What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedBehind the Bastards
Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts · Podcast
If you loved Behind the Bastards, start with Hitler's Circle of Evil (Vicky Matthews, 2018) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 4 series, each matched to Behind the Bastards across media.
What hooked you in Behind the Bastards is the way it unmasks the absurd, monstrous reality behind historical figures.
Books on the same thread
Strongmen
Ruth Ben-Ghiat · Book
Explores: cult of personality, propaganda, democratic backsliding.
Like Behind the Bastards, this book strips away the myth of the strongman to reveal the cynical power dynamics and propaganda tactics used by history’s most dangerous authoritarian leaders.
Black Af History
Michael Harriot · Book
Explores: systemic inequality, marginalized narratives, historical truth-telling.
If Behind the Bastards taught you to question official narratives, this book provides the necessary corrective by centering marginalized perspectives to expose the truth of American historical inequality.
Masters of the Air
Donald L. Miller · Book
Explores: aerial combat, wartime camaraderie, strategic logistics.
Behind the Bastards thrives on historical deep dives, and this account mirrors that intensity by offering a granular, biographical look at the strategic logistics of wartime air combat.
Hitler: Ascent
Volker Ullrich · Book · 2016
Explores: Rise of Totalitarianism, Psychology of Dictatorship, Political Radicalization.
This biography captures the same chilling psychological analysis found in Behind the Bastards, focusing on the personality and radical beliefs that allowed a dictator to dismantle democratic institutions.
Films on the same thread
Inglourious Basterds
Quentin Tarantino · Film · 2009
Explores: Revenge, Justice, Moral Ambiguity.
This film shares the irreverent, revisionist spirit of Behind the Bastards, using stylized violence and dark humor to deliver a satisfying sense of justice against historical villains.
The Act of Killing
Joshua Oppenheimer · Film · 2012
Explores: Banality of evil, Historical trauma, Perpetrator psychology.
This documentary perfectly aligns with the perpetrator psychology explored in Behind the Bastards, forcing you to confront the banality of evil through the eyes of those who committed atrocities.
Downfall
Oliver Hirschbiegel · Film · 2004
Explores: Moral Decay, Historical Trauma, End of an Era.
Much like the biographical deep dives on Behind the Bastards, this film deconstructs a cult of personality during its final, desperate moments of moral and political decay in Berlin.
BlacKkKlansman
Spike Lee · Film · 2018
Explores: Racial Injustice, Undercover Operation, Identity.
This story of infiltration matches the investigative energy of Behind the Bastards, blending satirical crime elements with a serious examination of deep-seated racial injustice and extremist ideology.
Series on the same thread
The Nazis: A Warning from History
Laurence Rees · Series · 1997
Shares a thread with Behind the Bastards: Historical Analysis.
If you appreciate the meticulous historical analysis of Behind the Bastards, this series provides the foundational context of totalitarianism and propaganda that defined the rise of the Nazis.
Hitler's Circle of Evil
Vicky Matthews · Series · 2018
Shares a thread with Behind the Bastards: Historical Analysis.
Behind the Bastards often highlights the petty betrayals of inner circles, and this series provides a comprehensive look at the specific power struggles that fueled the Nazi regime.
How to Become a Tyrant
Series · 2021
Explores: abuse of power, rise to power, dictatorship.
This series functions like a visual companion to Behind the Bastards, breaking down the specific, repeatable tactics that allow authoritarian figures to seize and maintain absolute power.
The World at War
Series · 1973
Explores: World War II, Historical Account, The Holocaust.
For those who value the exhaustive historical research behind Behind the Bastards, this series offers a definitive, large-scale account of the era that shaped so many modern monsters.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the primary subject matter of Behind the Bastards?
Behind the Bastards focuses on the lives of the worst humans in history. The podcast moves past standard historical summaries to expose the bizarre realities and lesser-known details of these individuals, exploring why people are eternally fascinated by bad figures like Hitler.
Is Behind the Bastards just a summary of history documentaries?
No, Behind the Bastards does not just repeat common historical narratives. While typical documentaries might focus on major figures like Hitler, this podcast dives deeper into the specific, bizarre realities of their lives that are often excluded from standard historical accounts.
Does Behind the Bastards discuss the influences on historical figures?
Yes, Behind the Bastards examines the specific influences that helped shape historical figures. For example, the podcast explores how various young adult novels played a role in the development of Hitler, providing listeners with a more detailed understanding of his monstrous ideology.
Why should I listen to Behind the Bastards if I enjoy history?
You should listen to Behind the Bastards because it offers a unique perspective on history by focusing on the worst humans to ever live. It provides a deeper dive into their lives, moving beyond the Cliffs Notes versions found in traditional historical documentaries.