What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Forge
Film · 2024
If you loved The Forge, start with The Chosen (Dallas Jenkins, 2019) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Forge across media.
If you valued the transformative power of mentorship in The Forge, these stories explore the journey toward personal responsibility.
Books on the same thread
The Choice
Nicholas Sparks · Book
Explores: life-altering choices, destiny, slow-burn romance.
Just as Isaiah finds a new path in The Forge, this story highlights the gravity of life-altering choices and the emotional weight of deciding one's own future.
The Maze Runner (Book 1)
James Dashner · Book · 2014
Explores: Survival, Memory Loss, Conspiracy.
Much like the intense transition to adulthood in The Forge, this narrative tests the protagonist's ability to step up and build a new life through necessary teamwork.
The Trail of Flame
A. R. Knight · Book · 2023
Explores: Quest, Journey, Good vs. Evil.
This journey mirrors the personal growth found in The Forge, as the protagonist navigates a challenging quest that demands endurance, focus, and a transition into greater maturity.
Their Eyes Were Watching God
Zora Neale Hurston · Book · 1991
Explores: Black female identity, self-discovery, love and relationships.
This literary journey shares the heart of The Forge by focusing on the profound evolution of an individual as they move toward independence and discover their own substance.
Series on the same thread
The Chosen
Dallas Jenkins · Series · 2019
Explores: Faith, Redemption, Discipleship.
If the faith-based mentorship in The Forge resonated with you, this series offers a deeper look at the power of discipleship and the life-changing impact of redemption.
The Chi
Lena Waithe · Series · 2018
Shares a thread with The Forge: Family dynamics.
This urban drama captures the same coming-of-age tension seen in The Forge, exploring how young men navigate the complex balance between personal ambition and their community responsibilities.
The Bear
Christopher Storer · Series · 2022
Explores: Grief, Family Business, Working Class.
Like the workplace dynamic that changes Isaiah in The Forge, this series shows how a challenging environment and a chosen family can facilitate one's path toward self-discovery.
Friday Night Lights
Brian Grazer · Series · 2006
Shares a thread with The Forge: Coming-of-age.
This series reflects the pressure to grow up depicted in The Forge, focusing on the molding of young lives amidst community expectations and the demand for personal responsibility.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Truth
The Truth · Podcast · 2026
Explores: human condition, experimental storytelling, moral ambiguity.
These stories echo the moral focus of The Forge by presenting bite-sized explorations of the human condition, challenging you to reflect on character and the choices we make.
Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast
Life.Church · Podcast · 2026
Shares a thread with The Forge: Mentorship.
If you appreciated the mentorship dynamic in The Forge, these practical coaching lessons provide the same focus on professional growth and the principles of effective, ethical leadership.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Forge appropriate for someone interested in stories about personal mentorship?
The Forge centers on Isaiah Wright, a young man who lacks direction until he begins working at Moore Fitness. The story focuses on his personal growth and the significant impact his new employer has on his life as he learns how to become a man.
What is the primary conflict facing Isaiah in The Forge?
In The Forge, Isaiah Wright struggles with a lack of job prospects and direction one year after high school. His conflict involves his relationship with his mother, who gives him an ultimatum to either step up in his life or move out of her home.
Does The Forge focus on Isaiah's life before or after high school?
The Forge follows Isaiah Wright one year after he has finished high school. At this stage in his life, he spends his time playing video games and basketball without a job or plans for his future, leading to the central conflict with his mother.
How does the owner of Moore Fitness influence the plot of The Forge?
The owner of Moore Fitness becomes a pivotal figure in The Forge after hiring Isaiah Wright. This employment opportunity serves as the catalyst for Isaiah's personal development, as the owner provides the guidance and influence Isaiah needs to transition into adulthood.