What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Mummy Returns
Film · 2001
If you loved The Mummy Returns, start with The Scorpion King (Chuck Russell, 2002) — a film from the same story. Below: 1 book, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Mummy Returns across media.
What hooked you in The Mummy Returns was the way high-stakes mythological threats constantly force families and friends to fight together.
Start with the source
Adaptation
The Scorpion King
Chuck Russell · Film · 2002
Books on the same thread
Return of the Mummy
R. L. Stine · Book · 1994
Explores: Ancient Egyptian Mythology, Supernatural Skepticism, Cursed Relics.
If the cursed Egyptian atmosphere of The Mummy Returns kept you on the edge of your seat, this story delivers that same blend of ancient dread and suspenseful tomb-robbing.
Series on the same thread
Dragon Ball Z
Series · 1989
Explores: Good vs Evil, Protecting Earth, Transformations.
The Mummy Returns centers on a father protecting his son from world-ending threats, a dynamic that mirrors the relentless drive Goku displays while defending his own family from invaders.
Naruto Shippūden
Series · 2007
Explores: Coming of Age, Friendship, Determination.
Just as the O’Connells face off against the resurrected Imhotep, Naruto must contend with the dangerous Akatsuki, capturing the same feeling of heroes confronting organized, ancient, and powerful enemies.
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
Series · 2012
Explores: Intergenerational Conflict, Destiny, Friendship.
The Mummy Returns thrives on intergenerational heroics against supernatural foes, matching the epic scale of the Joestar family’s long-standing struggle to overcome evil across their own bizarre, action-packed history.
Samurai Jack
Genndy Tartakovsky · Series · 2001
Explores: Good vs Evil, Time Travel, Fish Out of Water.
The Mummy Returns excels at placing heroes in strange, hostile environments, much like Samurai Jack’s journey through a dystopian future where he must constantly outmaneuver a powerful, malevolent, shape-shifting wizard.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
The Mummy Returns succeeds because of the banter and bond shared by its main cast, a chemistry that you will find echoed in the improvised, high-stakes adventures of this family.
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Gimlet · Podcast · 2026
Explores: internet subcultures, modern connectivity, technological ethics.
While The Mummy Returns focuses on supernatural exploration, this podcast captures the same sense of curiosity and investigative drive that pushes Rick and Evelyn to uncover the world's hidden mysteries.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Scorpion King a direct follow-up to The Mummy Returns?
The Scorpion King, released in 2002, functions as a spin-off prequel. It explores the origins of the legendary warrior who appears in The Mummy Returns. While the character is central to the plot of the 2001 film, the spin-off provides his specific backstory.
What is the primary conflict involving the Bracelet of Anubis in The Mummy Returns?
In The Mummy Returns, the O'Connell family discovers the Bracelet of Anubis, which holds the power to command the Scorpion King's otherworldly army. Imhotep seeks to control this army and kidnaps Alex O'Connell, who is wearing the bracelet, to achieve his goal.
Should I watch The Mummy Returns before starting The Scorpion King?
Watching The Mummy Returns first is recommended because it introduces the Scorpion King character and his connection to the Bracelet of Anubis. The 2001 film establishes the lore that makes the 2002 spin-off movie relevant to the overarching narrative of the O'Connell family adventures.
How does Imhotep threaten the O'Connell family in The Mummy Returns?
Imhotep is resurrected in The Mummy Returns and targets the O'Connell family to secure the Bracelet of Anubis. He specifically kidnaps their son, Alex, because the boy is the bearer of the artifact, which Imhotep requires to gain control over the Scorpion King's army.