What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedDescendants
Kenny Ortega · Film · 2015
If you loved Descendants, start with Star vs. the Forces of Evil (Daron Nefcy, 2015) — a series on the same thread. Below: 3 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Descendants across media.
You loved Descendants because it explores how the weight of legacy and villainous origins shape the identities of teenagers finding their paths.
Books on the same thread
Villains
Serena Valentino · Book
Explores: moral ambiguity, origin story, power corruption.
If Descendants made you curious about the motivations of classic antagonists, this series provides the deep-dive origin stories that humanize the iconic villains you already know and love.
Ella Enchanted
Gail Carson Levine · Book · 2012
Explores: Curse Breaking, Free Will vs. Fate, Obedience.
Like the teens in Descendants, Ella must navigate the restrictive expectations placed upon her. You will appreciate how she fights for autonomy against a fate she did not choose.
The Land of Stories
Colfer Chris Dorman Brandon · Book · 2014
Shares a thread with Descendants: Good vs Evil.
This adventure mirrors the high-stakes fairy tale world of Descendants. You will enjoy watching these siblings confront the return of a powerful enchantress to save their magical realm.
Series on the same thread
Star vs. the Forces of Evil
Daron Nefcy · Series · 2015
Explores: Interdimensional Travel, Fish Out of Water, Secret Identity.
The fish-out-of-water dynamic in Descendants is perfectly captured here as Star navigates high school life while balancing her powerful magical heritage and the constant threat of dangerous villains.
Smallville
Alfred Gough · Series · 2001
Explores: Secret Identity, Destiny vs. Free Will, First Love.
Just as the characters in Descendants struggle with their parents' legacies, Clark Kent deals with the pressure of his alien heritage while trying to live a normal teenage life.
Once Upon a Time
Edward Kitsis · Series · 2011
Shares a thread with Descendants: Redemption.
If the blend of classic fairy tales and modern teen drama in Descendants captivated you, this series offers a similar premise where legendary characters face complex, modern-day identity struggles.
The Originals
Julie Plec · Series · 2013
Shares a thread with Descendants: Redemption.
Fans of Descendants who enjoy the theme of redemption will find the Mikaelson family's complex struggle to balance their dark, villainous nature with a desire for belonging deeply compelling.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Royals of Malibu
Emerald Audio · Podcast
Explores: class disparity, fish out of water, found family.
The clash of different worlds found in Descendants is central here as Ella enters the lives of the wealthy elite, forcing her to redefine her identity and inner strength.
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
The high-fantasy adventure and group dynamics in Descendants translate into this improvised campaign. You will enjoy the humorous take on classic tropes as these characters embark on their quest.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the premise of Descendants?
Descendants is set in an idyllic kingdom where the son of King Adam and Queen Belle invites the children of villains, including Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos, to attend school for a chance at redemption instead of living on the Isle of the Lost.
Who are the parents of the main characters in Descendants?
In Descendants, the four main teenage characters are the offspring of classic Disney villains. Mal is the daughter of Maleficent, Evie is the daughter of the Evil Queen, Jay is the son of Jafar, and Carlos is the son of Cruella De Vil.
Is Descendants about the children of Disney villains?
Yes, Descendants focuses on the teenage offspring of iconic villains. The story follows the children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil as they leave their homes to attend a school for the children of heroes and villains.
Who directed the 2015 movie Descendants?
The 2015 movie Descendants was directed by Kenny Ortega. The film explores the lives of the troublemaking children of Disney villains, such as Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos, as they are offered a path toward redemption by the son of King Adam and Queen Belle.