What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
James Gunn · Film · 2022
If you loved The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, start with Guardians of the Galaxy (James Gunn, 2014) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 books, 3 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special across media.
What hooked you in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special was the way cosmic absurdity meets genuine, heartfelt longing for human connection.
Start with the source
The source
Guardians of the Galaxy
James Gunn · Film · 2014
Adaptation
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
James Gunn · Film · 2017
Adaptation
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
James Gunn · Film · 2023
Books on the same thread
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Douglas Adams · Book · 1979
Explores: Existentialism, Bureaucracy, The Absurd.
If the intergalactic misadventures in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special charmed you, you will appreciate how this book captures that same sense of cosmic, satirical absurdity.
Holidays on Ice
David Sedaris · Book
Explores: cynicism, holiday absurdity, social observation.
You enjoyed the specific holiday-themed humor of The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special and will find that same brand of cynical, observational wit within these festive essays.
Wreck the Halls
Tessa Bailey · Book
Explores: family legacy, enemies to lovers, holiday spirit.
Just as The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special centers on emotional stakes during the holidays, this story explores personal growth and connection through a similar festive lens.
Invincible Compendium Two
Robert Kirkman · Book
Explores: coming-of-age, intergalactic conflict, moral complexity.
The intergalactic conflict found in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is mirrored here, offering you a deeper dive into the moral complexity of space-faring superhero dynamics.
Series on the same thread
Peacemaker
James Gunn · Series · 2022
Explores: Anti-hero redemption, Dysfunctional team, Government conspiracy.
Since you appreciated the distinct comedic voice in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, you will recognize that same sharp, irreverent style in this violent superhero satire.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Douglas Adams · Series · 1981
Explores: Existentialism, Bureaucracy, Cultural Clash.
This show shares the exact brand of space-bound existential humor seen in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, perfect for those who enjoy misadventures across the universe.
Hawkeye
Jonathan Igla · Series · 2021
Explores: Mentor-Mentee Relationship, Legacy, Redemption.
If you loved the holiday-themed mission at the heart of The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, you will enjoy this action-packed story about unlikely partners during Christmas.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Orphans
The Light and Tragic Company · Podcast · 2025
This audio drama captures the same feeling of navigating a harsh, vast universe that you witnessed in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, blending emotion with sci-fi.
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Team Coco & Earwolf · Podcast · 2026
Explores: parasocial relationships, professional intimacy, self-deprecating humor.
The self-deprecating humor and focus on personal relationships found in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special are echoed in these candid, funny conversations about friendship and social connection.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What order should I watch The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special in?
You should watch The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special after Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and before Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. This placement follows the chronological release order of the trilogy and ensures the character development remains consistent across the film series.
Is The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special required viewing before Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?
While it provides additional context for the team, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is a standalone story. You can watch Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 without it, though the special offers extra insight into the Guardians' mission to make Christmas unforgettable for Quill.
How does The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special connect to the original Guardians of the Galaxy movie?
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special continues the journey of the characters introduced in the 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy movie. It maintains the same tone and creative vision established by director James Gunn while focusing on the team's specific mission to find the perfect Christmas present.
Does The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special take place on Earth?
Yes, a significant portion of The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special takes place on Earth. The Guardians travel to the planet as part of their mission to find a gift that will make Christmas unforgettable for Quill after he expresses sadness about the holiday.