What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedBrave
Film · 2012
If you loved Brave, start with Maya and the Three (Jorge R. Gutierrez, 2021) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Brave across media.
If you loved Brave, you will appreciate these stories featuring headstrong heroines who defy limiting traditions to forge their own destinies.
Books on the same thread
Ella Enchanted
Gail Carson Levine · Book · 2012
Shares a thread with Brave: Fairy Tale.
Like Merida in Brave, Ella must fight against the constraints of forced obedience and societal expectations to reclaim her autonomy and define her own path through life.
The Princess Bride
William Goldman · Book · 1999
Shares 2 threads with Brave: Courage, Fairy Tale.
The Princess Bride mirrors the fairy tale atmosphere of Brave, offering a sharp, adventurous subversion of royal tropes that will satisfy your craving for classic folklore with spirit.
The Tale of Despereaux
Kate DiCamillo · Book · 2019
Shares a thread with Brave: Courage.
Despereaux shares the core theme of courage found in Brave, proving that even the smallest individuals can change the course of a kingdom when they follow their own conscience.
Divergent
Veronica Roth · Book · 2013
Explores: Factionalism, Coming of Age, Identity.
Tris Prior’s journey in Divergent echoes Merida’s struggle in Brave, as both young women must rebel against rigid societal structures to discover their true, authentic identities.
Series on the same thread
The Legend of Korra
Bryan Konietzko · Series · 2012
Shares a thread with Brave: Coming-of-Age.
Korra is the spiritual successor to Merida from Brave, embodying that same rebellious spirit as she challenges ancient traditions to find her own balance and personal identity.
Berserk
Series · 1997
Explores: Betrayal, Sacrifice, The Cost of Ambition.
While darker than Brave, this story captures the intense, high-stakes medieval atmosphere and the complex consequences of ambition that drive the narrative of the Scottish Highlands.
Sailor Moon
Series · 1992
Explores: Coming of Age, Friendship, Good vs Evil.
Sailor Moon captures the coming-of-age spirit seen in Brave, following a young woman who discovers her true potential and destiny through a blend of friendship and personal growth.
Maya and the Three
Jorge R. Gutierrez · Series · 2021
Explores: Good vs Evil, Ancient Prophecy, Teamwork.
Maya is a warrior princess who, much like Merida in Brave, must navigate the pressures of her royal status to fulfill a mission that defies traditional expectations.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
If the sense of high fantasy adventure in Brave kept you hooked, this podcast offers a comedic, improvised expansion of that same spirit of discovery and group dynamics.
The Archers
Podcast
Explores: family life, community, farming.
This rural drama captures the focus on family dynamics and tradition versus modernity that serves as the emotional foundation for the conflict in Brave.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Brave set in a real historical location?
Brave is set in the mystical Scottish Highlands. The story follows Princess Merida, who lives in a kingdom ruled by King Fergus and Queen Elinor. The environment serves as the backdrop for the turmoil Merida inadvertently brings to her land after she defies a sacred custom.
What leads to the conflict in Brave?
In Brave, the conflict begins when Merida defies a sacred custom of her land. To set things right, she seeks out an eccentric old Wise Woman and is granted an ill-fated wish. This decision inadvertently brings significant turmoil to the kingdom ruled by King Fergus and Queen Elinor.
Is Merida an archer in Brave?
Yes, Merida is an accomplished archer in Brave. As the daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor, she is described as an unruly princess who defies tradition. Her skills with a bow play a central role in her identity as she navigates the challenges within the Scottish Highlands.
Who are the parents of Princess Merida in Brave?
In Brave, Princess Merida is the daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor. They rule the kingdom in the Scottish Highlands where Merida defies a sacred custom, leading her to seek an ill-fated wish from an eccentric old Wise Woman to fix the resulting turmoil.