What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedNCIS
Don McGill · Series · 2003
If you loved NCIS, start with NCIS: Origins (Gina Lucita Monreal, 2024) — a series from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to NCIS across media.
If you loved the camaraderie and high-stakes problem-solving of NCIS, you will appreciate these stories that balance professional duty with personal conviction.
Start with the source
Adaptation
NCIS: Origins
Gina Lucita Monreal · Series · 2024
Books on the same thread
Homicide
David Simon · Book · 2007
Shares a thread with NCIS: Police Procedural.
Like the team in NCIS, these investigators navigate the grim reality of homicide work, offering a raw, grounded look at the procedural grit that drives every successful criminal investigation.
Reacher: Persuader
Lee Child · Book
Explores: undercover operations, lone wolf protagonist, ruthless justice.
Fans of the military focus in NCIS will recognize the same brand of ruthless justice and tactical precision found in Jack Reacher’s high-stakes undercover operations and relentless pursuit of truth.
Jack Reacher
Lee Child, Andrew Child · Book · 1997
Explores: Military Justice, Vigilante Justice, Conspiracy.
If the military investigation aspect of NCIS appealed to you, you will appreciate this series, which centers on a protagonist who navigates the world with similar tactical expertise.
The Maze
Nelson DeMille · Book
Shares a thread with NCIS: Police Procedural.
Just as the agents in NCIS rely on experience to solve complex cases, this story follows a cynical investigator who brings grit and expertise to his pursuit of justice.
Films on the same thread
Now You See Me
Louis Leterrier · Film · 2013
Explores: Illusion vs. Reality, Misdirection, Revenge.
Much like the specialized team dynamics in NCIS, this story showcases a group of individuals working in tandem to execute complex plans while staying one step ahead of authorities.
Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation
Christopher McQuarrie · Film · 2015
Explores: Teamwork, Global Conspiracy, Secret Organizations.
If you valued the high-stakes teamwork found in NCIS, you will enjoy watching this elite unit operate under pressure to dismantle a global conspiracy with military-grade efficiency.
Sicario
Denis Villeneuve · Film · 2015
Explores: Moral Ambiguity, War on Drugs, Government Corruption.
This film mirrors the moral complexity occasionally faced by the team in NCIS, forcing the protagonist to navigate the difficult grey areas inherent in high-level government investigations.
Top Gun: Maverick
Film · 2022
Explores: Mentorship, Legacy, Redemption.
The focus on Navy personnel and the legacy of service in NCIS finds a natural successor in this story about training elite aviators for a dangerous, specialized mission.
Podcasts on the same thread
Forensic Files
Podcast
Explores: crime scene investigation, scientific analysis, evidence-based analysis.
Those who enjoyed the technical evidence-based analysis that defined the lab work in NCIS will find this deep dive into forensic science and criminal investigation equally compelling.
Crime in Sports
James Pietragallo, Jimmie Whisman · Podcast · 2026
Explores: athlete misconduct, legal absurdity, scandalous behavior.
While tonally different, the investigative spirit found in NCIS translates here, as the hosts dig into the legal and scandalous realities behind athletes who have broken the law.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the premise of NCIS?
NCIS follows a team of special agents who investigate crimes connected to Navy and Marine Corps personnel. Their cases range from murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, regardless of the rank or position of the individuals involved in the incidents.
Who created the original NCIS series?
The television series NCIS was created by Don McGill. It premiered in 2003 and focuses on the investigative work of a specialized team handling matters involving the United States Navy and Marine Corps.
Is NCIS: Origins related to the original NCIS?
Yes, NCIS: Origins is an adaptation that expands upon the franchise established by the original NCIS. It serves as a 2024 addition to the television universe created by the foundational series that began airing in 2003.
What type of crimes does the team investigate in NCIS?
In NCIS, the team of special agents investigates any crime that has a connection to Navy and Marine Corps personnel. This includes a wide scope of activities such as murder, espionage, terrorism, and the theft of military equipment like submarines.