Few things pair better than a good movie and a solid meal to match — especially when your hunger spikes during a cozy binge-watching session on the couch. Sure, ordering in delivery or picking up takeout is always on the table, but next time you find yourself drooling over a delectable feast that your favorite fictional character is indulging in, why not whip up an at-home themed dinner inspired by your favorite show or movie?
Whether you’re a bona fide movie buff or just looking for some inspiration to spice things up in the kitchen, there are plenty of cookbooks chock-full of creative meal recipes, craft cocktails and unique desserts based on some of the most iconic and cult-favorite films and television series of all time.
From the double-decker pizza in “Saturday Night Fever” to Jocelyn’s home-cooked dinners featured in “Schitt’s Creek,” these comprehensive and beautifully illustrated themed cookbooks contain everything (sans your ingredients, of course) you need to guide you through re-creating your favorite on-screen food moments.
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Dinner and a show
‘Friends: The Official Cookbook’
With the help of this book, easily whip up a “Friends”-themed dinner while you rewatch the beloved sitcom yet again. This cookbook includes over 150 recipes taken from the show, including Just For Joey Fries and Rachel’s infamous Lobster With a Side of Lobster Roll.
Gather some friends of your own and dig into some of Rachel, Monica, Ross, Chandler, Phoebe and Joey’s favorites.
‘The Bob’s Burgers Burger Book: Real Recipes for Joke Burgers’
With 75 specialty recipes included, this cookbook allows fans of the beloved series to bring a taste of Bob’s Burgers to their own kitchen.
Each practical recipe comes from the popular blog “The Bob’s Burger Experiment” and includes tasty recipes inspired by the show like the Bleu is the Warmest Cheese Burger and the Bruschetta-Bout-It Burger.
It’s a must-have for hungry carnivores and fans of the series alike.
‘Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: The Official Black Spire Outpost Cookbook’
Foodies of the galaxy will adore this culinary compilation, filled to the brim with out-of-this-world meals fit for a Jedi.
With over 175 recipes, including sides, snacks, desserts and drinks, this detailed cookbook allows fans and foodies alike to bring the flavor of Black Spire Outpost to their own table. Some of the more notable recipes include Spicy Mandalorian Stew, Braised Shaak Roast and Fried Endorian Tip-Yip.
‘Tastes Like Schitt: The Unofficial Cookbook of Schitt’s Creek’
To fill the void left upon finishing the final season of “Schitt’s Creek,” this unofficial cookbook will help you relive some of your favorite moments from the beloved series via culinary means.
Featuring a slew of easy-to-follow recipes from Cafe Tropical to the Rosebud Motel’s cinnamon rolls, this cookbook is an essential keepsake for any super-fan of the series. Just be sure to fold in the cheese.
‘A Feast of Ice and Fire: The Official ‘Game of Thrones’ Companion Cookbook’
The final season of “Game of Thrones” wrapped in 2019, but fans of the hit HBO series can still bring the taste of the frozen North home.
This cookbook includes over 100 recipes suitable for chefs of all skill levels, organized by region, including Mutton in Onion-Ale Broth, Trout Wrapped in Bacon, Honey-Spiced Locusts and Quails Drowned in Butter.
Your winter feast is coming.
‘Outlander Kitchen: To the New World and Back Again’
Starz’s “Outlander” not only offers a healthy fusion of drama, action and romance, but it also offers plenty of mouth-watering food moments. Now, you can re-make delicious dishes inspired by and borrowed from the show in the comfort of your own home.
From hearty dinners like Benedicta’s Steak and Mushroom Pie to tasty treats like Mistress Abernathy’s Apple Pandowdy, this compilation offers a dish for every taste.
‘The Sopranos Family Cookbook’
Compiled by master chef Artie Bucco, this “Sopranos”-themed cookbook allows you to re-create authentic Sicilian dishes inspired by and featured on the HBO series.
Relive Tony Soprano’s delicious grilled sausage with fennel or whip up Carmela’s “healing” pastina and ricotta dish.
With an endless supply of Italian meals to make for your own family and friends, this cookbook is the must-own volume for foodies and “The Sopranos” buffs.
‘The Official Downton Abbey Cookbook’
Dine a la the Crawleys with this official “Downton Abbey” cookbook, featuring modern adaptations of period cuisine, as well as authentic replications of the fare showcased on the series.
The recipes span breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts and are organized by occasion (i.e. afternoon tea, picnics and downstairs supper), and the cookbook includes over 100 crave-worthy dishes like Oysters au Gratin, Jam and Custard Tarts and Chicken Vol-au-Vents.
‘The Necronomnomnom: Recipes and Rites from the Lore of H.P. Lovecraft’
Curated by Mike Slater and Thomas Roach, this quirky cookbook is chock-full of bizarre yet appetizing recipes, including The Deep Fried Deep One and the Nog Sothoth.
Just like H.P. Lovecraft’s forbidden book, “Necronomicon,” this cookbook is filled to the brim with secret pages and recipes.
While it is not inspired by a movie or TV show, we figured this literary-themed cookbook had to be on the list.
‘Seinfeld Cookbook: A Cookbook About Nothing!’
Inspired by the legendary ‘90s sitcom, this delightful “cookbook about nothing” spotlights 30 recipes borrowed from the series.
For a show commonly dubbed as the “show about nothing,” it sure does have plenty of food-focused episodes, and this quirky cookbook will help you create some of the most memorable meals from the show.
‘The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook’
Inspired by some of Hogwarts’ most magical dishes, this cookbook includes over 150 recipes suitable for kitchen wizards and beginners alike.
