What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Wager
David Grann · Book · 2023
If you loved The Wager, start with Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Wager across media.
What captivated you in The Wager was the harrowing intersection of human desperation, institutional betrayal, and the unraveling of moral truth under extreme pressure.
Films on the same thread
Killers of the Flower Moon
Film · 2023
Explores: Systemic Racism, Greed, Betrayal.
If the meticulous investigation of greed and systemic corruption in The Wager fascinated you, this exploration of institutional betrayal and the exploitation of the vulnerable will feel deeply familiar.
Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea
Film · 2026
Explores: human fallibility, institutional negligence, trauma and recovery.
This documentary mirrors the maritime dread found in The Wager, focusing on the harrowing reality of human fallibility and institutional negligence when survival is pushed to its absolute limit.
The Wolf of Wall Street
Film · 2013
Explores: Greed, Excess, Corruption.
Much like the characters in The Wager who prioritize their own survival over honor, this film examines the destructive nature of unchecked greed and the moral decay of men.
Society of the Snow
J. A. Bayona · Film · 2023
Explores: Survival, Human Endurance, Cannibalism.
The Wager excels at depicting the limits of human endurance, a theme explored with visceral intensity here as survivors navigate the psychological and physical toll of an isolated tragedy.
Series on the same thread
The Terror
David Kajganich · Series · 2018
Explores: Survival, Isolation, Madness.
This series captures the same atmosphere of isolation and impending madness found in The Wager, grounding its terrifying survival narrative in the brutal realities of historical exploration and tragedy.
Shōgun
Rachel Kondo · Series · 2024
Explores: Power Struggle, Cultural Clash, Survival.
If you appreciated the complex power struggles and cultural clashes within The Wager, this epic drama offers a similarly immersive look at how survival forces individuals to navigate shifting alliances.
The North Water
Andrew Haigh · Series · 2021
Shares a thread with The Wager: Man vs. Nature.
This brutal survival thriller echoes the moral ambiguity of The Wager, featuring characters whose humanity is stripped away by the unforgiving environment and the weight of their own choices.
The Great
Tony McNamara · Series · 2020
Explores: Political Intrigue, Gender Politics, Royal Court.
While tonally distinct, this series deconstructs the 18th-century power structures that form the backdrop of The Wager, offering a sharp, satirical look at the corruption inherent in royal courts.
Podcasts on the same thread
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History
Dan Carlin · Podcast · 2026
Explores: civilizational collapse, human nature, moral ambiguity.
Dan Carlin dissects the human nature and moral ambiguity that made The Wager so compelling, providing a deep-dive perspective on the consequences of power during moments of civilizational collapse.
Criminal
Podcast
Explores: Justice, Wrongful Conviction, Morality.
The Wager is fundamentally a story about the gray areas of justice, a theme this podcast explores by focusing on the complex, often contradictory nature of human behavior and morality.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Wager based on a true story?
Yes, The Wager is a work of narrative nonfiction written by David Grann. It documents the historical events of a shipwreck, the subsequent survival of the crew, and the following court martial that revealed shocking truths about the incident.
Who is the author of The Wager?
The Wager was written by David Grann. He is also the author of Killers of the Flower Moon. The Wager has spent over one year on the New York Times best seller list since its publication in 2023.
What is the primary subject of The Wager?
The Wager focuses on a shipwreck and the resulting survival and savagery of the crew. The narrative follows these events through to a court martial, which uncovers the deeper meaning behind the actions of the captain and the men aboard the vessel.
How long has The Wager been a best seller?
The Wager has maintained a position on the New York Times best seller list for over one year. This narrative nonfiction account of the shipwreck and court martial has been recognized as a tour de force by the Wall Street Journal.