Best Art of Film & Video Books of 2026

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse: The Animated Story is an adaptation of Charlie Mackesy's heartwarming book. The animated short film, streaming on Apple TV+ on Christmas Day, is a celebration of the work of over 100 animators across two years of production. The film brings to life Charlie's distinctive illustrations with hand-drawn traditional animation and accompanying hand-written script. The book has brought comfort and joy to over seven million readers worldwide, and the film is sure to do the same. Overall, this book and its adaptation are a must-read and must-watch for anyone in search of home and happiness.

The Art of Masters of the Universe: Origins and Masterverse is a beautifully designed volume that explores the lore and world of the Mattel hit figure lines. This book features detailed and wonderfully laid out artwork from the products themselves, as well as new insights from the creators of the figures, written by Alex Irvine. This book is a must-have for fans of the Masters of the Universe franchise and enthusiasts of art books. Overall, The Art of Masters of the Universe: Origins and Masterverse is a captivating read that provides an in-depth look at the beloved figures and their world.

The Star Wars Complete Vehicles New Edition is a must-have for any Star Wars fan. With over 100 cross-section artworks, this book brings the vehicles of Star Wars to life with incredible detail and comprehensive text. Readers can explore the inner workings of their favorite vehicles, from Poe Dameron's X-wing to the Death Star's devastating weaponry. The book is authored by Star Wars experts Pablo Hidalgo, Dr. David West Reynolds, and Ryder Windham, who bring their extensive knowledge to the pages. Overall, this book is an excellent reference guide that provides a unique insight into the craft of a galaxy far, far away.

The book "Accidentally Wes Anderson" is a visual journey of more than 200 stunning and unique destinations from around the world that capture the imagined worlds of the legendary filmmaker Wes Anderson. Fueled by distinctive design, stunning photography, and unexpected narratives, this book is a passport to inspiration and adventure. The author, Wally Koval, presents each location with fascinating human stories behind each façade. The book is authorized by Wes Anderson himself, making it a must-have for modern travelers and fans of Anderson's distinctive aesthetic. Overall, "Accidentally Wes Anderson" is a delightful and unique book that offers a fresh perspective on the world around us.

The Art of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is an oversized, full-color hardcover art book that takes readers on a journey through the creation of the newest Star Wars Jedi adventure. The book collects concept art and creator commentary from Cal Kestis’ thrilling saga, chronicling the game’s development from visionary design to inspirational artwork to stunning final renders. With heroes and villains both familiar and new, breathtaking locales, and incredible ships and weapons, this book offers a unique look at the inner workings of a galaxy far, far away. Overall, this book is a must-have for any Star Wars fan who loves the art and design behind the franchise.

Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand how to foster creativity in business and leadership. As a co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, Catmull shares his insights into the company's unique environment that has produced some of the most successful films in history. The book provides an inside look into Pixar's meetings, postmortems, and "Braintrust" sessions, revealing the ideals and techniques that have made it so widely admired and profitable. Overall, Creativity, Inc. is an insightful and inspiring read that offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to unleash their creativity and achieve success.

Dive into the world of Avatar: The Way of Water with this visually stunning guide. The book, created in collaboration with James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment and written by experts who worked on the film, provides exclusive details about the characters, creatures, vehicles, weapons, and locations of Pandora. With a foreword by Sigourney Weaver, this book is a must-have for Avatar fans of all ages. The book is unique in its comprehensive and detailed coverage of the latest adventure in Pandora, making it a perfect gift for any fan of the franchise.

This book is a richly illustrated journey through the extraordinary cinematic worlds of beloved filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. It accompanies the first ever retrospective dedicated to the legendary filmmaker in North America and introduces hundreds of original production materials, including artworks never before seen outside of Studio Ghibli’s archives. The book offers insight into Miyazaki’s creative process and masterful animation techniques, with concept sketches, character designs, storyboards, layouts, backgrounds and production cels from his early career through all 11 of his feature films. The universal appeal of Miyazaki’s evocative natural settings and complex characters make this book a considerable work itself and a wonderful history, art and reference piece for students of film and animation.

The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian (Season One) provides an exclusive look at the making of the first-ever live-action Star Wars television series. The book features concept art, sketches, and interviews with key cast and crew, including Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni. Readers will explore a whole new universe of Star Wars characters, locations, and vehicles, including the fan-favorite character, Baby Yoda. The book is a fascinating and in-depth look at the art used to bring the series to life, with insider perspectives and tidbits to pore over. Overall, this absorbing coffee table book is a perfect gift for any Star Wars fan.