What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedMary Poppins Returns
Rob Marshall · Film · 2018
If you loved Mary Poppins Returns, start with Mary Poppins (Robert Stevenson, 1964) — a film from the same story. Below: 1 book, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Mary Poppins Returns across media.
If Mary Poppins Returns charmed you, these selections capture that same whimsical spirit where imagination transforms the mundane into extraordinary adventures.
Start with the source
The source
Mary Poppins
Robert Stevenson · Film · 1964
Books on the same thread
Mary Poppins - Original Version
P. L. Travers · Book · 2019
Explores: Nanny, Magical Realism, Family Dynamics.
Fans of Mary Poppins Returns will appreciate returning to the source material to discover how P.L. Travers originally crafted the magical nanny and her profound influence on family dynamics.
Series on the same thread
Muppet Babies
Jim Henson · Series · 1984
Explores: Imagination, Friendship, Early Childhood.
Much like the Banks children in Mary Poppins Returns, the Muppet Babies rely on the guidance of a mysterious nanny and their own vibrant imaginations to escape into wondrous worlds.
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic
Lauren Faust · Series · 2010
Explores: Friendship, Magic, Teamwork.
The sense of optimism and magical discovery that defines Mary Poppins Returns is mirrored here as Twilight Sparkle and her friends navigate life lessons through the power of friendship.
Rick and Morty
Dan Harmon · Series · 2013
Explores: Dysfunctional Family, Existentialism, Dark Humor.
While darker in tone than Mary Poppins Returns, this series explores the familiar dynamic of an eccentric guide dragging family members into bizarre, interdimensional adventures that challenge their perspectives.
The Magic School Bus
Bruce Degen · Series · 1994
Explores: Science Education, Teamwork, Curiosity.
The eccentric teacher in this series mirrors the role of the magical nanny in Mary Poppins Returns by using extraordinary means to foster curiosity and teamwork during educational adventures.
Podcasts on the same thread
Story Pirates
Story Pirates · Podcast · 2026
Shares a thread with Mary Poppins Returns: Childhood imagination.
This podcast captures the pure childhood imagination celebrated in Mary Poppins Returns, transforming creative stories into musical sketches that highlight the joy of collaborative storytelling and whimsical humor.
The Realignment
The Realignment · Podcast · 2026
Explores: institutional change, populism, technological disruption.
For those interested in the broader context of the financial and social shifts hinted at in Mary Poppins Returns, this podcast provides an analytical look at modern institutional change.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Should I watch the 1964 Mary Poppins before Mary Poppins Returns?
While Mary Poppins Returns functions as a standalone story involving the Banks family, watching the 1964 original provides helpful context for the characters and the magical world. You can enjoy the 2018 film independently, but the original movie establishes the legacy of the titular character.
Is Mary Poppins Returns a direct sequel to the 1964 film?
Mary Poppins Returns is a 2018 production directed by Rob Marshall that follows the Banks family years after the events of the 1964 Mary Poppins film. It features the return of the magical nanny to help the family navigate grave dangers through music and adventure.
What is the plot of Mary Poppins Returns?
In Mary Poppins Returns, the magical nanny reappears to assist the Banks family during a difficult time. She guides them through various musical adventures, helping the family members evade grave dangers and rediscover the joy and wonder missing from their lives.
Who directed Mary Poppins Returns?
Mary Poppins Returns was directed by Rob Marshall. Released in 2018, this film continues the story of the Banks family as they receive a visit from the magical nanny, who leads them on musical adventures to help them overcome the challenges they face.