What to Read Based on Your Pop Culture Obsessions

Posted by Cybil on May 1, 2025


It’s no secret that we’re in a golden age of television, with multiple networks and streaming services in healthy competition. Movies, too, on screens big and small. The result is a wide range of quality options for anyone who loves the art of storytelling.
 
Here at Goodreads World Headquarters, we’re devoted book people, of course. But when it comes to movies and TV shows, we’ve got our favorites, too. There’s no reason we can’t enjoy the best of all worlds.
 
Today’s collection is devoted to those who have found the kind of storytelling they like on-screen but don’t know where to turn for similar books. Luckily, our tireless editorial squad knows a little bit about TV/movies and a whole lot about books. We have some suggestions.
 
For instance, perhaps you like The White Lotus, and you’d like to find a book with similar ratios of luxury and malfeasance. We have some ideas. Six, actually. Or you’re looking for interesting variations on the zombie apocalypse template, à la The Last of Us. Or Succession or Sinners or Yellowjackets or Nosferatu or Hacks…
 
Click on the book cover images for more information about each title. And you can use the Want to Read button to add books to your digital to-do shelf.
 

 

Novels if you like Severance

The work is mysterious and important…and a little bit sci-fi.


Novels if you like The White Lotus

The ultimate luxury may be surviving until the end of the book.


Novels if you like Sinners

Did the season's hottest new horror movie leave you thirsting for more? 


Novels if you like Survivor (and Survivor-like shows)

The tribe has spoken…and sometimes their decisions are a wee drastic.


Novels if you like The Substance

When keeping up appearances can be a real pain.


Novels if you like The Last of Us

Zombies, fungus among us, mysterious outbreaks, terror!


Novels if you like Succession

Mixing family, business, and money equals serious drama.


Novels if you like Nosferatu

Historical fiction with serious bite.


Novels if you like Hacks

Comedians and TV people? You have to be joking.


Novels if you like Yellowjackets

Toxic friendships, culty vibes, and a sprinkling of cannibalism.


Novels if you like Only Murders in the Building

If you like your mysteries charming and madcap, this is for you.


Novels if you like The Bachelor/The Bachelorette/That Kinda Thing 

These books aren't here to make friends, but they may be vying for a rose.