What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedHarriet
Kasi Lemmons · Film · 2019
If you loved Harriet, start with The Underground Railroad (Barry Jenkins, 2021) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Harriet across media.
If you were moved by Harriet, you will find these narratives of resilience, defiance, and the pursuit of freedom equally powerful.
Books on the same thread
The Underground Railroad
Colson Whitehead · Book · 2018
Explores: Slavery, Freedom, Survival.
Like the protagonist in Harriet, the lead in this novel makes a desperate and courageous bid for freedom that highlights the brutal reality of the antebellum South.
Master Slave Husband Wife
Ilyon Woo · Book
Explores: daring escape, racial identity, human resilience.
This account mirrors the ingenuity found in Harriet, showcasing the daring tactics used by a couple to secure their liberty against overwhelming odds and systemic racial oppression.
The Help
Kathryn Stockett · Book · 2009
Explores: Race Relations, Civil Rights Movement, Female Friendship.
If you appreciated the focus on female agency in Harriet, you will recognize the same spirit of defiance as these women challenge the rigid social structures of Mississippi.
The Color Purple
Alice Walker · Book · 2011
Explores: female resilience, intergenerational trauma, sisterhood.
This story echoes the themes of female resilience and survival explored in Harriet, chronicling a journey toward personal liberation amidst a challenging historical and social landscape.
Series on the same thread
The Underground Railroad
Barry Jenkins · Series · 2021
Shares a thread with Harriet: Resilience.
This series captures the same harrowing fight for freedom depicted in Harriet, emphasizing the internal strength required to survive and escape the horrors of the plantation system.
Dickinson
Alena Smith · Series · 2019
Shares a thread with Harriet: Female Empowerment.
While set in a different era, this series shares the spirit of female empowerment and rebellion against societal norms that made the lead character in Harriet so compelling.
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker
Series · 2020
Shares a thread with Harriet: Biographical Drama.
Much like the life of the hero in Harriet, this series profiles a woman who overcomes adversity to transform her life and change the world around her.
Harlots
Moira Buffini · Series · 2017
Shares a thread with Harriet: Female Empowerment.
This drama mirrors the focus on female empowerment seen in Harriet, centering on women navigating and challenging the restrictive social class systems of their respective historical periods.
Podcasts on the same thread
1619
The New York Times · Podcast · 2019
Explores: systemic racism, national identity, legacy of slavery.
This documentary provides the essential historical context for the struggle against slavery that defines the backdrop of Harriet, deepening your understanding of the legacy of these events.
The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy
Podcast
Shares a thread with Harriet: Resilience.
If the resilience displayed by the central figure in Harriet resonated with you, these stories of transformation and triumph over adversity provide a modern reflection of that spirit.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Harriet based on a true story?
Yes, Harriet is based on the extraordinary true tale of Harriet Tubman. The film depicts her escape from slavery and her subsequent role as one of America's greatest heroes, highlighting the courage and ingenuity she used to free hundreds of people and change the course of history.
What is the focus of the film Harriet?
The film Harriet focuses on the life of Harriet Tubman. It documents her journey from escaping slavery to becoming a legendary figure who used her tenacity to lead hundreds of enslaved people to freedom, ultimately playing a pivotal role in changing the course of American history.
Does Harriet show how she freed slaves?
Yes, Harriet depicts her transformation into a hero who utilized her ingenuity and courage to lead hundreds of enslaved people to freedom. The film illustrates how she navigated her escape and the methods she employed to change the course of history through her actions.
Is Harriet about the life of Harriet Tubman?
Yes, Harriet is a biographical film centered on Harriet Tubman. It chronicles her escape from slavery and her significant impact as an American hero, specifically detailing the courage and tenacity she demonstrated while freeing hundreds of enslaved people during her lifetime.