What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
James Gunn · Film · 2017
If you loved Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, start with Guardians of the Galaxy (James Gunn, 2014) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 books, 1 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 across media.
What hooked you in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was the way high-stakes cosmic adventure is constantly anchored by dysfunctional, found-family dynamics.
Start with the source
The source
Guardians of the Galaxy
James Gunn · Film · 2014
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
Invincible Compendium Two
Robert Kirkman · Book
Shares a thread with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: space opera.
Just like the ragtag crew in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, this series balances expansive intergalactic conflict with the complex, messy emotional bonds of its flawed, superpowered cast.
Children of Dune
Frank Herbert · Book · 1987
Shares a thread with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Space Opera.
If the exploration of parentage issues in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 resonated with you, this epic saga provides a deeper look at the heavy burdens of legacy.
Ender's Game
Orson Scott Card · Book · 2013
Explores: Child Soldiers, Alien Invasion, Moral Ambiguity.
Those who enjoyed the cosmic stakes of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will appreciate how this story centers on a young protagonist thrust into a massive, alien conflict.
Spy X Family, Vol. 2
Tatsuya Endo · Book
Shares a thread with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: found family.
The chaotic, heartwarming found family dynamic that defined Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is perfectly mirrored in this series, which blends high-stakes action with domestic, character-driven comedy.
Series on the same thread
Peacemaker
James Gunn · Series · 2022
Explores: Anti-hero redemption, Dysfunctional team, Government conspiracy.
Helmed by the same director, this show captures the irreverent humor and redemptive arcs of a dysfunctional team that fans of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 know well.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
This podcast captures the same improvised, hilarious group dynamics found in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, proving that high adventure is always better with a group of misfits.
The Orphans
The Light and Tragic Company · Podcast · 2025
If the survival of a close-knit group against a harsh universe in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 kept you watching, this audio drama offers an even more intimate perspective.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What order should I watch the Guardians of the Galaxy movies in?
To follow the narrative arc of the team, you should start with the 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy, followed by Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. You can then watch The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special before concluding the trilogy with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 the final film in the series?
No, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is not the final film. The story continues after this installment with The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special and concludes with the 2023 release of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which follows the team after the events of the second movie.
Should I watch the 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy before Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?
Yes, watching the 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy first is recommended. It establishes the team dynamic and the characters who must fight to keep their newfound family together throughout the events of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 as they work to uncover the mystery of Peter Quill's parentage.
Is The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special related to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is part of the same cinematic series as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. While the second film focuses on the mystery of Peter Quill's parentage, the holiday special serves as an additional story featuring the same team of characters established in the films.