What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedRED
Film · 2010
If you loved RED, start with RED 2 (Dean Parisot, 2013) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to RED across media.
You loved RED for the thrill of seeing seasoned, retired operatives forced back into the field to confront their long-buried pasts.
Start with the source
Adaptation
RED 2
Dean Parisot · Film · 2013
Books on the same thread
The Cobra
Frederick Forsyth · Book · 2010
Explores: Drug Cartels, CIA, Assassination.
Much like the protagonist in RED, this story features a forcibly retired CIA operative returning to the fray, bringing his lethal expertise to a high-stakes, off-the-books mission.
Red Notice
Bill Browder · Book
Explores: corporate espionage, kleptocracy, whistleblowing.
If the conspiracy-driven tension of RED captivated you, this true story of a man navigating a dangerous, corrupt system offers a grounded look at the reality behind espionage.
The Hunt for Red October
Tom Clancy · Book · 1985
Explores: Submarine Warfare, Defection, Cold War Tension.
The high-stakes Cold War tension found in RED is amplified here, focusing on the tactical brilliance and strategic maneuvers required to outsmart a massive, powerful state intelligence apparatus.
The Red Pyramid (The Kane Chronicles, Book 1)
Rick Riordan · Book · 2010
Explores: Egyptian mythology, Sibling relationships, Ancient Egypt.
While the tone shifts to fantasy, fans of RED will recognize the core appeal of a fractured team coming together to navigate a world of ancient, dangerous secrets.
Series on the same thread
Archer
Adam Reed · Series · 2009
Shares 2 threads with RED: Espionage, Spy Comedy.
This show captures the same comedic dysfunction of an espionage agency seen in RED, highlighting how even the most skilled operatives struggle with personal quirks and office politics.
The A-Team
Frank Lupo · Series · 1983
Shares a thread with RED: Action Comedy.
The dynamic of a specialized team working outside the law while on the run from their own government mirrors the core team reassembly plot that drives RED.
The Old Man
Jonathan E. Steinberg · Series · 2022
Explores: Past Sins, Redemption, Man on the Run.
This series mirrors the central premise of RED by following a retired CIA operative who must reconcile with his past sins when his quiet life is suddenly disrupted.
Person of Interest
Jonathan Nolan · Series · 2011
Explores: Artificial Intelligence, Surveillance State, Moral Ambiguity.
Just as in RED, this story centers on a skilled former CIA operative who uses his unique training to operate outside standard channels to address unfinished business.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Rest Is Classified
Podcast
Explores: Cold War, Intelligence agencies, Covert operations.
If the world of intelligence and covert operations in RED intrigued you, this podcast provides an expert look into the real-life stories that inspire such cinematic narratives.
The Joe Rogan Experience
Joe Rogan · Podcast · 2026
Explores: intellectual curiosity, unfiltered dialogue, lifestyle exploration.
The unfiltered, conversational approach of this show captures the same camaraderie and off-the-cuff humor that made the banter between the retired team members in RED so enjoyable.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is RED based on a book or is it a standalone movie?
RED is a 2010 movie featuring a retired CIA black ops agent named Frank Moses. The film follows Frank as he reassembles his old team to uncover a massive conspiracy after surviving an assault, making it a standalone action film that later received a sequel.
What order should I watch the RED movies in?
You should watch the movies in their original release order to follow the storyline correctly. Start with the 2010 film RED, which introduces Frank Moses and his team, and then proceed to the 2013 sequel titled RED 2 to continue the narrative.
Is RED 2 a direct continuation of the 2010 RED movie?
Yes, RED 2 is the 2013 sequel to the original 2010 movie RED. It continues the story of the retired CIA black ops agent Frank Moses as he reunites with his former team to navigate the high-stakes world of international espionage and conspiracies.
Does the movie RED feature the same team in both films?
The movie RED introduces the core team of Frank Moses, Joe, Marvin, and Victoria as they attempt to uncover a conspiracy. These characters and their expert training remain central to the franchise as the story continues into the 2013 sequel, RED 2.