On the Basis of Sex

What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedOn the Basis of Sex

Mimi Leder · Film · 2018

If you loved On the Basis of Sex, start with Sex Education (Laurie Nunn, 2019) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to On the Basis of Sex across media.

If On the Basis of Sex moved you, you will appreciate these stories about women and systems challenging the status quo.

Books on the same thread

Just Mercy

Just Mercy

Bryan Stevenson · Book · 2015

Explores: systemic inequality, criminal justice reform, restorative justice.

Much like the legal battles in On the Basis of Sex, this memoir highlights the necessity of fighting systemic inequality and seeking justice within a flawed legal framework.

"A" is for Alibi

"A" is for Alibi

Sue Grafton · Book · 2005

Explores: Wrongful Conviction, Exoneration, Female Detective.

Fans of the determined legal pursuit in On the Basis of Sex will find a similar spirit in this story of a woman navigating the complexities of justice.

Undoing Gender

Undoing Gender

Judith Butler · Book · 2004

Explores: Gender Identity, Performativity, Sexuality.

This exploration of gender norms provides the theoretical foundation for the struggle for equality that Ruth Bader Ginsburg championed so effectively in On the Basis of Sex.

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

Sheryl Sandberg · Book · 2013

Shares a thread with On the Basis of Sex: Gender equality.

The drive for professional advancement and institutional change seen in On the Basis of Sex is mirrored in this practical guide for women seeking leadership and equality.

Series on the same thread

Sex Education

Sex Education

Laurie Nunn · Series · 2019

Explores: Sexual Awakening, Teenage Angst, Social Awkwardness.

While lighter in tone than On the Basis of Sex, this series captures the same spirit of defying conventions and challenging societal norms regarding gender and personal agency.

Masters of Sex

Masters of Sex

Michelle Ashford · Series · 2013

Shares a thread with On the Basis of Sex: Biographical Drama.

This period drama shares the historical focus of On the Basis of Sex, depicting pioneers who fought to change long-standing gender roles and societal perceptions of human behavior.

Lessons in Chemistry

Lessons in Chemistry

Lee Eisenberg · Series · 2023

Explores: Gender Inequality, Scientific Ambition, Social Conformity.

Elizabeth Zott’s battle against patriarchal barriers in science echoes the professional obstacles Ruth Bader Ginsburg confronted throughout the biographical drama On the Basis of Sex.

The Good Wife

The Good Wife

Michelle King · Series · 2009

Shares a thread with On the Basis of Sex: Legal Drama.

The arc of personal and professional reclamation in this series will resonate with those who admired the resilience and ambition displayed in On the Basis of Sex.

Podcasts on the same thread

Criminal

Criminal

Podcast

Explores: Justice, Wrongful Conviction, Morality.

The investigative focus on morality and justice found in this podcast aligns with the legal dedication and commitment to truth highlighted in On the Basis of Sex.

1619

1619

The New York Times · Podcast · 2019

Explores: systemic racism, national identity, legacy of slavery.

This examination of systemic issues provides the historical context for the inequality that the protagonist of On the Basis of Sex worked so tirelessly to dismantle.

Keep exploring

Common questions

Is On the Basis of Sex based on a true legal case?

Yes, On the Basis of Sex depicts the true story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her husband Marty as they work to challenge sex discrimination. The film focuses on their efforts to bring a groundbreaking case before the U.S. Court of Appeals to overturn established legal precedents.

What is the primary conflict in On the Basis of Sex?

The central conflict in On the Basis of Sex involves Ruth Bader Ginsburg teaming up with her husband to fight against a century of sex discrimination. They pursue a landmark case in the U.S. Court of Appeals to challenge existing laws and change how the legal system views gender.

Who directed the movie On the Basis of Sex?

The 2018 film On the Basis of Sex was directed by Mimi Leder. The movie follows the early career of lawyer Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she collaborates with her husband to argue a pivotal case regarding sex discrimination before the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Does On the Basis of Sex feature Ruth Bader Ginsburg's husband?

Yes, On the Basis of Sex prominently features Ruth Bader Ginsburg working alongside her husband, Marty. Together, they prepare and argue the case that serves as the foundation for the film, aiming to overturn a century of sex discrimination through the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Want picks for your taste — not just one title's?

Try Tangent

Free, 30 seconds, no account.