If you loved
Black Beauty
Film · 2020
You were drawn to Black Beauty because of the profound, transformative connection between a vulnerable creature and a resilient human soul.
Start with the source
Books on the same thread
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
Charlie Mackesy · Book · 2020
Shares a thread with Black Beauty: Friendship.
Much like the bond in Black Beauty, this book explores the quiet, philosophical importance of kindness and companionship, offering a tender look at the human heart and spirit.
All the Pretty Horses
Cormac McCarthy · Book · 2010
Shares a thread with Black Beauty: Coming-of-Age.
If you appreciated the rugged American West setting of Black Beauty, you will find a more intense, literary examination of the same landscape and the coming-of-age journey here.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay (Harry Potter)
J.K. Rowling · Book · 2016
Shares a thread with Black Beauty: Friendship.
The deep empathy for animals found in Black Beauty is echoed in this story, where the focus on creature care and magical bonds drives the central character's personal adventure.
Sounder
William H. Armstrong · Book · 2011
Shares a thread with Black Beauty: Resilience.
This classic captures the same raw emotional weight as Black Beauty by focusing on the intense, unwavering loyalty between a boy and his dog amidst significant life hardships.
Series on the same thread
True Beauty
Series · 2020
Shares a thread with Black Beauty: Coming-of-Age.
While the setting shifts to a high school, you will recognize the same themes of self-acceptance and overcoming personal identity struggles that Jo Green faces in Black Beauty.
Heartland
Heather Conkie · Series · 2007
Shares a thread with Black Beauty: Family Drama.
This series mirrors the equestrian focus of Black Beauty, centering on the healing power of horses and the dedicated family that provides them with a much-needed safe haven.
Anne with an E
Moira Walley-Beckett · Series · 2017
Shares a thread with Black Beauty: Resilience.
The story of an outsider fighting for her place in the world captures the same spirit of resilience and empowerment that defines the journey of Black Beauty.
Wildfire
Michael Piller · Series · 2005
Explores: Second chances, Redemption, Mentorship.
The path toward redemption through an equestrian mentorship mirrors the transformative relationship Jo Green experiences, making this a natural successor to the themes explored in Black Beauty.
Podcasts on the same thread
The MeatEater Podcast
MeatEater · Podcast · 2026
Explores: self-reliance, ethical hunting, environmental stewardship.
If the connection to nature in Black Beauty resonated with you, this podcast deepens that appreciation by exploring our stewardship of the natural world and wildlife biology.
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Existentialism, Individual Responsibility, Cultural Critique.
The intellectual inquiry into individual responsibility found here complements the coming-of-age growth and maturity that the characters in Black Beauty must develop to survive their various challenges.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Black Beauty based on a book?
Yes, the 2020 film Black Beauty is based on the original 1877 novel of the same name. While the movie reimagines the story in the American West, the core narrative remains rooted in the classic literary work written by Anna Sewell.
What is the plot of the 2020 Black Beauty movie?
The 2020 film follows a horse born free in the American West who is brought to Birtwick Stables. There, she meets a teenager named Jo Green. The two form a deep bond that helps the horse navigate various chapters, challenges, and adventures throughout her life.
Is the 2020 Black Beauty a direct adaptation of the 1877 book?
The 2020 Black Beauty is a modern adaptation of the 1877 book. While it draws from the source material, it shifts the setting from Victorian England to the American West, following the horse's journey after being rounded up and brought to Birtwick Stables.
How does the 2020 Black Beauty differ from the 1877 book?
The primary difference between the 1877 book and the 2020 Black Beauty film is the setting. The movie takes place in the American West, where the horse is rounded up and taken to Birtwick Stables to form a bond with a teenager named Jo Green.