The Best Books, Movies, Video Games, and Podcasts to Listen to After Watching Euphoria.
Euphoria is perhaps the most chaotic series of all time—not only do its teenage characters face epic levels of drama, trauma, and various illegal activities, but the production has spiraled out of control ( a third season was announced four years ago ), despite conflicts between the cast . Add to this the chaotic approach to storytelling, and you have a series that seems made for our online-centric times.
Season three finally drops on April 12, and if that seems like a miracle, you might be wondering how you’ll quench your thirst for Euphoria after the new episodes run out. We’ve already suggested plenty of similar series with a similar vibe, but Euphoria ‘s dramatic, heady, and over-the-top aesthetic has also appeared in other media—books, video games, films, and even podcasts. Watch Euphoria on HBO Max .
Best books similar to Euphoria
There’s something of the novel in Ru’s narrative — the series could easily be seen as an adaptation of a postmodern novel series. If you love reading and want to experience the same thrilling thrills as the series, here are a few books that are perfect for you.
“Heroine” Mindy McGinnis
If Rue’s story is your favorite, then “Heroine” is the book for you. When Mickey, the star of the school softball team, gets injured, she relies on prescription painkillers to stay in the game—and you probably know exactly where that leads. It’s a powerful look at teen addiction and mental health.
Fuccboi, Sean Thor Conroe
Drugs, emotional turmoil, and social stagnation— Fukkoboy’s poignant tale of an irresponsible young man who gradually realizes that his bad decisions and general cowardice have trapped him in a cycle of misery is perfect for fans of Roo, Cassie, and Jules.
Hello, girls! By Brittany Cavallaro and Emily Henry.
If Rue and Jules’ doomed relationship was the fuel that kept you going throughout the first two seasons of Euphoria , then watch Hey Girls . Winona and Lucille do what Rue and Jules couldn’t: they run away together to escape their stifling lives and terrible families.
“Birdie Randolph Revolution” by Brandi Colbert
If you thought the invisible pressures children live under in the modern world seemed too realistic in the series ” Euphoria ,” then “The Birdie Randolph Revolution” is a great follow-up. Dove “Birdie” Randolph tirelessly strives to be the perfect daughter her parents want her to be—until a handsome guy, clearly not the best choice, and a reckless relative conspire to ruin her peaceful life.
“More Happy Than Unhappy” – Adam Silvera
Do you feel the same emotions as when watching Euphoria ? Experience the emotional roller coaster of Silvera’s book. In Euphoria, Aaron Soto struggles to cope with the aftermath of his father’s suicide. But as his life becomes increasingly complicated and he has fewer people to confide in, he considers an experimental procedure that might bring him peace—at the cost of everything else.
Best Movies Like Euphoria
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the frenetic, dramatic world that Euphoria offers, these movies will satisfy your cravings.
Thirteen (2003)
“Thirteen” speaks the same language as “Euphoria.” Strictly straight-A student Tracy (Evan Rachel Wood) meets new girl Evie (Nikki Reed), who introduces her to a world of drugs, sex, and terrible decisions that’s initially exciting but has a number of realistically dark consequences. Rent “Thirteen” on Prime Video.
Children (1995)
Less stylized and far more disturbing, “Kids” shows what it’s like for teenagers to be unsupervised, accessing drugs and each other’s bodies, without flashy editing or actors like Zendaya. Following a group of young teenagers in New York City as they drink, smoke, and have unprotected sex, it’s a visceral disaster—and so controversial that it was difficult to watch for a long time (the film is not streaming anywhere, but it is available for purchase on Blu-ray). Buy “Kids” on Blu-ray at Amazon .
Rules of Attraction (2002)
If you’ve ever wondered what the characters in the series Euphoria would face when they entered college, then The Rules of Attraction is the movie for you. In fact, Euphoria was likely influenced by this film (and the Bret Easton Ellis novel on which it’s based ). The main character is Sean Bateman, the younger brother of Patrick Bateman from American Psycho , and his antics are based on Ellis’s own experiences with drugs at Bennington College in Vermont. It’s a wild spiral of drugs, sex, and madness that fans of the HBO series will love. Watch The Rules of Attraction on Prime Video .
Assassination Nation (2018)
Sam Levinson is the driving force behind the creative process behind the Euphoria series, and his 2018 film Assassination Nation is essentially a rehearsal for the series. This story of high school students exploring their gender identity, sexual orientation, and taste in illegal substances (while a social media bomb explodes in their small town) isn’t as realistic as Euphoria , but it adopts the same neon and glitter aesthetic while exploring similar themes in a much more edgy way. Assassination Nation is available to stream on Paramount+ or rent on Prime Video .
Beautiful Boy (2018)
At its core, Euphoria is the story of a relationship tested by mental health issues, substance abuse, and emotional betrayal. Beautiful Boy is the story of a father and son struggling with the son’s meth addiction, and it’s based on true events. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the brutal impact addiction can have on even the most loving and supportive relationships. Watch Beautiful Boy on Prime Video.
The best video games like Euphoria.
Video games offer a more immersive experience and a sense of involvement in the story that TV shows simply can’t. Here are a few games that fit the same niche as Euphoria .
Life is Strange
If Euphoria had you screaming at the screen when characters made terrible decisions, Life is Strange will be a cathartic experience. The game explores issues like bullying and mental health, and offers a rewind mechanic to change the course of events as you navigate teenage social hierarchies and the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface of your hometown.
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Steam
Career
Although it’s a horror game where you control nine teenagers who must survive a night teeming with monsters and bloodthirsty humans, the depth of character development and relationships makes The Quarry the perfect companion to the Euphoria series. Every decision you make for the children impacts the plot (there are nearly 200 different possible endings), offering a richly detailed universe reminiscent of the HBO series.
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Steam
Tell me why
This emotionally charged game explores how we lie to ourselves and how our memories deceive us. In Tell Me Why , two telepathic siblings return home to Alaska to cope with the death of their mother and her complex legacy. The game explores themes of gender, sexuality, trauma, and the strained personal relationships that tie it all together.
Platforms: Xbox, GeForce Now, PC, Steam
Lost Records: Bloom and Rage
Lost Records: Bloom and Rage is perfect for fans of Euphoria. Four high school friends document their summer vacation on video in the 1990s, then reunite 27 years later to unravel the secret that tore them apart. With realistic character interactions that react to your actions (or inactions), the game recreates and enhances the atmosphere of Euphoria with all its drama.
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, GeForce Now, Steam
The Best Podcasts to Listen to After Watching Euphoria
The long break between seasons two and three meant that many Euphoria podcasts either went dark or abandoned the series, but as the show regains popularity, some key podcasts are planning to release new episodes.
Clock (Bell Ringer)
Hosts Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald will be recapping and commenting on the third season of Euphoria on The Watch —they’ve already dedicated an entire episode to over-analyzing the trailer , so you can bet it’s going to be a fascinating and in-depth analysis.
It’s so euphoric!
It was one of the most energetic and engaging podcasts about the show, so there’s hope that hosts Paige Blazer and Alex Miller will bring it back for a third season.
Previously on the program: Jillian Bonann
Previously On members have been rewatching the show’s first two seasons in anticipation of its return, so it’s a great way to remember why you fell in love with these scruffy guys in the first place.