What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedWar Dogs
Todd Phillips · Film · 2016
If you loved War Dogs, start with Bloodhounds (Jason Kim, 2023) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to War Dogs across media.
You loved War Dogs because it highlights how ordinary people exploit massive bureaucratic systems for their own profit and personal gain.
Books on the same thread
American Prometheus
Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin · Book
Shares a thread with War Dogs: Moral ambiguity.
Like War Dogs, this biography explores the moral ambiguity that arises when brilliant individuals navigate the complex intersection of government contracts, military ambition, and profound ethical compromise.
Catch-22
Joseph Heller · Book · 1961
Explores: Bureaucratic absurdity, Existential dread, The insanity of war.
This satire mirrors the absurdity found in War Dogs, illustrating how institutional logic and bureaucratic nightmares create environments where profit and survival supersede common sense or morality.
War Paint
Brian Lehman · Book · 2019
Explores: Coming-of-Age, Anti-War Sentiment, Man vs. Nature.
Fans of the high-stakes military atmosphere in War Dogs will appreciate this gritty look at the chaos of the Vietnam War and the cynical reality of combat zones.
Dog Man
Dav Pilkey · Book · 2016
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Crime-fighting, Animal Heroes.
If War Dogs hit, Dog Man shares the thread.
Series on the same thread
Narcos
Chris Brancato · Series · 2015
Shares a thread with War Dogs: Moral Ambiguity.
If you were drawn to the rise-and-fall narrative of War Dogs, you will find this chronicle of powerful cartels equally compelling for its focus on corruption and greed.
Band of Brothers
Series · 2001
Explores: brotherhood, war trauma, leadership.
If War Dogs hit, Band of Brothers shares the thread.
Bloodhounds
Jason Kim · Series · 2023
Shares a thread with War Dogs: Underdog Story.
Much like the underdog protagonists of War Dogs, the characters here must navigate dangerous financial systems, proving that desperate people often turn to unconventional methods to survive.
The Wire
David Simon · Series · 2002
Shares a thread with War Dogs: Moral Ambiguity.
This series shares the cynical DNA of War Dogs, masterfully depicting how systemic corruption and bureaucratic self-interest define the modern war on drugs and those who profit.
Podcasts on the same thread
WAR MODE
Podcast
Explores: Dark Humor, Cynicism, Current Events Commentary.
If the dark humor and cynical commentary on current events in War Dogs kept you engaged, this podcast provides a similar irreverent take on the modern world.
Crime in Sports
James Pietragallo, Jimmie Whisman · Podcast · 2026
Explores: athlete misconduct, legal absurdity, scandalous behavior.
Just as War Dogs finds dark comedy in the legal absurdity of arms dealing, this show explores the hilarious and scandalous misconduct of athletes who disregard the law.
Common questions
Is War Dogs based on a true story?
Yes, War Dogs is based on the true story of David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli. The film follows these two young men as they secure a 300 million dollar contract from the Pentagon to arm American allies located in Afghanistan.
What is the plot of War Dogs?
War Dogs depicts the real life events of two men who win a massive government contract to supply weapons for the war in Afghanistan. The story focuses on their journey as they navigate the complexities of international arms dealing and military procurement.
Who are the main characters in War Dogs?
The main characters in War Dogs are David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli. These two young men are the central figures who successfully win a 300 million dollar contract from the Pentagon to provide arms to allies of the United States in Afghanistan.
What mission are the characters in War Dogs working on?
In War Dogs, the characters are working to fulfill a 300 million dollar contract awarded by the Pentagon. Their objective is to arm American allies in Afghanistan, which serves as the primary conflict and narrative driver for the film.