What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedCosmos
Ann Druyan · Series · 2014
If you loved Cosmos, start with Cosmos (Carl Sagan, 1980) — a book from the same story. Below: 3 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Cosmos across media.
What hooked you in Cosmos was the way the vast, impersonal scale of the universe is made intimately relevant to your own life.
Start with the source
Books on the same thread
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
Neil deGrasse Tyson · Book · 2017
Shares 2 threads with Cosmos: Astrophysics, Cosmology.
If the clear, accessible storytelling of Cosmos fascinated you, this book provides the same expert guidance from Neil deGrasse Tyson to help you understand how the universe functions.
To Infinity and Beyond
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Lindsey Nyx Walker · Book
Shares a thread with Cosmos: astrophysics.
Continuing the spirit of wonder found in Cosmos, this exploration bridges the gap between scientific theory and the human imagination, inviting you to ponder parallel worlds and time travel.
Starry Messenger
Neil deGrasse Tyson · Book
Explores: cosmic perspective, rationality, human behavior.
Much like the philosophical reflections in Cosmos, this work uses your cosmic perspective to examine the complex realities of human society, ethics, and our shared existence on this planet.
Films on the same thread
Interstellar
Christopher Nolan · Film · 2014
Explores: Existentialism, Humanity's Survival, Love and Sacrifice.
This film captures the same sense of awe for the laws of physics seen in Cosmos, grounding its grand journey through time and space in the emotional survival of humanity.
Gravity
Alfonso Cuarón · Film · 2013
Explores: Isolation, Existentialism, Human Resilience.
While Cosmos explores the universe from an educational vantage point, this film offers a visceral, intimate experience of the isolation and beauty found within the vastness of space.
Guardians of the Galaxy
James Gunn · Film · 2014
Explores: Found Family, Misfit Heroes, Redemption.
This adventure mirrors the sense of scale found in Cosmos, placing a human story of connection and family at the center of a vibrant, expansive, and dangerous cosmic landscape.
Contact
Robert Zemeckis · Film · 1997
Explores: Science vs. Faith, Extraterrestrial Communication, The Search for Meaning.
This narrative echoes the deep curiosity of Cosmos, challenging you to navigate the tension between scientific rigor and the human desire to find meaning within the silent universe.
Podcasts on the same thread
StarTalk Radio
Podcast
Shares 2 threads with Cosmos: astrophysics, cosmology.
Building on the approachable brilliance of Cosmos, this podcast invites you into a continuing conversation where science and humor intersect to make the mysteries of space feel personal.
NASA's Curious Universe
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) · Podcast · 2026
If the immersive storytelling of Cosmos left you wanting more, this official NASA podcast brings you closer to the actual experts who are currently unveiling the secrets of space.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Cosmos based on a book?
Yes, the 2014 television series Cosmos is inspired by the original 1980 book titled Cosmos. Both works aim to explain scientific concepts like the laws of gravity and the origins of space and time to a general audience through compelling storytelling.
What does Neil deGrasse Tyson do in Cosmos?
In the 2014 series Cosmos, Neil deGrasse Tyson serves as the host and guide. He voyages across the universe to provide clarity on scientific concepts, sharing never-before-told stories that detail the laws of gravity and the origins of space and time.
Does Cosmos cover the origins of space and time?
Yes, Cosmos explores the origins of space and time as part of its scientific narrative. Neil deGrasse Tyson uses the series to explain these complex concepts alongside the laws of gravity, helping viewers understand the vast history and structure of the universe.
Should I read the book Cosmos if I watched the 2014 series?
Reading the 1980 book Cosmos is a logical step if you enjoyed the 2014 series. Both versions of Cosmos focus on explaining the laws of gravity and the origins of space and time, offering a comprehensive look at the universe through scientific storytelling.