Inspire your inner chef with these fantastic food movies. With each one, culinary delights take center stage on the silver screen.
And believe it or not, there are plenty of options to watch!
Food Movies That Will Make You Want To Cook
There are heartwarming tales of chefs chasing their dreams. Or colorful cartoons where adorable animals make unlikely chefs.
Then, there’s the feel-good flicks about finding oneself in food, friends, and fun.
And they all feature depictions of sumptuous dishes, mouthwatering meals, and diverse cuisines. Each one is a delectable feast for the eyes and the soul.
Here are 20 of the many fabulous food movies out there!
1. Ratatouille (2007)
Ratatouille is a heartwarming animated film. It whisks us into the enchanting world of a rat named Remy, with a talent for cooking.
The movie, set in Paris, follows Remy’s unlikely partnership with an inexperienced chef. Together, they embark on a culinary adventure unlike any other.
There’s yummy food, many laughs, and a happy ending where everyone’s dreams come true.
It’s a delightful tale that celebrates the power of passion and determination.
Ratatouille is a savory blend of laughter and inspiration. And a reminder that you can discover greatness in the most unexpected places.
2. Burnt (2015)
Burnt is a must-see movie that Bradly Cooper fans won’t want to miss. It’s goofy and quirky, with plenty of eye candy.
It follows Cooper’s character, Adam Jones, on a quest to redeem himself after a brutal downfall.
He opens a new restaurant in London and strives to reach new heights of esteem.
Whether you watch it for the food, the comedy, or Cooper himself, it’s worth the watch.
3. Chef (2014)
Chef is a somewhat unknown movie with a stellar cast.
It features big names in entertainment, including Scarlett Johansson, Sofía Vergara, John Leguizamo, and Dustin Hoffman.
Even Robert Downey Jr. makes an appearance!
Starring Jon Favreau, Chef is full of friends, family, and food trucks.
It also paints a vibrant portrait of the culinary world. (Including the *ahem* colorful language (53 f-words) often used in that world- parents be warned.)
4. Julie & Julia (2009)
Are you more of a fan of non-fiction movies? Check out Julie & Julia, based on two non-fiction books by Julie Powell and Julia Child.
The movie follows the parallel stories of these two women. It stars Meryl Streep as a phenomenal Julia Child and Amy Adams as a lovable Julie Powell.
The two women’s distinct stories blend seamlessly together. They meld to create a fantastic film that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious.
5. Eat Pray Love (2010)
Eat Pray Love is a must-see for those who love self-discovery and personal growth.
It, too, is a true story inspired by the memoir of the main character, Elizabeth Gilbert.
Starring the always-elegant Julia Roberts, Eat Pray Love will make you smile, laugh, and cry. (And crave superb food.)
On the surface, it’s a film about a woman who strives to bounce back after a life-changing divorce. But honestly, there is so much more depth to the film.
It’s one you must see to appreciate.
6. Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Anything starring Ali Wong is bound to be hilarious, and this movie is no exception.
The chemistry between Wong and co-star Randall Park is undeniable, and the comedy is gold.
And who doesn’t love a movie about two people reconnecting after a long absence?
This one places a bit more emphasis on the budding romance than the food. But hey! That’s okay!
Either way, it makes for a fun, lighthearted film.
7. Chocolat (2000)
Most die-hard Johnny Depp fans are familiar with Chocolat. It premiered in 2000 and starred both Depp and Juliette Binoche.
Set in France, it tells the story of a free-spirited woman who dared to open a chocolate shop during Lent.
Though that may seem risky (and risque), it works well for her.
The movie is sweet, romantic, and enchanting. And it will give you some serious cravings for high-quality chocolates.
8. Like Water for Chocolate (1992)
Like Water for Chocolate is a lovely foreign-language film based on Laura Esquivel’s novel of the same name.
The sensual story takes place in Mexico during the early 20th century.
It tells the story of Tita, a young woman forbidden from marrying her true love. Instead, she expresses her emotions through cooking.
Her food, though, has transformative powers that deeply affect those who consume it. The movie explores themes of love, desire, and liberation.
It’s an incredible film, but be aware of its ‘R’ rating.
9. The Lunchbox (2013)
Another excellent food-inspired foreign film is The Lunchbox.
The plot centers on a mistaken lunchbox delivery in Mumbai’s dabbawala system.
