What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedPaddington 2
Paul King · Film · 2017
If you loved Paddington 2, start with Paddington Bear (Michael Bond, 1958) — a book from the same story. Below: 1 book, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Paddington 2 across media.
What hooked you in Paddington 2 is the radical power of unwavering kindness to transform even the most cynical environments.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Paddington
Paul King · Film · 2014
Books on the same thread
Paddington Bear
Michael Bond · Book · 1958
Shares a thread with Paddington 2: Kindness.
If you adored Paddington 2, return to the source material to see how the bear's gentle optimism and search for belonging defined his enduring character from the very beginning.
Series on the same thread
Blue Planet II
Series · 2017
Explores: Ocean Exploration, Marine Life, Environmentalism.
Paddington 2 celebrates the beauty of our world, and this series captures that same sense of wonder by exploring the majestic and interconnected life found within our vast oceans.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Barry Sonnenfeld · Series · 2017
Explores: Orphanhood, Good vs Evil, Coded Messages.
While Paddington 2 highlights the warmth of community, this series provides a darker, witty contrast that still centers on the resilience of orphans navigating a world of incompetent adults.
Parks and Recreation
Michael Schur · Series · 2009
Explores: Small Town Politics, Government Satire, Optimism vs. Cynicism.
Leslie Knope shares the same relentless, infectious optimism found in Paddington 2, proving that one person's earnest commitment to their community can genuinely improve the lives of everyone around them.
Planet Earth II
Series · 2016
Explores: Survival, Animal Behavior, Natural Wonders.
Much like the heartfelt narrative of Paddington 2, this documentary series invites you to pause and appreciate the resilience and extraordinary survival stories of creatures inhabiting our natural world.
Podcasts on the same thread
THE ADAM BUXTON PODCAST
ADAM BUXTON · Podcast
Explores: east anglia, family life, dog ownership.
The gentle, rambling charm of this podcast mirrors the comforting tone of Paddington 2, offering listeners a space where humor and sincerity coexist through thoughtful, human-centric storytelling and connection.
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
The collaborative, joyful spirit of this actual play series captures the same sense of found family and lighthearted adventure that makes the world of Paddington 2 so deeply engaging.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What order should I watch the Paddington movies in?
You should start with the 2014 film titled Paddington to understand how he settles with the Brown family. After that, you should watch Paddington 2, which follows the bear as he picks up odd jobs to buy a gift for Aunt Lucy.
Is Paddington 2 based on a book?
Paddington 2 is a film directed by Paul King that continues the story of the character originally introduced in the 1958 book titled Paddington Bear. While the movie features an original plot regarding a stolen gift, the character originated from that classic literature.
Does the story of Paddington 2 happen before or after the 2014 Paddington movie?
Paddington 2 takes place after the events of the 2014 movie titled Paddington. In this sequel, the bear is already happily settled with the Brown family, which serves as the starting point for his new quest to purchase a present for Aunt Lucy.
Is Aunt Lucy in Paddington 2?
Aunt Lucy is the inspiration for the plot of Paddington 2. The bear attempts to buy the perfect present for her, but the gift is stolen, which sets the events of the film in motion as he works odd jobs to recover it.