What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedMartin Eden
Jack London · Book · 2020
If you loved Martin Eden, start with Martin Eden (2019) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Martin Eden across media.
If Martin Eden captivated you, explore these stories of individuals battling rigid social structures to define their own destinies.
Start with the source
The source
Martin Eden
Film · 2019
Films on the same thread
East of Eden
Elia Kazan · Film · 1955
Explores: Sibling Rivalry, Father-Son Relationship, Search for Identity.
Like Martin Eden, Cal Trask struggles against the weight of his origins and environment, seeking personal validation and a sense of identity amidst intense familial and societal pressure.
Modern Times
Film · 1936
Explores: Industrialization, Poverty, Social Criticism.
Much like the protagonist of Martin Eden, the tramp in this satire faces a relentless industrial world that repeatedly thwarts his earnest attempts to improve his station.
Marty Supreme
Josh Safdie · Film · 2025
Shares a thread with Martin Eden: Disillusionment.
Marty Mauser mirrors the tragic trajectory seen in Martin Eden, as his singular pursuit of greatness leads him through a harrowing cycle of obsession, delusion, and eventual disillusionment.
Maurice
James Ivory · Film · 1987
Explores: homosexuality in Edwardian England, social repression, self-discovery.
The protagonist experiences the same profound alienation found in Martin Eden, as he navigates the suffocating expectations of his social class while attempting to forge an authentic self.
Series on the same thread
Perry Mason
Erle Stanley Gardner · Series · 1957
Explores: Innocence vs. Guilt, Justice, Moral Ambiguity.
Perry Mason shares the underdog spirit of Martin Eden, fighting against systemic barriers and entrenched power structures to secure justice for those abandoned by traditional society.
North & South
Elizabeth Gaskell · Series · 2004
Shares a thread with Martin Eden: class conflict.
Margaret Hale encounters the same harsh class conflict that defined Martin Eden, forcing her to reconcile her ideals with the gritty realities of an industrializing world.
Rich Man, Poor Man
Irwin Shaw · Series · 1976
Shares a thread with Martin Eden: Social Mobility.
These brothers embody the same fierce ambition and struggle with the American Dream that drove Martin Eden, highlighting the divergent paths taken when chasing success in society.
The Waltons
Earl Hamner, Jr. · Series · 1972
Explores: Family Values, Rural Life, Great Depression.
While more grounded in community, the characters face the same economic fragility that plagued Martin Eden, demonstrating how external hardship shapes the individual's growth and family values.
Podcasts on the same thread
THE ED MYLETT SHOW
Ed Mylett · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Peak performance, Growth mindset, Success habits.
This podcast explores the same themes of ambition and success found in Martin Eden, focusing on the high-stakes journey of those attempting to conquer their respective fields.
Chasing The Sun - Season 1 [Audioserye]
Podcast
Explores: struggling student, poverty, abuse.
Solene’s struggle with poverty and the crushing weight of her circumstances echoes the early, formative hardships that Martin Eden endured during his own desperate quest for education.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is the 2019 movie Martin Eden based on the 1908 book?
Yes, the 2019 film is an adaptation of Jack London's 1908 novel, Martin Eden. The book follows the story of an idealistic, self-educated young man struggling to become a writer and overcome poverty, which serves as the source material for the movie adaptation.
Was Martin Eden originally published as a book or a series?
Martin Eden was originally serialized in 1908 before being published as a book. Written by Jack London, it tells the tragic tale of a young man attempting to rise above his social class and lack of opportunities to achieve success as a professional artist.
What is the primary conflict in the book Martin Eden?
The primary conflict in Martin Eden involves the title character's struggle to become a writer while overcoming poverty. He seeks acceptance within a wealthy and refined society, but he faces significant challenges in his quest to gain the education and status he desires.
Should I read the book Martin Eden before watching the 2019 movie?
Reading the 1908 book Martin Eden before watching the 2019 film provides context for the character's journey. The novel details the protagonist's idealistic struggle to become a writer, which is the foundational story depicted in the movie adaptation of Jack London's classic work.