What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedLittle Buddha
Bernardo Bertolucci · Film · 1993
If you loved Little Buddha, start with Siddhartha (Hermann Hesse, 1992) — a book on the same thread. Below: 1 book, 4 series and 1 podcast, each matched to Little Buddha across media.
If Little Buddha captivated you, you will appreciate these stories that explore the profound intersection of spiritual awakening, destiny, and the human search for meaning.
Books on the same thread
Siddhartha
Hermann Hesse · Book · 1992
Shares a thread with Little Buddha: Eastern Philosophy.
Just as Little Buddha captures the essence of the Tibetan tradition, this classic novel mirrors that spiritual journey through the personal evolution and enlightenment of a man seeking truth.
Series on the same thread
Jesus of Nazareth
Franco Zeffirelli · Series · 1977
Explores: Faith, Redemption, Sacrifice.
This epic drama resonates with the spiritual gravitas found in Little Buddha, focusing on a central religious figure whose life, ministry, and sacrifice define the foundations of global faith.
Mushi-Shi
Series · 2005
Explores: Spirituality, Nature, Balance.
The meditative atmosphere of this series echoes the reverence for nature and unseen spiritual forces that you experienced while watching the philosophical explorations within Little Buddha.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Michael Dante DiMartino · Series · 2005
Shares a thread with Little Buddha: Spiritual Journey.
Much like the young protagonists in Little Buddha, the hero of this series must embrace a heavy destiny and master his internal balance to restore peace to the world.
The Beatles Anthology
Series · 1995
Explores: Band dynamics, Creative process, Fame and success.
While distinct in tone from Little Buddha, this documentary explores the cultural exchange and global impact that defined the era of spiritual curiosity surrounding Bernardo Bertolucci’s famous cinematic work.
Podcasts on the same thread
Buddhism in English
Podcast
Shares a thread with Little Buddha: Eastern Philosophy.
If the core concepts of Eastern philosophy in Little Buddha sparked your interest, this podcast offers a direct and accessible way to continue your study of Buddhist teachings daily.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Little Buddha based on a true story?
Little Buddha is a 1993 film directed by Bernardo Bertolucci that depicts the search for the rebirth of a Tibetan teacher. The story follows monks who identify three children, one American and two Nepalese, as potential candidates for the reincarnation of the late Lama Dorje.
How many children are identified in Little Buddha?
In the film Little Buddha, the Tibetan Buddhist monks identify three children who may be the rebirth of their great teacher, Lama Dorje. These children consist of one American child and two children from Nepal, all of whom are considered as potential candidates for the reincarnation.
What is the primary plot of Little Buddha?
The plot of Little Buddha centers on the search for the reincarnation of Lama Dorje following his death. Tibetan Buddhist monks travel to find three specific children who might be the rebirth of their teacher, ultimately leading to the discovery of one American and two Nepalese children.
Who directed the 1993 film Little Buddha?
Little Buddha was directed by Bernardo Bertolucci. The 1993 film explores the search for the reincarnation of Lama Dorje by Tibetan Buddhist monks, who identify three children, one American and two Nepalese, as the potential rebirths of their late teacher.