What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedGreat Circle
Maggie Shipstead · Book · 2021
If you loved Great Circle, start with The Great (Tony McNamara, 2020) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Great Circle across media.
If you loved Great Circle, you are drawn to stories about women who defy societal expectations to carve their own ambitious, expansive paths.
Films on the same thread
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Olivia Newman · Film · 2026
Explores: Grief and healing, Intergenerational friendship, Hidden secrets.
Much like the intergenerational complexity found in Great Circle, this story explores how hidden secrets and unlikely connections provide the healing necessary to chart a new, meaningful life.
Top Gun: Maverick
Film · 2022
Explores: Mentorship, Legacy, Redemption.
The obsession with aviation excellence in Great Circle finds a modern, high-stakes echo here, focusing on the relentless pursuit of legacy and the adrenaline of pushing personal boundaries.
The Greatest Showman
Michael Gracey · Film · 2017
Shares a thread with Great Circle: Self-Discovery.
Just as Marian Graves relentlessly pursues her dream in Great Circle, this film captures the spirit of an underdog determined to build an empire against all societal odds.
We Live in Time
John Crowley · Film · 2024
Explores: Chance Encounters, Divorce Recovery, Life-Changing Romance.
This decade-spanning romance mirrors the emotional depth of Great Circle, focusing on how a single chance encounter can irrevocably alter the trajectory of a person's entire life.
Series on the same thread
The Great
Tony McNamara · Series · 2020
Explores: Political Intrigue, Gender Politics, Royal Court.
The historical ambition and complex female agency that drove the narrative of Great Circle are reimagined here through a satirical lens, highlighting the struggle for power and autonomy.
The Gilded Age
Julian Fellowes · Series · 2022
Explores: Social Class, New Money vs. Old Money, American Dream.
This series captures the turn-of-the-century atmosphere of Great Circle, centering on women navigating rigid class structures while fighting to establish their own independent identities and ambitions.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Amy Sherman-Palladino · Series · 2017
Shares a thread with Great Circle: Self-Discovery.
Like Marian in Great Circle, Midge must reject the traditional roles laid out for her, finding empowerment and self-discovery by pursuing an unconventional path in a male-dominated world.
The Madison
Taylor Sheridan · Series · 2026
Explores: Drama.
The shift from a structured city life to the untamed landscapes of Montana mirrors the geographical scope of Great Circle, emphasizing the deep search for connection and self.
Podcasts on the same thread
The School of Greatness
Lewis Howes · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Self-Actualization, Resilience, Peak Performance.
These conversations mirror the themes of resilience and high performance found in Great Circle, providing a roadmap for listeners who want to pursue their own version of greatness.
The History Chicks : A Women's History Podcast
The History Chicks | AIRWAVE · Podcast · 2026
If you were fascinated by the historical female aviator at the heart of Great Circle, this podcast offers a deeper exploration into the lives of remarkable women throughout history.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the premise of Great Circle?
Great Circle follows the life of a female aviator who is rescued as an infant from a sinking ocean liner in 1914. The narrative spans from Prohibition-era Montana to World War II and into present-day Hollywood as she pursues her ambition to chart her own course in life.
Is Great Circle a standalone story?
Yes, Great Circle is a standalone novel by Maggie Shipstead. It is a New York Times bestseller and a Today Show Read With Jenna book club pick that chronicles the life of a single protagonist determined to become a daredevil aviator despite the challenges of her era.
Does Great Circle feature historical settings?
Yes, Great Circle is an epic story that moves through multiple historical periods and locations. The setting shifts across the globe, including Prohibition-era Montana and wartime London, while also connecting these past events to a narrative thread set in present-day Hollywood.
What is the central conflict in Great Circle?
The central conflict in Great Circle involves a female aviator who is determined to chart her own course in life at any cost. This ambition drives her journey through significant historical events, including World War II, as she strives to maintain her independence as a daredevil pilot.