Best Books and Films About BoJack Horseman: A Complete Guide

BoJack Horseman isn’t just a faded sitcom star—he’s a cultural mirror reflecting addiction, fame, and the ache of human (or equine) connection. If you want to understand his troubled legacy, start here.

What are the best biographies of BoJack Horseman?

While no official autobiography exists, Secretariat: BoJack Horseman’s Guide to Modern Life (2017) offers a satirical, often heartbreaking glimpse into his worldview. For a deeper dive, The BoJack Horseman Files (2020), a companion book dissecting the show’s themes, unpacks his psyche through essays by writers and psychologists.

Which documentaries cover BoJack Horseman’s life?

The 2016 special Behind the Horse remains essential. It features interviews with the cast of Horsin’ Around and behind-the-scenes insights into BoJack’s destructive behavior. For a darker take, The Secretariat Tapes (2019), a mockumentary-style fan project, reconstructs his descent into self-sabotage using archival footage and speculative narration.

What films portray BoJack Horseman accurately?

The 2015 film Secretariat: The Movie, based on his memoir, is a meta masterclass in self-mythologizing. Though fictionalized, it captures his narcissism and vulnerability. For a surreal perspective, The View from Halfway Down (2020), an animated special, explores his psyche through a hallucinogenic dinner party—don’t miss the poetry.

What should I read first?

Start with The Art of BoJack Horseman (2016). This visual companion reveals how the show’s animation and symbolism bring BoJack’s inner turmoil to life. Pair it with the BoJack Horseman: The Complete Series Blu-ray collection, which includes commentary on his most pivotal episodes.