The Best Books, Movies, Video Games, and Podcasts to Listen to After Watching Descendants.
With its Shakespearean depth and populated by some of the most hilariously awful characters imaginable , Succession deservedly became a phenomenon over its four seasons. Watching the Roy children simultaneously fight for their stake in the Waystar RoyCo empire and overcome the emotional devastation of their lives (mostly caused by their demonic father) was a hilarious experience—and now that it’s over, you want more.
If you’ve already binged all the TV shows that satisfy that same need , here are some books, video games, movies, and podcasts that will help maintain that extremely negative mood.
The Best Books for Descendants Fans
One of the reasons Descendants was so captivating was the depth of its characters and the rich world it created, and the best way to recreate that is by immersing yourself in a good book. Here are some of the best books like Descendants.
King Lear by William Shakespeare
King Lear is a grand tale of a father who destroys his family through hubris (and certainly has an influence on the series). It’s the story of an ancient king who divides his kingdom between his daughters based on how flattering they are, all the while trying to maintain his dignity and position. It ends pretty much as you’d expect (the official title is ” The Tragedy of King Lear, ” after all), and the machinations of the king’s daughters and the absolutely caustic insults exchanged between the characters will make you miss Descendants a little less.
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
If you came to see “Inheritance” to watch Logan Roy constantly humiliate, insult, and manipulate his children, then “The Brothers Karamazov” is the perfect classic novel for you. Fyodor Pavlovich, a terrible man and a pathological liar, has three legitimate sons: Dmitry, Alexei, and Ivan. He has alternately ignored them and treated them horribly, so each son’s life is a reaction to their father, manifesting itself in different ways. Like Logan Roy’s monstrous fatherhood, everything in this complex philosophical novel is driven by the poisonous relationship between the truly terrible Fyodor and his sons.
“The Man Who Owns the News,” Michael Wolff
As one of the most obvious inspirations for Logan Roy and the Roy family, Rupert Murdoch and his family deserve to be explored by any fan of the series . Wolff’s book was written before the current political climate and the final stages of the Murdoch family drama, but it still offers insight into the man and how he built the most influential media empire of modern times. Fans of the series will see clear parallels between the plot’s development and Murdoch’s real life, gaining a deeper understanding of both.
“Inheritance” by Trisha Sakhlechi
The series “Succession” is perfect for fans of ” Succession” who want to re-immerse themselves in the madness of a wealthy, feuding family. When Raj Agarwal announces the sale of his vast petrochemical business and the division of his fortune among his children, speculation about how exactly he will calculate this division during a vacation on a Scottish island pushes his family into ruthless maneuvering and revelations that soon descend into chaos. Fans of the series are sure to enjoy it.
Trust , Hernan Diaz
This complex, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel isn’t as straightforward as The Descendants , but as you unravel its multiple plot threads, you’ll discover an equally dark and complex story of money, betrayal, and relationship dynamics. The narrative centers on a novel within a novel about a wealthy man whose fortune survived the 1929 crash but who gradually loses his beloved wife to mental illness; the memoirs of a real-life investor who vehemently believes the text is based on libel; his wife’s diary; and the work of a journalist investigating the true story. Rich and layered, the novel is at its core a tale of money, trauma, and emotional corruption that will surely appeal to fans of The Descendants .
The Best Movies for Descendants Fans
Want even more sleek corporate offices, luxurious multi-million dollar homes, and rich people in unbranded clothes? Then these films are the perfect way to pass the time after another rewatch of “Succession.”
Celebration (1998)
The film “Celebration ,” originally titled “Festen” in Danish, is shot in the gritty tradition of “Dogme 95” and follows a family gathering to celebrate the 60th birthday of wealthy patriarch Helge (Henning Moritzen), whose daughter Linda (Lene Laub Ochsen) recently committed suicide. When his eldest son, Christian (Ulrich Thomsen), rises to give a toast, he accuses Helge of abusing him and Linda as children. In some ways, Helge is an even more horrific monster than Logan Roy, but the way he treats his children will evoke memories of the Roy family. Watch “Celebration” on the Criterion Channel .
The Godfather (1972)
The classic story of the Corleone family is actually a story of succession. When mafia godfather Vito Corleone is gravely wounded at the start of a mafia war in 1950s New York, his hot-tempered son Sonny (James Caan) becomes the obvious candidate to succeed him. But as the brutal and twisted story unfolds, it is his youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), who emerges as the cold and calculating leader the family needs. At its core, this is the story of a family unable to escape the shadow of its powerful and corrupt patriarch. Watch The Godfather on Paramount+ or rent it on Prime Video .
The Game (1997)
It’s a bit of a surprise twist, but there’s a reason the opening credits of Succession look exactly like the opening scene of The Game . In the film, wealthy investment banker Nicholas Van Orton (Michael Douglas) is approaching his 48th birthday—the age his father committed suicide—when his younger brother, Conrad (Sean Penn), gives him a ticket to a mysterious game. The game begins to intrude into Nicholas’s life and dissect every aspect of it, ultimately forcing him to confront the emotional devastation caused by his father’s legacy. It’s a gripping adventure, and it’s easy to imagine Kendall receiving the exact same gift a few years after the series ends. You can watch The Game on the Criterion Channel or rent it on Prime Video .
The Favourite (2018)
If you want to see how people twist and turn to win the favor of a powerful and possibly sociopathic figure, The Favourite is the historical romance you’ve been looking for. Set in the early 18th century at the court of the ailing Queen Anne (Olivia Colman), it chronicles the increasingly frantic rivalry between two women vying for influence over the queen, ultimately leading to the ultimate control of the country. It’s as twisted and frustrating as watching Logan Roy humiliate his children or force his staff to play Boar on the Floor. Watch The Favourite on Prime Video .
