The Best Books, Movies, Video Games, and Podcasts to Listen to After Watching the Mandalorian
Star Wars fans may argue about all sorts of things in the ever-expanding galaxy far, far away, but there’s one aspect of modern Star Wars that everyone agrees on: The Mandalorian is amazing. With its space Western atmosphere, Pedro Pascal’s measured voice, and perhaps the most endearing sidekick ever conceived in Grogu, the series combines thrilling action scenes, plenty of Star Wars elements, and powerful emotional moments to create a story and characters that fans adore. If 24 episodes and a recent movie aren’t enough, don’t worry—there are plenty of books, movies, games, and podcasts that will engage those same pleasure centers in your brain.
The best books similar to The Mandalorian.
The novels are incredibly action-packed—you can get all the thrills, tension, and revelations of an entire season of the TV series in one book. If you’re looking for a unique blend of gritty Western fare and emotionally charged adventures like The Mandalorian , check these books out.
Kenobi , John Jackson Miller
If you’re looking to stay in the Star Wars universe, Kenobi is a great choice. Like The Mandalorian , it’s essentially a Western, following the beloved Jedi Knight in his early years on Tatooine, caring for an infant recently adopted by moisture farmers. Known to the locals as Ben, Kenobi tries to keep to himself, but when a tribe of brutal Sand People threatens the local community, his sense of justice and morality gradually draws him into the fight. If you’re missing the “reluctant hero” vibe from The Mandalorian , read this.
The Expanse series by James S. A. Corrie
It’s easy to forget how influential Star Wars has been on science fiction, particularly in its depiction of “futuristic” worlds and technologies. The Mandalorian relishes this low-budget, grungy visual style while offering a complex universe. If that’s your thing, James S.A. Corrie’s The Expanse (written by Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck) is a perfect fit. It has the same space spaghetti Western feel, the same sense of reluctant heroism, and a complex universe that offers plenty of rich detail and unexpected plot twists.
“The Tramp ” by Peter Newman
One of the most captivating aspects of The Mandalorian’s plot is the growing bond between the largely silent Mandalorian and Grogu, his diminutive charge. In Newman’s novel , set in a world devastated and nearly destroyed by demons, Grogu is a silent warrior tasked with delivering a sentient weapon called “Malice” to the last surviving humans, while simultaneously protecting an infant also under his care. The story offers the same dynamic as the series, with the same level of emotional impact.
Lone Wolf and Cub by Kazuo Koike
There’s no doubt that The Mandalorian is heavily inspired by Lone Wolf and Cub , one of the most famous manga series of all time. The story of Ogami Itto, a devoted executioner for the shogun who goes on the run with his son Daigoro, a forced assassin, seeking revenge against his enemies, is a powerful tale in its own right. As Itto struggles to uphold his code while protecting and training his son, you’ll find numerous moments in Lone Wolf and Cub that directly echo many of The Mandalorian’s plots.
“Damn Hero!” by James Lovegrove
When it comes to space Westerns, the topic of Firefly inevitably comes up. Arguably the most influential and successful of all failed television series of all time, Firefly spawned a compelling fictional universe after its cancellation nearly 25 years ago. “Big Damn Hero” is a swashbuckling adventure in which Captain Mal and the crew of the Firefly embark on a dangerous smuggling mission and then must band together to rescue one of their own.
The best movies like The Mandalorian.
The Mandalorian manages to give its universe a dusty, dark, and weathered feel while still telling gripping and brutal stories. Want more? Watch these films, and you’ll thank us.
A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
The classic Man with No Name film trilogy (including the sequels For a Few Dollars More and The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly ) is another clear influence on The Mandalorian . In fact, it could be argued that the series borrows much of its audacity from the film. In A Fistful of Dollars, Clint Eastwood plays, yes, the Man with No Name, a masterful gunslinger with his own code who becomes embroiled in a struggle between two gangs vying for control of a struggling city. If you like the Mandalorian as a character, you’ll love this movie. Watch A Fistful of Dollars on Fubo or rent it on Prime Video .
Tough Guy (1992)
One of the greatest action films of all time, “Tough Guys,” had a huge influence on “The Mandalorian.” John Woo created a masterpiece of dynamic action , and scenes like the iconic teahouse shootout are directly referenced throughout the series. Both films also tell the stories of lone heroes who follow their own rules and face impossible odds without wasting time on words. It’s easy to see a direct connection between the explosive action of ” Tough Guys ” and the best action scenes of “The Mandalorian .” Watch “Tough Guys” on Prime Video .
Logan (2017)
Like The Mandalorian , Logan is the story of a reluctant but noble warrior protecting a defenseless child—though perhaps “defenseless” isn’t quite the right word for the almost feral, extremely dangerous X-23 (aka Laura, played by Dafne Keen). Its realistic approach to superpowers and sci-fi technology, along with its dark, weathered aesthetic, make it the perfect companion to the series. Watch Logan on Disney+ or rent it on Prime Video .
Seven Samurai (1954)
Akira Kurosawa’s 1954 film is so influential that it’s impossible to overstate its impact (and the original Hollywood remake, The Magnificent Seven , is quite good, too). The story of a desperate village that hires a group of ronin to fend off bandits intent on stealing their crops is a tale of protecting the weak and upholding a code, even when it requires violence. Fans of The Mandalorian will recognize the same essence in both the film and the series. Watch Seven Samurai on Prime Video .