The film’s two leads quickly develop an unexpected connection. (Via heartfelt letters exchanged through the lunch box.)
As their bond deepens, so, too, does the overall story.
The Lunchbox is a bittersweet tale that explores the power of human connection. It also outlines the profound impact small acts of kindness can have.
10. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
What better way to embrace your sweet tooth than with a movie set inside a candy factory?
Just about everyone knows the story of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
It’s a magical story of pure imagination that has delighted viewers for decades.
Tim Burton remade the movie (under a new name) in 2005, casting Johnny Depp as Wonka.
And while he did an admirable job, Gene Wilder’s portrayal of Willy Wonka is not to be missed.
11. Bread and Tulips (2000)
This Italian dramedy is another fun and whimsical tale for those who love romance.
After being left behind by her family during a vacation, Rosalba finds herself in Venice. Embracing the unexpected freedom, she starts a new life.
She quickly finds love, a charming server, and personal fulfillment in this new life.
The film explores themes of self-discovery and second chances. It also highlights the transformative power of embracing new opportunities.
12. Butter (2012)
With its all-star comedy cast, Butter is something every lover of laughs should see.
It’s packed with talent like Jennifer Garner, Ty Burrell, Alicia Silverstone, and Hugh Jackman.
At its core, it’s a satirical comedy set in a small-town butter-carving competition. And hilarity ensues right from the start.
It’s hard to believe someone could make a movie about butter sculpting. But director Jim Field Smith and writer Jason Micallef did just that.
13. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)
Imagine inventing a machine that could spit out whatever food you wanted whenever you wanted it. Doesn’t that sound fantastic?
That’s the premise behind this animated, food-based movie.
Of course, things go wrong, as they always do. The food-producing machine malfunctions, spitting out mountains of food that cover whole towns!
It’s a fun, family-friendly movie you can enjoy with the kiddos.
14. Sausage Party (2016)
Looking for a more adult-themed animated food movie? Check out Sausage Party.
As the cheeky name implies, this movie is all about sausage. But not, perhaps, in the way you might think.
Written (at least in part) by Jonah Hill and Seth Rogan, Sausage Party is black comedy at its finest.
It’s raunchy, racy, ridiculous, and funny. Just do NOT watch it with the kids.
15. Fast Food Nation (2006)
This early-2000s drama is the movie adaptation of a non-fiction book of the same name.
It takes a raw and critical look at the fast food industry. And its impact on society.
Fast Food Nation depicts the exploitation of workers and the questionable quality of food. It also touches on the ethical implications of the industry.
And the movie sheds a less-than-flattering light on the fast-food industry we all know. I promise you will never look at fast food the same way again.
16. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
This delightful romantic comedy centers on the main character, Toula. She is a Greek-American woman who falls in love with a non-Greek man named Ian.
They try to navigate their differences, but Toula’s family doesn’t make it easy. They do, however, add a humorous and endearing touch.
And, oh yes, there’s plenty of drool-worthy Greek food.
17. Sideways (2004)
I don’t know about you, but I can always get behind a movie about a wine-tasting road trip.
This one focuses on Miles and Jack, two friends suffering midlife crises.
Hilarious and heartfelt, the film examines friendship and the complexities of adulthood.
It’s a wild, wine-filled ride through the vineyards of California’s Santa Ynez Valley.
18. The Ramen Girl (2008)
I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this movie at first. It’s about a girl recovering from a breakup by learning to make ramen. Fortunately for me, I was wrong.
This somewhat silly film is heartwarming and sweet in all the best ways. It also features mouthwatering cuisine and a sprinkle of romance.
It celebrates the power of food to help you heal and connect.
19. Diner (1982)
What could be better than a food movie set in a diner? This early 80s movie is set in the late 50s and perfectly exemplifies the time period.
The movie features memorable characters, witty dialogue, and a nostalgic diner backdrop.
It also explores classic storytelling themes like friendship, love, and coming of age.
20. Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
I saved the best for last.
Of all the food movies, this one is my favorite. It came out in 1991 when I was just a girl. I immediately fell in love. (Still, I love it to this day!)
It has everything a movie needs to make it great. There’s good old Southern comfort food, a friendship that trumps everything, and murder.
The all-star cast doesn’t hurt, either. (Jessica Tandy, Kathy Bates, Mary-Louise Parker, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Cicely Tyson.)
If you only watch one movie from this list, I recommend you choose this one.
