What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedGuardians of the Galaxy
James Gunn · Film · 2014
If you loved Guardians of the Galaxy, start with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (James Gunn, 2017) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Guardians of the Galaxy across media.
What hooked you in Guardians of the Galaxy was the way a ragtag group of outcasts finds salvation through their chosen family.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
James Gunn · Film · 2017
Adaptation
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
James Gunn · Film · 2022
Adaptation
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
James Gunn · Film · 2023
Books on the same thread
Ender's Game
Orson Scott Card · Book · 2013
Explores: Child Soldiers, Alien Invasion, Moral Ambiguity.
Like the motley crew in Guardians of the Galaxy, you will appreciate how this story forces unlikely individuals to unite against a massive, existential cosmic threat for survival.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Douglas Adams · Book · 1979
Shares a thread with Guardians of the Galaxy: Space Opera.
If the irreverent, absurd humor of Guardians of the Galaxy resonated with you, this journey through space offers a similarly chaotic and hilarious perspective on the vast universe.
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One: Lightning Thief
Rick Riordan · Book · 2006
Shares a thread with Guardians of the Galaxy: found family.
Fans of the found family dynamic in Guardians of the Galaxy will enjoy watching these young misfits come together to navigate a dangerous, hidden world of destiny.
The Guardians: A Novel
John Grisham · Book · 2019
Shares a thread with Guardians of the Galaxy: Redemption.
While this legal thriller lacks the space setting of Guardians of the Galaxy, the focus on redemption and fighting systemic injustice provides a grounded emotional connection for fans.
Series on the same thread
The Mandalorian
Jon Favreau · Series · 2019
Shares a thread with Guardians of the Galaxy: Redemption.
You will recognize the heart of Guardians of the Galaxy in this lone gunfighter who finds his humanity and purpose through the unexpected bonds of a protective family.
Firefly
Joss Whedon · Series · 2002
Shares 2 threads with Guardians of the Galaxy: Found Family, Space Opera.
The renegade crew of the Serenity perfectly mirrors the misfit heroes of Guardians of the Galaxy, delivering the same blend of rebellious spirit and deep-seated loyalty among outcasts.
Battlestar Galactica
Glen A. Larson · Series · 2004
Shares a thread with Guardians of the Galaxy: Space Opera.
Much like the desperate stakes in Guardians of the Galaxy, this series focuses on a group of survivors who must rely on one another to survive cosmic threats.
Rick and Morty
Dan Harmon · Series · 2013
Explores: Dysfunctional Family, Existentialism, Dark Humor.
If you enjoyed the dysfunctional energy of Guardians of the Galaxy, this series pushes those character dynamics to the extreme through wild, interdimensional adventures and dark, comedic storytelling.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Orphans
The Light and Tragic Company · Podcast · 2025
This audio drama captures the same spirit of survival in a harsh universe found in Guardians of the Galaxy, highlighting how strangers become essential to one another's existence.
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
The McElroy family brings the same improvised, chaotic humor seen in Guardians of the Galaxy to their tabletop adventures, proving that group dynamics are the core of fun.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What order should I watch the Guardians of the Galaxy movies in?
You should watch the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy in order of release. Start with the 2014 film, followed by Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in 2017, then The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special in 2022, and conclude with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in 2023.
Is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 the final movie in the series?
Yes, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, released in 2023, serves as the final installment of the trilogy directed by James Gunn. The series follows the journey of Peter Quill and his team after the events of the original 2014 film and its subsequent sequels.
How many Guardians of the Galaxy films were directed by James Gunn?
James Gunn directed all three main entries in the franchise, which include Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in 2017, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in 2023. He also directed The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special released in 2022.
Does The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special fit into the movie timeline?
Yes, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is a canon entry in the series. It was released in 2022, positioned between the events of the second film and the final installment, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which concluded the trilogy in 2023.