What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Blacklist
Jon Bokenkamp · Series · 2013
If you loved The Blacklist, start with The Black Book (James Patterson, David Ellis, 2017) — a book on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Blacklist across media.
If you loved The Blacklist, you crave the high-stakes dance between law enforcement and the criminals who redefine their rules.
Books on the same thread
The Black Book
James Patterson, David Ellis · Book · 2017
Explores: Corrupt Police Force, Missing Evidence, Partner Dynamics.
Much like the complex web Raymond Reddington spins, this procedural mirrors the feeling of uncovering hidden truths buried deep within a corrupt system that The Blacklist fans navigate.
The Big Sleep
Raymond Chandler · Book · 2017
Shares a thread with The Blacklist: Moral ambiguity.
The cynical, sharp-witted investigator mirrors the moral ambiguity of Reddington, providing the same classic noir atmosphere that drives the detective work found throughout The Blacklist.
Nash Falls
David Baldacci · Book
Explores: undercover operation, corporate corruption, reluctant hero.
This thriller captures the unlikely partnership between civilian and agency seen in The Blacklist, focusing on the tension of being pulled into a dangerous, high-stakes clandestine operation.
The Broker
John Grisham · Book · 2005
Shares a thread with The Blacklist: Redemption.
If you enjoy the redemption arcs and international conspiracy elements of The Blacklist, this story of a powerbroker navigating dangerous political waters will hold your attention.
Films on the same thread
The Drop
Michaël R. Roskam · Film · 2014
Shares 2 threads with The Blacklist: Moral Ambiguity, Redemption.
The moral ambiguity of the criminal underworld explored here mirrors the character-driven complexity of The Blacklist, focusing on individuals caught in the crosshairs of dangerous, escalating situations.
American Hustle
David O. Russell · Film · 2013
Shares a thread with The Blacklist: moral ambiguity.
The chaotic, uneasy alliance between con artists and the FBI in this film perfectly replicates the core dynamic that defines the central relationship in The Blacklist.
The Usual Suspects
Film · 1995
Explores: Deception, Unreliable narrator, Criminal underworld.
The mystery surrounding a mythic criminal figure and the unreliable nature of the narrative will satisfy fans who spent years deconstructing the hidden identity of Reddington.
Black Mass
Scott Cooper · Film · 2015
Shares a thread with The Blacklist: Moral Ambiguity.
The dangerous bargain between a powerful criminal and the FBI is the exact engine that drives The Blacklist, offering a gritty look at the cost of information.
Podcasts on the same thread
Criminal
Vox Media Podcast Network · Podcast · 2026
Shares a thread with The Blacklist: moral ambiguity.
This podcast explores the same fascination with human behavior and moral ambiguity that makes the individual cases in The Blacklist so compelling for viewers to dissect.
Kill List
Podcast
Explores: Dark Net, Murder for Hire, Technological Crime.
The investigation into a shadow network of criminals echoes the hunt for the unseen threats on the list that Raymond Reddington provides in The Blacklist.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Blacklist based on a true story?
The Blacklist is a fictional television series created by Jon Bokenkamp that premiered in 2013. It follows the story of fugitive Raymond Reddington as he assists the FBI in capturing criminals and terrorists from his personal list of dangerous individuals that the agency does not know exist.
What is the premise of The Blacklist?
In The Blacklist, one of the FBI's most wanted fugitives, Raymond Reddington, surrenders to the agency. He offers to help the FBI capture dangerous criminals and terrorists who are unknown to authorities, provided they work together to bring down the individuals on his personal list.
Why does Raymond Reddington surrender in The Blacklist?
Raymond Reddington surrenders in The Blacklist because he claims to share common interests with the FBI. He intends to use his unique knowledge of dangerous criminals and terrorists to help the agency capture individuals who are otherwise invisible to law enforcement.
Who created The Blacklist?
The Blacklist was created by Jon Bokenkamp. The series focuses on the partnership between the FBI and Raymond Reddington, a fugitive who provides the agency with a list of dangerous criminals and terrorists that the FBI is unable to track on its own.