Mountainhead (2025)
Want more Bad Billionaire adventures? Go to the source: Mountain Head , written and directed by Descendants creator Jesse Armstrong, tells the story of four billionaires (or rather, three billionaires and one near-billionaire) who go crazy while confined to a luxurious, secluded Utah estate. As artificial intelligence and deepfakes wreak havoc across the globe, the four begin plotting to profit from the growing chaos and perhaps seize control of the world, before turning on each other. It’s a satisfying dive into the emptiness and greed of the super-rich that’s sure to please Descendants fans. Watch Mountain Head on HBO Max or rent it on Prime Video .
The Best Video Games for Descendants Fans
Unfortunately, no one has yet created a game where you can walk around cursing at Roy’s children, but you can at least recreate some of the main charms of Descendants in video game format. Here are some of the best ways to do it.
Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings III is set in the Middle Ages, but the gameplay is remarkably similar to Succession . In this challenging RPG, you assume the role of either the head of a powerful dynasty or an ambitious but impoverished member of a powerful clan. Using your various skills, you must manage your holdings, your restless allies and family members, and confront powerful enemies who want to take everything from you. Sound familiar?
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, macOS, Steam
Yes, Your Highness.
It’s no coincidence that Succession captures the atmosphere of medieval monarchies so well—Logan Roy is essentially an aging king clinging to a sinking kingdom. In Yes, Your Grace, you literally play as King Eric of Davern, and you must make decisions that will determine the fate of your kingdom, including the members of the royal family. You’ll even have to face a succession crisis, as the king has no sons, throwing the kingdom’s future into chaos. If you make the wrong decisions, your ending will be no happier than Roy’s children’s—but you can become Tom Wambsgun in this game if you play smart.
Platforms: Xbox, PC, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Steam
Capitalism 2 and The Laboratory
Capitalism (originally released in 1995, with a sequel , Capitalism 2 , in 2001 and the latest update , Capitalism Lab, in 2012) remains one of the best business simulations. Starting with a random amount of starting capital, you must build your business empire—buying real estate, creating factories and a distribution network, and managing all aspects of the business. If you want to feel like Logan Roy, gaining power and control with every sale, this is the game for you. You can play Capitalism 2 on Steam or purchase Capitalism Lab directly from the game’s website .
Platforms: PC, Steam
Corporate car
This tycoon-style business simulator is another way to experience Waystar RoyCo. You’ve founded a company in one of three major markets, and your goal is to wrest market share from your competitors through ruthless business decisions. You start at the bottom and must fight your way to dominance, and you can imagine yourself as one of the Roys, willing to do anything to win.
Platforms: Steam
Suzerain
If running a business isn’t your thing, check out Suzerain , where you play as the newly elected president of a country emerging from decades of authoritarian rule. Your chances of success are slim, as you’re managing an entire country. Interacting with your ministers, rivals, and allies, you must make decisions regarding government reforms, the economy, and social welfare—and every decision you make will have a ripple effect on future events. If you want to experience the stress that turned the Roy family into the monsters we love, this game will give you a taste.
Platforms: PC, macOS, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, Steam
The Best Podcasts for Descendants Fans
Whether you need an audio guide to the Easter eggs and plot points in each Descendants episode, information on the business side of the story, or want a similar storytelling experience, here are podcasts Descendants fans will love.
RoyCast
If you’re looking for a laid-back, fun, fan-focused podcast, listen to RoyCast while you rewatch Descendants . It has the same friendly atmosphere that makes discussing the show so engaging. The podcast offers plenty of interesting tidbits and thoughtful analysis, spiced with silly jokes, odd asides, and a level of passion for the show that true fans will appreciate. They break down each episode in depth, so you’re almost guaranteed to learn something new.
Fire Groin and Normcore
With names like Firecrotch and Normcore , you know you’re dealing with Descendants superfans (in fact, they managed to land series creator Jesse Armstrong a guest spot). Hosts Sarah Barron and Jeff Lloyd are a married couple, and in their reviews and discussions, they display a Logan Roy-level focus and a Roman Roy-level wit. What’s especially great is the couple’s dynamic, which in some ways resembles the prickly yet loving spirit of the Roy children themselves.
Business wars
Did you enjoy the corporate intrigue and dirty dealings on Succession ? Or the failed takeover attempts, the battle for control, and the boardroom scandals? Then listen to the Business Wars podcast , which dissects and explains some of the dirtiest and most consequential battles between huge companies. Importantly, the podcast attempts to determine which side actually won, which is often difficult when huge amounts of money are involved and each side comes out with a polished press release presenting its version of events.
Just Right Family
Want more mayhem from the ultra-rich who are barely scraping by in society? Watch “Barely Enough,” which details the sordid history of the Steinberg family. Once one of the wealthiest families in the country, the Steinbergs eventually lost everything, and the story of how they got there is both incredibly funny and completely outrageous—reactions that Succession fans will surely recognize. The fact that the story is told primarily from an insider’s perspective gives it both a more sympathetic human aspect and a jolt of eavesdropping energy, which is very funny.
Conditions
Unlike Succession , The Royces is more politically charged (the Roy family has never been interested in politics beyond its impact on profits), and Terms is permeated with the same paranoid mood. A president whose canard is no longer in power is horrified when a controversial candidate wins the election and becomes his successor, and decides to take covert action with enormous consequences for the country and history itself.