What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedCaptain Underpants
Dav Pilkey · Book · 1997
If you loved Captain Underpants, start with Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (David Soren, 2017) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Captain Underpants across media.
You loved Captain Underpants because you enjoy seeing plucky underdogs use their wild imaginations to outsmart authority figures and chaos.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
David Soren · Film · 2017
Films on the same thread
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Film · 2001
Shares a thread with Captain Underpants: friendship.
If Captain Underpants hit, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone shares the thread.
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
Stephen Hillenburg · Film · 2004
Shares a thread with Captain Underpants: Friendship.
Like the friendship between George and Harold, SpongeBob leans on his loyal companions to navigate absurd obstacles, proving that underdogs can triumph through sheer heart and slapstick humor.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
George Lucas · Film · 1999
Explores: Good vs Evil, The Chosen One, Political Intrigue.
If Captain Underpants hit, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace shares the thread.
Star Wars
George Lucas · Film · 1977
Explores: Good vs Evil, Rebellion, The Force.
If Captain Underpants hit, Star Wars shares the thread.
Series on the same thread
SpongeBob SquarePants
Stephen Hillenburg · Series · 1999
Shares 2 threads with Captain Underpants: Friendship, Slapstick.
If the constant misadventures of Captain Underpants kept you laughing, you will appreciate this series for its relentless commitment to surreal comedy and the joy of childlike wonder.
South Park
Trey Parker · Series · 1997
Explores: Social Commentary, Political Satire, Child Protagonists.
If Captain Underpants hit, South Park shares the thread.
Phineas and Ferb
Dan Povenmire · Series · 2007
Explores: Summer Vacation, Sibling Rivalry, Secret Identity.
Much like the pranks found in Captain Underpants, this show features clever kids constantly outwitting authority figures while balancing secret identities and grand, imaginative schemes during their summer break.
Rugrats
Arlene Klasky · Series · 1991
Shares a thread with Captain Underpants: Friendship.
This series captures the same spirit of adult incompetence seen in Captain Underpants, focusing on how children use their vivid imaginations to turn ordinary life into massive, chaotic adventures.
Podcasts on the same thread
Story Pirates
Story Pirates · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Childhood imagination, Collaborative storytelling, Humor.
Captain Underpants celebrates the unfiltered creativity of children, and this podcast mirrors that energy by transforming actual stories written by kids into hilarious, high-energy sketch comedy performances.
Chapo Trap House
Podcast
Explores: social criticism, anti-capitalism, current events analysis.
If Captain Underpants hit, Chapo Trap House shares the thread.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie based on the original book?
Yes, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie is an adaptation of the 1997 book Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey. The film follows the story of George and Harold hypnotizing their principal into becoming the superhero to defeat the villainous Dr. Diaper and his robot henchmen.
What happens in the original Captain Underpants book?
In the 1997 book Captain Underpants, George and Harold hypnotize their principal into believing he is a superhero. The trio then travels to the lair of Dr. Diaper, where they must work together to defeat his evil robot henchmen and stop his nefarious plans.
Who is the main antagonist in Captain Underpants?
The primary antagonist featured in the Captain Underpants book and the 2017 film adaptation is Dr. Diaper. He operates from a secret lair and utilizes a group of evil robot henchmen to carry out his schemes against George, Harold, and their hypnotized principal.
Should I watch Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie after reading the book?
You can watch Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie after reading the original 1997 book to see the story of George, Harold, and their hypnotized principal brought to life. The film depicts the same conflict involving Dr. Diaper and his robot henchmen as the source material.