There is something so soothing and at times so painful watching other people eat beautiful big-screen-sized delicacies. And you absolutely don’t need to know the difference between a sauce, a reduction, and a coulis to drool over food on the screen. But in case you do, that’s just one more reason to see these movies that celebrate food and cooking.
A word of advice: Do not, under any circumstances, watch any of these movies on an empty stomach.
1. ‘The Hundred-Foot Journey’ (2014)
This heartwarming film tells the tale of an Indian family that opens a restaurant just across the street from a Michelin-starred French restaurant in a small village. The clash between cultures and cuisines leads to a culinary rivalry, with both restaurants offering tantalizing dishes. The entire film is a visual feast with each delectable dish beautifully showcased on screen. But what will push you over the edge to go ahead and crack some eggs after watching this culinary symphony is a step-by-step shot of Helen Mirren cooking a classic French omelet.
2. ‘Babette’s Feast’ (1987)
Gabriel Axel’s “Babette’s Feast” is a unique gem, deserving of its status as the first Danish film to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language. The 1987 film tells the story of Babette a French refugee named Babette who —you guessed it— prepares a massive feast. The sumptuous banquet features dishes like Potage à la Tortue, Blinis Demidoff, and Cailles en Sarcophage, proving the movie’s main argument that food can be a work of art, and we second that.
3. ‘Ratatouille’ (2007)
Only Pixar can pull out a film about a sewer rat working in a kitchen and still make your stomach growl. The 2007 animated film follows a Parisian rat named Remy out of the sewer and into a kitchen he doesn’t belong in, Cyrano de Bergerac-ing his way into accomplishing his big chef dreams. Remy’s cuteness, the abundance of fancy culinary terms, and animated food shots that still looks delicious will almost make you forget that you are watching a movie about a rat in a professional kitchen.
4. ‘Julie & Julia’ (2009)
In a very Nora Ephron fashion, the 2009 film is painfully charming, entertaining, and seriously hunger-inducing. Based on two memoirs — Julie Powell’s “Julie & Julia” and Julia Child’s “My Life in France” the movie unites two women across time and space through their shared passion for cooking and food. With 1940s Paris as a backdrop for Julia’s trailblazing culinary career and the energy of post-9/11 New York propelling Julie’s quest, “Julie & Julia” is a mouthwatering cinematic feast that celebrates the enduring legacy of Julia Child, the art of cooking, and the remarkable connections that transcend time. If one thing can outshine Meryl Streep on screen, it’s a series of delightful shots featuring food that looks so good you can almost smell the delicious boeuf bourguignon.
5. ‘Chef’ (2014)
This movie should not be seen on an empty stomach, and that is a fact. The 2014 film “Chef,” directed by Jon Favreau, follows the journey of renowned chef Carl Casper (played by Favreau himself) who starts serving his food from a truck and rediscovers the joy of street food. From sizzling grilled cheese sandwiches oozing with melted cheese to perfectly seared steaks glistening with savory juices, each shot will make you want to reach through the screen and grab that Cuban sandwich from Favreau’s hands.
6. ‘Chocolat’ (2000)
Set in a quaint French village, this charmingly light-hearted fable tells the story of Vianne Rocher, a nomadic master chocolatier who opens a chocolate shop that challenges the prudish town’s strict traditions during Lent. If you have a sweet tooth be warned: this eye-candy of a film showcases sumptuous chocolate creations, including a sensuous hot chocolate drink so watch at your own risk.
7. ‘Jiro Dreams of Sushi’ (2011)
This mesmerizing documentary delves into the life and artistry of Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master, and owner of Sukiyabashi Jiro, a tiny Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo. Through stunning visuals and insightful interviews, the film celebrates the dedication and precision that goes into creating the perfect piece of sushi, showcasing Jiro’s skillful craftsmanship and the mouthwatering sushi he serves. Our five cents: make sure your order good sushi while you watch.
8. ‘Big Night’ (1996)
Set in the 1950s on the Jersey shore, Stanley Tucci’s directorial debut follows two Italian brothers as they navigate the challenges of running their restaurant. In a last-ditch effort to save the business, they organize a lavish banquet showcasing their culinary skills featuring the showstopping centerpiece dish, “timpano.” The film’s attention to detail and mouthwatering visuals make it a treat for foodies.
9. ‘The Menu’ (2022)
Ralph Fiennes is a sinister chef with a deviously designed menu in the 2022 darkly comic foodie thriller that will both terrify you and make you crave a cheeseburger. A satirical look at fine dining restaurants, the 2022 film features beautiful shots of scrumptious dishes that look well.. expensive, and Anya Taylor-Joy’s eating a cheeseburger that looks just amazing.
10. ‘Eat, Pray, Love ‘ (2010)
Based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling memoir, the 2010 film follows Julia Roberts as she embarks on a quest of self-discovery and gastronomic delight. From the bustling streets of Italy to the serene landscapes of India and the vibrant markets of Bali, each destination becomes a culinary playground. With sumptuous shots of mountains of pasta, gelato, and exotic delicacies, the film will give you the urge to order a pizza and tikka masala at the same time. Do it!
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.
