The Best Books, Movies, Video Games, and Podcasts to Listen to After Watching ‘Shogun’
FX’s “Shogun” combines gripping historical drama, complex political intrigue, and a deep dive into the intricacies of 16th-century Japanese culture and history to create an incredibly engaging television series. Although originally conceived as a miniseries based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel, it proved so popular that two more seasons have been greenlit.
If you consider yourself a fan of this series, the wait for new seasons can seem excruciating. We’ve already suggested the best series to watch if you’re missing the drama of Japan’s late Sengoku period, but if you need even more comfort, here are books, movies, games, and podcasts to help you cope with your shogun nostalgia.
The best books similar to Shogun.
If you’re an avid reader, historical fiction books offer a wonderful way to revisit the era or immerse yourself in the intense plot of Shogun . While James Clavell’s original novel is magnificent, the series faithfully adapts the story. For a fresh perspective, check out these equally wonderful novels.
Tai-Pan, James Clavell
Clavell wrote six historical novels set in different Asian cultures, collectively known as his “Asian Saga . ” Tai-Pan is the second of these (technically , Shogun is the third), set in Hong Kong after the First Opium War in the 19th century. Although the novel explores Chinese rather than Japanese culture, it explores similar themes and uses a similar style. After the British Empire seizes Hong Kong (then a largely uninhabited and undeveloped island) from China, two merchant families (who are also major opium smugglers) vie for supreme power on the island, while other forces are hot on their heels. It’s every bit as gripping as Shogun .
Musashi, Eiji Yoshikawa
Based on the true story of samurai Miyamoto Musashi, the Musashi series is set during the same historical period as Shogun . Musashi was captured after the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, and while in solitary confinement, he perfected his dual-sword fighting style, becoming one of the most skilled and fearsome swordsmen of his era. Revered as a kensei, Musashi’s mastery extended beyond physical skill—the Way of the Sword also encompassed inner development, seeking and maintaining calm and mental balance in addition to mastery of the sword. If you’re drawn to the characters and philosophy of the Japanese warriors in the series, you’ll enjoy this book.
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
The first book in Follett’s Kingsbridge series, The Pillars of the Earth , is set far from feudal Japan, in 12th- century England during the period known as the Anarchy. But if you enjoyed Shogun’s historical depth, complex personal and political storylines, and branching plot, this book is for you. The narrative centers on the multi-year cathedral construction project at Kingsbridge Abbey, involving people from all walks of life, creating a vivid vision of the past, filled with tension and emotion comparable to Shogun .
Taiko, Eiji Yoshikawa
Another stunning novel by Yoshikawa, Taiko is an unofficial prequel to Shogun. It is based on the real life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, whose name became synonymous with the title of “Taiko,” or retired regent, after the unification of Japan. Hideyoshi worked hard to maintain the power he had created, but after his death—the moment Shogun begins—chaos reigned. If you’re interested in Japanese history and want to learn more about real historical events, Taiko is an ideal choice.
47 Ronin , John Allin
Did “Shogun” leave you yearning for more thrilling samurai adventures? “47 Ronin” is just what you need. Set in the same historical period, the story begins with Lord Asano disgraced and forced to commit suicide by order of a rival clan, leaving the 47 samurai who swore allegiance to him disgraced and unemployed. They embark on a bloody, merciless quest to avenge their enemies and restore their lord’s honor. Based on true events, the film offers insight into the politics, social customs, and place of the samurai in Japanese society at the time.
Best movies similar to Shogun.
Perhaps the series “Shogun” has already enriched your impressions of Japanese live-action historical dramas—it’s a magnificent spectacle with first-class sets and costumes, brilliant direction and cinematography. If that’s not enough for you, check out these wonderful films.
Throne of Blood (1957)
If you enjoy the political intrigue and brutal conspiracies at the heart of a shogunate drama, Throne of Blood is a must-see. It brings together two geniuses: William Shakespeare (the film is an adaptation of Macbeth ) and the legendary director Akira Kurosawa (you should also definitely watch Seven Samurai , but we already have two Kurosawa films on this list). It’s the story of an ambitious samurai commander, Washizu, whose wife convinces him to assassinate his lord and seize power—with predictably brutal consequences. Watch Throne of Blood on HBO Max or rent it on Prime Video .
The Last Samurai (2003)
The film takes place three centuries after the events of Shogun , but The Last Samurai follows the same premise: a Westerner arrives in Japan and becomes entangled in local politics, culture, and the lives of the locals. Tom Cruise plays an American officer sent to Japan to train troops in modern combat techniques, but he becomes fascinated by the last remnants of noble samurai and eventually joins their doomed final stand against modernity. This adds a bittersweet ending to the events of the series, dramatizing the end of the era that begins in Shogun . Watch The Last Samurai on Prime Video .
Silence (2017)
If you’re intrigued by the complex role of Christian missionaries in feudal Japan, this Martin Scorsese film is a perfect choice. Set several decades after the events of Shogun, the film tells the story of Portuguese priests who arrived in Japan during the brutal suppression of Christianity, which forced Japanese Catholics into hiding and made being a foreign missionary dangerous. It’s a continuation of the world depicted in Shogun and a thoughtful exploration of faith in the face of violence and mistrust. Watch Silence on Kanopy and rent it on Prime Video .
Ran (1985)
If you’re looking for the gripping, twisting plot and action-packed action that Shogun offers, it’s time to check out Akira Kurosawa’s Ran . Another Shakespeare adaptation, Ran reimagines the story of King Lear in the Sengoku era, which predates the events of the series by a century or more. In the film, Lord Ichimonji Hidetora has built an empire through violence and manipulation and cares little for his three sons. After a vivid and disturbing vision, he decides to divide his kingdom between them, and soon chaos engulfs everything he’s built. Watch Ran on Kanopy or Plex .
