What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedTolkien
Dome Karukoski · Film · 2019
If you loved Tolkien, start with The Fellowship of the Ring (John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, 2002) — a book on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Tolkien across media.
What hooked you in Tolkien is how the profound bonds of friendship are tested against the harsh, transformative realities of history.
Books on the same thread
The Fellowship of the Ring
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien · Book · 2002
Shares a thread with Tolkien: Loss of Innocence.
If you enjoyed the exploration of fellowship in Tolkien, you will recognize the same devotion to camaraderie and the heroic spirit that defined the author's early formative years.
The Lord of the Rings
J. R. R. Tolkien · Book · 1954
Shares a thread with Tolkien: The Power of Friendship.
Tracing the roots of the author's creativity in Tolkien reveals the inspiration behind this landmark series, where the power of friendship remains a central pillar of the narrative.
The two towers
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien · Book · 1981
Shares a thread with Tolkien: Fellowship.
This entry mirrors the scale of the world-building seen in Tolkien, connecting the author's academic passion for distinct histories and languages to his most enduring epic adventure tale.
The Hobbit
J. R. R. Tolkien · Book · 1937
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Courage, The Hero's Journey.
The spirit of adventure in Tolkien is rooted in the author's own life, and this quest captures that same sense of wonder, courage, and the bonds between companions.
Series on the same thread
Generation War
Philipp Kadelbach · Series · 2013
Shares a thread with Tolkien: Loss of Innocence.
This series reflects the tragic loss of innocence portrayed in Tolkien, showing how the machinery of war forces young friends to confront a nightmare that shatters their youth.
Dickinson
Alena Smith · Series · 2019
Explores: Female Empowerment, Literary Ambition, Rebellion Against Societal Norms.
Much like the focus on artistic inspiration in Tolkien, this biographical story highlights the drive of a young writer struggling to define their voice against societal expectations.
Band of Brothers
Series · 2001
Shares a thread with Tolkien: loss of innocence.
The themes of brotherhood and the lasting trauma of combat found in Tolkien are mirrored here, focusing on the deep, unbreakable connections formed by men in the trenches.
The Last Kingdom
Stephen Butchard · Series · 2015
Explores: warrior culture, identity crisis, cultural clash.
The epic scope and focus on identity found in Tolkien translate well here, as this story balances the weight of historical conflict with the personal journey of survival.
Podcasts on the same thread
1619
The New York Times · Podcast · 2019
Explores: systemic racism, national identity, legacy of slavery.
Tolkien emphasizes the weight of history and origins, a theme echoed in this documentary series as it examines the foundational events that shaped the modern world's identity.
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Team Coco & Earwolf · Podcast · 2026
Explores: parasocial relationships, professional intimacy, self-deprecating humor.
While lighter in tone than Tolkien, this podcast explores the genuine desire for authentic connection, reflecting the same human longing for true fellowship seen in the film.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Tolkien a biographical film about the author?
Yes, Tolkien is a 2019 biographical film directed by Dome Karukoski that focuses on the early life of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. It depicts his formative years in early 20th century England, his school friendships, and the experiences that shaped his future as a writer and philologist.
Does Tolkien cover the writer's experiences during World War I?
Yes, the film Tolkien portrays how the outbreak of World War I impacts the protagonist. It explores how the conflict threatens to shatter the strong bond and fellowship that Tolkien formed with his three schoolmates through their shared passion for literature and art.
What period of the author's life does Tolkien focus on?
The movie Tolkien focuses on the author's life in early 20th century England. It specifically tracks his development from his school years, where he creates a fellowship with three close friends, through the onset of his adulthood and the challenges posed by the First World War.
Is the friendship between schoolmates central to the plot of Tolkien?
Yes, the plot of Tolkien centers on the deep bond between the future writer and three of his schoolmates. This fellowship is built on a mutual love for literature and art, serving as a primary narrative focus as they grow up together before facing the disruption of war.