Film Obsessive’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

Like the old saying declares, “birds of a feather flock together.” We, the staff of Film Obsessive, know our people. We’re the cinephiles of our circle circles who hang out with and shop for other film  aficionados when the time comes for giving gifts. For another annual sharing of shopping lists, please enjoy these film-centered gifts as recommended by our writers and editors for our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide. In a surprising wrinkle from the norm, there’s not a single boxed set on the list. We’re expanding your literacy and ears instead. From our couch and home theater to yours, Happy Holidays!

Nouvelles Femmes: Modern Women of the French New Wave and Their Enduring Contribution to Cinema by Ericka Knudson

Written by film scholar and author Ericka Knudson and published by Chronicle Chroma, Nouvelles Femmes: Modern Women of the French New Wave and Their Enduring Contribution to Cinema explores the roles of various groundbreaking women during the peak of the French New Wave, specifically spotlighting actresses such as Brigitte Bardot and filmmakers such as Agnès Varda. Thoroughly researched and filled to the brim with colorful portraits of and inspiring quotes from the women themselves, Nouvelles Femmes is not only educational, but also the perfect addition to any French film history buff’s library. Additionally, this book also makes a lovely companion to Richard Linklater’s newest film—a meta-commentary on and love letter to the French New Wave—Nouvelle Vague playing on Netflix. If you have any French film lovers in your life, Nouvelles Femmes is the perfect holiday gift.  —Natalie DC

Cinema Her Way: Visionary Female Directors in Their Own Words by Marya E. Gates

Staying in the lane of women directors, here’s a second pick. Cinema Her Way: Visionary Female Directors in Their Own Words, written by Chicago-based film critic and author Marya E. Gates, is a fascinating tome examining the history of female contributions to filmmaking. Across a history that dates back to the 1980s, women directors have had to work hard to tell their stories, and still only make up a small percentage of current filmmakers. Her book is packed with historical study, reference lists, and in-depth interviews with female directors and groundbreaking trailblazers. Gates goes to great lengths to recognize their significant contributions and give these individuals their worthy spotlight. 

Through illuminating discussions, the directors take Gates and readers on a deep exploration into their filmmaking processes and themes. Each is accompanied by illustrations of the filmmakers on location and vivid film stills. Offering a rare glimpse into the movie business, they share stories of their unique journeys navigating the film industry. In an era when most fans of film rely on the Internet for information, this curated collection of interviews is the ideal reference with insights directly from these trailblazing filmmakers themselves. —Don Shanahan

The Uncool by Cameron Crowe

As a long admirer of Crowe’s films, I was excited when his memoir, The Uncool, was announced earlier this year. When I soon found out that the book would focus on his early years and his time as a music writer, my anticipation didn’t wane. I simply love books about the people who make movies, both behind and in front of the camera. Though Crowe’s book does have chapters on his filmic work, specifically Fast Times at Ridgemont High, it does focus on his music writing, but make no mistake: if you are a fan of Cameron Crowe’s work, you need to read this book (or listen to the audiobook, on which Crowe does an exceptional job). Filled with insight, first-hand accounts, and interesting stories from both the music and movie world, the joy comes from reading Crowe’s words. He’s definitely a writer first and foremost, and after reading this, you’ll come away with the same conclusion: when the heck in the next book that focuses on his movies coming out?  —Michael Suarez

Hamnet & Judith by Maggie O’Farrell

I was lucky enough to see Hamnet at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. In the months since, I have not been able to stop thinking about it. From Chloe Zhao’s impeccable direction to the fearless performances from Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, Hamnet has stayed my favorite film of 2025 so far. The film is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, Hamnet & Judith, and reimagines the writing of Hamlet as if it were William Shakespeare’s way of processing the death of his only son. The film is a sublimely staggering piece of filmmaking and should be on your radar to catch at the local cinema, but it’s one of the rare times when the book and the film offer their own unique, yet closely connected, experience. After I saw Hamnet at TIFF, I found the closest used bookstore to my hotel and bought a copy. O’Farrell’s writing is lush and poetic, a piece of fiction that reads like an intimate diary into the mind of a writer who shaped playwriting as we know it today. Hamnet & Judith has the ability to make Shakespeare accessible to even the staunchest of hold-outs. For anyone who loved Hamnet, or hasn’t seen it yet, a copy of Maggie O’Farrell’s stunning novel is sure to delight this holiday season. Buy from your local bookstore! —Tina Kakadelis

The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki

The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki is a journey through the stories, ideas, and inspirations behind the films of one of cinema’s most influential visionaries. From My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away to Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Ponyo, Miyazaki’s work has captivated audiences around the world with its emotion, artistry, and unforgettable characters.

