What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Rebecca Skloot · Book · 2011
If you loved The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, start with This American Life (This American Life, 2026) — a podcast on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks across media.
If you loved The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, you will appreciate these stories that expose how systemic forces shape individual human destinies.
Films on the same thread
The Help
Film · 2011
Explores: Racial Injustice, Female Empowerment, Civil Rights.
Like The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, this story examines the racial hierarchies and social injustices that dictate the lives of Black women within domestic and professional spheres.
Imitation of Life
Douglas Sirk · Film · 1959
Explores: Racial Identity, Passing, Mother-Daughter Relationships.
This film mirrors the exploration of racial identity and the complexities of mother-daughter bonds found in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, highlighting the weight of societal expectations.
Hidden Figures
Film · 2016
Explores: Racial segregation, Women in STEM, Gender equality.
Much like The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, this narrative highlights the often ignored contributions of Black women in scientific fields while addressing the barriers of institutional systemic racism.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Olivia Newman · Film · 2026
Explores: Grief and healing, Intergenerational friendship, Hidden secrets.
This story echoes the themes of discovery and hidden histories present in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, focusing on how uncovering secrets can offer a path toward healing.
Series on the same thread
Roots
Alex Haley · Series · 1977
Explores: Family Saga, Cultural Identity, Oppression and Resistance.
Similar to The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, this epic explores the deep, lasting impact of generational trauma and the persistent struggle for dignity against a backdrop of oppression.
Orange Is the New Black
Jenji Kohan · Series · 2013
Explores: Female Ensemble, Incarceration, Social Class.
This series captures the intersection of identity and institutional power, offering a character-driven look at social class and incarceration that complements the investigative spirit of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
Orphan Black
Graeme Manson · Series · 2013
Explores: Identity crisis, Nature vs. Nurture, Corporate conspiracy.
Viewers captivated by the scientific ethics in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks will find this exploration of genetic ownership and corporate conspiracy both chilling and deeply thought-provoking.
The Clone
Glória Perez · Series · 2001
Explores: Forbidden Love, Cultural Clash, Identity Crisis.
This narrative mirrors the ethical dilemmas of science and identity seen in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, placing human cloning at the center of a complex cultural drama.
Podcasts on the same thread
This American Life
This American Life · Podcast · 2026
Explores: The human condition, Personal narrative, Social observation.
Those who appreciated the investigative journalism of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks will find these personal narratives equally compelling in their ability to capture profound human truths.
1619
The New York Times · Podcast · 2019
Explores: systemic racism, national identity, legacy of slavery.
This podcast digs into the historical roots of systemic racism with the same rigorous, eye-opening commitment to truth that defined the investigative work in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks based on a true story?
Yes, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a non-fiction work by Rebecca Skloot. Published in 2011, it documents the true story of modern medicine, bioethics, and race relations surrounding the life of Henrietta Lacks and her family.
What themes are explored in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks?
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks explores the intersection of medical history, bioethics, and race relations. The book examines how these complex subjects impacted the life of Henrietta Lacks and the subsequent development of modern medicine.
Was The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks adapted for television?
Yes, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks was adapted into a major motion picture produced by HBO. The film features performances by Oprah Winfrey and Rose Byrne, bringing the narrative of the book to the screen.
How influential is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks?
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is considered a defining book of the decade. It has been recognized as one of the most influential books by CNN and as one of the fifty most impactful books by Essence magazine.