What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedHarley Quinn
Patrick Schumacker · Series · 2019
If you loved Harley Quinn, start with Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (Cathy Yan, 2020) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 books, 3 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Harley Quinn across media.
You loved Harley Quinn because you crave stories where chaotic anti-heroes navigate broken systems and find their own definition of power.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)
Cathy Yan · Film · 2020
Books on the same thread
Absolute Batman, Vol. 2: Abomination
Scott Snyder · Book
Explores: psychological warfare, corrupt institutions, dark justice.
Just as Harley Quinn dismantles the criminal underworld of Gotham, this gritty noir explores the psychological toll of fighting corrupt institutions within a dark, unforgiving urban landscape.
Batman Arkham Asylum 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition
Grant Morrison · Book · 2014
Explores: Psychological Horror, Confronting Inner Demons, Madness.
If the madness of Harley Quinn resonated with you, this gothic classic offers a deeper look at the twisted psyche of Gotham’s rogues gallery trapped within Arkham Asylum.
THE PUMPKIN QUEEN
Megan Shepherd · Book
Explores: Identity Crisis, Self-Actualization, Whimsical Horror.
Much like Harley Quinn stepping out from the Joker's shadow, Sally’s journey toward self-actualization provides a whimsical yet dark exploration of claiming your identity in a strange world.
Nimona
ND Stevenson · Book
Shares 2 threads with Harley Quinn: found family, anti-hero.
Fans of Harley Quinn will recognize the same spirit of moral ambiguity and found family dynamics in Nimona’s unpredictable, shapeshifting rebellion against established superhero conventions and expectations.
Films on the same thread
The Suicide Squad
James Gunn · Film · 2021
Explores: redemption arc, moral ambiguity, government conspiracy.
This film captures the same irreverent, black comedy action found in Harley Quinn as a group of disposable supervillains attempts to survive their own twisted version of heroism.
Joker
Todd Phillips · Film · 2019
Explores: Mental Illness, Social Isolation, Systemic Inequality.
While Harley Quinn breaks free from her toxic partnership, this character study offers a darker, neo-noir look at the systemic inequality and madness that breeds a criminal mastermind.
The Lego Batman Movie
Chris McKay · Film · 2017
Shares a thread with Harley Quinn: found family.
If you enjoyed the found family elements of Harley Quinn, this parody animation offers a lighter look at how even the most isolated villains can build unexpected, chaotic connections.
Podcasts on the same thread
Call Her Daddy
Alex Cooper · Podcast · 2026
Shares a thread with Harley Quinn: female empowerment.
The unapologetic female empowerment that drives Harley Quinn is echoed in this podcast, where bold honesty and autonomy are prioritized to navigate the complexities of modern life.
Stugotz and Company
iHeartPodcasts · Podcast · 2026
Explores: absurdism, unfiltered opinion, camaraderie.
The irreverent, unfiltered camaraderie that defines Harley Quinn’s crew is present here, offering an unpredictable ride built on absurdity and a refusal to play by traditional rules.
Common questions
Is Harley Quinn related to the movie Birds of Prey?
While both titles feature Harley Quinn as a central character navigating life after leaving the Joker, the 2019 Harley Quinn television series and the 2020 Birds of Prey movie are separate productions. The show focuses on Harley becoming a criminal Queenpin in Gotham City with her own crew.
Does Harley Quinn follow the same plot as Birds of Prey?
No, the Harley Quinn television series and the Birds of Prey movie are distinct projects. The television show follows Harley as she breaks up with the Joker and attempts to establish herself as the criminal Queenpin of Gotham City with the assistance of Poison Ivy and a ragtag crew.
What is the premise of the Harley Quinn television series?
In the 2019 Harley Quinn series, the protagonist finally ends her relationship with the Joker. She then attempts to make it on her own as the criminal Queenpin of Gotham City, supported by Poison Ivy and a ragtag crew of DC castoffs who help her navigate her new life.
Should I watch Harley Quinn before watching Birds of Prey?
You do not need to watch one before the other. The 2019 Harley Quinn television series and the 2020 Birds of Prey movie are independent adaptations. Both titles explore Harley Quinn's journey after separating from the Joker, but they exist as separate stories with different creative directions and formats.