What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedHeaven
Mieko Kawakami · Book · 2021
If you loved Heaven, start with Weak Hero (You Su-min, 2022) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Heaven across media.
If the raw, existential ache of Heaven resonated with you, these stories explore the profound, often painful bonds forged within the crucible of youth.
Films on the same thread
A Silent Voice: The Movie
Film · 2016
Explores: Redemption, Bullying, Forgiveness.
Much like the protagonist in Heaven, you will recognize the isolating cycle of bullying and the desperate search for redemption that defines the complex relationship between these two students.
Better Days
Film · 2019
Explores: Bullying, Academic pressure, Youth violence.
This film mirrors the bleak atmosphere of Heaven by focusing on the protective power of an unlikely friendship as a shield against the crushing weight of systemic adolescent violence.
Monster
Hirokazu Kore-eda · Film · 2023
Explores: Single Motherhood, Childhood Trauma, Miscommunication.
If you were drawn to the psychological tension in Heaven, you will appreciate how this narrative unravels the layers of trauma and miscommunication hidden behind a quiet school incident.
Your Name.
Makoto Shinkai · Film · 2016
Explores: Fate, Interconnectedness, Rural vs. Urban Life.
While lighter in tone than Heaven, this story captures a similar sense of existential longing and the transformative power of connections that bridge the gap between two isolated souls.
Series on the same thread
My Brilliant Friend
Saverio Costanzo · Series · 2018
Shares a thread with Heaven: Coming-of-Age Drama.
The intense, formative bond between the two leads mirrors the platonic intimacy found in Heaven, illustrating how shared childhood experiences shape one's entire adult perception of the world.
When Life Gives You Tangerines
Lim Sang-choon · Series · 2025
Explores: First Love, Childhood Sweethearts, Island Life.
This drama reflects the themes of resilience and long-term connection present in Heaven, showing how two characters endure the setbacks of youth to maintain a singular, enduring bond.
Weak Hero
You Su-min · Series · 2022
Explores: Underdog, Friendship, Violence.
This series echoes the visceral intensity of Heaven, focusing on a quiet, bullied student who finds an unexpected outlet for his suffering through a dangerous and defiant alliance.
NANA
Ai Yazawa · Series · 2006
Explores: Female Friendship, Dreams and Aspirations, Urban Life.
The deep, complicated friendship at the heart of this story will satisfy the same craving for emotional depth that drew you to the internal world of Heaven.
Podcasts on the same thread
Slaggy Book Club
Podcast
Explores: Contemporary Literature, Book Recommendations, Literary Analysis.
If you sought a deeper understanding of the literary themes in Heaven, this podcast provides the analytical space to unpack the raw reality of contemporary fiction and alienation.
Chasing The Sun - Season 1 [Audioserye]
Podcast
Explores: struggling student, poverty, abuse.
This audio series captures the same stark, unforgiving reality of adolescence seen in Heaven, emphasizing the struggle to survive systemic hardships while maintaining a sense of personal identity.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Heaven by Mieko Kawakami a story about bullying?
Yes, Heaven focuses on a protagonist who is tormented by his peers because of his lazy eye. The novel explores his experience with adolescent misery and the impact of violence, while highlighting the power of solidarity he finds during his struggle.
What themes does the novel Heaven explore?
Heaven explores the impact of violence and the power of solidarity. It provides a raw and tender portrait of adolescent misery, following a protagonist who suffers in silence due to the torment he receives from his peers because of a lazy eye.
Who is the author of the book Heaven?
The book Heaven was written by Mieko Kawakami, who is also the bestselling author of Breasts and Eggs. It was published in 2021 and has been noted for its sharp and illuminating perspective on the experiences of its young protagonist.
Does the protagonist in Heaven find any relief from his peers?
In Heaven, the protagonist suffers in silence while being tormented by his peers due to his lazy eye. His only respite from this constant harassment comes thanks to the power of solidarity, which serves as a central theme throughout the narrative.