TV series · 2013 · NBC
Is Hannibal based on a book?
Quick answer
Yes. Hannibal is based on the works Red Dragon by Thomas Harris (1981) and Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris (2006) and Hannibal by Thomas Harris (1999).
Red Dragon is book 1 of the Hannibal Lecter series.
The TV series premiered in 2013 on NBC.
The book behind Hannibal
Red Dragon
by Thomas Harris · first published 1981 · thriller, horror fiction, crime fiction
1981 novel by Thomas Harris.
Hannibal Rising
by Thomas Harris · first published 2006 · thriller, crime fiction
2006 novel by Thomas Harris.
Hannibal
by Thomas Harris · first published 1999 · 484 pages · horror fiction, thriller
1999 novel by Thomas Harris.
Hannibal Lecter: books in order
- Red Dragon (1981)
- The Silence of the Lambs (1988)
- Hannibal (1999)
Other adaptations of Red Dragon
- Red Dragon (film, 2002)
- Manhunter (film, 1986)
- Hannibal Rising (film, 2007)
- Hannibal (film, 2001)
Common questions
Is Hannibal based on a book?
Yes. Hannibal is based on the works Red Dragon by Thomas Harris (1981) and Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris (2006) and Hannibal by Thomas Harris (1999).
Who wrote the book Hannibal is based on?
Red Dragon was written by Thomas Harris and first published in 1981.
Is Red Dragon part of a series?
Yes, it is book 1 in the Hannibal Lecter series (4 books listed below in reading order).
Should I read the book before watching?
Start with Red Dragon, book 1 of Red Dragon. If you like knowing the full story and characters first, read it before you watch. Adaptations often change or cut plotlines, so the book is a different experience even if you've seen the TV series.
More screen adaptations of Thomas Harris's books
- The Silence of the Lambs (film, 1991)
- Clarice (TV, 2021)