What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedPinocchio
Hamilton Luske · Film · 1940
If you loved Pinocchio, start with The Adventures of Pinocchio (Carlo Collodi, 1929) — a book from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Pinocchio across media.
What hooked you in Pinocchio is the poignant, transformative journey of an outsider striving to define their own humanity.
Start with the source
Adaptation
The Adventures of Pinocchio
Luigi Comencini · Film · 1972
Adaptation
The Adventures of Pinocchio
Carlo Collodi · Series · 1972
Books on the same thread
The Little Prince
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry · Book · 1943
Explores: Friendship, Loss of innocence, Spiritual journey.
Like Pinocchio, this story captures the bittersweet loss of innocence and the profound spiritual growth that occurs when one attempts to find meaning in a wide, lonely world.
Noddy
Enid Blyton · Book · 1949
Explores: Toy Stories, Adventure, Friendship.
If you were moved by the struggles of a wooden boy finding his place, you will appreciate how Noddy navigates the complexities of belonging within his own toy world.
Thumbelina
Christian Andersen Hans · Book · 1961
Explores: Coming of Age, Self-Discovery, Forced Marriage.
Much like Pinocchio, Thumbelina follows a small, vulnerable protagonist on a precarious journey of self-discovery, proving that even the most fragile beings can overcome great obstacles to find themselves.
The Little Mermaid
H. C. Andersen · Book · 2003
Shares a thread with Pinocchio: Transformation.
You will recognize the same ache for transformation found in Pinocchio as this mermaid trades her identity for the chance to become human and secure an immortal soul.
Series on the same thread
Naruto
Series · 2002
Explores: Coming of Age, Underdog, Friendship.
Naruto mirrors the path of Pinocchio by showing how a misunderstood outsider persists through trials and judgment to earn the recognition and respect of his entire community.
Pokémon
Series · 1997
Explores: Friendship, Personal Growth, Overcoming Challenges.
Pinocchio emphasizes the importance of conscience, and you will see that same growth as Ash travels across vast regions to learn responsibility and maturity alongside his loyal companions.
Hunter x Hunter
Series · 2011
Explores: self-discovery, overcoming adversity, friendship.
The rigorous journey toward self-discovery seen in Pinocchio is echoed here, as a young boy faces moral ambiguity and adversity to prove his worthiness in the world.
Muppet Babies
Jim Henson · Series · 1984
Explores: Imagination, Friendship, Early Childhood.
If you enjoyed the whimsical, imaginative world of Pinocchio, you will value how these characters use their creative minds to transform their nursery into a place of endless adventure.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Truth
The Truth · Podcast · 2026
Explores: human condition, experimental storytelling, moral ambiguity.
These cinematic stories explore the human condition with the same curiosity found in Pinocchio, offering varied, intimate perspectives on what it truly means to exist in our world.
This American Life
This American Life · Podcast · 2026
Explores: The human condition, Personal narrative, Social observation.
Just as Pinocchio deals with the complexities of real life, this series uses personal narratives to examine the human experience, finding profound truth within everyday, unfolding stories.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is the 1940 Pinocchio movie based on a book?
Yes, the 1940 Pinocchio film is based on the 1929 book titled The Adventures of Pinocchio. While the movie focuses on the marionette proving he is brave, truthful, and unselfish to become a real boy, the book serves as the original source material for the character's journey.
Are there other versions of The Adventures of Pinocchio I can watch?
Yes, there are multiple adaptations of The Adventures of Pinocchio available beyond the 1940 film. You can explore the 1972 movie version or the 1972 television series, both of which share the same title and center on the story of the wooden puppet brought to life by a fairy.
What is the main goal for Pinocchio in the 1940 movie?
In the 1940 Pinocchio movie, the puppet's main goal is to earn the right to be a real human boy. To achieve this, Pinocchio must prove to the benevolent fairy that he can be brave, truthful, and unselfish throughout his adventures as a substitute son for Geppetto.
Should I read the 1929 book The Adventures of Pinocchio before watching the 1940 movie?
You do not need to read the 1929 book The Adventures of Pinocchio to understand the 1940 movie. The film stands on its own as an adaptation, detailing how Geppetto builds the marionette and the specific moral tests Pinocchio faces to transform into a real human boy.