From “Moonlight” to “Star Wars,” Coffee Table Books For Movie Lovers

Coffee table books are not just books, but statement pieces. Part home decor and part actual reading material, these statement pieces are a fun, literary way to communicate personality and style without having to utter a single word. For film lovers, the process of choosing out coffee table books allows the opportunity to get truly creative and bring iconic filmmakers, actors, and films into their living spaces. As a starting point to get those creative juices flowing, below are some of the coffee table books I’ve been coveting these days. From the work of Barry Jenkins to a collection of Wes Anderson films to an archive of Walt Disney classics, these options will zhuzh up any film lover’s coffee table. 

The screenplay for “Moonlight,” the Oscar-winning film written and directed by Barry Jenkins, deserves a spot on any coffee table. Along with Jenkins’ original words, the book includes a prologue penned by singer Frank Ocean, stunning images from the film, and transcripts of the actors’ and filmmaker’s Academy Award acceptance speeches. Buy: “Moonlight Screenplay Book” from A24, $60

Ralph McQuarrie, the most celebrated artist in “Star Wars” history who worked hand-in-hand with filmmaker George Lucas to establish the films’ visuals, gives “Star Wars” enthusiasts a comprehensive collection of “Star Wars” art in this book. Never-before-seen illustrations, unpublished interviews, and anecdotes from friends and colleagues complement and contextualize the art. Buy: “Star Wars Art: Ralph McQuarrie” from Amazon, $139

This offering by Juliette Michaud and Michel Hazanavicius offers an insider’s view of the iconic films and actors at the epicenter of Hollywood. It tells the tale of the golden age of American film studios and features previously unpublished and rare interviews with greats that range from Mickey Rooney to Kirk Douglas and Jane Fonda to Julie Andrews. Rare set and behind-the-scenes archival photographs complement this visual homage. Buy: “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” from Amazon, $65

In the same vein as the “Moonlight” screenplay book, A24’s “Hereditary” screenplay book offers the screenplay for filmmaker Ari Aster’s iconic horror drama film “Hereditary.” It also includes a forward penned by filmmaker Bong Joon Ho, an essay written by writer Leslie Jamison, and stunning frames from the film. Buy: “Hereditary Screenplay Book” from A24, $60

“Moonrise Kingdom,” “The Royal Tenenbaums,” and “The Darjeeling Limited” are just a few of the classic titles from filmmaker Wes Anderson explored in this collection. Because every Anderson film is filled with stunning visuals and euphoric color, “The Wes Anderson Collection” encapsulates all of that—and it also includes never-before-seen artwork and an introduction penned by novelist Michael Chabon. Buy: “The Wes Anderson Collection” from Amazon, $27

A must for Walt Disney enthusiasts, Taschen’s first volume of one of the more expansive illustrated archives of Disney animations includes over a thousand images that take readers back to the “Golden Age of Animation.” With behind-the-scenes photos and story sketches, this collection spans all of the major animated films during Disney’s lifetime—as well as lesser known titles and unfinished projects. Buy: “The Walt Disney Film Archives” from Taschen, $200