What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe 'Burbs
Joe Dante · Film · 1989
If you loved The 'Burbs, start with The 'Burbs (Celeste Hughey, 2026) — a series from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The 'Burbs across media.
If you loved The 'Burbs, you likely crave the specific tension found when quiet, mundane neighborhoods hide bizarre or dark, unsettling secrets.
Start with the source
Adaptation
The 'Burbs
Celeste Hughey · Series · 2026
Books on the same thread
Fear Street
R. L. Stine · Book · 1989
Explores: Teen Angst, Small Town Secrets, Supernatural Curse.
Like The 'Burbs, this captures the feeling of small-town paranoia where seemingly normal surroundings mask dangerous, hidden threats that demand an investigation by those who live nearby.
Goosebumps
R. L. Stine · Book · 1992
Explores: Monsters, Supernatural, Fear.
This shares the sense of dread found in The 'Burbs, where a seemingly safe environment turns into a place of suspense and potential supernatural danger for protagonists.
Psycho
Robert Bloch · Book · 1959
Explores: Obsession, Mental Illness, Isolation.
If the isolation and mounting suspicion in The 'Burbs resonated with you, this classic tale of obsession and hidden identity will provide a similarly chilling psychological experience.
Ghost Story
Peter Straub · Book · 1979
Explores: Guilt, Past Trauma, Revenge.
This novel mirrors the group dynamic of The 'Burbs, focusing on men bound by past secrets who must confront the terrifying consequences of their shared history.
Series on the same thread
The Simpsons
Matt Groening · Series · 1989
Explores: Dysfunctional Family, Suburban Satire, Social Commentary.
The 'Burbs uses suburban satire to highlight neighborhood dysfunction, a theme that serves as the foundation for the everyday adventures of the family featured in this series.
Beetlejuice
Tim Burton · Series · 1989
Explores: Death Positivity, Friendship, Outsiders.
Fans of the dark, quirky comedy in The 'Burbs will appreciate how this show explores the strange and supernatural side of life with a similarly irreverent tone.
South Park
Trey Parker · Series · 1997
Shares a thread with The 'Burbs: Black Comedy.
Just as The 'Burbs finds humor in the absurdity of small-town life, this series uses its own dysfunctional setting to deliver biting social commentary and sharp wit.
Mystery Science Theater 3000
Joel Hodgson · Series · 1989
Explores: Friendship, Coping with Boredom, Satire.
If you enjoyed the way The 'Burbs pokes fun at genre tropes, you will love the way this show uses humor to deconstruct and riff on cheesy cinema.
Podcasts on the same thread
Small Town Murder
James Pietragallo, Jimmie Whisman · Podcast · 2026
Explores: provincial life, tragic irony, forensic breakdown.
This podcast mirrors the dark fascination with provincial life found in The 'Burbs, blending tragic events with a comedic perspective on the idiosyncrasies of small towns.
The Joe Rogan Experience
Joe Rogan · Podcast · 2026
Explores: intellectual curiosity, unfiltered dialogue, lifestyle exploration.
The 'Burbs focuses on the unfiltered observations of neighbors, and this podcast captures that same spirit of conversational exploration and curiosity about the wider world.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The 'Burbs 1989 movie connected to the 2026 TV adaptation?
The 2026 TV adaptation is based on the original 1989 film The 'Burbs directed by Joe Dante. Both titles share the same source material regarding suburban paranoia, but they are distinct productions released decades apart.
What is the plot of the 1989 film The 'Burbs?
The 'Burbs follows Ray Peterson and his neighbors as they become suspicious of the secretive newcomers who move in next door. Ray, who planned to spend his vacation relaxing at home, instead finds himself caught up in an investigation of his neighbors' supposed evildoings.
How should I watch The 'Burbs if I want to see everything?
You can start with the 1989 movie The 'Burbs to experience the original story directed by Joe Dante. Following that, you can watch the 2026 TV adaptation to see how the premise is reimagined for a new format.
Is The 'Burbs about a man who just wants to relax on vacation?
Yes, the plot of The 'Burbs centers on Ray Peterson, who initially intends to spend his vacation reading the newspaper and watching sports. His plans are interrupted when he and his friends become paranoid about the suspicious behavior of their new neighbors.