What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Way Way Back
Jim Rash · Film · 2013
If you loved The Way Way Back, start with The O.C. (Josh Schwartz, 2003) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Way Way Back across media.
You loved The Way Way Back because it captures the awkward, funny, and poignant struggle of finding your footing within a dysfunctional family.
Books on the same thread
The Deep End (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 15)
Jeff Kinney · Book · 2020
Shares 2 threads with The Way Way Back: Summer Vacation, Coming-of-Age.
Just as Duncan finds his voice during a difficult summer in The Way Way Back, you will appreciate how Greg navigates family road trip tensions and social awkwardness.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul
Jeff Kinney · Book · 2014
Shares 2 threads with The Way Way Back: Dysfunctional Family, Summer Vacation.
If the family friction in The Way Way Back resonated with you, this chronicle of a disastrous road trip offers a similarly humorous look at relatable domestic dysfunction.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Jeff Kinney · Book · 2007
Explores: social awkwardness, middle school hierarchy, coming of age.
The Way Way Back excels at depicting the pains of adolescence, a theme that remains the heart of this diary as it explores the hierarchy of middle school life.
The Getaway
Jeff Kinney · Book · 2017
Shares a thread with The Way Way Back: Dysfunctional Family.
Much like the forced proximity of the vacation in The Way Way Back, this story highlights the specific frustrations and misadventures that occur when families are stuck together.
Series on the same thread
Rick and Morty
Dan Harmon · Series · 2013
Shares a thread with The Way Way Back: Dysfunctional Family.
If you enjoyed the complex, often difficult family dynamics depicted in The Way Way Back, you will find a more chaotic and dark exploration of those same bonds here.
The O.C.
Josh Schwartz · Series · 2003
Explores: Class Differences, Privilege, Identity.
The Way Way Back focuses on a teen finding his place in a new environment, mirroring the journey of a young man navigating identity and privilege in a new community.
The Wonder Years
Neal Marlens · Series · 1988
Shares a thread with The Way Way Back: Coming-of-Age.
This series shares the nostalgic, coming-of-age spirit of The Way Way Back, focusing on the trials of youth and the importance of relationships while growing up in suburbia.
Malcolm in the Middle
Linwood Boomer · Series · 2000
Shares a thread with The Way Way Back: Dysfunctional Family.
If you connected with the struggle of being a misunderstood teenager in The Way Way Back, you will appreciate this portrait of a gifted boy navigating his dysfunctional family.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Wayback with Ryan Sickler
The Wayback with Ryan Sickler · Podcast
Explores: nostalgia, personal growth, shared experience.
The Way Way Back thrives on its reflective, personal tone, and this podcast offers a similar space for candid, nostalgic storytelling that explores the process of personal growth.
Bein' Ian with Jordan
Podcast
Explores: friendship, nostalgia, youth.
The charm of The Way Way Back lies in its authentic depiction of youth, which is mirrored by the candid and friendly conversations about growing up found here.