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Food Movies: They (Almost) All Cooked Happily Ever After

omgfoodmalta

Updated: Oct 16, 2024

Food movies that inspire, entertain, and make your mouth water. Discover the best food films and what to pair them with.


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The Cinematic Feast Begins


We all love a good meal. But what happens when food fills our plates and stars on our screens?

Food movies are a unique genre that can make us hungry and excited. They mix the magic of film with the charm of tasty meals.


They tell stories of ambition, romance, and culinary discovery. They also have funny moments, like those with mac and cheese. Whether you love food, enjoy movies, or want a relaxing night with cheese pizza, this article is for you. It offers a selection of the best food films.


Let’s dig in!


What Are the Best Food Movies?


Movies about food are a feast for the senses and come in many flavours—sweet, savoury, bitter, and spicy. Food movies often explore themes beyond the kitchen: they reflect on love, ambition, dreams, and sometimes revenge (we’ll get to that later).


Here’s a curated list of foodie films celebrating food in all its cinematic glory. Spoiler alert: you will find a lot of chocolate, pasta, and wine involved.


1. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)


This classic isn’t just about sweets. The great Gene Wilder plays Willy Wonka, who takes viewers on a fun and sometimes scary trip through his magical chocolate factory. A social commentary wrapped in sugar, with deeper undertones about greed, consumerism, and childhood innocence, exists.



But let’s be honest—the real stars are the endless rivers of chocolate and the genius of Wonka’s candy creations. Pair it with a large bar of chocolate and some sweet nostalgia.



2. Home Alone (1990) & Home Alone 2 (1992)


Who could forget Kevin McCallister’s love affair with cheese pizza?


This is the ultimate comfort food movie for any pizza lover. Kevin's funny pizza order and famous mac and cheese moment make Home Alone a fun family movie. The story fills readers with humour and cheesy moments. Our food pairing suggestion?


You guessed it—an extra-large cheese pizza. Because sometimes, simpler is better (sorry, Buzz).



3. Chocolat (2000)


If there was ever a movie that could convince you that chocolate can change lives, this is it. Set in a charming French village, Chocolat tells the story of Vianne (Juliette Binoche). She fights against the town’s strict rules with the magic of her sweets.


The film makes you want to move to France, open a chocolate shop, and change lives with truffles. With endless scenes of people stirring melted chocolate and licking it off their fingers, Chocolat offers the best food fantasy.


Serve yourself a luscious piece of dark chocolate and melt into the fantasy (did we tell you about our chocolate crackle pie?).



4. Sideways (2004)


This is not just a movie about wine. Sideways explores relationships, failures, and how to pair a good bottle with a broken heart.


The beautiful views of California's vineyards are stunning, and the lively conversations about Pinot Noir and Merlot are engaging. You will want to look for wine tours before the movie ends or else check our article about wine pairing for further inspiration!


A dream for wine lovers, this work offers a thoughtful look at life’s disappointments and how we cope. If you’re watching this with a bottle of wine, make sure it’s Pinot Noir.


We have warned you.



5. Ratatouille (2007)


Ratatouille is an animated masterpiece about Remy, a rat with culinary dreams in Paris.


The film showcases stunning dishes and serves as a love letter to anyone who has ever had an improbable dream. Watching Remy experiment with food combinations makes your imagination (and taste buds) run wild.


Like Remy, you’ll leave this movie believing that "anyone can cook."



6. Eat Pray Love (2010)


One of those feel good / love story movies about food and life, starring Julia Roberts, Eat Pray Love focuses on self-discovery and a journey through Italy, India, and Indonesia.


The Italian food scenes are some of the most mouth-watering you’ll ever witness. Liz Gilbert’s journey of emotional and culinary awakening reminds us that food is a powerful healer and connector.


It is best served with a generous bowl of Bucatini all'Amatriciana and a side of self-reflection.



7. Julie & Julia (2009)


Julia Child’s iconic recipes come to life in Julie & Julia. Amy Adams and Meryl Streep charm us with their shared love of French cuisine and the art of cooking.


It is a heartwarming tale of two women finding themselves through food unfolds. This movie is not just for fans of French cooking but for anyone who finds solace and joy in the kitchen.


Plus, for fans of Helen Mirren's The Devil Wears Prada, Stanley Tucci’s suave charm shines in Julie & Julia.


Watch it with a plate of cassoulet, or if you’re feeling adventurous, try making one yourself.



8. Chef (2014)


Jon Favreau’s film tells the story of Carl Casper, the head chef at Gauloises in Brentwood, Los Angeles. Carl is unhappy with his job and decides to quit. He then opens his food truck.


Through his food truck and a rekindled relationship with his young son, he rediscovers his love for cooking. We love this movie not just for the great food scenes. It also shows how much better life is when you are happy at work.


The filmmakers paid close attention to the food scenes. By the end, you will crave Cuban sandwiches.


A movie reminds us that food isn’t just sustenance—it’s joy, creativity, and connection. Chef is a love letter to food, passion, and reconnecting with what you love to do.



9. The Menu (2022)


The Menu is a dark comedy-horror that takes food to the next level. Chef Julian’s exclusive dining experience starts as elite and ends in a terrifying yet oddly satisfying climax.


The film's critique of elitism and obsession with fine dining will leave you rethinking that $1,200 meal you’ve been saving up for.


At least the dessert is memorable!



10. The Bear (2022)


It's not a movie, so let's say we are cheating here a bit. But it might as well be!


Step into the kitchen with The Bear if you can handle the heat. This intense drama series captures the chaotic and pressure-cooker atmosphere of a busy sandwich shop in Chicago.


Gritty, raw, and intense, this film offers everything you wouldn’t expect from a food movie but love nonetheless.


Not for the faint of heart, this show is best paired with a simple yet satisfying sandwich.



Why Do We Love Movies About Food?


Food has always been a universal language. It connects us, comforts us, and tells stories we cannot express in words.


Food movies amplify that connection through vivid imagery, lush settings, and unforgettable characters. These films show us that food is more than taste. The topic also encompasses culture, history, emotions, and even rebellion.


Food is a common theme in foreign movies. These films often share romantic stories about finding new dishes, and the love of food shows in every scene.


What Are the Best Food Movies on Netflix?


Netflix has a great selection of food films. Some popular choices are Chef, Julie & Julia, and Uncorked. These movies are perfect for a culinary adventure from your couch.


You can also indulge in acclaimed documentaries such as the iconic Chef's Table and Salt Fat Acid Heat. No master chef yet, sorry.


If you want romantic movies about food on Netflix or feel-good films, Netflix has what you need. Enjoy them with a big bowl of popcorn - the best food for a movie night!


Woman on sofa eating popcorn

A Delicious Finale


So there you have it—good food and movies are the ultimate pairing. From chocolate factories to wine country, these films offer more than just a feast for the eyes.


They serve up life lessons and heartwarming moments. If you enjoy thinking deeply about films or watching people make food, you will love these culinary movies.


Bon appétit!


 

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