Table of Contents

1. 1. The Godfather (1972)
2. 2. Ratatouille (2007)
3. 3. Pulp Fiction (1994)
4. 4. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
5. 5. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
6. 6. Big Night (1996)
7. 7. Julie & Julia (2009)
8. 8. Goodfellas (1990)
9. 9. Titanic (1997)
10. 10. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Food in Movies Trivia: 10 Memorable Food Scenes in Cinema

Since the earliest days of cinema, food has played a starring role in some of the medium’s most memorable moments. From the lush, indulgent feasts of period dramas to the fast food burgers of coming-of-age comedies, filmmakers have used food as a way to express character, set the scene, and connect with audiences on a visceral level. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most iconic food scenes in cinema history.

1. The Godfather (1972)

Francis Ford Coppola’s epic crime saga features numerous memorable moments, but one of the most iconic is the famous "orange scene." In it, mob boss Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) is purchasing fruit on the street when he’s shot by rival gangsters. As oranges spill onto the ground around him, the scene takes on a surreal, dreamlike quality that’s both haunting and unforgettable.

2. Ratatouille (2007)

In Pixar’s charming animated comedy, a small rat named Remy dreams of becoming a chef. With the help of a bumbling human aide, he sets out to cook up the perfect dish of ratatouille, a classic French vegetable stew. The scene is a love letter to the art of cooking and the joy of sharing food with others.

3. Pulp Fiction (1994)

Quentin Tarantino’s neo-noir classic features one of the most memorable fast food scenes in cinema history. In it, hitman Vincent (John Travolta) and his partner Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) engage in a heated argument over the correct way to order a burger in a diner. The scene is an exercise in cool, deadpan humor that perfectly captures the film’s irreverent tone.

4. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

In this classic family film, a young boy named Charlie wins a tour of a magical chocolate factory run by the eccentric Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder). One of the highlights of the tour is a trip through the so-called "Chocolate Room," where everything from the grass to the trees is made of candy and chocolate. The scene is a feast for the eyes and an ode to the power of imagination.

5. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

This chilling psychological thriller features a now-iconic scene in which imprisoned serial killer Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) taunts FBI agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) with a gruesome description of his favorite meal: liver with fava beans and a nice chianti. The scene is a masterclass in tension-building and psychological manipulation.

6. Big Night (1996)

In this underrated indie gem, two brothers run a struggling Italian restaurant in 1950s New Jersey. Desperate to save their business, they decide to throw a lavish feast for a famous jazz musician. The scene that follows is a culinary tour-de-force, as the brothers prepare course after course of exquisite Italian dishes that leave their guests in awe.

7. Julie & Julia (2009)

This delightful biopic follows the life of Julia Child, the famed cookbook author and television personality, as well as aspiring chef and blogger Julie Powell. One of the film’s most memorable scenes sees Julie attempting to prepare the notoriously difficult French dish of beef bourguignon, with hilarious and heartwarming results.

8. Goodfellas (1990)

Martin Scorsese’s gangster epic features a famous prison scene in which the imprisoned Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) describes the elaborate process of cooking pasta with tomato sauce to his fellow inmates. The scene is a testament to the power of food as a comfort, a reminder of home, and a connection to one’s roots.

9. Titanic (1997)

James Cameron’s epic love story set against the backdrop of the doomed ocean liner features an unforgettable scene in which the wealthy passengers in first class enjoy a sumptuous dinner while the impoverished passengers in steerage are forced to make do with meager rations. The scene is a stark reminder of the class divisions that were so prevalent in early 20th century society.

10. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

In this classic romantic comedy, Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) debate the age-old question of whether men and women can truly be friends. When Sally orders a very specific meal at a deli, Harry argues that it’s impossible to know what women want, leading to one of the most famous lines in movie history: "I’ll have what she’s having."

Food in movies trivia

From the surreal oranges of The Godfather to the mouthwatering ratatouille of Ratatouille, food has played a memorable and significant role in some of cinema’s greatest moments. Here are a few fun facts to impress your friends with the next time you watch your favorite foodie film:

• The famous spaghetti scene in Lady and the Tramp (1955) features more than just a whimsical portrayal of doggy romance: it was the first time Disney had ever used a multiplane camera, which allowed for smoother, more detailed animation.
• In Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), the famous monkey brains scene was actually made using a combination of custard and raspberry sauce.
• In the classic Christmas film A Christmas Story (1983), Ralphie’s brother Randy is so bundled up in winter clothing that he becomes immobile while trying to put on his coat. The solution? His mother sprays him with a water bottle to get him moving again.
• The infamous "cheeseburger scene" in Pulp Fiction was actually inspired by a real-life disagreement between actors John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson over the best way to order a burger at a diner.
• The massive feast scene in Goodfellas was inspired by director Martin Scorsese’s own childhood memories of his mother cooking elaborate meals for him and his friends.
• The lavish meal served to the first-class passengers in Titanic was actually based on menus from the real-life ship, which featured multiple courses and exotic ingredients like foie gras and oysters.
• The elaborate food sculpture in the final feast scene of Big Night was created by noted food artist Jim Victor, who worked closely with the filmmakers to develop the concept.

So whether you’re a cinephile or a foodie (or both!), there’s no denying the powerful role that food has played in some of cinema’s most memorable moments.