What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedLuca
Enrico Casarosa · Film · 2021
If you loved Luca, start with Hilda (Luke Pearson, 2018) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Luca across media.
If you loved the way Luca turns the struggle of feeling like an outsider into a sun-drenched, transformative summer adventure, these stories await.
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 the bond between Luca and Alberto, this story captures the essence of found family and the challenges of navigating a hidden world while growing into your own.
Sea of Monsters
Rick Riordan · Book · 2022
Explores: Hero's Journey, Found Family, Coming of Age.
If the coming-of-age journey in Luca resonated with you, this tale of hidden magical worlds and deep friendships provides a similar exploration of identity and belonging among peers.
The Little Mermaid
H. C. Andersen · Book · 2003
Explores: Sacrifice, Longing, Transformation.
The longing to exist in a different world that drives Luca is mirrored here in this classic tale of transformation, sacrifice, and the desire to belong elsewhere.
Where the Wild Things Are
Maurice Sendak · Book · 2009
Explores: Imagination, Anger Management, Adventure.
This story echoes the sense of wonder and imaginative escape found in Luca, capturing the spirit of a young boy navigating a wild, transformative world beyond his home.
Series on the same thread
Steven Universe
Rebecca Sugar · Series · 2013
Shares 3 threads with Luca: Friendship, Self-discovery, Coming-of-age animation.
The themes of self-discovery and friendship that define Luca are central here, as a young boy learns to navigate his unique nature alongside a supportive and loving community.
Hilda
Luke Pearson · Series · 2018
Shares a thread with Luca: Friendship.
Just as Luca embraces the excitement of the unknown, this series follows a free-spirited protagonist who discovers magical creatures and meaningful friendships during her journey away from home.
Win or Lose
Series · 2025
Explores: Teamwork, Pressure, Personal Growth.
This series captures the same heartfelt exploration of personal growth and navigating social pressures seen in Luca, focusing on the interconnected lives of characters facing pivotal life moments.
Tear Along the Dotted Line
Zerocalcare · Series · 2021
Shares a thread with Luca: Friendship.
If you appreciated the Italian setting and the focus on friendship in Luca, this story offers a relatable look at navigating life, self-discovery, and maturity within a Roman landscape.
Podcasts on the same thread
Torta Podcast
Podcast
Explores: embracing life, positive mindset, self-acceptance.
The focus on self-acceptance and embracing life that makes Luca so endearing is mirrored in the positive and reflective themes explored throughout this podcast series.
Seis de Copas
Podcast
Shares a thread with Luca: friendship.
The deep value placed on friendship in Luca translates perfectly to this podcast, which celebrates the everyday connections and personal bonds that enrich our lives.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Luca a story about sea monsters?
Yes, Luca features two best friends who are sea monsters from a world hidden just below the surface of the water. Their secret creates a conflict that threatens their fun and experiences during a summer spent on the Italian Riviera.
What is the setting of Luca?
The movie Luca is set on the Italian Riviera. It follows the main characters as they navigate an unforgettable summer while attempting to keep their true identities as sea monsters hidden from the people living in the world above the water's surface.
Does Luca involve a secret identity?
Yes, the primary conflict in Luca involves the protagonists hiding the fact that they are sea monsters. While they enjoy their summer on the Italian Riviera, they must ensure their secret from another world remains undiscovered by those around them.
Who are the main characters in Luca?
Luca and his best friend Alberto are the main characters of the film. They spend an unforgettable summer together on the Italian Riviera while trying to protect the secret that they are actually sea monsters from a world beneath the water.