What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Emperor's New Groove
Mark Dindal · Film · 2000
If you loved The Emperor's New Groove, start with The Penguins of Madagascar (Eric Darnell, 2008) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 2 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Emperor's New Groove across media.
What hooked you in The Emperor's New Groove was the way cynical, larger-than-life characters are forced into hilarious, transformative road-trip dynamics.
Books on the same thread
Nils
Selma Lagerlof · Book · 2000
Explores: Transformation, Redemption, Environmentalism.
Just as Kuzco learns humility through his transformation in The Emperor's New Groove, Nils gains wisdom and empathy after his sudden, involuntary change forces him into an unexpected journey.
The Wizard of Oz
Lyman Frank Baum · Book · 2009
Explores: Journey of self-discovery, Good vs. Evil, The power of friendship.
The Emperor's New Groove echoes this classic tale of a character whisked away to a strange land, where an unlikely group of companions forms a bond through their shared quest.
The Little Mermaid
H. C. Andersen · Book · 2003
Explores: Sacrifice, Longing, Transformation.
If the physical transformation and fish-out-of-water struggle defined The Emperor's New Groove for you, this story of a sea princess trading her tail for legs captures that same yearning.
The Prince and the Pauper
Mark Twain · Book · 2003
Explores: Mistaken Identity, Social Class, Poverty.
The Emperor's New Groove thrives on the clash of different social worlds, a theme mirrored in this satire where two boys from opposite classes trade places with hilarious, ironic results.
Series on the same thread
The Penguins of Madagascar
Eric Darnell · Series · 2008
Explores: Teamwork, Secret Missions, Zoo Life.
Fans of the relentless slapstick and character-driven antics in The Emperor's New Groove will find the same chaotic energy in these commando penguins executing their high-stakes missions at the zoo.
Samurai Champloo
Shinichiro Watanabe · Series · 2004
Shares a thread with The Emperor's New Groove: Fish Out of Water.
Much like the reluctant partnership between Pacha and the Emperor in The Emperor's New Groove, this series forces bitter enemies to work together on a journey through a changing landscape.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
The Emperor's New Groove balances high fantasy with a sharp, satirical wit that is perfectly matched by the improvised group dynamics and comedic storytelling found throughout this tabletop adventure campaign.
Stugotz and Company
iHeartPodcasts · Podcast · 2026
Explores: absurdism, unfiltered opinion, camaraderie.
If you loved the irreverent tone and absurd humor of The Emperor's New Groove, you will appreciate this podcast for its unfiltered commentary and the chaotic camaraderie of its hosts.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Emperor's New Groove about a llama?
Yes, The Emperor's New Groove follows Emperor Kuzco after he is transformed into a llama by his former administrator, Yzma. He must work alongside a gentle llama herder named Pacha to regain his original human form and reclaim his throne.
Who turns the emperor into a llama in The Emperor's New Groove?
In The Emperor's New Groove, the character Yzma turns Emperor Kuzco into a llama. This act of betrayal forces the emperor to rely on Pacha, a llama herder, to help him navigate his new reality and return to his human state.
Does The Emperor's New Groove feature Pacha?
Yes, Pacha is a central character in The Emperor's New Groove. He is a gentle llama herder who assists Emperor Kuzco throughout the story after the emperor is transformed into a llama by Yzma and loses his position of power.
What is the primary conflict in The Emperor's New Groove?
The primary conflict in The Emperor's New Groove involves Emperor Kuzco being turned into a llama by Yzma, his ex-administrator. To resolve this, he must cooperate with Pacha, a llama herder, to successfully regain his human form and his rightful place on the throne.