What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThor
Kenneth Branagh · Film · 2011
If you loved Thor, start with Thor: The Dark World (Alan Taylor, 2013) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Thor across media.
What hooked you in Thor was the way larger-than-life mythological figures must navigate their own fallible humanity and complex family legacies.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Thor: The Dark World
Alan Taylor · Film · 2013
Adaptation
Thor: Ragnarok
Taika Waititi · Film · 2017
Adaptation
Thor: Love and Thunder
Film · 2022
Books on the same thread
The Hobbit
J. R. R. Tolkien · Book · 1937
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Courage, The Hero's Journey.
Like Thor, this tale centers on an unlikely hero thrust into a grand, perilous quest, forcing a reluctant traveler to discover inner courage amidst a vast high-fantasy world.
Lightning Thief
Rick Riordan · Book · 2013
Explores: Greek Mythology, Coming of Age, Identity.
If Thor resonated with you, this story of a boy discovering his divine heritage mirrors the struggle of reconciling god-like power with the realities of the mortal world.
Pinocchio
Carlo Collodi · Book · 1996
Shares 2 threads with Thor: Redemption, Father-Son Relationship.
The journey toward redemption and moral growth found in Thor is echoed here as a wayward protagonist learns the heavy consequences of his actions while seeking true belonging.
The Lightning Thief
Rick Riordan · Book · 2005
Explores: reluctant hero, hidden magical world, found family.
Much like the protagonist in Thor, Percy Jackson must grapple with the burden of his lineage while navigating a hidden world filled with ancient, mythological threats and responsibilities.
Series on the same thread
Vikings
Michael Hirst · Series · 2013
Explores: Power Struggle, Exploration, Warrior Culture.
The power struggles and warrior culture seen in Thor are central to this saga, focusing on the rise of a legendary figure defined by his ambition and family.
Invincible
Series · 2021
Shares a thread with Thor: Father-Son Relationship.
This series examines the complicated father-son relationship found in Thor, specifically focusing on the pressure of living up to a legendary, powerful parent within a superhero framework.
Game of Thrones
David Benioff · Series · 2011
Explores: Power Struggles, Moral Ambiguity, War and Politics.
The grand scale of political conflict and ancient evil that challenges the gods in Thor is mirrored in this epic struggle for power across a sprawling, mythical landscape.
Doctor Who
Sydney Newman · Series · 2005
Shares a thread with Thor: Redemption.
Like the titular hero of Thor, the Doctor is an ancient, powerful being who navigates the complexities of protecting others while dealing with the burdens of his own existence.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
If you enjoyed the ensemble dynamics in Thor, you will appreciate how this group of adventurers balances high-stakes fantasy quests with the humor of navigating impossible, magical worlds.
The Truth
The Truth · Podcast · 2026
Explores: human condition, experimental storytelling, moral ambiguity.
These stories capture the same sense of wonder and moral inquiry found in Thor, offering brief, immersive glimpses into worlds where the extraordinary challenges the common human experience.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What order should I watch the Thor movies in?
To follow the narrative arc of the character, start with the 2011 film Thor. You should then proceed in release order with Thor: The Dark World, followed by Thor: Ragnarok, and finally Thor: Love and Thunder to complete the series as listed.
Is Thor: The Dark World a direct sequel to the 2011 Thor movie?
Yes, Thor: The Dark World is the official sequel to the 2011 film Thor. It continues the story of the warrior god after he is cast down to Earth and learns what it takes to be a true hero among humans.
How many movies are currently in the Thor film series?
There are four films in the series based on the source material. The titles are Thor, released in 2011, followed by its sequels Thor: The Dark World in 2013, Thor: Ragnarok in 2017, and Thor: Love and Thunder in 2022.
Should I watch Thor before seeing Thor: Ragnarok?
Yes, you should watch the 2011 film Thor before viewing Thor: Ragnarok. Watching the films in order allows you to understand the evolution of the protagonist from an arrogant warrior god into a hero who defends Earth from the forces of Asgard.