What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedOnce Upon a Deadpool
David Leitch · Film · 2018
If you loved Once Upon a Deadpool, start with Deadpool (Tim Miller, 2016) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Once Upon a Deadpool across media.
If you loved Once Upon a Deadpool, you clearly crave the meta-narrative subversion and sharp, irreverent humor found in these unconventional stories.
Start with the source
The source
Deadpool
Tim Miller · Film · 2016
Adaptation
Deadpool: No Good Deed
David Leitch · Film · 2017
Adaptation
Deadpool 2
David Leitch · Film · 2018
Books on the same thread
The Princess Bride
William Goldman · Book · 1999
Explores: True Love, Good vs Evil, Revenge.
Once Upon a Deadpool explicitly parodies this classic framing device, so you will appreciate returning to the original source of the fairy tale structure and its timeless wit.
Dog Man: Fetch-22: From the Creator of Captain Underpants (Dog Man #8)
Dav Pilkey · Book · 2019
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Friendship, Justice.
The chaotic energy and meta-fictional awareness that defined Once Upon a Deadpool translate perfectly to these graphic novels, which balance sincere character redemption with frequent, laugh-out-loud humorous interruptions.
Dog Man and Cat Kid: From the Creator of Captain Underpants (Dog Man #4)
Dav Pilkey · Book · 2018
Shares a thread with Once Upon a Deadpool: Redemption.
Much like the irreverent tone of Once Upon a Deadpool, these comics embrace a playful, self-aware style that finds genuine heart and redemption amidst constant action and comedic absurdity.
Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes
Roald Dahl · Book · 2002
Explores: Fairy Tale Retellings, Dark Humor, Subverted Expectations.
You enjoyed the way Once Upon a Deadpool toyed with established tropes, and these twisted poems offer that same cynical, darkly humorous subversion of classic fairy tale expectations.
Series on the same thread
Peacemaker
James Gunn · Series · 2022
Explores: Anti-hero redemption, Dysfunctional team, Government conspiracy.
If the anti-hero antics in Once Upon a Deadpool kept you entertained, you will find this violent, dysfunctional character study to be an equally hilarious and biting satire.
Wednesday
Miles Millar · Series · 2022
Explores: Outsider Perspective, Coming-of-Age, Murder Investigation.
The sarcastic, outsider perspective that makes Once Upon a Deadpool so memorable is front and center here, providing a similarly sharp and darkly comedic take on teen mystery.
The Umbrella Academy
Steve Blackman · Series · 2019
Explores: Dysfunctional Family, Apocalypse, Superpowers.
Once Upon a Deadpool thrives on the dynamics of a dysfunctional group, a theme this series mirrors by blending high-stakes superhero action with deeply sarcastic and fractured family humor.
Dragon Ball Z
Series · 1989
Explores: Good vs Evil, Protecting Earth, Transformations.
The pure, high-octane spectacle of this series aligns with the action-comedy roots of Once Upon a Deadpool, offering a relentless pace that keeps the stakes feeling consistently high.
Podcasts on the same thread
Making A Scene
Matt Lucas and David Walliams · Podcast
Explores: celebrity life, anecdotes, movie adaptation.
The meta-comedic discussions about cinema in this podcast capture the same playful, industry-skewering spirit that made the framing device in Once Upon a Deadpool feel so remarkably fresh.
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Team Coco & Earwolf · Podcast · 2026
Explores: parasocial relationships, professional intimacy, self-deprecating humor.
The self-deprecating humor and conversational intimacy of this show echo the fourth-wall-breaking rapport Deadpool establishes with his audience, making it a natural companion to his cinematic narrative style.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Once Upon a Deadpool the same movie as Deadpool 2?
Once Upon a Deadpool is a PG-13 rendition of Deadpool 2. While it shares the same core footage, it is framed as a story told to Fred Savage, featuring unique scenes and a different tone than the original R-rated version of Deadpool 2.
Should I watch Deadpool and Deadpool 2 before Once Upon a Deadpool?
It is recommended to watch Deadpool and Deadpool 2 first to understand the context of the character. Once Upon a Deadpool serves as a specific alternative version of the second film, so having seen the original Deadpool 2 helps you appreciate the narrative changes made for this release.
What is the connection between Deadpool: No Good Deed and Once Upon a Deadpool?
Deadpool: No Good Deed is a short film released in 2017, while Once Upon a Deadpool is a feature-length PG-13 film from 2018. They are both part of the broader Deadpool cinematic series directed by David Leitch, but they represent different types of releases within the franchise.
How does the story structure of Once Upon a Deadpool differ from the original films?
Once Upon a Deadpool utilizes a framing device where Deadpool kidnaps Fred Savage to listen to his story. This narrative structure is modeled after The Princess Bride, creating a distinct experience compared to the standard storytelling format found in the 2016 Deadpool movie and the original Deadpool 2.