What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedCommando
Film · 1985
If you loved Commando, start with The A-Team (Frank Lupo, 1983) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Commando across media.
You loved Commando because it transforms the solitary, unstoppable military professional into a visceral force of nature protecting what matters most.
Books on the same thread
The Hunt for Red October
Tom Clancy · Book · 1985
Explores: Submarine Warfare, Defection, Cold War Tension.
Like the relentless momentum of Commando, this thriller captures the high-stakes tension of military professionals operating within a world of complex, dangerous global conspiracies.
Shibumi
Trevanian · Book · 1983
Explores: Assassins, International Intrigue, Corporate Conspiracy.
If you admired the lethal efficiency of John Matrix in Commando, you will appreciate how Nicholai Hel utilizes his specialized training to navigate a deadly international conflict.
Patriot Games
Tom Clancy · Book · 1988
Explores: Terrorism, Counter-terrorism, Family under threat.
This story mirrors the intense parental stakes of Commando, focusing on a man who must rely on his tactical expertise when his family is directly threatened.
One Shot
Lee Child · Book
Explores: Vigilante Justice, Military Expertise, Small-town Secrets.
Much like the protagonist of Commando, Jack Reacher embodies the archetype of the former military expert applying his unique skills to deliver justice outside of traditional channels.
Series on the same thread
The A-Team
Frank Lupo · Series · 1983
Explores: Wrongfully Accused, Redemption, Teamwork.
While Commando focuses on a one-man army, this series delivers the same satisfaction of seeing highly trained soldiers apply special forces tactics against overwhelming odds.
Marvel's The Punisher
Steve Lightfoot · Series · 2017
Explores: PTSD, Conspiracy, Moral Ambiguity.
This series captures the darker, more grounded side of the revenge narrative seen in Commando, following a veteran whose combat skills are channeled into a singular pursuit.
Dragon Ball Z
Series · 1989
Explores: Good vs Evil, Protecting Earth, Transformations.
The pure adrenaline of Commando is mirrored here as a lone, powerful hero consistently overcomes insurmountable threats to protect his family and the world from destruction.
MacGyver
Lee David Zlotoff · Series · 1985
Explores: Ingenuity, Problem-solving, Non-violence.
If you enjoyed watching John Matrix dismantle an army in Commando, you will appreciate how this protagonist relies on tactical ingenuity to solve impossible problems in high-pressure scenarios.
Podcasts on the same thread
Jocko Podcast
Jocko DEFCOR Network · Podcast · 2026
Explores: discipline, stoicism, accountability.
If the military discipline of the protagonist in Commando resonated with you, this podcast provides a deeper exploration into the leadership philosophies that define such elite warriors.
The Joe Rogan Experience
Podcast
Explores: current events, social commentary, science communication.
This podcast often features the same rugged, unfiltered intensity that makes the character of John Matrix in Commando such an iconic figure in the action genre.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Commando about a retired special forces leader?
Yes, Commando follows John Matrix, the former leader of a special commando strike force. He is forced out of retirement to rescue his kidnapped daughter by fighting through a private army and various killers.
Does John Matrix have help in Commando?
In Commando, John Matrix receives assistance from a feisty stewardess and an old friend. He relies on these allies while navigating his mission to locate his daughter within a limited timeframe of only a few hours.
What is the primary objective in Commando?
The primary objective in Commando is for John Matrix to find and rescue his young daughter. She has been kidnapped, forcing Matrix to fight his way through punks, killers, and a fully equipped private army to save her.
How much time does John Matrix have in Commando?
In Commando, John Matrix has only a few hours to find his daughter. He must battle through a series of enemies, including a former commando and a private army, before his limited time runs out.