Food is all around us – so, it makes sense that it’d be a key focus in plenty of movies. If you want to pig out, but are also cautious of calories, watching a couple of food-centric movies may be the best way to indulge. (Of course, you should at least make some popcorn. You’re about to binge-watch movies, after all.)
The best part about food is that it’s present in most of the movies you’ve seen before. Whether it’s super noticeable product placement, like McDonald’s and Coca-Cola in Mac and Me, or just a big scene that takes place around a big family dinner, like in Wedding Crashers. Everyone’s got to eat, so setting a few scenes around the dinner table just makes sense.
Other movies, however, use food as a plot. In these films, characters get together and often embark on an adventure, all thanks to food. It’s heartwarming, as food really does bring people together in real life. Just think about every potluck you’ve ever been to. Thanksgiving dinner is also focused primarily around the food — that, and trying not to get into a heated debate with your relatives.
Here are a few of the best food movies out there that no foodie will want to miss.
1. Julie & Julia
[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh4bkwt54I4"]What better start than a movie about Julia Child?
Julie & Julia came out in 2009 and stars Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. If this movie doesn’t inspire you to cook, nothing will. It mainly focuses on Adams’ character, Julie, who tries to recreate all of Julia Child’s most notable recipes from her first cookbook. Need another reason to check it out? It was written and directed by Nora Ephron.
2. Soul Food
[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lKicGtI-WI"]Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox, and Nia Long starred in this 1997 hit.
Aside from cooking and the importance of good food, Soul Food focuses on the importance of family. After all, food and family are often closely related. The movie touches on cooking from the heart and how a good meal can bring people together in ways that words just can’t. Rumor has it that a sequel tentatively called More Soul Food is in the works.
3. Eat Drink Man Woman
[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7pKpO8NErU"]Cooking is a family hobby in the 1994 movie Eat Drink Man Woman.
The plot follows a popular chef and his three daughters. And all of them are looking for the perfect recipe for love and romance. The film, which was directed by Ang Lee, was a huge hit in theaters. In 1994, it was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film but lost out to Burnt by the Sun.
4. Pieces of April
[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt3ejDqHyxc"]You may know Katie Holmes best for her role as Joey Potter on Dawson’s Creek, but she was also phenomenal in Pieces of April.
The indie film, which was directed by Peter Hedges, focuses on April Burns – played by Holmes – who just wants to invite her estranged family over for a good Thanksgiving dinner. The first issue she encounters is a broken stove, which is more or less a nightmare for all the home chefs out there.
5. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Without the chocolate factory, this classic would be a bit boring.
By now you’ve probably seen Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. If not, you’ve at least seen a few memes floating around. The movie was a sugar-filled dream for kids. Oddly enough, though, this cult classic actually bombed in movie theaters. It found its true audience much later after airing on television and continues to gain new fans daily.
6. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2mecmDFE-Q"]The wedding of Toula Portokalos introduced plenty of fans to Greek cuisine.
Food is a big part of Greek traditions, so it’s great that the movie made sure to include plenty of classic Greek fare. And what’s one of the best scenes of the movie? Toula admits that her non-Greek husband-to-be, Ian, doesn’t eat meat. Shocked by the idea of vegetarianism, the bride’s family offers him lamb instead.
7. Eat Pray Love
This movie has “eat” right in the title, so you know it’s filled with good food.
Based off a book with the same title, this 2010 movie adaptation had Julia Roberts at the helm. Roberts stars as Liz Gilbert, a woman who’s quite lost in life. In an attempt to drastically improve her circumstances, she chooses to travel and experience a new way of living and eating overseas. Ryan Murphy, who’s responsible for Glee, directed the film.
8. Mystic Pizza
[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muLvjpHGHig"]Julia Roberts was also the main draw in 1998 film Mystic Pizza.
