What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Old Man & the Gun
David Lowery · Film · 2018
If you loved The Old Man & the Gun, start with The Rookie (Alexi Hawley, 2018) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Old Man & the Gun across media.
You were drawn to The Old Man & the Gun because of its lighthearted approach to the complexities of aging and criminal ambition.
Books on the same thread
The Old Man and the Sea
Ernest Hemingway · Book · 1952
Explores: Man vs. Nature, Perseverance, Aging.
Much like the protagonist in The Old Man & the Gun, you will appreciate this meditation on mortality and the quiet dignity found in pursuing one’s lifelong craft.
The Art Thief
Michael Finkel · Book
Explores: obsession, criminal psychology, art appreciation.
If the gentlemanly criminal charm of The Old Man & the Gun captivated you, this account of an art thief driven by pure obsession offers a similarly compelling perspective.
A Man Called Ove: A Novel
Fredrik Backman · Book · 2016
Explores: Grumbling protagonist, Unexpected friendship, Redemption.
The Old Man & the Gun highlights the grace of a life in its later stages, a theme mirrored in this story of a grumpy man finding unexpected connection.
Killers of the Flower Moon
David Grann · Book · 2018
Explores: systemic corruption, colonial exploitation, conspiracy.
While darker than The Old Man & the Gun, this true crime investigation shares the same fascination with the intricate cat and mouse games that define American criminal history.
Series on the same thread
The Rookie
Alexi Hawley · Series · 2018
Explores: Second Chance, Midlife Crisis, Ageism.
The Old Man & the Gun explores the audacity of defying age-related expectations, a sentiment that drives this story about a man starting a new career as a rookie.
The Kominsky Method
Chuck Lorre · Series · 2018
Explores: Aging, Mortality, Friendship.
This show captures the same bittersweet humor regarding aging and mortality that defined The Old Man & the Gun, focusing on the enduring nature of long-term professional friendships.
Only Murders in the Building
Steve Martin · Series · 2021
Explores: True Crime Obsession, New York City, Intergenerational Friendship.
The Old Man & the Gun blends crime with an easygoing charisma, mirroring the way these characters navigate their own true crime obsession with humor and unexpected intergenerational bonds.
Crime Story
Gustave Reininger · Series · 1986
Explores: Obsession, Good vs. Evil, Moral ambiguity.
This series leans into the obsessive pursuit seen in The Old Man & the Gun, focusing on the intense moral ambiguity between a lawman and his elusive criminal target.
Podcasts on the same thread
Criminal
Podcast
Explores: Justice, Wrongful Conviction, Morality.
The Old Man & the Gun invites you to empathize with the criminal mind, an approach this podcast takes by exploring the complex human stories behind various legal infractions.
Small Town Murder
James Pietragallo, Jimmie Whisman · Podcast · 2026
Explores: provincial life, tragic irony, forensic breakdown.
If you enjoyed the way The Old Man & the Gun balances crime with a comedic sensibility, you will find this blend of tragic history and levity equally engaging.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Old Man & the Gun based on a true story?
Yes, The Old Man & the Gun is based on the true story of Forrest Tucker. The film follows his life as a career criminal who escapes from San Quentin at age 70 and begins an unprecedented string of heists that captivates both the public and local authorities.
What is the primary conflict in The Old Man & the Gun?
The primary conflict in The Old Man & the Gun involves a detective who becomes obsessed with capturing Forrest Tucker. As the detective tracks the heist spree, he finds himself captivated by Tucker's dedication to his profession while a woman in Tucker's life struggles with his criminal choices.
How old is the protagonist in The Old Man & the Gun?
The protagonist in The Old Man & the Gun is 70 years old at the start of the film. This age is significant as it marks the point when he performs an audacious escape from San Quentin to begin his final series of heists.
Does The Old Man & the Gun focus only on the heists?
No, The Old Man & the Gun focuses on more than just the heists. The narrative explores the complex relationship between Forrest Tucker and the woman who loves him, as well as the professional fascination the detective develops for Tucker throughout his pursuit of the aging criminal.