What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedMonsters, Inc.
Pete Docter · Film · 2001
If you loved Monsters, Inc., start with Mike's New Car (Pete Docter, 2002) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Monsters, Inc. across media.
You loved Monsters, Inc. because it transforms terrifying, otherworldly creatures into endearing companions navigating the complexities of friendship and belonging.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Mike's New Car
Pete Docter · Film · 2002
Books on the same thread
Goosebumps
R. L. Stine · Book · 1992
Shares a thread with Monsters, Inc.: Friendship.
If the suspenseful monster encounters in Monsters, Inc. kept you watching, this book deepens that thrill by placing young explorers directly into the path of mysterious, supernatural aquatic entities.
The Sea of Monsters
Rick Riordan · Book · 2006
Shares a thread with Monsters, Inc.: Found family.
Just like the unexpected bond between Sulley and Boo, this story centers on the found family dynamic formed when a young protagonist welcomes a misunderstood, non-human companion into life.
The Cat in the Hat
Dr. Seuss · Book · 1957
Explores: Mischief, Imagination, Consequences.
The chaotic, imaginative energy of the Cat mirrors the workplace disruptions caused by Boo in Monsters, Inc., proving that even the most structured days can be upended by unexpected visitors.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
J. K. Rowling · Book · 1997
Shares a thread with Monsters, Inc.: Friendship.
Much like the hidden world of Monstropolis, this tale of a young boy finding his place in a magical school captures the same sense of discovery and outsider-themed camaraderie.
Series on the same thread
The Munsters
Chris Hayward · Series · 1964
Explores: Family, Misunderstanding, Monsters.
This show perfectly captures the monster-next-door charm of Monsters, Inc. by focusing on a family of creatures who are far more friendly and relatable than their frightening appearances might suggest.
Adventure Time
Pendleton Ward · Series · 2010
Shares a thread with Monsters, Inc.: Friendship.
The inseparable, adventurous friendship between Finn and Jake mirrors the deep loyalty between Mike and Sulley, showing how two best friends thrive while traversing a bizarre and unpredictable mystical world.
Phineas and Ferb
Dan Povenmire · Series · 2007
Explores: Summer Vacation, Sibling Rivalry, Secret Identity.
Fans of the inventive slapstick and workplace humor in Monsters, Inc. will appreciate how these stepbrothers turn mundane days into elaborate projects while navigating their own secret, high-stakes dual lives.
SpongeBob SquarePants
Stephen Hillenburg · Series · 1999
Shares 3 threads with Monsters, Inc.: Friendship, Workplace Comedy, Children's Animation.
The optimistic, childlike wonder that defines SpongeBob resonates with the heartfelt charm of Monsters, Inc., highlighting how enduring friendships can flourish in even the most unusual of professional environments.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
This podcast captures the comedic, high-stakes camaraderie of Monsters, Inc. by following a group of friends as they navigate the chaotic, often absurd challenges of a fantasy world together.
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts · Podcast · 2026
Explores: mental health awareness, female friendship, coping mechanisms.
If the conversational, humorous bond between Mike and Sulley was your favorite part of Monsters, Inc., you will enjoy how this podcast centers on the genuine, supportive friendship between hosts.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Monsters, Inc. the first film in the series?
Yes, Monsters, Inc. is the original 2001 film directed by Pete Docter. It introduces the characters Sulley and Mike Wazowski and their work at the scream-processing factory. The short film Mike's New Car was released in 2002 as a follow-up to this initial story.
What order should I watch Monsters, Inc. and Mike's New Car?
You should watch the 2001 film Monsters, Inc. first to understand the world of Monstropolis and the relationship between Mike and Sulley. Once you have finished the main story, you can watch the 2002 short film Mike's New Car for additional content featuring these specific characters.
How long is the Monsters, Inc. franchise content?
The franchise currently consists of the 2001 feature film Monsters, Inc. and the 2002 short film Mike's New Car. These two titles provide the complete viewing experience based on the provided source material regarding the scream-processing factory team of Sulley and Mike Wazowski.
Should I watch Mike's New Car after Monsters, Inc.?
Watching Mike's New Car after Monsters, Inc. is recommended if you enjoyed the dynamic between Mike Wazowski and Sulley. The short film serves as a supplemental piece of media released in 2002, one year after the original Monsters, Inc. movie debuted in theaters.