If you loved
Ferdinand
Carlos Saldanha · Film · 2017
You loved Ferdinand for the way it celebrates characters who choose gentle authenticity over the aggressive expectations of their world.
Books on the same thread
Where the Wild Things Are
Maurice Sendak · Book · 2009
Explores: Imagination, Anger Management, Adventure.
Just like Ferdinand, Max navigates a world that misunderstands his temperament, offering a similarly poignant look at how a sensitive spirit finds his place amidst tempestuous surroundings.
Giraffes Can't Dance
Giles Andreae · Book · 2015
Explores: Self-Acceptance, Overcoming Obstacles, Individuality.
Gerald shares the same struggle as Ferdinand, proving that being different is a strength when you finally embrace your true nature rather than conforming to others' rigid expectations.
Fablehaven
Brandon Mull · Book · 2007
Explores: Good vs Evil, Magical Creatures, Family Secrets.
If you appreciated the magical realism and hidden worlds found in Ferdinand, you will enjoy this sanctuary where characters must protect the unique creatures that society ignores.
A Man Called Ove: A Novel
Fredrik Backman · Book · 2016
Explores: Grumbling protagonist, Unexpected friendship, Redemption.
Ove is the human equivalent of Ferdinand, a misunderstood soul whose gruff exterior hides a gentle heart that eventually finds connection despite the pressures of a changing environment.
Series on the same thread
Phineas and Ferb
Dan Povenmire · Series · 2007
Explores: Summer Vacation, Sibling Rivalry, Secret Identity.
You will enjoy this series because, like Ferdinand, it centers on creative individuals who pursue their own interests despite the constant attempts of others to control their path.
Hilda
Luke Pearson · Series · 2018
Explores: Coming-of-Age, Friendship, Environmentalism.
Hilda mirrors Ferdinand in her quiet refusal to let the world dictate her identity, finding beauty and friendship in places where others see only danger or oddity.
Fighting Spirit
Series · 2000
Explores: Underdog, Self-Improvement, Coming of Age.
Though the setting differs from Ferdinand, you will recognize the same underdog spirit in Ippo, a character who must reconcile his peaceful nature with the demands of competition.
Primal
Genndy Tartakovsky · Series · 2019
Explores: Survival, Unlikely friendship, Human-animal bond.
This story echoes the bond found in Ferdinand, showing how an unlikely friendship between different species can transcend the inherent brutality of their natural environments.
Podcasts on the same thread
Lex Fridman Podcast
Lex Fridman · Podcast · 2026
Explores: human condition, technological ethics, deep thinking.
If you were drawn to the philosophical themes of individuality in Ferdinand, these deep conversations will satisfy your interest in exploring the complex human condition through intellectual inquiry.
Myths and Legends
Jason Weiser, Carissa Weiser, Nextpod · Podcast · 2026
Explores: cultural origins, archetypal storytelling, human condition.
Since Ferdinand is based on a classic tale, you will appreciate how this podcast explores the origins of archetypal stories that, like the bull, reflect universal human truths.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Ferdinand based on a book?
Yes, the 2017 movie Ferdinand is based on the classic 1936 children's book of the same name. The film follows the story of a gentle bull who prefers smelling flowers to fighting but is mistakenly chosen for a bullfight in Madrid.
Why is Ferdinand chosen for the bullfights in Madrid?
Five men visit the farm to select the biggest, fastest, and roughest bull for the bullfights in Madrid. Although Ferdinand is a mellow bull who prefers sitting quietly under a cork tree, he is mistakenly selected by the men because of his large and strong physical appearance.
What is the temperament of Ferdinand?
Despite growing up to be big and strong, Ferdinand maintains a mellow temperament. Unlike the other bulls who enjoy jumping around, snorting, and butting heads, he prefers to sit quietly under a cork tree and spend his time smelling the flowers.
Who directed the 2017 movie Ferdinand?
The 2017 animated movie Ferdinand was directed by Carlos Saldanha. The film depicts the life of a bull who refuses to participate in the aggressive behavior of his peers and instead chooses a peaceful life until he is forced into the bullfighting ring.