Perspective (2018)
Is Pedro Pascal your favorite character on The Mandalorian (even though he seems to be on the show most of the time)? Check out Prospect , the 2018 film in which Pascal plays a desperate gold prospector named Ezra on a dangerous moon. In this lawless place, utterly hostile to human life, mercenaries and prospectors compete for resources. Ezra teams up with the young daughter of the man he killed and faces moral dilemmas related to his decisions. It’s a low-budget masterpiece that fans of The Mandalorian will love. Watch Prospect on Hulu or rent it on Prime Video .
The best video games like The Mandalorian.
One of the best aspects of The Mandalorian is its cinematic action, worthy of a film. If you’re looking for a more dynamic and interactive Mandalorian experience, check out these video games.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter
It’s an older game, but if your goal is to play as a Mandalorian, this is the one for you, especially considering the 2024 remaster improved the graphics and added modern controls. In Star Wars: Bounty Hunter , you play as Jango Fett, hired by Darth Tyranus to take down a criminal syndicate. Along the way, you can also take on other missions, so you can fully live out the dream of being a bounty hunter in the Star Wars universe. The levels can be quite expansive, but this only gives the game a sense of large, open spaces—and you can use your jetpack, which compensates for many of the gameplay’s shortcomings.
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Steam
Star Wars: Outlaws
When it comes to Star Wars games, Star Wars: Outlaws is a great choice. If you enjoyed The Mandalorian’s exploration of the galaxy’s criminal underworld, you’ll definitely enjoy this RPG. Set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi , you play as a rookie criminal. You can travel between planets and commit various crimes for various criminal organizations, including Crimson Dawn and the Hutt Cartel. As you progress, your reputation will determine how these different groups view you, which in turn impacts gameplay.
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam
The Outer Worlds
If you enjoy the wild, Wild West atmosphere of The Mandalorian , check out The Outer Worlds . You play as a passenger on a long-lost colony ship that crashed on one of six planets in a distant system. You must try to revive the rest of the crew, explore the system, and navigate the various settlements built by humans under the yoke of a corrupt corporation. The game offers the same atmosphere of dangerous discoveries and negotiations with unpredictable locals that fans of the series will appreciate.
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam
Starfield
Starfield is a massive open-world game, with over 1,000 planets, moons, and space stations ready to be explored in search of mysterious alien artifacts. While the game itself is incredibly engaging, the Star Wars: Genesis mod is the perfect choice for fans of The Mandalorian . It transports the game to the Star Wars universe, transforming the planets, races, weapons, ships, and slang into Star Wars versions. It seamlessly blends one of the most detailed open-world games with the world of The Mandalorian , emulating the show’s free-form, exploratory approach to storytelling.
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Steam
The Last of Us Part 1
One of the most well-known and successful games based on the classic “lone wolf and cub” dynamic, The Last of Us is a great choice for fans of the series. Sure, it’s set in a different fictional universe, but the game’s dynamic will be familiar to fans of The Mandalorian : you play as Joel, a gruff smuggler with a hidden kind heart, who must escort a young woman across what remains of the United States after a fungal zombie outbreak decimates civilization. It’s a stunning and influential game in its own right, and the perfect choice if you want to emulate the experience of transporting Grogu through dangerous terrain.
Platforms: PlayStation, Steam
The Best Podcasts for The Mandalorian Fans
One of the joys of watching a show like The Mandalorian is discussing it and listening to other people’s in-depth analyses. If you’re looking for that extra experience, listen to these podcasts.
Children of the Watch: A Star Wars Post-Show
What’s great about the Children of the Watch podcast (hosts Alex Maxwell and Mac Lacy) is the energy: these guys approach each episode with incredible positivity and enthusiasm. Then they eagerly dive into the story, Easter eggs, and other aspects of each story. They’re not afraid to criticize the show when appropriate, but ultimately, they love it as much as you do.
Bounty Hunter Friends
If you’re looking for a more professional and critical assessment of The Mandalorian , Bounty Buddies (part of the GeeklyInc network) is a great way to spend about an hour. They break down each episode, identifying references, Easter eggs, and small details, analyzing the plot and character development, and hoping to predict future events. It’s a great way to gain additional insight into each episode.
Star Summoning
Looking for a similar fictional experience? Starcalled is a sci-fi narrative podcast set on the outskirts of the galaxy. Shortly after a devastating war, various characters (many of them aliens) stumble upon a conspiracy that could end everything. This expansive universe, filled with criminals, military personnel, and alien creatures, will satisfy your craving for a more layered sci-fi storytelling experience set in a lawless, unpredictable world. Plus, you’ll enjoy top-notch sound and voice acting.
Vega
This sci-fi podcast follows the adventures of Vega Rex, a professional government assassin who has never failed a mission—until now. It takes an unusual approach to plotting, making it feel like it’s being made up on the fly, but the high-quality production and sound design suggest otherwise. If you enjoy the sci-fi antihero style of The Mandalorian , you’ll probably enjoy Vega .
The Strange Case of the Starship Iris
In the 22nd century, the science ship Iris is destroyed, leaving only one biologist alive: Violet. Rescued by a clan of smugglers, she finds herself drawn into a dangerous life of crime as she tries to figure out why her ship is being targeted—and discovers the all-powerful Republic is behind it. A sordid underworld, a despotic government, and gripping adventures make this narrative podcast the perfect choice for anyone eager for more of The Mandalorian .