What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedDope
Rick Famuyiwa · Film · 2015
If you loved Dope, start with DAVE (Jeff Schaffer, 2020) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Dope across media.
If Dope captured your imagination, you will love these stories about outsiders navigating the complex tension between their authentic selves and social expectations.
Books on the same thread
The Hate U Give
Angie Thomas · Book · 2018
Shares a thread with Dope: Code Switching.
Like Dope, this novel explores the weight of identity and code-switching as a young protagonist tries to reconcile their personal truth with the realities of their environment.
Divergent
Veronica Roth · Book · 2013
Explores: Factionalism, Coming of Age, Identity.
Divergent mirrors the high-stakes journey of Dope by following a young person struggling to define their own path while operating within a rigid and judgmental social hierarchy.
The Maze Runner (Book 1)
James Dashner · Book · 2014
Explores: Survival, Memory Loss, Conspiracy.
Much like the unexpected adventure in Dope, this story forces a character into a desperate, high-pressure situation where teamwork and survival become the only way to find freedom.
The Outsiders
S. E. Hinton · Book · 1967
Explores: Social Class, Teenage Angst, Violence.
The Outsiders captures the same struggle for belonging found in Dope, focusing on how teenagers define their identities while navigating the pressures of their specific social class.
Series on the same thread
Atlanta
Donald Glover · Series · 2016
Explores: Race and Identity, The American Dream, Urban Life.
Atlanta shares the distinct hip-hop culture and urban atmosphere of Dope, focusing on the hustle and the surreal hurdles that come with chasing a dream in a challenging environment.
Freaks and Geeks
Paul Feig · Series · 1999
Explores: Social Outcasts, High School Angst, Identity Crisis.
Freaks and Geeks echoes the high school social dynamics of Dope, highlighting the awkward yet formative experience of trying to find your tribe amidst rigid teenage social structures.
Insecure
Issa Rae · Series · 2016
Explores: Black female friendship, modern dating, career struggles.
Insecure captures the same candid look at identity and modern life found in Dope, focusing on the messy, relatable process of staying true to yourself while growing up.
DAVE
Jeff Schaffer · Series · 2020
Explores: Fame and Ambition, Self-Delusion, Male Friendship.
DAVE channels the hip-hop ambition and neurotic charm of Dope, following a protagonist who is determined to prove his worth despite the perceptions of those around him.
Podcasts on the same thread
DOUGBROCK RADIO
Podcast
Explores: music scene, underground culture, community.
DOUGBROCK RADIO dives into the same underground hip-hop culture that defines the world of Dope, offering an intimate look at the stories and personalities behind the music scene.
Crime in Sports
James Pietragallo, Jimmie Whisman · Podcast · 2026
Explores: athlete misconduct, legal absurdity, scandalous behavior.
Crime in Sports pairs the dark humor and investigative energy of Dope with a focus on real-world absurdity, perfect for those who enjoyed the film's cynical, comedic edge.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Dope about a student trying to get into college?
Yes, the plot of Dope follows a teenager named Malcolm who is actively managing his academic interviews, SAT preparations, and college applications while living in a challenging Los Angeles neighborhood.
What is the main conflict in Dope?
In Dope, the primary conflict involves Malcolm attempting to survive his tough environment while navigating an unexpected adventure that begins after he receives an invitation to an underground party.
Does Dope focus on Malcolm's personal growth?
Yes, Dope centers on Malcolm's journey as he transitions from being a geek to being dope, ultimately working to discover his true self throughout the course of his unexpected adventure.
Where does the story of Dope take place?
The story of Dope is set in a tough neighborhood located in Los Angeles, which serves as the backdrop for Malcolm as he balances his daily survival with his academic goals.