What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Forbidden Kingdom
Rob Minkoff · Film · 2008
If you loved The Forbidden Kingdom, start with Journey to the West (Jie Yang, 1986) — a series from the same story. Below: 1 book, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Forbidden Kingdom across media.
If The Forbidden Kingdom captured your imagination, these stories master the thrilling intersection of ancient martial arts mastery and transformative hero journeys.
Start with the source
The source
Journey to the West
Jie Yang · Series · 1986
Adaptation
Monkey
Series · 1978
Adaptation
Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons
Stephen Chow · Film · 2013
Books on the same thread
The Monkey King
Chaiko, Chaiko Tsai · Book · 2023
Explores: Trickster, Redemption, Self-Discovery.
Just as The Forbidden Kingdom celebrates the legendary Monkey King, this graphic novel captures that same mythological wonder, exploring the trickster hero’s supernatural origins through a vibrant, visual lens.
Series on the same thread
Kung Fu
Herman Miller · Series · 1972
Shares a thread with The Forbidden Kingdom: Fish Out of Water.
This classic series mirrors the fish-out-of-water dynamic found in The Forbidden Kingdom, featuring a disciplined warrior navigating an unfamiliar land while seeking spiritual redemption through his martial arts path.
Jackie Chan Adventures
John Rogers · Series · 2000
Shares a thread with The Forbidden Kingdom: Mentorship.
Fans of The Forbidden Kingdom will recognize the spirit of adventure here, as globe-trotting quests for magical artifacts and the dynamic between mentor and student take center stage once again.
Samurai Jack
Genndy Tartakovsky · Series · 2001
Shares a thread with The Forbidden Kingdom: Fish Out of Water.
Like the displaced teenager in The Forbidden Kingdom, Jack finds himself a stranger in a strange land, relying on his formidable combat skills to survive a journey toward redemption.
Into the Badlands
Alfred Gough · Series · 2015
Shares a thread with The Forbidden Kingdom: Hero's Journey.
This series elevates the mentor and protégé bond central to The Forbidden Kingdom, following a warrior and a young companion as they traverse a dangerous landscape in search of enlightenment.
Podcasts on the same thread
Meta Monkeys Podcast
Podcast
Explores: Metaverse, Blockchain Technology, NFTs.
While this podcast shares a name with the legendary figure from The Forbidden Kingdom, its focus on digital assets and blockchain technology lacks the martial arts fantasy narrative appeal.
Alan Chikin Chow
Podcast · 2023
Shares a thread with The Forbidden Kingdom: Hero's Journey.
Although this podcast aims to inspire the hero within, it lacks the martial arts storytelling and mythological adventure that defined the cinematic experience of The Forbidden Kingdom for you.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Forbidden Kingdom based on the same story as the 1986 Journey to the West television series?
Yes, both The Forbidden Kingdom and the 1986 Journey to the West series draw inspiration from the classic Chinese novel. While the movie features a modern American teenager, both projects center on the legendary quest of the Monkey King.
Should I watch the 1978 Monkey series before seeing The Forbidden Kingdom?
You do not need to watch the 1978 Monkey series to understand the plot of The Forbidden Kingdom. However, viewing the older show provides context for the Monkey King character and the traditional martial arts lore featured throughout the movie.
Is Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons a sequel to The Forbidden Kingdom?
No, Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons is not a sequel to The Forbidden Kingdom. They are separate adaptations of the same source material, with the 2013 film offering a different interpretation of the Monkey King legends than the 2008 movie.
What is the primary connection between The Forbidden Kingdom and the Monkey King legend?
The Forbidden Kingdom centers on an American teenager who discovers the legendary stick weapon of the Monkey King. This discovery triggers his journey back to ancient China, where he joins a group of warriors to complete a quest involving the sage and warrior.