If you loved
The Originals
Julie Plec · Series · 2013
What hooked you in The Originals is the way ancient, power-hungry families navigate complex webs of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption.
Start with the source
The source
The Vampire Diaries
Julie Plec · Series · 2009
Books on the same thread
The Vampire Chronicles
Anne Rice · Book · 1976
Shares a thread with The Originals: Vampire Fiction.
If the immortal angst and existential power struggles of The Originals captivated you, this foundational series offers the definitive exploration of vampire identity and the burden of eternal life.
The Southern Vampire Mysteries
Charlaine Harris · Book · 2001
Shares a thread with The Originals: Urban Fantasy.
The Originals thrives on the tension between supernatural creatures and human society, a dynamic this series masterfully replicates through its seductive, small-town take on vampire politics and forbidden romance.
Sookie Stackhouse
Charlaine Harris · Book · 2009
Shares a thread with The Originals: Urban Fantasy.
Much like the Mikaelson family's struggle for dominance in New Orleans, this series centers on a strong lead navigating a dangerous, hidden world of supernatural secrets and shifting alliances.
Heroes of Olympus
Rick Riordan · Book · 2010
Explores: found family, coming of age, hidden magical world.
The Originals highlights the weight of cursed bloodlines and ancient prophecies, themes that drive this epic journey where young heroes must survive the fallout of their divine, complicated heritage.
Films on the same thread
The Avengers
Joss Whedon · Film · 2012
Shares a thread with The Originals: Redemption.
The Originals showcases the necessity of unconventional teams in the face of global threats, mirroring the way this ensemble must unite to protect the world from imminent disaster.
Descendants
Kenny Ortega · Film · 2015
Shares a thread with The Originals: Redemption.
Fans of the complex moral arcs in The Originals will appreciate this story of descendants grappling with their parents' dark legacies while seeking their own paths toward redemption.
Teen Wolf: The Movie
Russell Mulcahy · Film · 2023
Explores: Coming of age, Friendship, Loyalty.
The Originals is defined by the enduring loyalty of a supernatural family, a core element echoed here as old friends reunite to combat an ancient evil threatening their community.
Maleficent
Robert Stromberg · Film · 2014
Shares a thread with The Originals: Redemption.
The Originals explores the blurred lines between villainy and heroism, a theme mirrored in this revisionist tale where a protector is driven by the sting of betrayal and vengeance.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Orphans
The Light and Tragic Company · Podcast · 2025
If the desperate survival and emotional stakes of The Originals kept you watching, this audio drama offers a similar intensity through its portrayal of castaways facing a hostile universe.
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
The Originals relies on the volatile group dynamics of its cast, a quality mirrored in this high-adventure narrative where improvised choices and character bonds drive the unfolding story.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Should I watch The Vampire Diaries before I start The Originals?
The Originals is a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries. While you can understand the premise of the Mikaelson family's quest to reclaim New Orleans on its own, watching The Vampire Diaries first provides essential background on the characters and their history before they moved to their new city.
Is The Originals the only spin-off from The Vampire Diaries?
Yes, The Originals is the direct spin-off of The Vampire Diaries. It continues the story of the Mikaelson family, who were introduced in the original series, as they attempt to dominate New Orleans and seek revenge against those who have wronged them over their millennia of existence.
What is the main plot of The Originals?
The Originals follows the Mikaelson family, who are millennia-old vampires. The plot centers on their power-hungry desire to reclaim New Orleans, the city they originally built. They must navigate local conflicts and work to dominate those who have crossed them throughout their long history.
How does The Originals relate to The Vampire Diaries?
The Originals is a spin-off series based on characters from The Vampire Diaries. It focuses specifically on the Mikaelson family, transitioning their narrative from the world established in The Vampire Diaries to a new setting in New Orleans where they fight to reclaim their power and influence.