If you loved
Luca
Enrico Casarosa · Film · 2021
If you adored the way Luca turns hidden, monstrous identities into a heartfelt journey toward self-acceptance, these stories will resonate deeply.
Books on the same thread
The Sea of Monsters
Rick Riordan · Book · 2006
Explores: Greek mythology in modern settings, Coming-of-age, Found family.
Much like Luca, this story explores the complexities of being an outsider in a world that fears your true nature while navigating the warmth of found family bonds.
We Were Liars
E. Lockhart · Book · 2021
Shares a thread with Luca: Secrets.
While darker than the sun-drenched Italian Riviera, this tale mirrors the core tension found in Luca where secrets held by a tight-knit group eventually test their deepest loyalties.
Where the Wild Things Are
Maurice Sendak · Book · 2009
Explores: Imagination, Anger Management, Adventure.
You will recognize the same spirit of imaginative transformation in this classic, which echoes the way Luca uses fantasy elements to process real-world feelings of isolation and curiosity.
Things We Hide from the Light
Lucy Score · Book · 2023
Explores: Small Town Secrets, Trauma, Redemption.
This narrative dives into the weight of hidden burdens, capturing that same emotional vulnerability Luca faces when trying to balance a public persona with a secret, troubled reality.
Series on the same thread
Steven Universe
Rebecca Sugar · Series · 2013
Shares 3 threads with Luca: Friendship, Self-discovery, Coming-of-age animation.
This series captures the exact sense of wonder and personal growth seen in Luca, focusing on a young protagonist who must navigate new powers while discovering their true identity.
The Owl House
Dana Terrace · Series · 2020
Shares 2 threads with Luca: Acceptance, Otherness.
Luz’s journey into a magical world mirrors the sense of discovery in Luca, emphasizing how embracing one's unique otherness can foster genuine connection and acceptance within a new community.
Primal
Genndy Tartakovsky · Series · 2019
Explores: Survival, Unlikely friendship, Human-animal bond.
This story distills the essence of an unlikely cross-species bond found in Luca, showing how two different beings can rely on each other to survive in a hostile environment.
Hilda
Luke Pearson · Series · 2018
Shares a thread with Luca: Friendship.
Hilda’s transition from a hidden forest to a bustling city captures the same coming-of-age curiosity and magical realism that makes the world of Luca feel so vibrant and alive.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Truth
The Truth · Podcast · 2026
These cinematic stories mirror the variety of imaginative experiences in Luca, offering short, immersive windows into worlds where the ordinary and the extraordinary frequently collide with emotional impact.
The Deca Tapes
Lex Noteboom · Podcast · 2025
This podcast explores the tension of trapped characters seeking truth, echoing the underlying pressure Luca feels as he attempts to keep his true identity hidden from the world above.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the secret that Luca and Alberto are hiding?
Luca and Alberto are hiding the fact that they are sea monsters from another world located just below the surface of the water. This secret threatens the fun they experience during their unforgettable summer on the Italian Riviera.
Where does the story of Luca take place?
The story of Luca takes place on the Italian Riviera. This setting provides the backdrop for the summer adventures experienced by Luca and his best friend, Alberto, as they navigate their secret identities as sea monsters.
Is Luca about a friendship?
Yes, Luca focuses on the bond between the main character and his best friend, Alberto. Together, they share an unforgettable summer on the Italian Riviera while attempting to keep their true nature as sea monsters hidden from the world above the water.
Who are the main characters in Luca?
The main characters in Luca are Luca and his best friend, Alberto. They are sea monsters from another world living below the water who come to the surface to experience a memorable summer on the Italian Riviera.