What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Greatest Showman
Michael Gracey · Film · 2017
If you loved The Greatest Showman, start with The Get Down (Baz Luhrmann, 2016) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Greatest Showman across media.
If The Greatest Showman captured your heart, you will love these stories about outsiders chasing big, impossible, neon-soaked dreams.
Books on the same thread
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald · Book · 2004
Explores: American Dream, Social Class, Love and Loss.
Like The Greatest Showman, this story explores the intoxicating allure of building an empire and the personal toll that the pursuit of the American Dream can take on individuals.
Giraffes Can't Dance
Giles Andreae · Book · 2015
Explores: Self-Acceptance, Overcoming Obstacles, Individuality.
If the message of self-acceptance in The Greatest Showman resonated with you, this charming story about finding your own rhythm against the odds will feel like a perfect companion.
Water for Elephants: A Novel
Sara Gruen · Book · 2011
Explores: Forbidden Love, Animal Cruelty, Memory and Nostalgia.
Fans of the circus atmosphere in The Greatest Showman will appreciate this immersive tale that captures the magic, romance, and complex behind-the-scenes reality of life under the big top.
F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald · Book · 1991
Explores: The American Dream, Social Class, Wealth and Status.
Much like the spectacle found in The Greatest Showman, this novel examines the high-stakes intersection of wealth, status, and the desperate search for love in a fast-paced era.
Series on the same thread
The Get Down
Baz Luhrmann · Series · 2016
Explores: Urban Decay, Youth Culture, Musical Innovation.
The vibrant energy of The Greatest Showman is mirrored here as young dreamers fight to define their own artistic legacy and change the landscape of music history forever.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Amy Sherman-Palladino · Series · 2017
Shares 2 threads with The Greatest Showman: Self-Discovery, Pursuit of Dreams.
If you loved the journey of self-discovery in The Greatest Showman, you will enjoy watching Midge defy societal expectations to forge her own path toward professional success and fulfillment.
POSE
Brad Falchuk · Series · 2018
Shares a thread with The Greatest Showman: Self-Discovery.
This musical drama echoes the themes of found family and identity seen in The Greatest Showman, highlighting how marginalized individuals create their own spectacular world to belong.
The Good Doctor
David Shore · Series · 2017
Explores: Outsider Perspective, Overcoming Prejudice, Professional Growth.
The spirit of the outsider finding a place to belong in The Greatest Showman is central to this story about overcoming prejudice while pursuing a high-stakes professional calling.
Podcasts on the same thread
The School of Greatness
Lewis Howes · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Self-Actualization, Resilience, Peak Performance.
If the inspirational drive of The Greatest Showman motivated you, these conversations with high-performers provide the practical mindset shifts needed to pursue your own ambitious, world-changing dreams.
THE ED MYLETT SHOW
Ed Mylett · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Peak performance, Growth mindset, Success habits.
This show captures the same relentless pursuit of greatness found in The Greatest Showman, offering listeners the tools to cultivate the leadership and growth mindset required for success.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Greatest Showman based on a true story?
The Greatest Showman is based on the life of P.T. Barnum, an American showman who founded the circus that eventually became the famous traveling Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Who is the central character in The Greatest Showman?
The central character in The Greatest Showman is P.T. Barnum, the historical figure known for establishing the circus that evolved into the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
What is the main plot of The Greatest Showman?
The Greatest Showman tells the story of P.T. Barnum and his journey to create the traveling circus that became the well-known Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Does The Greatest Showman focus on the history of the circus?
Yes, The Greatest Showman focuses on the origins of the circus by depicting the life of P.T. Barnum, who founded the traveling organization that later became the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.