CrossBinge
Explore CrossBinge →
The Boys in the Boat adaptations: books & films
Every version of The Boys in the Boat — the books & films, compared across media.
The Boys in the Boat follows the University of Washington's 1936 eight-oar crew and their quest for Olympic gold — an underdog team that transformed the sport and grabbed the attention of millions of Americans. Daniel James Brown's book and the 2023 film tell the same story of young men competing at the Berlin Olympics, each through a different medium: one on the page, one on screen.
The Boys in the Boat films
The Boys in the Boat books
Frequently asked
Is The Boys in the Boat based on a book?
Yes. The 2023 film is based on The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown, which chronicles the University of Washington's 1936 Olympic rowing team and their quest for gold.
How many versions of The Boys in the Boat are there?
There are two versions covered here: Daniel James Brown's book and the 2023 feature film The Boys in the Boat, both centered on the same UW crew at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
Should I read the book or watch the film first?
Either works as an entry point — both follow the same team and story. The Boys in the Boat book traces the crew's full quest for gold, while the 2023 film tells the same underdog story in cinematic form.