From simple “muggle” meals (think Kreacher’s French Onion Soup) to advanced confections like Treacle Tarts, this unique collection will excite and satisfy the tastebuds of any fan.
‘Back To The Future: The Official Hill Valley Cookbook’
Featuring five chapters of gastronomic treats from different time periods, each inspired by the “Back To The Future” films, this official cookbook allows you to travel through time while feasting on festive meals.
Some standout recipes includes Hill Valley Clock Tower Chicken Fry and Uncle Joey’s Parole Cake.
‘Eat Like a Gilmore: The Ultimate Unofficial Cookbook Set for Fans of Gilmore Girls’
Whether a veteran of the original drama-comedy series or a new fan currently binging the reboot, “Gilmore Girls: A Year in The Life,” this unofficial cookbook inspired by the show will transport you straight to Luke’s Diner (because fans know all too well that Lorelai and Rory weren’t exactly chefs).
Aside from diner staples, this volume includes some of the mother and daughter’s favorite junk foods: Chinese food dishes, Luke’s Cherry Danish and even homemade pop tarts.
‘Eat What You Watch: A Cookbook for Movie Lovers’
Looking for an anthology film-inspired cookbook with a wide range of cinematic-themed recipes inspired by the big screen?
This comprehensive cookbook contains recipes from over 40 iconic movies and cult-classic films, from the hazelnut gelato in “Roman Holiday” to the New York Style double-decker pizza in “Saturday Night Fever” and even the deli sandwich featured in the infamous scene in “When Harry Met Sally.”
‘The Godfather: The Corleone Family Cookbook’
This “Godfather”-themed cookbook features over 75 authentic Italian dishes accompanied with visuals inspired by the Corleone family.
From traditional meatballs to Clemenza’s Sunday sauce, this tome is a must-own for fans of the classic film trilogy.
All-star recipes from celebrities
Take some cooking inspiration from some of your favorite celebrities. Here's a roundup of the best celebrity cookbooks out there.
Celebrity cookbooks
‘Back to the Kitchen’ by Freddie Prinze Jr.
The ’90s heartthrob was raised in New Mexico by his mom on home-cooked meals inspired by his Puerto Rican heritage.
In "Back to the Kitchen" the “She’s All That” star shares those dishes, and many more, including tacos and New Mexico-style spicy eggs.
‘The Clean Plate’ by Gwyneth Paltrow
Academy Award winner Gwyneth Paltrow has turned being a lifestyle guru into quite the business. The Goop founder has always been known for being the cheerleader of clean, healthy eating.
Her cookbook "The Clean Plate" takes a deep dive on the topic as she shares more than 100 recipes that heal the body.
‘Cravings’ by Chrissy Teigen
Chrissy Teigen is almost as famous for being a foodie as a model, so it’s no surprise her tome "Cravings" is one of the best celebrity cookbooks out there.
It’s chock-full of recipes for every occasion, from family dinners to date nights to parties.
‘From Crook to Cook’ by Snoop Dogg
If you’ve ever wondered what Snoop Dogg eats when he gets the munchies, now you’ll finally know. Plus, he has probably picked up a culinary tip or two from his friend Martha Stewart.
Snoop Dogg’s first cookbook, "From Crook to Cook," is just as fun as you’d expect. Its 50 recipes cover soul food classics like baked mac & cheese as well as his spin on classics like soft flour tacos and easy orange chicken.
‘The Kind Diet’ by Alicia Silverstone
If you’re a vegan or just trying to cut down on meat, "The Kind Diet" is the best celebrity cookbook for you.
“Clueless” actress, activist and conservationist Alicia Silverstone shares how to make an easy transition to a vegan diet with plenty of advice and recipes. She shares all the health perks of a plant-based diet, such as easy digestion and clearer skin.
There’s advice on how to get all the nutrients you need sans meat, fish or dairy.
‘Stirring Up Fun with Food’ by Sarah Michelle Gellar
In "Stirring Up Fun with Food," “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star Sarah Michelle Gellar shares more than 100 food-crafting ideas that you and your kids will have a blast making — think brownies on a stick.
The book is organized by month and has ideas for every holiday and occasion, including Valentine’s Day, Shark Week, Halloween and “Star Wars” Day.
‘True Roots’ by Kristin Cavallari
Health-conscious cooks will love that this one ticks off all the boxes since every single recipe doesn’t have a trace of gluten, dairy or refined sugar. Even better, cooking that way can be easy.
That’s one of the reasons Kristin Cavallari's “True Roots” was propelled to the top of the best-seller list. The former star of “The Hills” will leave you with a happy tummy with recipes like zucchini almond butter blondies and rose sangria.
‘The Tucci Table’ by Stanley Tucci
During quarantine, Stanley Tucci’s cocktail recipes won the internet, reminding us that his gifts extend beyond the screen.
His second cookbook "The Tucci Table" focuses on his family’s traditional Italian dishes as well as his British wife’s, Felicity Blunt, all with an American twist. Think pasta alla bottarga, mushroom-stuffed trout and pork chops with onions and mustard sauce, to name a few.
‘Whiskey in a Teacup’ by Reese Witherspoon
It’s hard to imagine that Reese Witherspoon is bad at anything, and that goes for cooking, too. Her best-selling cookbook "Whiskey in a Teacup" is oozing with Southern charm, just like she is.
Sure it has recipes — including how to make the perfect cheddar biscuits as well as fried chicken — but it offers so much more, including her musings on southern hospitality, with tips on how to entertain, decorate and even apply hot rollers to your hair.
