The Best Books, Movies, Video Games, and Podcasts to Listen to After Watching White Lotus.
Over three seasons (so far), the HBO series White Lotus has offered viewers a delightful blend of detective stories, “eat the rich” satire, and hilarious class struggle. From Hawaii to Sicily to Thailand, the intricate plot and Mike White’s caustic characterization have made the series incredibly gripping.
The Paris-set fourth season is on its way, but if you can’t wait and need a dose of dark comedy about class warfare (and you’ve already watched all the shows we recommended as alternatives ), here are the books, movies, games, and podcasts you should check out next.
Best books similar to White Lotus
Nothing compares to long-form fiction for the complexity of character interactions, intricate plots, and lush descriptions of settings. Here are books that will give you a White Lotus -like experience.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
This classic American literary masterpiece remains relevant—times have changed, but Fitzgerald’s tale of ill-gotten wealth and the attempt to use it to buy everything remains powerful. It’s easy to imagine Jay Gatsby arriving at the White Lotus Resort in the late 1920s, chasing something unattainable and immersing himself in the luxury he’s purchased, before being drawn into a tragic death (perhaps his own).
Grand Paloma Resort designed by Claivis Natera.
If you enjoyed Armond, the manager of the White Lotus resort on Maui, played by Murray Bartlett in the first season, then this book is perfect for you : Laura, the manager of the Grand Paloma resort in the Dominican Republic, has a lot on her plate. While pursuing a promotion that will secure her future, she must deal with her unruly younger sister, Elena, who works as a nanny for hotel guests when she’s not partying. When a child is injured under Elena’s care, Laura hatches a rash plan to protect her sister and her career, and things quickly spiral out of control.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
The guest list ticks all the boxes: A secluded, luxurious location? Yes—an exclusive island off the coast of Ireland and a no-holds-barred wedding. Rich people bringing secrets from the mainland? Yes—wedding guests arrive with a trail of drama in their wake. An inconvenient corpse? Yes—along with a sinister bridesmaid, an old friend of the bride with feelings for her, and reckless drug abuse. If White Lotus had a resort in Ireland and hosted a wedding there, this is exactly how it would go.
“Bad Tourists” by Caro Carver
Do you love exploring how guests at each White Lotus Hotel bring their own traumas with them like luggage? Bad Tourists dives into this juicy story. Darcy has had a difficult few years, a turbulent period marked by violence and ending in a devastating divorce. She takes the compensation money and buys a luxury trip to the Maldives for herself and two friends, Kate and Camilla. The trio bonded over the shared trauma of a mass shooting, and it haunts them from the start during their vacation. Soon, they become concerned about a newlywed whose husband may be abusive and a flirtatious dance instructor who seduces Camilla—and then disappears.
Namaste Club by Asha Elias
If you enjoyed the third season of White Lotus for its complex relationships, then check out Club Namaste . This retreat, which gives the series its name, is a sun-drenched yoga center run by popular Instagram influencer Shakti. Wealthy women from all over Florida flock there to escape their chaotic lives and find peace (or maybe just the attention of the instructor’s handsome assistant, Daniel). But they bring their own personal problems with them, and by the end of this retreat, one of them will no longer have to worry about that or anything else.
The best movies similar to White Lotus.
Each season of “White Lotus” develops gradually, giving us the opportunity to get to know the characters, the resort’s layout, and the dynamics of events that ultimately lead to murder. For those looking for similar detective stories with elements of satire on capitalism, these films are ideal.
Triangle of Sadness (2022)
One of the strengths of White Lotus is its satirization of wealthy, clueless tourists who arrive at a resort intoxicated by a sense of privilege. Triangle of Sadness takes this even further, telling the story of a pair of empty-headed influencers who are given seats on a luxury yacht in exchange for views. The yacht oozes wealth and a sense of entitlement—until everything goes disastrously (and hilariously) wrong. The film isn’t subtle (there’s a lengthy scene detailing a case of epic food poisoning), but it’s a hilarious look at the social dynamics of luxury, wealth, and the service workers who make it all possible. Triangle of Sadness is available to watch on Netflix or rent on Prime Video .
Parasite (2019)
One of the great things about White Lotus is that Mike White doesn’t forget the workers who make the wealthy’s lives comfortable and carefree. Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning film explores a similar dynamic, following the poor, struggling Kim family’s attempts to integrate into the lives of the wealthy Park family—only to discover they’re not the only ones surviving off the wealthy family’s resources. Watch Parasite on Kanopy or rent it on Prime Video .
Infinity Pool (2023)
Infinity Pool explores the same themes of class inequality and money as White Lotus , only with a more fantastical twist. The story follows aspiring writer James (Alexander Skarsgård), who finds himself among a group of extreme tourists in the fictional land of Lee Tolka. The country’s justice system is brutal—the death penalty is typically meted out for any crime—but when James accidentally kills a local, he uncovers a dark secret: wealthy tourists can pay to have their clones executed. What follows is a terrifying exploration of what it means to be truly protected by money, while perhaps, definitely, hating yourself for it. Watch Infinity Pool on Kanopy or rent it on Prime Video .