The movie focuses on a pizzeria in Connecticut. Even though the movie expands on the individual love stories of the characters, the restaurant is still a big focus in the movie. And for the record, Mystic Pizza is a real place! According to TripSavvy, the dining establishment’s signature pie includes pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, meatball sausage, and green peppers.
9. The Founder
[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t--nPZLDFOU"]This movie may make you wish you could go back and visit the first McDonald’s.
Even though it’s easy to grab a burger at any time, The Founder – which is all about how McDonald’s became a worldwide sensation – includes a very tasty scene. In it, the filmmakers reveal what initially made McD’s burgers special – equal parts ketchup and mustard, two pickles, a sprinkle of onions, and freshly cooked beef.
10. The Hundred-Foot Journey
[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiafiuzqVI4"]This is about McDonald’s polar opposite – fine dining.
Or at least, Michelin-style dining. The Hundred-Foot Journey stars Helen Mirren and focuses primarily on French cuisine, culture, and restaurant ownership. The film came out in 2014 and got relatively good reviews from film and foodie fans alike. Justin Chang from Variety stated it was “the most soothing brand of cinematic comfort food.”
11. The Ramen Girl
[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GYSwiaNz2o"]You may know Brittany Murphy best from Clueless and Just Married, but she worked on The Ramen Girl shortly before her untimely passing.
Released in 2008, the movie is all about Brittany Murphy’s hapless character. The woman is trying to navigate life overseas after being dumped by her boyfriend. Consequently, she puts her energy into learning a new craft and starts training to be a ramen chef. If you’re a fan of both noodles and Murphy, this one is a must-see.
12. Waitress
[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSlJwyhJ8H4"]Food movies don’t have to only be about making food. Serving it is equally important.
Keri Russell stars as Jenna Hunterson, a waitress in the midst of a few challenging personal situations, including a surprise pregnancy. But throughout the journey, Jenna’s baked goods help her reach a level of success. She invents pies and enters pie contests. This movie is great for all the pastry lovers out there.
13. Big Night
[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkaaUuQwRZY"]Feeling in the mood for Italian? Then Big Night may be for you.
The movie, which was released in 1996, focuses on an Italian eatery named Paradise. Paradise is owned by two brothers, who respectively serve as the chef and the restaurant manager. Unfortunately, trouble arises when the brothers are just trying to stay afloat. Minnie Driver, Allison Janney, Tony Shalhoub, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini round out the cast.
14. Sideways
Okay, so this one is more about wine than food. But it still counts.
Back in 2004, Sideways came out and made everyone want to become a wine expert. The film, which stars Paul Giamatti, takes place mostly in wine country. It covers food, expensive wines, and even a love story or two. You may not be a wine connoisseur yourself, but you should at least know that plenty of wines out there truly shine when paired with popular entrees.
15. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is about both food and friendship of the unlikely sort.
It may be a kids movie, but even adults can appreciate Ratatouille‘s charms. The Pixar film was released in 2007 and focuses on a rat named Remy. He strives to be a famous chef, much like his idol Auguste Gusteau. The friendly rodent gets his wish when he partners up with a boy who isn’t quite as talented in the kitchen.
16. Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs
[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUaKcFI4BZY"]Speaking of kids movies, this one might make you crave spaghetti and meatballs.
This 2009 movie was based around a children’s book. Scientist-in-training Flint Lockwood – voiced by Bill Hader – gets into some hot water when the machine he invented happened to backfire in the worst way possible. Sure, we’ve all dreamed about a storm of food looming over us one day. But, this lively film proves it’s not all fun and games.
17. Chef
[fm_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF_rYNupPwg"]When you’re a chef, your top enemy is probably the food critic especially when you know you’re not putting your best work out there.
Jon Favreau stars in this 2014 movie as a chef who’s had enough of the negativity and leaves the restaurant life behind to start up a more creative venture – a family food truck. And Cuban food becomes his main focus. Thanks to social media, the family business manages to grow a following and make it work.