This book explores the rich mix of cultural, historical, and artistic influences that shaped his storytelling. From Japanese folklore and childhood memories to European architecture, classic cinema, and political commentary, it reveals how Hayao Miyazaki’s deeply personal vision created layered worlds that feel both fantastical and grounded in truth.

With insight into his process, visual language and recurring themes – including nature, flight, girlhood, resistance and renewal – The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki offers fans and film lovers a deeper understanding of the imagination behind the magic. It is a celebration of creative freedom, storytelling without limits, and the enduring power of animation. —Don Shanahan

Various Movie Soundtracks

Soundtracks can walk a mind down memory lane as quickly as any picture. The right tunes resurrect an evening crunching popcorn at the cineplex scoping out the first screening of a classic that shaped a whole summer, not to mention a lifetime thereafter. Coupled with the warm, smooth sound only vinyl can elicit, movie soundtracks on proper records are an ideal gift for someone looking to soak in the feel of a flick without watching it. Take a trip through Tarantino with Once Upon a Time: The Tarantino Sound, featuring 22 iconic tracks. Revisit The Rocky Horror Picture show with the 45th anniversary remastered vinyl record. See what’s conjured when Sinners starts spinning. Let a soundtrack be the background music spicing up an evening that needs a little familiar seasoning. Worst comes to worst, vinyl records make great wall art as well.  —Jay Rohr

Tribeca Membership

Now in its second year, Tribeca Membership is the Festival’s year-round program for arts and entertainment enthusiasts in New York City. For $100 annually, members enjoy exclusive access to premiere screenings, intimate conversations, and special events featuring some of Hollywood’s biggest names. In 2025 alone, Tribeca Members attended more than 30 exclusive events, including U.S. premieres of The Alto Nights, Bob Trevino Likes It, Dying for Sex, The History of Sound, and the New York premiere of John Candy: I Like Me, which included a conversation with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. It’s the perfect gift for culturally connected New Yorkers who want insider access to the city’s best film, TV, and live events. Give the Big Apple person in your life the gift of membership!  —Don Shanahan

Support Your Local Arthouse

For this holiday season, why not gift your beloved cinephiles something that they will not only love but also help keep arthouse cinema afloat? If you live near any big or medium city–or even some smaller ones–there is likely a little theater working hard to bring to its patrons the best of independent and arthouse cinema. Here’s where you and they can see the best foreign films, up-and-coming indie hits, thought-provoking documentaries, and timeless retrospectives–often with special programming and festival-related content. The Coronavirus pandemic forced many such theaters to shutter their doors earlier this decade, but many are still afloat and working to provide a service the big cineplexes can’t and won’t. 

Not sure if you’re near such a theater? The Art House Convergence is building a database of art house media exhibitors across North America, though it’s in the early stages. You can also search Google Maps for movie theaters; you’ll get cineplexes but also arthouse theaters if you do. Some of these will offer subscription passes, a neat way to ensure monthly viewing. They’ll all have gift cards available. Many offer some sweet swag. But no matter which option you choose, you’ll not only be giving a much appreciated gift, but you’ll also be contributing to the livelihood of arts culture in your local community. And what could be more generous this holiday season than that? — J Paul Johnson

Film Obsessive Merch

Not finding what you love so far? Well, what Film Obsessive reader wouldn’t love a little gear from our own shop? Check out our storefront at TeePublic, where you can find t-shirts, hoodies, crewnecks, zip-ups, totes, mugs, and more, all with the swank style you expect from Film Obsessive. Thanks for reading Film Obsessive’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide and may your deities, idols, friends and family gift you many treasures this holiday season.