12 Must-Read Books Like Animal Farm for Fans of Orwell’s Classic

Animal Farm by George Orwell is a masterpiece of political allegory. Through the story of farm animals rising up against their human masters, Orwell paints a vivid picture of totalitarianism, corruption, and the dangers of unchecked power. If you are hungry for more books like Animal Farm, this blog will guide you through a list of books that explore political allegory, satire, rebellion, and the corruption of ideals.

Books Like Animal Farm Featuring Political Allegory

Political allegory allows authors to convey deep messages about society, government, and human nature. If you appreciate how Animal Farm uses animals to reflect political movements, these 12 books similar to Animal Farm take a similar approach to discuss power and control in human society.

1. 1984 by George Orwell

No list of books like Animal Farm can begin without mentioning 1984. Written by Orwell himself, this dystopian novel explores a future where Big Brother watches your every move. The Party controls all thoughts, history is rewritten, and truth is manipulated. Just like Animal Farm, 1984 critiques the abuse of power and the manipulation of the masses. It's a dark warning of the dangers of totalitarian regimes and offers a deeper understanding of Orwell's views on politics and control.

2. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Brave New World offers a different type of dystopia. In this world, humans are conditioned from birth to accept their place in a highly controlled society. Free will and individuality are sacrificed for stability and order. Like Animal Farm, it’s a powerful critique of societal control, though Huxley’s approach is less about overt dictatorship and more about the subtle control of human desires. Both books leave readers questioning the price of a “perfect” society.

3. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 depicts a world where books are banned, and firemen burn them. The story follows Montag, a fireman who begins to question his role in this oppressive society. The novel shares with Animal Farm its focus on censorship and the suppression of free thought. Bradbury’s powerful message about the dangers of ignorance and conformity makes this a compelling follow-up to Orwell’s work.

Books Using Satire to Criticize Society

Like Orwell’s use of animals to mock political systems, these novels employ sharp wit to expose the irrationality and corruption in human systems.

4. Lord of the Flies by William Golding

In Lord of the Flies, a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island descend into savagery. The novel uses allegory to explore human nature and the breakdown of societal structures. Much like Animal Farm, Golding’s work reveals how power corrupts and how fragile civilization truly is. The boys' slow transformation mirrors the pigs’ shift from liberators to tyrants in Orwell’s novella.

5. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Catch-22 is a biting satire on the absurdities of war and bureaucracy. It follows the experiences of Yossarian, a bombardier in World War II, who is caught in a no-win situation. The novel's humor and sharp wit are reminiscent of Orwell’s use of satire in Animal Farm. While Heller focuses more on war, both novels expose the irrationality of powerful institutions and the chaos they create.

6. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale presents a dystopian society where women are reduced to mere reproductive vessels under a theocratic regime. The novel critiques oppressive societal structures, much like Animal Farm does with its critique of political systems. Both stories explore how authoritarian regimes can strip away individual freedoms and manipulate entire populations for their own gain.

Books About Rebellion and Power Dynamics

If you enjoyed the theme of rebellion and the rise of oppressive powers in Animal Farm, you’ll find the books like Animal Farm below compelling: 

7. The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

The Dispossessed tells the story of Shevek, a physicist from a utopian society, as he struggles with the politics of his home and a neighboring planet. The novel dives deep into questions of freedom, power, and societal control, themes that echo the struggles seen in Animal Farm. Le Guin’s exploration of governance and human nature makes this a thought-provoking read for those interested in the complexities of power.

8. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Set in a future dystopian world, The Hunger Games portrays a society where the ruling class uses deadly games to control the population. The story of rebellion against oppressive authority draws clear parallels to Animal Farm. Katniss Everdeen’s fight against the Capitol mirrors the animals’ uprising against their human farmer, but as with Orwell’s story, victory does not guarantee true freedom. The manipulation of power remains at the heart of both narratives.

9. V for Vendetta by Alan Moore (Graphic Novel)

V for Vendetta presents a powerful tale of resistance against a totalitarian government. The protagonist, V, fights for freedom in a world oppressed by a fascist regime. Much like Animal Farm, it deals with themes of propaganda, rebellion, and the fight against injustice. The graphic novel format adds a visual depth to the story, making it a unique but equally compelling read for fans of Orwell’s work.

Books About the Corruption of Ideals

One of the central messages in Animal Farm is how ideals are corrupted by those in power. These books like Animal Farm explore how noble intentions can devolve into oppression and exploitation similarly: 

10. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien (Focusing on Saruman’s Fall)

While The Lord of the Rings may seem far removed from Animal Farm, the character arc of Saruman offers a striking parallel. Once a noble leader, Saruman falls into corruption as he seeks more power, mirroring the rise of Napoleon in Animal Farm. Both stories explore how power can corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals, making this a worthy comparison for readers who enjoy allegories of political and moral decline.

11. The Power by Naomi Alderman

In The Power, women around the world develop the ability to produce electrical shocks, shifting the balance of power globally. Alderman’s novel is a fascinating exploration of how power can corrupt, much like the pigs in Animal Farm. As society flips and women become the dominant force, the novel reveals how absolute power corrupts, regardless of who wields it. It's a fresh take on the themes Orwell explored.

12. We by Yevgeny Zamyatin

We is a dystopian novel set in a world where individuality is crushed in favor of total conformity. Zamyatin’s story, much like Animal Farm, examines how authoritarian regimes manipulate the masses and suppress freedom. It’s considered one of the earliest dystopian novels and was a major influence on Orwell’s 1984. The book provides another angle on the dangers of totalitarianism and the erosion of personal freedom.

Conclusion

If Animal Farm left you reflecting on power, control, and societal structures, these 12 books will continue to challenge and expand your thinking. Whether through political allegory, satirical critique, or tales of rebellion, each of these books like Animal Farm shares something in common with Orwell’s masterpiece. Dive into these stories to explore deeper themes of power, freedom, and human nature.