“Science Fiction is often best read as an adolescent and therefore some of the most memorable and significant works in a readers lifelong list are going to be less than undying adult literature. That does not mean they aren’t great but just when comparing them to other genre you have a disconnect.
I’ve wondered about that before... rereading some of my favorites was oddly disappointing. Thanks for the insight. That said, The Weapon Shops Series by A.E. van Vogt aged better than many...”
Already posted my top 3 but agree with those comments
Two stories I do find myself rereading are “A Road Not Taken” by Harry Turtledove, a novella at best in length, but has a very different premise for first contact, don’t think I have ever seen it elsewhere; “The Dragon Masters” by Jack Vance, I just seem to like the story and the main character particularly.
But I would not put either in the top 3.
Thanks for the suggestions...