13 Assassins (1963)
If you’re looking for a deep dive into samurai culture and Japan’s Edo period, then “13 Assassins” is the classic you’re looking for. Set near the end of the Tokugawa era, the story follows a feudal lord whose lifestyle and disrespectful behavior offend both his followers and the samurai who serve them, leading to a plot to assassinate him; 13 samurai are hired to do the job. The film features all the action and intrigue you love from the series, delivered by master Japanese filmmaker Eiichi Kudo. Rent “13 Assassins” on Prime Video .
The best video games like Shōgun.
Let’s be honest: one of the reasons I love Shōgun is its incredibly fast-paced action. Nothing beats samurai swordplay, so if you’re looking for a more action-packed experience closer to Shōgun , check out these great games.
Ghost of Tsushima
This stunning open-world game is set long before the era of the shoguns , in the 13th century, during the first Mongol invasion of the country. You play as a samurai named Sakai and can use various fighting styles to defeat enemies in battle or resort to stealth and assassination, all to defend Tsushima from invaders. Inspired by the works of Akira Kurosawa and other Japanese legends, this is a complex and richly detailed universe, and the swordplay is thrillingly epic.
Platforms: PlayStation, Steam
Total War: Shogun 2
If the Shōgun series has inspired you to take on a new life goal—becoming a daimyo and fighting for power within the shogunate— then Total War: Shōgun 2 is for you. This turn-based strategy game challenges you to manage your domains as a lord and your armies as a general, ensuring a thriving economy and the combat effectiveness of your soldiers on the battlefield. It’s a captivating and challenging game that recreates the life of a warlord in 16th-century Japan, something every fan of the series will appreciate.
Platforms: Windows, Steam
Hike to Yomi
If you appreciate the code of honor found in the world of the shoguns —a world where warriors bow before those they intend to kill—play Trek to Yomi . It’s an atmospheric side-scroller where you play as a samurai named Hiroki, who dies defending his village and finds himself in Yomi , the Shinto land of the dead. There, he must fight his way back to this world to seek revenge. It’s a dark, philosophical game that also offers exciting battle dynamics, so you’ll feel like a true samurai.
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam
Rise of the Ronin
If you’re looking to experience the atmosphere and story of the Rise of the Ronin series as closely as possible in a game, Rise of the Ronin is a great option. Set in the late Edo period (approximately two hundred years after the events of the series), you play as one of two twin brothers embarking on a dangerous mission to overthrow the shogunate. When your twin sacrifices himself to save you, you embark on a rescue mission. Along the way, you’ll navigate the complex politics of the time as the shogunate struggles with factions seeking to overthrow it; your decisions about who to serve and who to kill impact the entire game. It’s the closest you’ll get to experiencing a shogunate- like world.
Platforms: PlayStation, Steam
Like a dragon: Ishin!
Based on real historical figures and events, Like a Dragon: Ishin! takes you to 19th-century Japan, a time of chaos following the collapse of the shogunate. You play as a disgraced warrior seeking revenge, and the combat system is quite varied, allowing you to use swords, firearms, and melee combat as you fight your way through the game world. While the game isn’t historically accurate, its references to real figures and politics of the time, combined with its engaging gameplay, make it an excellent choice.
Platforms: PlayStation, Steam
Bonus: Shogun by James Clavell (1986)
If you enjoy retro games or are simply curious, you might also want to check out the 1986 game based on James Clavell’s original novel, developed by Infocom and released in 1988. If you enjoy the vintage graphics and unique text-based style of Infocom adventure games, you can play it online and relive the novel’s story.
The best podcasts like Shōgun.
Want to delve deeper into the world of the series, Japanese history, or stories with a similar atmosphere? Podcasts can help. Here are some of the best podcasts for shogunate fans.
FX’s Shogun Podcast: The Official Podcast
Official podcasts come in all shapes and sizes, but the one FX produced for “Shogun” is simply superb. Host Emily Yoshida is one of the series’ lead writers, and she has access to every aspect of the project, from production to casting. Listening to her breakdown of episodes, research, and production decisions is like hearing from an insider revealing all the alchemical secrets that make this show so amazing, and her writer’s perspective makes the podcast especially valuable.
Prestige TV Podcast
Looking for a podcast with an in-depth review that’s not too tied to the show itself? Prestige TV always does a great job, breaking down each episode of Shogun with the kind of fan-driven energy you’d expect. They have excellent background information and a real eye for the small details in the set and costume design that make the series so captivating.
History of Japan
If watching “Shogun” left you with the realization that Japanese history is what historians call an epic , check out this in-depth historical work by Isaac Mayer. It takes you through the island’s entire history , from prehistoric times to the present day. If you’re looking for context for the series or simply find Japanese culture and history fascinating, your time could be spent much worse.
Sengoku Archives Podcast
If you’re looking to learn more about the specific historical events that inspired the Shogun series, this podcast is perfect for you. It explores the Sengoku period, a period of unrest and civil war in the 15th and 16th centuries. What’s especially valuable for fans of the series is that it also discusses pop culture elements that reflect this period in Japanese history, making it a great resource for watching, reading, playing, and listening.
Unmei: The Next Path
Looking for more drama set in feudal Japan? Unmei: Following the Path is an anime set during the Sengoku period in 15th- century Japan, following the adventures of a group of warriors as they navigate the political and military chaos of the era. While the story takes place in a different era, fans of the series will recognize the themes and cultural nuances while enjoying a gripping storyline. If you’re looking to fill the void while waiting for more episodes of Shogun , this is a great choice.