If you loved
A Monster Calls
J. A. Bayona · Film · 2016
You were drawn to A Monster Calls because of how it uses supernatural encounters to help young protagonists process profound emotional trauma.
Books on the same thread
The Last Kids on Earth
Max Brallier · Book · 2015
Like A Monster Calls, this story uses the presence of monsters to frame a young boy's survival and growth, though it trades somber reflection for a fast-paced, humorous adventure.
The Talisman
Stephen King, Peter Straub · Book · 1984
This odyssey captures the same heavy heart found in A Monster Calls, centering on a young boy struggling to reconcile his internal grief with a dying mother and strange worlds.
Leapholes
James Grippando · Book · 2006
If you valued the guidance Conor received in A Monster Calls, you will appreciate this mentor-mentee relationship that uses magical realism to help a boy navigate his difficult reality.
The Ironwood Tree
Tony DiTerlizzi, Holly Black · Book · 2004
Much like the ancient tree in A Monster Calls, the hidden creatures here act as a catalyst for a young protagonist to confront the dangerous realities of his world.
Series on the same thread
Steven Universe
Rebecca Sugar · Series · 2013
The emotional weight of navigating loss and self-discovery in A Monster Calls is mirrored here as a young boy learns to shoulder his mother's legacy while managing his own trauma.
Sweet Tooth
Jim Mickle · Series · 2021
This journey echoes the poignant loneliness of A Monster Calls, following a young child searching for stability and purpose while navigating a world defined by its tragic, desolate circumstances.
Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia
Guillermo del Toro · Series · 2016
The struggle to balance a normal life with a secret, supernatural destiny mirrors the pressure Conor feels in A Monster Calls as he attempts to manage his own internal conflicts.
Goblin
Kim Eun-sook · Series · 2016
This narrative explores the intersection of the supernatural and human suffering seen in A Monster Calls, focusing on characters whose lives are irrevocably tied to fate and past trauma.
Podcasts on the same thread
Big Fish with Spencer Matthews
Podcast
While different in tone, this exploration of resilience and personal reinvention speaks to the same core desire for healing and strength that drives the protagonist of A Monster Calls.
So Supernatural
Podcast
This collection of mysterious occurrences taps into the same fascination with the surreal and unexplained that defines the relationship between the boy and the monster in A Monster Calls.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is A Monster Calls appropriate for younger children?
A Monster Calls deals with heavy themes including a mother's terminal illness and bullying. Because the narrative focuses on a 12-year-old protagonist navigating these difficult life events, parents should consider the emotional weight of the subject matter before showing the film to younger audiences.
What is the central premise of A Monster Calls?
A Monster Calls follows a 12-year-old boy who encounters an ancient tree monster. The creature visits him to help him cope with the trauma of his mother's terminal illness and the challenges he faces while being bullied by his peers at school.
Does A Monster Calls involve supernatural elements?
Yes, A Monster Calls features an ancient tree monster as a central figure. The creature serves as a guide for the 12-year-old protagonist, helping him process his complex emotions regarding his mother's terminal illness and his experiences with bullying at school.
How does the monster help the boy in A Monster Calls?
In A Monster Calls, the ancient tree monster assists the 12-year-old boy by guiding him through the emotional difficulties of his mother's terminal illness. The monster acts as a catalyst for the boy to confront his personal struggles and the bullying he encounters in school.