What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Pillars of the Earth
Sergio Mimica-Gezzan · Series · 2010
If you loved The Pillars of the Earth, start with The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett, 1989) — a book from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Pillars of the Earth across media.
What hooked you in The Pillars of the Earth was the way sweeping historical shifts collide with the raw ambition of individuals.
Start with the source
Books on the same thread
The Canterbury Tales
Geoffrey Chaucer · Book · 1977
Explores: Pilgrimage, Social Commentary, Satire.
If you enjoyed the complex social hierarchy and religious life of The Pillars of the Earth, this medieval narrative offers a similar window into the daily realities of the era.
East of Eden
John Steinbeck · Book · 2003
Shares a thread with The Pillars of the Earth: Good vs Evil.
You will recognize the grand, multi-generational scope of The Pillars of the Earth in this epic struggle, where the timeless battle between good and evil drives the narrative forward.
The Armor of Light
Ken Follett · Book
Explores: societal change, class struggle, technological advancement.
As the next chapter in the Kingsbridge saga, this book continues the tradition of The Pillars of the Earth by showing how monumental societal changes redefine the lives of everyday people.
The Good Earth
Pearl S. Buck · Book · 2004
Explores: Poverty, Land Ownership, Social Mobility.
The focus on land ownership and social mobility mirrors the foundational struggles of The Pillars of the Earth, grounding a broad historical story in the lives of a single family.
Films on the same thread
There Will Be Blood
Paul Thomas Anderson · Film · 2007
Explores: Greed, Ambition, Family Conflict.
The collision between religious faith and ruthless ambition in this film echoes the intense power struggles found in The Pillars of the Earth, played out on a similarly grand scale.
The Lion in Winter
Film · 1968
Shares a thread with The Pillars of the Earth: Political Intrigue.
This political thriller captures the same high-stakes treachery and family infighting that defined the court dynamics in The Pillars of the Earth, focusing on the volatile nature of royal succession.
Schindler's List
Steven Spielberg · Film · 1993
Explores: Survival, Moral Courage, Dehumanization.
Just as The Pillars of the Earth highlights moral courage against a backdrop of cruelty, this film depicts the profound impact of one individual navigating a system of extreme evil.
The Ten Commandments
Cecil B. DeMille · Film · 1956
Shares 2 threads with The Pillars of the Earth: Good vs Evil, Historical Drama.
The epic scale and focus on destiny and faith make this a natural successor to the religious and political drama that drives the plot of The Pillars of the Earth.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Archers
Podcast
Explores: family life, community, farming.
If the community-driven narrative of The Pillars of the Earth kept you engaged, this long-running drama offers a similar deep dive into the interconnected lives of a rural population.
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History
Dan Carlin · Podcast · 2026
Explores: civilizational collapse, human nature, moral ambiguity.
This podcast explores the same themes of civilizational collapse and moral ambiguity that underpin the historical conflicts in The Pillars of the Earth through a rigorous, analytical lens.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Pillars of the Earth based on a book?
Yes, the 2010 television miniseries The Pillars of the Earth is an adaptation of the 1989 novel of the same name. Both versions depict a sweeping epic of treachery, intrigue, and power struggles set against the backdrop of 12th century England.
What is the setting of The Pillars of the Earth?
The Pillars of the Earth is set in 12th century England. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of war, religious strife, and intense power struggles, capturing a story of good and evil, violence and beauty, and the complexities of the era.
Should I read the book before watching The Pillars of the Earth?
Reading the 1989 source material provides deeper context for the 2010 television adaptation, but it is not required. Both versions of The Pillars of the Earth effectively deliver the same sweeping epic of treachery and intrigue within the historical setting of 12th century England.
Is The Pillars of the Earth a historical drama?
The Pillars of the Earth is a historical epic defined by its 12th century England setting. It focuses on themes of religious strife and power struggles, presenting a sensuous and spirited story that balances the violence and beauty of the period.