What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedBlack Beauty
Film · 2020
If you loved Black Beauty, start with Black Beauty (Anna Sewell, 1877) — a book from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Black Beauty across media.
If Black Beauty moved you, you are drawn to stories where the profound bond between human and animal transforms lives.
Start with the source
Books on the same thread
Horse
Geraldine Brooks · Book
Explores: Systemic racism, Equine history, Legacy.
Just as Black Beauty explores the life of a horse through human interaction, this narrative weaves together equine history and the deep, enduring connection between a groom and his horse.
All the Pretty Horses
Cormac McCarthy · Book · 2010
Shares a thread with Black Beauty: Coming-of-Age.
Much like the journey of Black Beauty, this story captures the raw, formative experience of a young person finding their identity while traveling alongside horses in the American West.
White fang
Jack London · Book · 1906
Explores: Man vs. Nature, Survival, Redemption.
If the resilience found in Black Beauty resonated with you, this tale of a wolf-dog navigating the cruelty and kindness of mankind offers a similarly intense perspective on nature.
Sounder
William H. Armstrong · Book · 2011
Shares a thread with Black Beauty: Resilience.
The deep, protective loyalty between a boy and his dog in this classic reflects the same emotional, life-changing companionship that defines the core relationship in Black Beauty.
Series on the same thread
True Beauty
Series · 2020
Shares a thread with Black Beauty: Coming-of-Age.
The coming-of-age spirit and focus on personal transformation found in Black Beauty are mirrored here as the protagonist navigates the complexities of self-esteem and hidden identity during her youth.
Heartland
Heather Conkie · Series · 2007
Shares a thread with Black Beauty: Family Drama.
Those who appreciated the rescue and rehabilitation themes in Black Beauty will find a natural continuation in this story of a family dedicated to saving abused and neglected horses.
Anne of Green Gables
Series · 1985
Explores: Orphanhood, Finding Belonging, Imagination.
Like Black Beauty, this story centers on a young individual finding a sense of belonging and overcoming insecurity, capturing the same poignant emotional growth set against a rural backdrop.
The Queen's Gambit
Scott Frank · Series · 2020
Shares a thread with Black Beauty: Coming-of-Age.
The resilient coming-of-age journey of an orphan discovering her unique talent and navigating a challenging world mirrors the spirit of personal discovery and survival depicted in Black Beauty.
Podcasts on the same thread
Sitting with Dogs by Rocky Kanaka
Podcast
Explores: animal rescue, dog adoption, shelter dogs.
The empathy for animals at the heart of Black Beauty is expanded here, as this podcast provides a voice for vulnerable dogs and celebrates the healing power of human-animal connection.
The MeatEater Podcast
MeatEater · Podcast · 2026
Explores: self-reliance, ethical hunting, environmental stewardship.
If the nature-focused narrative of Black Beauty captivated you, this exploration of environmental stewardship and our fundamental connection to the wild offers a deeper look at that same world.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Black Beauty based on a book?
Yes, the 2020 film Black Beauty is an adaptation of the original novel titled Black Beauty, which was written by Anna Sewell and published in 1877. The movie reimagines the classic story by setting the narrative in the American West.
What is the plot of the 2020 Black Beauty movie?
The 2020 film Black Beauty follows a wild horse born in the American West who is captured and taken to Birtwick Stables. There, she forms a deep and lasting bond with a spirited teenager named Jo Green, which helps her navigate various life challenges and adventures.
Should I read the 1877 book before watching Black Beauty?
Reading the 1877 book Black Beauty provides the original context for the story, while the 2020 movie offers a modern interpretation of the classic tale. You can enjoy either version independently or experience both to see how the adaptation changes the setting and character dynamics.
Is the 2020 Black Beauty a direct remake of the book?
The 2020 movie Black Beauty is inspired by the 1877 book of the same name. While it shares the core premise of a horse forging a bond with a human, the film updates the setting to the American West rather than the Victorian-era England depicted in the source material.