What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedQueen of the South
M.A. Fortin · Series · 2016
If you loved Queen of the South, start with La Reina del Sur (Roberto Stopello, 2011) — a series from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Queen of the South across media.
If you loved Queen of the South, you crave stories where calculated survival and ruthless ambition collide in high-stakes criminal worlds.
Start with the source
The source
La Reina del Sur
Roberto Stopello · Series · 2011
Books on the same thread
2666
Roberto Bolaño · Book · 2024
Explores: femicide, systemic corruption, elusive authorship.
Like Queen of the South, this sprawling narrative captures the dangerous allure of the Mexico-US border, where systemic corruption and existential threats define the lives of those caught within.
Red Queen
Victoria Aveyard · Book · 2016
Explores: Class Warfare, Forbidden Love, Rebellion.
Much like Teresa Mendoza rising through the ranks, Mare must navigate a hostile power structure, relying on her hidden potential to survive and redefine her destiny in a divided society.
The Queen's Fool
Philippa Gregory · Book · 2004
Shares a thread with Queen of the South: Survival.
This historical drama mirrors the treacherous ascent seen in Queen of the South, focusing on a woman forced to master political maneuvering to survive amidst lethal court rivalries.
Say Nothing
Patrick Radden Keefe · Book
Explores: sectarian violence, radicalization, conspiracy.
If the gritty reality of drug cartels in Queen of the South intrigued you, this investigation of the Troubles offers a similarly intense look at the cost of radicalization.
Films on the same thread
Queen of Katwe
Mira Nair · Film · 2016
Shares a thread with Queen of the South: Female Empowerment.
This film echoes the core theme of Queen of the South by showing a woman overcoming extreme adversity and limited circumstances to master a high-stakes, competitive field.
Scarface
Film · 1983
Shares a thread with Queen of the South: Drug trafficking.
This classic provides the same visceral look at the rise and fall of a drug lord that defines Queen of the South, showcasing the brutal nature of the trade.
Jackie Brown
Quentin Tarantino · Film · 1997
Shares 2 threads with Queen of the South: Female Empowerment, Crime Thriller.
Jackie Brown shares the resourceful spirit of the protagonist in Queen of the South, as she navigates double-crosses and moral ambiguity to outmaneuver the men controlling her life.
El Infierno
Luis Estrada · Film · 2010
Shares a thread with Queen of the South: Survival.
This film captures the same dangerous underworld of Mexican cartels found in Queen of the South, emphasizing the brutal necessity of participating in corruption to ensure one's own survival.
Podcasts on the same thread
Kinahans Downfall
Podcast · 2026
Explores: Organized Crime, Cartels, Criminal Underworld.
For those fascinated by the cartel operations in Queen of the South, this dive into actual gangland crime provides a chilling, real-world perspective on the violence of syndicates.
Crime Junkie
Audiochuck · Podcast · 2026
Explores: justice seeking, obsession, societal impact.
The investigative drive that keeps you hooked on Queen of the South translates perfectly here, as each episode demands the same dedication to uncovering hidden truths behind criminal cases.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Queen of the South based on the same source material as La Reina del Sur?
Both Queen of the South and La Reina del Sur are adaptations that center on the narrative of a woman rising to power in the drug trade. While they share thematic roots and title similarities, they are distinct productions that explore the story through different creative lenses.
What is the premise of Queen of the South?
Queen of the South follows Teresa, a woman who flees Mexico after her drug-runner boyfriend is murdered. Upon settling in Dallas, she works to become the country's reigning drug smuggler while simultaneously seeking to avenge the death of her lover.
Should I watch La Reina del Sur if I enjoyed Queen of the South?
If you enjoyed the themes of power and survival in Queen of the South, La Reina del Sur is a relevant watch. Both titles examine the life of a woman navigating the dangerous world of drug trafficking, providing a similar narrative experience for fans of the genre.
How does the plot of Queen of the South begin?
The plot of Queen of the South begins in Mexico with the murder of Teresa's boyfriend. This tragic event forces her to flee to Dallas, where she eventually begins her transformation from a refugee into a powerful drug smuggler determined to avenge the murder of her partner.