Movies are an important part of the culture of our time, because they open the doors to new worlds, themes and tastes. Among them is gastronomy, because, although you may think that there are few food moviesactually there are many, and some are authentic cinematographic gems.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a foodie movie buff, or if you just fell in love with this type of movie after watching Ratatouille. We have prepared a list with the best food related moviesmaking a brief summary of each of them.
The truth is that they are all charming, so it will be difficult to decide which one you will see first.
gastronomy in the cinema
Before starting with the list of best food movies, we are going to talk a little about the history, and learn more about the relationship between cinema and gastronomy. Food and cinematography is not a recent combination, since it has been used since the last century.
In 1895, Louis Lumiere shot “Le repas de bébé” or the baby’s food, a silent short film where Louis and his wife have breakfast with their daughter. This could be considered as one of the first recordings related to food.
In the middle of the 20th century, the food related movies they began to take much more depth than a simple family breakfast. Well, in some footage from this time, it shows how certain directors use it as a very interesting resource.
For example Alfred Hitchcock, in some of his films he connected it with death and Buñuel made a criticism of bourgeois society with them. From then on, the films in which food appeared were not just about eating it, but it began to take a real role.
Then with the appearance of animated filmsthese types of film were promoted even more, especially films such as Ratatouille, Thus, we come to the present, where it is quite common to see how gastronomy is mixed with other cinematographic resources, to give films greater depth.
best food movies
The time has come for you to sit back and enjoy, because we will present below a list, full of cinematographic and gastronomic wondersyes
Burnt (2015)
It is true that gourmet food is delicious, but have you stopped to think about how difficult it is to prepare these dishes? Being in the world of cooking, although it may seem like a fairly simple job that only requires practice, is actually quite stressful.
A little proof of this, is this film directed by John Wells and starring Bradley Cooper. In Quemado, we can observe the fall and rise of the career of a high-class chef.
And we get a taste of life in the gourmet kitchen, along with great drama and a great cast.
Delicious Martha (2001)
Beautiful Martha, or Delicious Martha in Spanish, is a German film directed by Sandra Nettelbeck. It deals with the story of a perfectionist and egomaniac chefwhose life takes a drastic turn when he has to take care of his niece and the arrival of an Italian chef at the restaurant.
This film is worth seeing, because it captivates the way in the protagonist is passionate about Italian cuisine and changes his insensitive way of interpreting life and food.
Like Water for Chocolate (1992)
If chocolate is already such a loved and appreciated food popularly, in the world of cooking it is simply a star. It is usually related to passion and love, topics that this film deals with.
Mexican movie, directed by Alfonso Arau, you will find forbidden loves and a lot of drama, worthy of a Mexican creation. But, the ardor and love of this film are not the only stars, as they share the stage with a large number of typical Mexican dishes highlighted in it.
Chocolate (2000)
Chocolate, it’s the movie perfect to enjoy a rainy and cold afternooneither alone or accompanied. And it will surely make you want to have a delicious chocolate or find your ideal sweet.
This wonderful film was directed by Lasse Hallström, and presents us with the Vianne Rocher’s story, who together with his daughter Anouk, opens a chocolate shop. In addition, she has a gift that allows her to read the wishes of others and thus be able to give them the perfect sweet for each of them.
Cocktail (1988)
Sometimes one finds a passion without looking for it, and that is what happens to the protagonist of this interesting film. Brian, played by Tom Cruise, he starts working in a bar to be able to pay for his studies.
But as it goes learning all the tricks and secrets of a good bartender, falls in love with this art. He even became the best bartender in all of New York, then emigrated to Jamaica and opened his own bar.
The Big Restaurant (1966)
This charming French film is a comedy Thriller, that very well mixes police and detective elements with comedy. It stars Louis Funès as Monsieur Septime, who is the manager of the prestigious and respected Parisian restaurant.
But in his restaurant the sudden disappearance of a major political figure, and Septime, is the prime suspect. So he must work with the police to clear his name and that of his restaurant. The whole story unfolds around the restaurant and will certainly amuse you.
Bao (2018)
Animation also had a great influence on food movies, that’s why we recommend Bao. A 3-minute short, which is presented just before Incredibles 2, as Pixar usually does with its movies.
Bao would be the first Pixar short directed by a woman, Domee Shi, who is of Chinese descent and wanted to highlight this part of her. In the short we see a mother hurt because her adult son has to leave home, but this pain is interrupted. Well, as if by magic, a dumpling comes to life and is raised like a child by the woman.
Ratatouille (2007)
Ratatouille is the second animated film on our list, and it needs no further introduction as it is one of the best known worldwide. Ratatouille, is considered by many best food movieand is that who was not delighted with this film?
The film narrates the story about a little mouse passionate about food. His passion for cooking and achieving his dreams makes him persevere and for nothing in the world does he allow the cruelties of the world to stop him.
Soul Kitchen (2009)
Soul Kitchen is a film directed by Fatih Akin and starring Adam Bousdoukos. It is a comedy, and when you see it you will surely laugh a lot because of all the funny situations that we are presented with about Zino’s life.
Zinos, is a Greek chef who moved to Germany to open a restaurant, but his life is cut short by a series of unfortunate events. But he doesn’t let life bring him down so easily, so she gets up and fights her problems.
Julie & Julia (2009)
This footage gives a decisive boost to blogs specialized in cooking, how famous they are in those days. The story tells us about the life and work of Julia Child and her famous French cookbook, which for many cooking enthusiasts is almost a bible.
The film shows us two stories of totally different and separate people for miles away. But united by passion and love of culinary art. It is based on real events, and while you watch it, you may also feel that passion for cooking that its characters transmit.
Chef (2014)
Of all the movies on this list, Chef is one where food takes the most center stage, as it is about the love and passion for good food. It is directed and starring John Favreau.
As for the story, there are not many conflicts, it can actually even come across as predictable. But in spite of that, if you want to enjoy yourself for a while and whet your appetite, surely with this film you will achieve it.
Soul Food (1997)
This film, released at the end of the last century, is a true marvel of cinema, and is one of the best food related movies that you can enjoy. Aside from entertaining you with a good drama, it also pleases you with a great cast as it includes renowned actors like Vivica A Fox, Michell Phifer.
This movie is a cry for help, union and compassion, in addition to reminding us that food can play a much more important role than the biological one. That’s why this food movie It is truly a food for the soul.
Big Night (1996)
As you may have noticed, at the end of the last century and the beginning of this one, the movies about food They stood out quite a bit. And the Big Night is one of the films that stood out the most, although it was not only for the food, but for being considered one of the best drama films of the 90s.
This film brought with it a food revolution, and became a cultural landmark. The plot focuses on Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub. Italian immigrants open a restaurant called Paradise on the Jersey shores to face endless challenges.
All About Martha (2001)
Everything about Marta is a film that revolves around food, tells the story of a love that began in a kitchen and all its dramatic and comic development. This German film deals with the life of a workaholic chef with a life too busy for things like love.
But her work and personal life changes drastically with the arrival of a new chef who will become her rival and love interest. Although later, in 2007, she had an American remake, the original surpasses her by far.
In this way we close our list of food movies. Tell us in the comment box, if you have already seen any of them or if you know of a good footage that should be part of this list.