What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedCruella
Craig Gillespie · Film · 2021
If you loved Cruella, start with Lupin (George Kay, 2021) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Cruella across media.
What hooked you in Cruella was the blend of high-stakes social climbing, morally complex revenge, and the friction of intense mentorship.
Books on the same thread
Crook Manifesto
Colson Whitehead · Book
Explores: systemic corruption, 1970s urban decay, criminal underworld.
Like the street-level ambition found in Cruella, this story captures the grit of 1970s urban life and the desperate, high-stakes maneuvers of those operating within the criminal underworld.
The Crow
James Vance · Book · 2004
Shares a thread with Cruella: Revenge.
If the dark, vengeful spirit of Cruella resonated with you, this tale of a woman hunting her killers mirrors that same uncompromising pursuit of justice through lethal means.
A Stolen Life: A Memoir
Jaycee Dugard · Book · 2011
Shares a thread with Cruella: identity.
While Cruella features a rise to power, this memoir echoes the internal resilience and survival instincts required when a person is forced to navigate a life of captivity.
A Remarkable Woman
Jules Van Mil · Book · 2022
Shares a thread with Cruella: Fashion Industry.
Fans of the fashion industry drama in Cruella will appreciate this journey of a woman rebuilding her identity and professional life within the cutthroat world of couture design.
Series on the same thread
Lupin
George Kay · Series · 2021
Shares a thread with Cruella: Heist.
This series captures the same thrill of a mastermind executing a complex plan that you loved in Cruella, centered on a brilliant underdog seeking personal, calculated revenge.
Hacks
Lucia Aniello · Series · 2021
Shares a thread with Cruella: Mentorship.
The volatile mentorship between Estella and the Baroness in Cruella finds a modern, comedic successor here, exploring the sharp power dynamics between a legend and an ambitious protégé.
RIPLEY
Steven Zaillian · Series · 2024
Explores: Identity Theft, Moral Ambiguity, Social Climbing.
Mirroring the identity-shifting grifter you followed in Cruella, this story delves into the psychological toll of social climbing, fraud, and the art of maintaining a dangerous public facade.
Killing Eve
Phoebe Waller-Bridge · Series · 2018
Explores: Female obsession, Cat and mouse game, Gender roles subversion.
If you enjoyed the cat-and-mouse tension of Cruella, you will be drawn to this intense, obsessive rivalry between two women who thrive on moral ambiguity and psychological warfare.
Podcasts on the same thread
Criminal
Vox Media Podcast Network · Podcast · 2026
Explores: moral ambiguity, social justice, human behavior.
This podcast explores the same gray areas of human behavior and legal defiance that defined the character of Cruella, focusing on those who operate outside the established lines.
Killer Stories with Harvey Guillén
Spotify Studios · Podcast · 2026
Explores: dark human nature, criminal psychology, public fascination.
This deep dive into infamous heists and cons mirrors the fascination with criminal ingenuity and dark ambition that made the protagonist of Cruella so compelling to watch.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Cruella set in a specific historical period?
Yes, Cruella is set during the 1970s in London. The film captures the atmosphere of the city during the punk rock revolution, which serves as the backdrop for Estella's journey as she attempts to build a career in the fashion industry.
What is the primary motivation for Estella in Cruella?
In Cruella, Estella is a young grifter who is deeply determined to make a name for herself through her fashion designs. Her ambition leads her to navigate the streets of London and eventually catch the attention of a fashion legend named the Baroness von Hellman.
Who does Estella work with in Cruella?
In Cruella, Estella befriends a pair of young thieves who share her appetite for mischief. Together, this trio builds a life for themselves on the streets of London while Estella pursues her goal of becoming a successful fashion designer.
How does Estella meet the Baroness in Cruella?
In Cruella, Estella meets the Baroness von Hellman because her unique flair for fashion catches the legend's eye. This encounter is a pivotal moment for Estella as she attempts to establish her reputation within the competitive world of 1970s London fashion.