was one of my favorite Tintin albums as a kid. Set in the Middle East, Tintin takes on a high-stakes investigation into oil sabotage. Someone is contaminating petrol, causing engines to explode.

His search leads him to Khemed, where he uncovers a dangerous conspiracy involving politics, arms deals, and his old enemy, Dr. Müller. Along the way, he meets Abdullah, the mischievous son of the Emir. To solve the mystery, Tintin must navigate the desert, outsmart his enemies, and uncover the truth—before it’s too late.

For more info on our favourite journalist visit Tintin.com, Tintinologist, and The Adventures Of Tintin. And ofcourse Goodreads and Storygraph. Want to listen to all Tintin adventures? Then visit Spotify, Nextory and Storytel.

Best Regards Johan Åhlund – Thank you for visiting LegandsAndNostalgia.com