What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Destroyer
Warren Murphy and Richard Sapir, various authors · Book · 1971
If you loved The Destroyer, start with The Persuaders! (Robert S. Baker, 1971) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Destroyer across media.
If you loved The Destroyer, you crave the high-stakes intersection of relentless, gritty action and the shadowy world of institutional conspiracy.
Films on the same thread
The Terminator
James Cameron · Film · 1984
Explores: Man vs. Machine, Artificial Intelligence, Fate vs. Free Will.
Just as The Destroyer features an unstoppable agent of change, this film delivers the ultimate relentless predator, pitting human survival against an implacable, high-tech force of destruction.
The French Connection
William Friedkin · Film · 1971
Explores: Drug trafficking, Moral ambiguity, Obsessive pursuit.
The Destroyer fans will appreciate this film's gritty, obsessive pursuit of a criminal target, mirroring the raw, boots-on-the-ground intensity found within the pages of Remo Williams's dangerous missions.
Kill Bill: Vol. 1
Quentin Tarantino · Film · 2003
Shares a thread with The Destroyer: Revenge.
This film captures the visceral martial arts mastery found in The Destroyer, focusing on a singular, unstoppable protagonist executing a precise and violent plan of cold-blooded revenge.
Predator
John McTiernan · Film · 1987
Explores: Man vs. Nature, Elite Military, Survival.
Much like the elite paramilitary operations in The Destroyer, this story follows a specialized team facing a lethal, unconventional threat that demands peak physical and tactical survival skills.
Series on the same thread
The Persuaders!
Robert S. Baker · Series · 1971
Explores: Odd Couple, Culture Clash, Jet Set Lifestyle.
The Destroyer often touches upon the tension of American political authority; this show provides a fast-paced, opinionated look at the current events that drive such intense political narratives.
The Fugitive
Roy Huggins · Series · 1963
Explores: Manhunt, Injustice, False Accusation.
The Destroyer highlights the theme of a lone man operating against a corrupt system, a feeling mirrored here as a man fights to clear his name against overwhelming odds.
The Invaders
Larry Cohen · Series · 1967
Explores: Alien infiltration, Existential threat, Man vs. alien.
Fans of The Destroyer who enjoy political paranoia will be drawn to this series, which mirrors the unsettling feeling of a hidden, existential threat infiltrating everyday society.
Kung Fu
Herman Miller · Series · 1972
Explores: Redemption, Spiritual Journey, Fish Out of Water.
The Destroyer relies on the master-apprentice bond and ancient combat techniques, elements that form the core of this series as a wandering monk navigates a hostile, unfamiliar landscape.
Podcasts on the same thread
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History
Dan Carlin · Podcast · 2026
Explores: civilizational collapse, human nature, moral ambiguity.
The Destroyer uses pulp action to explore geopolitical instability, and this podcast offers a similarly deep, analytical dive into the historical consequences of power and civilizational collapse.
The Ben Shapiro Show
The Daily Wire · Podcast · 2026
Explores: ideological debate, cultural critique, partisan rhetoric.
If The Destroyer hit, The Ben Shapiro Show shares the thread.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Destroyer: Chinese Puzzle a good starting point for the series?
The Destroyer: Chinese Puzzle is a recommended entry point into the series. It features the core dynamic between Remo Williams and Chiun as they work to prevent a confrontation between the United States and China, serving as a representative example of the action found in The Destroyer novels.
What is the primary conflict in The Destroyer: Chinese Puzzle?
In The Destroyer: Chinese Puzzle, the United States President enlists Remo Williams and Chiun to dismantle an Asian conspiracy. The mission is critical because the failure of these superhuman agents could result in a dangerous geopolitical confrontation between the United States and China.
Who are the main characters featured in The Destroyer?
The primary characters throughout The Destroyer series, including the selected novels, are Remo Williams and his mentor, Chiun. These figures operate as a superhuman weapon of destruction tasked with handling high-stakes government missions that require their specialized skills to protect the interests of the United States.
Are these The Destroyer books curated by the original authors?
Yes, these specific selections from The Destroyer series were handpicked by Warren Murphy. As a co-creator and co-author of the franchise, Murphy selected these titles to showcase the golden age of the series and the unique partnership between Remo Williams and Chiun.