Animated movies have captured the hearts of audiences for decades, and the magic doesn’t stop when the credits roll. For those who love exploring the world of animated films even further, books are an excellent gateway to dive deeper. Whether you’re fascinated by the art, the storytelling, or the behind-the-scenes work, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Best Books about animated movies that every fan should read. From cookbooks inspired by Studio Ghibli to the art of Spider-Man, this list has something for everyone.
10. The Unofficial Ghibli Cookbook
Author: Thibaud Vilanova
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5, 270 ratings)
Category: Animated Movies
This cookbook is a fantastic way to bring the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli to life through your kitchen. Featuring recipes inspired by iconic Ghibli films, you’ll enjoy recreating meals seen in “Spirited Away,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” and more. It’s perfect for fans who want a taste of the Ghibli magic!
Why You’ll Love It: With over 50 recipes, this book offers simple instructions for delicious meals inspired by Studio Ghibli classics, perfect for fans and foodies alike.
Fun Fact: Hayao Miyazaki, the director behind Studio Ghibli, is known for being very particular about food in his films. Every dish shown on screen is meticulously crafted to make audiences crave it!
9. Hayao Miyazaki
Author: Jessica Niebel
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5, 627 ratings)
Category: Animated Movies
This comprehensive biography delves deep into the life and career of Hayao Miyazaki, one of the most influential figures in animation history. Spanning over six decades of work, the book covers his creative process, the founding of Studio Ghibli, and his lasting legacy in the world of animated movies.
Why We Choose It: This book is essential for any fan of animated movies who wants to understand the genius behind some of the most iconic films of all time.
Fun Fact: Miyazaki was once a political cartoonist before becoming a filmmaker, and his early work in manga helped shape his unique animation style.
8. Disney Villains Tarot Deck and Guidebook
Author: Minerva Siegel
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5, 4,035 ratings)
Category: Animated Movies
This unique tarot deck offers a delightful twist, featuring the iconic villains from Disney’s animated movies. The deck includes stunning artwork and a guidebook that explains the tarot meanings with a Disney twist, perfect for fans of animated films and tarot alike.
Why You’ll Love It: The artistic details of the Disney villains are brought to life in each card, making it not just a tarot deck but a collectible piece of Disney memorabilia.
Fun Fact: Each tarot card in this deck represents a Disney villain, carefully chosen to align with the symbolism of traditional tarot, adding a fun and wicked twist!
7. Pixar: The Official Cookbook
Author: Tara Theoharis
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5, 354 ratings)
Category: Animated Movies
Take a delicious trip through the worlds of Pixar with this fun cookbook, featuring recipes inspired by animated classics like “Ratatouille,” “Toy Story,” and “Finding Nemo.” Perfect for a family movie night or themed parties, this cookbook is a fantastic companion for any Pixar fan.
Why You’ll Love It: Whether you’re making ratatouille like Remy or enjoying Up-inspired snacks, this cookbook brings the magic of Pixar into your home.
Fun Fact: The first Pixar feature-length animated film, “Toy Story,” was released in 1995 and changed the animation industry forever!
6. The Nightmare Before Christmas Tarot Deck and Guidebook
Author: Minerva Siegel
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5, 12,217 ratings)
Category: Animated Movies
Fans of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas will love this tarot deck inspired by the quirky and dark world of Jack Skellington. This beautifully illustrated deck features characters from the iconic animated movie, adding a spooky flair to tarot readings.
Why We Choose It: It’s perfect for fans of animated movies who enjoy a darker aesthetic, while still maintaining the magic and wonder of Tim Burton’s classic film.
Fun Fact: “The Nightmare Before Christmas” was the first fully stop-motion animated feature ever created by Disney.
5. Studio Ghibli: The Complete Works
Author: Studio Ghibli
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5, 663 ratings)
Category: Animated Movies
This book is a comprehensive guide to every Studio Ghibli film. From My Neighbor Totoro to Spirited Away, this beautifully illustrated volume covers the complete works of one of the world’s most beloved animation studios.
Why You’ll Love It: Fans of animated movies will enjoy diving deep into the artistic choices, characters, and stories that have made Studio Ghibli films timeless classics.
Fun Fact: “Spirited Away” was the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
4. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse – The Art of the Movie
Author: Ramin Zahed
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5, 5,141 ratings)
Category: Animated Movies
This visually stunning art book offers a behind-the-scenes look at Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, one of the most innovative animated movies in recent years. Full of concept art, character designs, and interviews with the creators, this book is a must-have for Spider-Man and animation fans alike.
Why We Choose It: The cutting-edge animation style of this film is a game-changer, and this book gives fans an in-depth look at the creation process.
Fun Fact: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” was the first animated movie to feature a black Spider-Man as the main character.
3. The Unofficial Studio Ghibli Cookbook
Author: Jessica Yun
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5, 663 ratings)
Category: Animated Movies
This cookbook offers over 50 delicious recipes inspired by the stunning visuals and unforgettable stories of Studio Ghibli. From sweet treats to savory meals, this book allows fans to taste the magic of their favorite animated movies.
Why You’ll Love It: Bringing food from animated movies into your own kitchen is a fun and unique way to engage with Studio Ghibli’s enchanting worlds.
Fun Fact: In “Howl’s Moving Castle,” the animated food was designed to look as delicious as possible, leading to this cookbook’s recreation of those iconic meals.
2. Disney Dreams Collection by Thomas Kinkade Studios: 2024 Wall Calendar
Author: Thomas Kinkade
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5, 1,108 ratings)
Category: Animated Movies
This stunning calendar features Thomas Kinkade’s beloved paintings of Disney’s animated movies, offering a touch of magic for every month of the year. From Beauty and the Beast to The Lion King, this calendar is a beautiful piece of art in itself.
Why We Choose It: It’s not just a calendar—it’s a collector’s item for fans of both Disney and Kinkade’s artwork.
Fun Fact: Thomas Kinkade’s Disney-inspired paintings have become some of the most popular pieces of art for fans of animated movies.
1. The Disney Sticker Anthology
Author: DK
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5, 92 ratings)
Category: Animated Movies
This sticker anthology offers hundreds of stunningly designed stickers featuring Disney’s most iconic animated characters. Perfect for scrapbooking, journaling, or just adding a bit of magic to your everyday life, this book is a must-have for any Disney fan.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s packed with beautifully crafted stickers from beloved Disney films, making it a perfect gift for fans of all ages.
Fun Fact: Disney has produced more animated movies than any other studio in the world, with classics like “Cinderella” and “Frozen.”
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