
If you loved
Wayne
Shawn Simmons · Series · 2019
What hooked you in Wayne was the way two defiant outsiders force their own justice while fleeing a broken world.
Books on the same thread
The Car
Gary Paulsen · Book · 1994
Like the titular character in Wayne, Terry finds agency through a vehicle, turning a solitary road trip into a gritty, personal quest for survival and identity amidst abandonment.
Unwind
Neal Shusterman · Book · 2009
You will recognize the desperate, high-stakes energy of Wayne in this cross-country escape, where teenage runaways must rely entirely on each other to survive a predatory, unforgiving society.
The Rage: A Game of Survival
Natica Brown · Book · 2017
This story mirrors the violent, unpredictable shifts found in Wayne, forcing an ordinary teenager to embrace a harsh, survivalist mentality when his world is suddenly turned upside down.
Twisted Love
Ana Huang · Book · 2022
Fans of the intense, protective bond between Wayne and Del will appreciate this exploration of a dark, haunted protagonist whose ruthless nature is defined by his singular, obsessive devotion.
Films on the same thread

Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Taika Waititi · Film · 2016
This movie captures the same kinetic, rebellious spirit of Wayne, pairing two unlikely outcasts on a dangerous journey through the wilderness that forces them into a deep, protective bond.

Nimona
Troy Quane · Film · 2023
Much like the dynamic between Wayne and his companion, this story centers on a misunderstood pair of outcasts fighting back against a rigid society that refuses to accept them.

Three Steps Above Heaven
Fernando González Molina · Film · 2010
The volatile, intense romance that drives the plot of Wayne is mirrored here, as two teenagers from conflicting worlds embark on a reckless journey fueled by their forbidden connection.

Badlands
Terrence Malick · Film · 1974
This film provides the raw, nihilistic road-trip template that Wayne subverts, focusing on a disaffected couple whose violent escapism leads them into an inevitable, dark confrontation with the world.
Podcasts on the same thread

S-Town
Serial Productions · Podcast · 2024
If the small-town isolation and eccentric, rebellious atmosphere of Wayne appealed to you, this investigation into a man battling his own surroundings offers a similarly sharp, character-driven perspective.

CounterClock
Audiochuck · Podcast · 2025
Wayne hinges on the need to uncover the truth of a father's past; this podcast mirrors that obsession, following a journalist determined to resolve a cold case involving long-buried secrets.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Wayne a story about a road trip?
Yes, Wayne follows the sixteen-year-old protagonist as he sets out on a dirt bike with his crush, Del. The two travel together on a journey to recover a stolen 1978 Pontiac Trans Am that originally belonged to Wayne's father before he passed away.
What is the primary goal of the characters in Wayne?
The main objective in Wayne is for the lead character and Del to retrieve a 1978 Pontiac Trans Am. The vehicle was stolen from Wayne's father prior to his death, and the two travel together to take the car back from those who currently possess it.
Who are the main characters featured in Wayne?
The central characters in Wayne are a sixteen-year-old boy named Wayne and his new crush, Del. The narrative focuses on their relationship as they navigate a gritty and sometimes bloody world together while attempting to reclaim a stolen vehicle from Wayne's past.
Is Wayne described as a lighthearted show?
No, Wayne is characterized as a gritty and sometimes bloody tale. The story centers on the intense journey of Wayne and Del as they face the world together to recover a stolen 1978 Pontiac Trans Am that held significance for Wayne's late father.