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We all have that friend who can recite the filmography of just about any actor or has a movie recommendation for any mood. If you’re wanting to gift them something film adjacent, sorting through movie posters and merch can be overwhelming. Instead of defaulting to the A24 store (which we admit has tasteful picks but just isn’t surprising), we spoke to a panel of cinephiles to see what they’d like to receive for the holidays. Luckily, our panel of critics, editors, artistic directors, and general film lovers had plenty of recommendations spanning books about the fall of Charlie Chaplin to non-cringe film-centered streetwear.
Books, DVDs, and games
Foster Hirsch’s new release, recommended by Film Forum repertory artistic director Bruce Goldstein, inspired “50 From the ’50s,” a film festival showcasing classic Hollywood movies like East of Eden and Roman Holiday.
Ross Melnick’s book on the global impact of movie theaters is an “absolute must-read,” says International Cinematographers Guild researcher Peter Labuza. “Theaters are where people learned and interacted with American power and American values of capitalism,” he says.
New York Times movie critic Alissa Wilkinson recommended biographer and film historian Scott Eyman’s recent book, centering on the post-WWII Red Scare when Charlie Chaplin was exiled from the United States and the downfall of his career.
Critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert were precursors, says critic Emily St. James. “They were two guys yelling at each other about a specific topic … now that’s all over the internet, but Siskel and Ebert perfected it.”
Walter Hickey’s recent release shows the effects entertainment has on society, geopolitics, and the economy through reporting and data visualization. For a primer, Wilkinson spoke to Hickey about it for Vox’s podcast The Gray Area.
For the budding director, former Metrograph production manager and author Wes Knoll pointed us to Paul Schrader’s book, which analyzes the film styles of his most influential directors.
The John Waters fan would appreciate the director’s musings on subjects like Christmas, how to become famous, 101 things he hates, and more in his 1986 book.
If they’re into horror, St. James says this “smartly curated” Blu-ray set looks at folk horror in countries spanning the U.S., Canada, Australia, Serbia, Iceland, and more.
Gift the regular IMDb user this fun movie-trivia card game, which has three difficulty levels: Movie Geek (easy), Film Nerd (intermediate), and Cinephile (expert).
If they’re more into board games, St. James recommends ones by publisher Free League. “The Alien game especially is a wonderfully fun way to pretend that you’re chewing up and spitting out your friends,” she says.
Clothing
Mubi Notebook managing editor Chloe Lizotte and writer Maxwell Paparella name-dropped Screen Slate merch. “You want to look good and also signal that you care about the community surrounding it,” says Lizotte, who owns one of their ball caps.
[Editor’s note: While their ball caps are sold out, they have other T-shirts, like the above, still available.]
Lizotte also pointed us to this understated Martin Scorsese T-shirt. “You want something that looks cool and sparks intrigue instead of ‘stay away from me.’”
In a similar vein, Wilkinson recommended Girls on Top’s tees featuring names of women in film in simple black all-capital letters.
Electronics and home goods
A region-free DVD player tops Lizotte’s wish list, because it would allow her to watch movies in her collection produced in other parts of the world. This would likely come in handy for the foreign-film lover in your life.
A standard Blu-ray is just as nice, though. “I never have enough Blu-ray players,” St. James says, adding that your recipient probably wants one for their second TV or bedroom setup.
“I meet a lot of film people who have a good home screen setup and the absolute worst sound system possible,” says Labuza. The Sonos Arc soundbar (which he’s gifting himself this year) is an excellent splurge-worthy gift.
Popcorn is also important to the at-home movie-watching experience. Wilkinson, who’s owned this bowl for years, likes that it’s dishwasher- and microwave-safe and collapses down.
Wilkinson also recommends a nice blanket for cozying up on movie nights. While she didn’t provide a particular brand, you can’t go wrong with Barefoot Dreams’ plush throws.
“Everyone has a Pulp Fiction poster from college,” says Lizotte. “You want something that’s a little bit more sophisticated, artistic.” Soho vintage and contemporary movie-poster store Posteritati has a broad selection, so she recommends sending a gift card.
Paparella is partial to “Williamsburg’s venerable bodega turned micro-cinema prints” Spectacle posters. Just note that because these are printed to order, it could take a couple of weeks to ship.
Or consider a magnet for the savvy NYC-based cinephile. “No visit to Film Forum is complete without a moment spent pondering this countertop pull-quote from the don of deconstruction, now available to adorn one’s own refrigerator,” Paparella says.
Subscriptions and memberships
Almost every person I spoke with recommended a membership to your giftee’s local cinema by simply Googling independent theaters in their city and comparing options. Perks (along with supporting independent cinemas) usually include discounted ticket prices, snack prices, invites to special events, and more.
If there’s not an independent-run cinema near your giftee, these memberships offer discounted theater tickets. This also requires Googling on your end, but we’re almost certain one of these will work in your recipient’s area.
Various streaming services were recommended, including a subscription to the Criterion Channel. “It’s probably the best streaming service right now, especially for people who are cinematically inclined,” says Wilkinson.
New York–based theater Metrograph’s streaming service, Metrograph at Home, lets members stream curated film collections and exclusive premieres anywhere in the U.S. Plus, New York members get $10 box-office tickets and discounts to the theater’s restaurant and bookstore.
If your recipient is into international film, Wilkinson says to consider a Mubi subscription. The streaming service features curated films, programs and retrospectives, double bills, and exclusive premieres.
“AMC+ is a secretly great streaming service with a ton of wonderful stuff, especially if you are into horror,” says St. James, adding that it gives members access to the entire Shudder catalogue. Additionally, you also get access to Sundance, IFC, and, of course, AMC’s catalogue. “If you’re a TV fan also, it’s honestly one of the better investments,” she adds.
Gift the indie- or foreign-film buff a digital pass to the Sundance Film Festival, which takes place in January. Prices start at just $25 for one online screening; a Short Films Pass for the Festival Package ($350) comes with ten online screenings.
If your recipient meticulously tracks their watch list and movie history, consider gifting the Pro or Patron subscription to Letterboxd, which they likely already use for cataloguing and reviewing films.
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