What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedEncanto
Byron Howard · Film · 2021
If you loved Encanto, start with Centaurworld (Megan Nicole Dong, 2021) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Encanto across media.
What hooked you in Encanto was the way family legacies and magical expectations shape an individual's sense of belonging.
Books on the same thread
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Gabriel García Márquez · Book · 1967
Explores: generational trauma, incest, fate vs free will.
Like Encanto, this masterpiece explores the complex weight of generational trauma and the deep-seated influence of family history on the lives of those living within a magical, isolated setting.
The House on Mango Street
Sandra Cisneros · Book · 1991
Shares 3 threads with Encanto: Community, Self-Discovery, Coming-of-Age Story.
Just as Mirabel navigates her role within the Madrigal family, the protagonist here examines her identity and place in the world while balancing family expectations and her own personal growth.
The Uses of Enchantment
Bruno Bettelheim · Book · 1977
Explores: Child Development, Symbolism in Literature, Fairy Tales.
This analysis of fairy tales provides a deeper understanding of the emotional development and symbolic family dynamics that make the magical journey of Encanto resonate so strongly with audiences.
Ella Enchanted
Gail Carson Levine · Book · 2012
Shares a thread with Encanto: Self-Discovery.
Much like the pressure felt by the Madrigals to maintain their magical gifts, Ella must navigate the restrictive constraints of a magical curse while struggling to define her own path.
Series on the same thread
The Owl House
Dana Terrace · Series · 2020
Explores: Coming-of-age, Found Family, Acceptance.
Similar to the way Mirabel feels like an outsider in her magical family, this story follows a girl finding her place and community in a fantastical world despite lacking natural powers.
Steven Universe
Rebecca Sugar · Series · 2013
Shares 2 threads with Encanto: Self-discovery, Musical animation.
If you enjoyed the musical exploration of family identity in Encanto, you will connect with this story of a boy learning to manage his heritage while navigating complex interpersonal relationships.
Invincible
Series · 2021
Explores: Father-Son Relationship, Superhero Legacy, Brutal Superhero.
This series mirrors the internal tension found in Encanto by focusing on the heavy burden of living up to a legendary family legacy and the complicated nature of parental expectations.
Centaurworld
Megan Nicole Dong · Series · 2021
Shares a thread with Encanto: Musical Animation.
This musical journey shares the core themes of Encanto by placing its protagonist in a magical, fish-out-of-water environment where she must process past trauma through the power of song.
Podcasts on the same thread
Torta Podcast
Podcast
Explores: embracing life, positive mindset, self-acceptance.
The focus on positive mindset and self-acceptance in this podcast echoes the emotional resolution of Encanto, where Mirabel learns to value her place in the family beyond her magical utility.
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
The dynamic group chemistry and improvised storytelling in this series capture the same chaotic, heartwarming essence of the Madrigal family as they navigate their fantastical challenges together.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the central conflict in Encanto?
In Encanto, the magic that blesses the Madrigal family and their home is in danger. Mirabel, the only member of the family without a magical gift, discovers this threat and must take action to save the enchanted place where they live.
Is Mirabel the only child in Encanto without a gift?
Yes, Mirabel is the only ordinary child in the Madrigal family. While every other child in the family has been blessed with a special magical gift by the Encanto, Mirabel possesses no such power, which makes her unique among her relatives.
Where does the story of Encanto take place?
The story of Encanto is set in a vibrant town located within a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. This magical location is hidden deep in the mountains of Colombia, serving as the home for the extraordinary Madrigal family.
Who is the main protagonist of Encanto?
The main protagonist of Encanto is Mirabel Madrigal. She is a member of an extraordinary family living in a magical house, and she becomes the central figure of the story when she realizes the magic of the Encanto is facing a serious threat.