What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Legend of Vox Machina
Chris Prynoski · Series · 2022
If you loved The Legend of Vox Machina, start with Dungeons & Dragons (Kevin Paul Coates, 1983) — a series from the same story. Below: 3 books, 4 films and 1 podcast, each matched to The Legend of Vox Machina across media.
If you loved the rowdy, chaotic camaraderie of The Legend of Vox Machina, you will thrive on these tales of unlikely heroes.
Start with the source
The source
Dungeons & Dragons
Kevin Paul Coates · Series · 1983
Adaptation
Futurama: Bender's Game
Dwayne Carey-Hill · Film · 2008
Adaptation
Critical Role
Matthew Mercer · Series · 2015
Books on the same thread
THE ADVENTURE ZONE: STORY AND SONG
Clint McElroy et al · Book
Shares a thread with The Legend of Vox Machina: found family.
Much like The Legend of Vox Machina, this story features a ragtag group of misfits whose comedic chemistry and epic quest mirror the chaotic energy of your favorite animated mercenaries.
The Lightning Thief
Rick Riordan · Book · 2005
Shares a thread with The Legend of Vox Machina: found family.
You will recognize the heart of The Legend of Vox Machina in this reluctant hero's journey, where a troubled protagonist finds a sense of belonging among a new found family.
Berserk Deluxe, Vol. 1
Kentaro Miura · Book
Shares a thread with The Legend of Vox Machina: Sword and Sorcery.
If you appreciate the darker sword and sorcery elements of The Legend of Vox Machina, this grim tale of a mercenary band provides a more intense look at similar gritty dynamics.
Films on the same thread
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Film · 2022
Explores: Mortality, Second Chances, Bravery.
This quest captures the same spirit of self-discovery and high-stakes adventure found in The Legend of Vox Machina, blending humor with the emotional weight of a hero facing their mortality.
Nimona
Troy Quane · Film · 2023
Shares a thread with The Legend of Vox Machina: Found Family.
This film echoes the anti-hero charm of The Legend of Vox Machina by pairing a framed knight with a scrappy outcast to prove their worth against a judgmental society.
The Lego Movie
Film · 2014
Explores: Self-discovery, Creativity, Conformity vs. individuality.
The Legend of Vox Machina fans will enjoy this journey of an ordinary individual thrust into a hero's role, mirroring the way an unlikely crew saves the world through sheer grit.
Moana
John Musker · Film · 2016
Explores: Self-Discovery, Cultural Heritage, Environmentalism.
Just as the characters in The Legend of Vox Machina must overcome personal obstacles to save their realm, this story follows a determined hero on a transformative quest to restore balance.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
As the spiritual predecessor to the actual play style of The Legend of Vox Machina, this podcast offers the same improvised banter and group dynamics that make the show memorable.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Legend of Vox Machina based on a specific tabletop game?
Yes, The Legend of Vox Machina is an adaptation of the web series Critical Role, which features a group of voice actors playing Dungeons & Dragons. The show follows the journey of these misfits as they transition from mercenaries for hire to protectors of the realm.
Should I watch Critical Role before starting The Legend of Vox Machina?
You do not need to watch Critical Role to understand the plot of The Legend of Vox Machina. The series is designed as an independent viewing experience that introduces the ragtag crew and their fight against evil without requiring prior knowledge of the original tabletop campaign.
Does The Legend of Vox Machina share themes with the 1983 Dungeons & Dragons animated series?
Both The Legend of Vox Machina and the 1983 Dungeons & Dragons series are rooted in the fantasy world of the tabletop game. While the 1983 show follows a group lost in a magical realm, Vox Machina focuses on a boisterous crew of mercenaries defending their kingdom.
Is the humor in The Legend of Vox Machina similar to Futurama: Bender's Game?
Both The Legend of Vox Machina and Futurama: Bender's Game utilize a rowdy and irreverent tone. While they originate from different creative sources, they both feature groups of misfits navigating dangerous fantasy scenarios with a focus on humor and unconventional character dynamics.