If you loved
given
Series · 2019
You were drawn to given for the way it uses creative passion to navigate the delicate, transformative process of discovering oneself through others.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Given
Film · 2020
Books on the same thread
The Giver
Lois Lowry · Book · 1993
Explores: Utopia, Loss of Memory, Individuality vs. Conformity.
Like the characters in given, Jonas undergoes a profound shift in perspective, moving from a static existence toward a painful, necessary self-discovery that changes his entire world.
If I Stay
Gayle Forman · Book · 2014
Shares a thread with given: Coming-of-Age.
Both given and this story center on the intersection of music and personal loss, forcing the protagonists to find their voice while navigating the weight of grief and love.
Dog Man
Dav Pilkey · Book · 2019
Explores: Redemption, Found Family, Optimism.
The emphasis on redemption and building a found family mirrors the emotional support system that forms within given, showing how characters grow when they finally find their place.
A Man Called Ove: A Novel
Fredrik Backman · Book · 2016
Shares a thread with given: Loss and grief.
Much like the emotional journey in given, this story explores how an unexpected connection with someone else can break through long-standing walls and help a person heal from grief.
Films on the same thread
Dou kyu sei – Classmates
Film · 2016
Shares 2 threads with given: First Love, Coming-of-Age.
This film captures the same tender, musical connection between two opposites that makes given so compelling, focusing on the intimate development of a blossoming first love during school.
Weathering with You
Film · 2019
Shares a thread with given: Coming-of-age.
The sense of loneliness and the search for belonging in an unforgiving city echoes the internal struggle for connection and emotional growth found throughout the narrative of given.
Whisper of the Heart
Yoshifumi Kondo · Film · 1995
Shares 3 threads with given: First Love, Self-Discovery, Coming-of-age.
This story mirrors the creative passion of given by showing how pursuing a dream and sharing that artistic drive with someone else can spark a life-changing emotional connection.
Podcasts on the same thread
S-Town
Serial Productions · Podcast · 2024
Explores: small-town isolation, eccentricity, social decay.
If you valued the character-driven emotional exploration in given, you will appreciate this deep dive into an eccentric personality and the complexities of his isolation and personal history.
1619
The New York Times · Podcast · 2019
Explores: systemic racism, national identity, legacy of slavery.
While different in scope, this look at how the past shapes the present shares the same commitment to understanding the roots of identity and grief explored in given.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What order should I watch Given in?
You should start by watching the 2019 television series, which introduces the bond between Ritsuka and Mafuyu. After completing the series, you should watch the 2020 Given movie to continue the narrative and see how their relationship evolves further.
Is Given a complete story in the 2019 series?
The 2019 series focuses on Ritsuka rediscovering his passion for music after hearing Mafuyu sing. While it establishes their connection, the story continues beyond the television show in the 2020 Given movie, which serves as a necessary follow-up to the original series.
How long is the Given movie compared to the series?
The 2019 Given television series covers the initial development of the characters' musical and personal relationship. The 2020 Given movie acts as a direct continuation of the events depicted in the series, providing additional narrative depth after the conclusion of the television episodes.
Should I watch the Given movie after the 2019 series?
Yes, you should watch the 2020 Given movie after finishing the 2019 television series. The movie functions as a direct sequel to the show, picking up where the series left off and further exploring the changing relationship between Ritsuka and Mafuyu.