Books Like The Martian: 12 Reads You'll Love
If you want more of The Martian's sci-fi, start with Project Hail Mary.
Updated July 2026
Books like The Martian: 12 picks. Hand-picked reads with the same mood and themes, from Project Hail Mary to Artemis.
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12 books like The Martian
A ranked list of books similar to The Martian — if you liked it, start at the top and work down. Each pick includes why it works and who it's for.
Project Hail Mary
by Andy Weir
If you loved Mark Watney's clever problem-solving and laugh-out-loud humor, you absolutely need to meet Ryland Grace. This book delivers that same fantastic blend of scientific ingenuity and witty banter, but on a grander, galaxy-spanning scale, with an added layer of mystery. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a pure shot of that signature Andy Weir magic, complete with shocking twists and an unforgettable companion.
Artemis
by Andy Weir
While it's less about survival on a barren planet and more of a thrilling heist, "Artemis" still brings that distinctive Andy Weir flavor. You'll find a resourceful protagonist, Jaz, outsmarting seemingly impossible situations with plenty of scientific savvy and a good dose of humor. It’s a great pick if you enjoyed the technical challenges and the quick wit in "The Martian," but are ready for a different kind of lunar adventure.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
Yes, it’s a space opera, but its heart is absolutely in the problem-solving and found-family struggles you found so compelling in "The Martian." While Mark Watney was alone, this book gathers a quirky crew facing everyday (and not-so-everyday) challenges with ingenuity and compassion. It’s less about solo survival and more about finding your place and solving conflicts in a wonderfully diverse galaxy—perfect if you loved the optimistic spirit.
Rendezvous with Rama
If the scientific wonder and meticulous exploration of a new, alien environment captivated you in "The Martian," then "Rendezvous with Rama" is your next stop. This classic sci-fi novel is all about methodical investigation and logical problem-solving as humanity encounters an enigmatic alien spacecraft. It’s a more classic, cerebral read, perfect for those who appreciate the sheer awe and intellectual puzzle-solving over high personal stakes.
Old Man's War
by John Scalzi
You might not be stuck alone on a planet, but special forces in space certainly face their share of survival challenges! This book delivers thrilling action, clever tactics, and a good dose of humor from its protagonist, John Perry, as he navigates interstellar warfare. It has that fun, accessible sci-fi vibe of "The Martian," but with more explosions and a focus on military strategy rather than botanical survival. A great pick for fast-paced adventure.
The Kaiju Preservation Society
by John Scalzi
If the concept of a resourceful protagonist facing an utterly wild, scientifically intriguing (and potentially deadly) new environment grabbed you in "The Martian," then you'll love this. It's got that same quick-witted, problem-solving energy, but instead of Mars, you're dealing with giant monsters in an alternate dimension. It's pure, unadulterated fun, packed with humor and high-stakes, off-the-wall adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The Road
Okay, this one's a tonal shift, but if Mark Watney's sheer grit and unwavering determination to survive resonated deeply with you, then pull up a chair for "The Road." This post-apocalyptic novel is a raw, unflinching look at a father and son's struggle to survive against truly overwhelming odds in a desolate world. It’s a powerful exploration of human resilience, minus the humor, perfect if you want to dial up the survival stakes and emotional intensity.
Dune
If adapting to an unforgiving, alien environment and using wit to survive against overwhelming odds was your jam in "The Martian," then welcome to Arrakis. Frank Herbert's masterpiece is the ultimate survival story on a harsh desert planet, where water is life and giant sandworms roam. It’s far more epic and political, but at its heart, it's about a protagonist learning to master an impossible world. A must-read for deep-dive sci-fi fans.
Into Thin Air
by Jon Krakauer
For those who loved the real-world, high-stakes survival element and the incredible human fortitude showcased in "The Martian," this non-fiction account is a gut punch. Krakauer chronicles a disastrous Everest expedition, where human ingenuity and resilience are tested to their absolute limits against nature's raw power. It’s devoid of humor but full of the compelling, desperate fight for life that made Mark Watney's story so gripping.
Ender's Game
If you thrilled at Mark Watney's brilliant, out-of-the-box problem-solving, then you need to meet Ender Wiggin. This classic blends strategic genius with high-stakes training, forcing a young protagonist to think his way through seemingly impossible scenarios. It's a gripping story about extraordinary intelligence and leadership under pressure, with a focus on tactical challenges rather than physical survival. Perfect for fans of clever protagonists.
We Are Legion (We Are Bob)
Imagine the humor and clever problem-solving of "The Martian," but with the protagonist being an AI consciousness tasked with exploring and replicating across the galaxy. Bob, a former human, brings that same delightful, resourceful, and often hilarious approach to incredibly complex challenges. It's a lighter, more expansive sci-fi adventure perfect for those who loved the optimistic tone and ingenious solutions.
Spin
If the grand scientific mystery and the sense of humanity facing an unimaginable, universe-altering problem in "The Martian" intrigued you, then "Spin" is a fantastic choice. This novel explores a baffling cosmic event that threatens Earth's existence, forcing scientists and humanity to adapt and understand. It's a more contemplative, awe-inspiring take on humanity's resilience in the face of the unknown, balancing big ideas with personal stories.
Why readers loved The Martian
You devoured "The Martian" and now you’ve got that craving, right? That insatiable hunger for stories where quick wits beat impossible odds, where science isn’t just jargon but a dazzling toolkit for survival, and where humor somehow blossoms in the most desolate places. You’re looking for that specific blend of nail-biting tension and chuckle-out-loud moments, proving that even stranded on a hostile planet, humanity finds a way. And hey, your taste is impeccable; who wouldn't want more of that?
Across thousands of reviews, readers keep coming back to the same notes: sci-fi, survival, first contact. Every book on this list was chosen because it delivers on at least two of those threads.
Shared themes & tropes
The threads that connect these recommendations to The Martian.
Who this list is for
Age group
Genre fit
Perfect for readers who want…
- sci-fi — without losing what made The Martian special.
- survival — without losing what made The Martian special.
- first contact — without losing what made The Martian special.
- adventure — without losing what made The Martian special.
- space opera — without losing what made The Martian special.
- humor — without losing what made The Martian special.
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