What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedOnly the Dead
Jack Carr · Book
If you loved Only the Dead, start with The Terminal List (David DiGilio, 2022) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 2 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Only the Dead across media.
If Only the Dead gripped you, it is because you crave stories where solitary operators dismantle vast, untouchable layers of global conspiracy.
Films on the same thread
Sniper: No Nation
Trevor Calverley · Film · 2026
Explores: hostage rescue, lone wolf operator, geopolitical conflict.
Much like the tactical precision found in Only the Dead, this mission highlights the raw capability of elite operators navigating high-stakes geopolitical conflicts and dangerous, isolated extraction scenarios.
Jack Reacher
Christopher McQuarrie · Film · 2012
Explores: Conspiracy, Military Justice, Vigilante Justice.
If you appreciated the military background of the protagonist in Only the Dead, you will enjoy watching an ex-sniper apply lethal, disciplined expertise to uncover a deep-seated institutional conspiracy.
The Parallax View
Alan J. Pakula · Film · 1974
Explores: Political Assassination, Government Conspiracy, Corporate Power.
This film captures the same chilling sense of paranoia present in Only the Dead, focusing on an individual uncovering a sinister, shadow-governed web that dictates global political headlines.
Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: Ghost War
Andrew Bernstein · Film · 2026
Fans of the global stakes in Only the Dead will recognize the familiar tension of a high-level covert mission where a single discovery unravels a massive, deadly international conspiracy.
Series on the same thread
The Terminal List: Dark Wolf
Jack Carr · Series · 2025
Explores: Moral Ambiguity, Black Ops, Inner Conflict.
This prequel explores the psychological toll of black-ops warfare, mirroring the dark, morally complex character study that defines James Reece’s journey throughout the events of Only the Dead.
The Terminal List
David DiGilio · Series · 2022
Shares 2 threads with Only the Dead: Vengeance, Covert Operations.
To understand the origin of the vengeance fueling the protagonist in Only the Dead, look no further than this foundational series that pits one man against a corrupt establishment.
Podcasts on the same thread
Kill List
Podcast
Explores: Dark Net, Murder for Hire, Technological Crime.
If the hidden threats and clandestine forces in Only the Dead kept you awake, this investigative look at the dark net reveals the terrifying reality of contract killing networks.
The Coming Storm
Podcast
Shares a thread with Only the Dead: Deep State.
The political intrigue that drives the conspiracy in Only the Dead is mirrored here, offering a deep dive into the labyrinthine world of American shadow politics and hidden agendas.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Only the Dead the first book in the series?
No, Only the Dead is the sixth book in the Terminal List series. It follows the narrative progression of James Reece as he faces a global conspiracy triggered by the killing of a freshman congressman.
What is the plot of Only the Dead?
Only the Dead follows James Reece as he confronts a global conspiracy. The story centers on the long-term repercussions of the killing of a freshman congressman, which reverberates for decades and forces Reece into a high-stakes conflict.
Does Only the Dead feature James Reece?
Yes, James Reece is the central character in Only the Dead. In this sixth installment of the Terminal List series, he must navigate a complex global conspiracy stemming from the death of a freshman congressman.
Should I read the previous books before starting Only the Dead?
Because Only the Dead is the sixth book in the Terminal List series, it is recommended to read the preceding entries first. This ensures you understand the ongoing character development of James Reece and the context of the global conspiracy he faces.