What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedBoy Erased
Film · 2018
If you loved Boy Erased, start with Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit (1990) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Boy Erased across media.
What hooked you in Boy Erased was the harrowing struggle to reconcile personal identity with the rigid expectations of family and faith.
Books on the same thread
Educated: A Memoir
Tara Westover · Book · 2018
Explores: Family dysfunction, Self-discovery, Overcoming adversity.
If Boy Erased hit, Educated: A Memoir shares the thread.
Educated
Tara Westover · Book · 2018
Explores: Survivalism, Generational trauma, Academic ambition.
Like the protagonist of Boy Erased, you will find a raw, unflinching look at the tension between individual self-discovery and the stifling pressure of an uncompromising, dogmatic family environment.
Torch Song Trilogy
Harvey Fierstein · Book · 1983
Shares a thread with Boy Erased: self-acceptance.
Just as Boy Erased examines the difficulty of being accepted for who you are, this play captures the poignant, messy pursuit of pride and love within complex familial dynamics.
Erasure
Percival Everett · Book · 2021
Explores: Racial Identity, Literary Criticism, Family Dysfunction.
If Boy Erased hit, Erasure shares the thread.
Series on the same thread
Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit
Series · 1990
Shares a thread with Boy Erased: Family conflict.
If the conflict between religious upbringing and personal truth in Boy Erased resonated with you, this story of a young woman navigating faith and identity offers a deeply familiar journey.
Young Sheldon
Steven Molaro · Series · 2017
Explores: Child Prodigy, Gifted Child, Family Dynamics.
If Boy Erased hit, Young Sheldon shares the thread.
Rectify
Ray McKinnon · Series · 2013
Explores: wrongful conviction, life after prison, small town secrets.
If Boy Erased hit, Rectify shares the thread.
Fellow Travelers
Ron Nyswaner · Series · 2023
Explores: Forbidden Love, Homophobia, Political Persecution.
Those moved by the systemic homophobia depicted in Boy Erased will appreciate this historical exploration of the dangerous, secret costs of living authentically under the weight of societal persecution.
Podcasts on the same thread
To Be A Boy
Podcast
Explores: raising boys, toxic masculinity, male friendships.
If Boy Erased hit, To Be A Boy shares the thread.
The Archers
Podcast
Explores: family life, community, farming.
If Boy Erased hit, The Archers shares the thread.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Boy Erased based on a true story?
The film Boy Erased follows the experience of Jared, a 19-year-old son of a Baptist pastor who is forced into a conversion therapy program after being outed to his parents. The narrative centers on his ultimatum between attending the program or facing permanent exile from his family and faith.
What is the central conflict in Boy Erased?
The central conflict in Boy Erased occurs when Jared is outed to his parents. He must choose between participating in a gay conversion therapy program or being shunned by his family, friends, and religious community. This ultimatum drives the emotional tension throughout the film.
How old is the protagonist in Boy Erased?
In the film Boy Erased, the protagonist Jared is 19 years old when he is outed to his parents. This event forces him to confront the difficult ultimatum of attending a conversion therapy program to avoid being exiled from his family, friends, and faith.
Does Boy Erased focus on a conversion therapy program?
Yes, Boy Erased focuses on the ultimatum Jared faces after being outed. He is pressured by his parents to attend a gay conversion therapy program. The narrative explores the impact of this choice as he decides between the program and being permanently shunned by his community.