What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedMoonrise Kingdom
Wes Anderson · Film · 2012
If you loved Moonrise Kingdom, start with The End of the F***ing World (Jonathan Entwistle, 2017) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Moonrise Kingdom across media.
You were drawn to Moonrise Kingdom by the poignant, whimsical way it captures the ache of youth and the urge to escape.
Books on the same thread
Where the Wild Things Are
Maurice Sendak · Book · 2009
Explores: Imagination, Anger Management, Adventure.
Like the protagonists of Moonrise Kingdom, Max seeks refuge from his reality in an imaginative wilderness, mirroring that same restless spirit of childhood rebellion and the desire for independence.
The Fault in Our Stars
John Green · Book · 2012
Shares 2 threads with Moonrise Kingdom: First Love, Coming-of-Age.
If the young romance in Moonrise Kingdom left you moved, you will appreciate this story for its similarly intense, life-defining connection formed between two outsiders facing heavy existential stakes.
The Little Prince
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry · Book · 1943
Explores: Friendship, Loss of innocence, Spiritual journey.
This fable echoes the whimsical, melancholic tone of Moonrise Kingdom, focusing on the loss of innocence and the vital importance of holding onto one's imagination while navigating life's journey.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Mark Twain · Book · 2009
Shares a thread with Moonrise Kingdom: Coming-of-Age.
Much like the runaway pair in Moonrise Kingdom, Huck and Jim embark on a transformative journey into the unknown that highlights the complexities of growing up and moral development.
Series on the same thread
The End of the F***ing World
Jonathan Entwistle · Series · 2017
Shares 2 threads with Moonrise Kingdom: First Love, Coming-of-Age.
This darkly comedic road trip mirrors the runaway narrative of Moonrise Kingdom, showcasing two misunderstood teenagers searching for their place in the world while defying societal expectations and norms.
The Wonder Years
Neal Marlens · Series · 1988
Shares 2 threads with Moonrise Kingdom: First Love, Coming-of-Age.
The nostalgic, observant perspective on youth found here resonates with the specific period charm of Moonrise Kingdom, illustrating the trials of first love and the growth of suburban childhood.
Heartstopper
Alice Oseman · Series · 2022
Shares a thread with Moonrise Kingdom: First Love.
Fans of the tender, blossoming romance in Moonrise Kingdom will find a similar emotional core in this series, as it explores the vulnerability and self-discovery inherent in adolescent first love.
Boy Meets World
Michael Jacobs · Series · 1993
Shares a thread with Moonrise Kingdom: First love.
This series tracks the same path of maturation seen in Moonrise Kingdom, focusing on the everyday lessons and enduring bonds that define the transition from childhood to young adulthood.
Podcasts on the same thread
Small Town Murder
James Pietragallo, Jimmie Whisman · Podcast · 2026
Explores: provincial life, tragic irony, forensic breakdown.
If the quirky and offbeat tone of Moonrise Kingdom appealed to your sensibilities, you will enjoy how this podcast applies a comedic, analytical lens to the eccentricities of provincial life.
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts · Podcast · 2026
Explores: mental health awareness, female friendship, coping mechanisms.
The conversational and community-driven spirit of this podcast captures a sense of intimacy and shared discovery that complements the quirky, character-focused storytelling present in Moonrise Kingdom.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Moonrise Kingdom about two children running away?
Yes, Moonrise Kingdom follows two twelve-year-olds who fall in love and make a secret pact to run away together into the wilderness.
What is the premise of Moonrise Kingdom?
Moonrise Kingdom is a 2012 film directed by Wes Anderson that centers on two twelve-year-olds who escape their lives to pursue a secret pact in the wilderness.
Does Moonrise Kingdom feature children as the main characters?
Yes, the primary protagonists of Moonrise Kingdom are two twelve-year-olds who decide to leave their homes and venture into the wilderness together.
Who directed Moonrise Kingdom?
Moonrise Kingdom was directed by Wes Anderson and released in 2012. The story focuses on the journey of two twelve-year-olds who run away into the wilderness after forming a secret pact.