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Patricia Highsmith’s brilliant 1955 novel has been adapted for the screen several times, but it’s Matt Damon’s performance in 1999’s The White Lotus that resonates most. His version of Ripley may have trouble with his obvious attraction to Dickie Greenleaf, played by Jude Law, but it’s Dickie’s lifestyle of leisure and money that overshadows everything else. After Ripley’s lust for what Dickie has becomes fatal, he takes matters into his own hands, deeming himself better suited to appreciate the privileges Dickie has always taken for granted. It’s easy to imagine Ripley relaxing at one of the White Lotus’s establishments, perhaps choosing one of its patrons for some well-earned entertainment. Watch The Talented Mr. Ripley on Kanopy or Paramount Plus , or rent it on Prime Video .
Saltburn (2023)
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to follow one of the families returning home from the White Lotus resort, watch Emerald Fennell’s 2023 film. The story follows Oliver (Barry Keoghan), a poor Oxford scholarship student who infiltrates the lives of the wealthy Catton family. The film satirizes the disconnected lives of the incredibly wealthy, as Oliver exploits their isolation and privilege to his advantage. Watch “Saltburn” on Prime Video .
The best video games like The White Lotus
Sometimes watching “White Lotus” can be frustrating because you want to physically interact with the characters (punch one, shake another). If that’s your reaction, it’s time to immerse yourself in the action with one of these thematically appropriate video games.
Sexual cruelty
If you’re looking to solve a real mystery involving wealthy people in a secluded location, check out The Sexy Brutale . You wake up to find yourself trapped in a time loop at a lavish party in a billionaire’s gothic mansion-cum-casino. All the party guests are killed, and you must use time loops to collect clues, eavesdrop on conversations, and explore the mansion to save them one by one. The plot unfolds in unexpected directions, but the setting and characters make this game a great way to relive the atmosphere of White Lotus .
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam
Hotel Magnat
Part of the fun of The White Lotus is getting a behind-the-scenes look at how such a high-end resort is actually managed and maintained. If that appeals to you, launch Hotel Magnate and start creating your own luxury resort. Build your hotel, decorate and furnish it, and then manage guests and reservations (as well as complaints and repairs). Customization options allow you to try to create the perfect White Lotus -style resort without breaking the bank—and you probably won’t have to worry about murder. Probably.
Platforms: PlayStation, Steam
Forza Horizons
If you just want to pretend you’re a guest at the White Lotus Hotel, try Forza Horizon . Yes, it’s a racing game, but it’s no secret that players have been using Forza Horizon as a vacation simulator since the first game. The combination of an incredibly detailed open-world map and the ease of selecting and controlling various vehicles allows you to skip the racing and just drive around, sightseeing, taking photos, and enjoying your vacation as if you were on a real vacation ( Forza Horizon 6 , for example, lets you explore Tokyo, Japan , any way you want).
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Steam
Lashfoil style photography
If road trips aren’t your idea of a vacation, and The White Lotus has you dreaming of a long road trip to an exotic location, try Lushfoil Photography Sim , which combines photorealistic graphics with a powerful walking simulator engine. The goal is to take photos using your knowledge of real-world camera settings and photography, but you can also simply visit the featured exotic locations and explore them at your leisure .
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Steam
The Hunter’s Path
Another option for satisfying your White Lotus- inspired wanderlust is a hunting game, especially if your idea of a vacation is grabbing gear and hunting for dinner. On the other hand, if hunting isn’t your thing, you can turn off the display, put down the gun, and enjoy a virtual vacation in incredibly realistic wilderness settings. You’ll have the opportunity to observe and even interact with wild animals, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding you. And if you miss all the kills in the show, you’ll still have a gun.
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam
Best podcasts like The White Lotus
If you’re looking to dive deep into the world of White Lotus , its characters, themes, and plot twists, or prefer a similar experience with headphones, here are some great podcasts worth listening to.
The Official White Lotus Podcast
The official podcast dedicated to the series “White Lotus” is a must-listen for anyone looking for a behind-the-scenes look. The team breaks down each episode in detail, complementing it with interviews with the cast and crew, as well as other exclusive content. Whether you’re looking to refresh your memory before the new season or just starting a rewatch, this podcast is perfect for diving deep into the show.
Welcome to the White Lotus
If you’re looking for a more fan-focused discussion of White Lotus , this podcast is perfect. With a light, casual tone and a willingness to delve deeply into fan theories and subtle details, it’s the perfect podcast for anyone who admits to being “a little obsessed” with the show and its unexpected plot twists.
The last refuge
This sci-fi podcast is perfect for fans of The White Lotus, as it explores similar themes (albeit with a slightly broader scope). Nikki, a powerful figure experiencing a public career setback, retreats to an exclusive resort to recharge and rethink her life. However, finding herself among the wealthy guests, she notices strange behavior, which quickly escalates into terrifying events. If you’ve ever wondered what the residents of the White Lotus resort would do if they found themselves in a horror movie, this podcast is for you.
The Last Journey
Each season of the White Lotus podcast features at least one character’s final journey. Host Jamie Beebe dedicates each episode of this gripping true crime podcast to the case of someone who committed murder or disappeared while on vacation, recreating their last known movements and attempting to piece together the events that transpired. It’s easy to imagine an episode dedicated to those who didn’t make it out of the White Lotus alive.