What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedPerfume: The Story of a Murderer
Tom Tykwer · Film · 2006
If you loved Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, start with Perfume (Das Parfum) (Patrick Süskind, 1985) — a book on the same thread. Below: 1 book, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Perfume: The Story of a Murderer across media.
If you loved Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, you are likely drawn to stories exploring the dark intersection of obsession and sensory fixation.
Books on the same thread
Perfume (Das Parfum)
Patrick Süskind · Book · 1985
Shares 3 threads with Perfume: The Story of a Murderer: Obsession, Sensory Deprivation, Social Isolation.
This novel is the definitive origin for Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, offering a deeper dive into the protagonist's singular, murderous obsession with scent and social isolation.
Series on the same thread
Babylon Berlin
Tom Tykwer · Series · 2017
Explores: Weimar Republic, Interwar Period, Political Intrigue.
Directed by the same visionary behind Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, this series mirrors the atmospheric moral decay and immersive period detail found in his earlier cinematic work.
Hannibal
Bryan Fuller · Series · 2013
Shares a thread with Perfume: The Story of a Murderer: Gothic Horror.
Much like the protagonist of Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, the characters here navigate a world of intense sensory perception while grappling with the disturbing nature of evil.
Monster
Series · 2004
Explores: Moral Dilemma, Existentialism, Nature vs. Nurture.
This psychological thriller echoes the existential dread of Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by forcing its lead to confront the devastating consequences of a connection to a psychopath.
Dark
Baran bo Odar · Series · 2017
Explores: Time Paradox, Family Secrets, Existential Crisis.
The bleak, atmospheric German setting and focus on complex, fateful patterns provide a thematic experience similar to the cold, calculated narrative progression seen in Perfume: The Story of a Murderer.
Podcasts on the same thread
Killer Stories with Harvey Guillén
Spotify Studios · Podcast · 2026
Explores: dark human nature, criminal psychology, public fascination.
This podcast explores the same dark human nature and fixation on serial killers that drives the central conflict and disturbing artistic genius in Perfume: The Story of a Murderer.
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts · Podcast · 2026
Explores: mental health awareness, female friendship, coping mechanisms.
For those fascinated by the criminal psychology and public curiosity surrounding the serial killer in Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, this podcast offers a modern, conversational look at murder.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Perfume: The Story of a Murderer set in the modern era?
No, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer takes place in 18th century Paris. The film follows Jean-Baptiste Grenouille as he uses his superior olfactory sense to create perfumes amidst the historical setting of that time period.
What is the primary motivation for the protagonist in Perfume: The Story of a Murderer?
In Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, Jean-Baptiste Grenouille is driven by his unique olfactory sense to create the finest perfumes in the world. His work eventually takes a dark turn as he attempts to preserve scents in his search for the ultimate perfume.
Does Perfume: The Story of a Murderer focus on the science of fragrance?
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer focuses on the protagonist's exceptional sense of smell and his obsession with capturing scents. While he creates fine perfumes, his process becomes increasingly dark as he seeks to develop the ultimate perfume through his specialized work.
Is Perfume: The Story of a Murderer a film about a perfumer?
Yes, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer centers on Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man with a superior olfactory sense who works to create the world's finest perfumes. The story follows his development as a perfumer and the dark consequences of his quest for the ultimate scent.