Table of Contents

1. Chef (2014)
2. Ratatouille (2007)
3. Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)
4. Julie and Julia (2009)
5. Burnt (2015)
6. The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)
7. Like Water for Chocolate (1992)
8. Big Night (1996)
9. The Lunchbox (2013)
10. Eat Drink Man Woman (1994)

The Best Films About Cooking: A Culinary Adventure

As foodies, there’s nothing we love more than a good cooking movie. Whether it’s for the beautifully shot food porn or the heartwarming tales of how food brings people together, we can’t get enough. Luckily, there are plenty of remarkable films about cooking out there that will have you craving something delicious. Here are some of our top picks:

Chef (2014)

If you’re in the mood for a feel-good movie that will leave you hungry, then Chef is the perfect pick. Directed and written by Jon Favreau, this film follows a chef named Carl Casper who quits his job at a popular Los Angeles restaurant after a public altercation with a critic. He decides to start his own food truck in Miami, where he not only rediscovers his passion for cooking but also reconnects with his family. Chef is a delightful ode to food trucks, street food, and the joy of cooking.

Ratatouille (2007)

What’s not to love about an entire film about a rat who dreams of cooking? Set in Paris, Ratatouille follows Remy, a rat who is passionate about food and has a nose that rivals any human chef. He teams up with a young chef named Linguini to create delightful dishes that leave diners speechless. Ratatouille is a visually stunning and heartwarming movie that is perfect for both kids and adults.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)

If you’re more interested in documentaries than fictional films, then Jiro Dreams of Sushi is an absolute must-watch. Directed by David Gelb, this documentary follows the life and work of Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master based in Tokyo. The film explores the dedication, passion, and artistry that goes into creating the perfect piece of sushi. It’s a fascinating insight into Japanese culture and the uncompromising pursuit of excellence.

Julie and Julia (2009)

Based on a true story, Julie and Julia is a charming film that follows the lives of two women who find inspiration in cooking. Julie Powell is a frustrated writer who decides to cook every recipe in Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking over a year and blog about her experience. Meanwhile, the film also explores the life of Julia Child, a passionate cook and cookbook author who revolutionized American cuisine and brought French cooking to the masses. Julie and Julia is a celebration of food, friendship, and the power of following your dreams.

Burnt (2015)

Bradley Cooper stars in this intense drama about a talented but troubled chef named Adam Jones who is trying to make a comeback after ruining his career with drugs and reckless behavior. He takes over a struggling restaurant in London and assembles a team of talented chefs to earn three Michelin stars, the ultimate accolade in the culinary world. Burnt is a fast-paced film that is sure to leave you impressed by the sheer dedication and hard work that goes into creating an award-winning restaurant.

The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)

Set in the picturesque French countryside, The Hundred-Foot Journey is a heartwarming film about family, food, and the clash of cultures. When a family of Indian immigrants open a restaurant just across the street from a Michelin-starred French restaurant, tensions rise between the two establishments. However, when the talented young chef Hassan starts working at the French restaurant, he brings new flavors and techniques that take the culinary world by storm. The Hundred-Foot Journey is a joyful celebration of diversity and the power of food to bring people together.

Like Water for Chocolate (1992)

Based on the novel by Laura Esquivel, Like Water for Chocolate is a sumptuous and sensual film about love, loss, and the healing power of food. Set in Mexico during the early 20th century, the film follows the life of Tita, a young woman who is forbidden from marrying her true love and instead must take care of her mother until she dies. Tita expresses her emotions through her cooking, and her dishes become imbued with her feelings, which have a powerful effect on those who eat them. Like Water for Chocolate is a magical realist tale that will leave you enchanted.

Big Night (1996)

Big Night is a classic food film that is a must-watch for any fan of Italian cuisine. Directed by Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott, the film follows two immigrant brothers who run a struggling Italian restaurant in New Jersey in the 1950s. In a last-ditch effort to save the restaurant, they plan a once-in-a-lifetime meal to impress a prominent food critic. Big Night is a film about family, culture, and the transformative power of a good meal.

The Lunchbox (2013)

Set in Mumbai, The Lunchbox is a touching film that explores the power of food to connect people. When a lunchbox meant for a man’s wife is mistakenly delivered to the wrong person, he strikes up a correspondence with a lonely office worker through notes hidden in his lunch. Through their notes, they share stories, recipes, and a growing affection for each other. The Lunchbox is a gentle and heartfelt film that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.

Eat Drink Man Woman (1994)

Directed by Ang Lee, Eat Drink Man Woman is a poignant film that explores the relationships between a father and his three grown daughters in Taipei, Taiwan. The father, a retired chef, expresses his love for his daughters through the elaborate Sunday meals he prepares for them. As the daughters navigate their own personal lives and struggles, the family’s culinary tradition becomes a source of comfort and connection. Eat Drink Man Woman is a beautiful film about family, love, and the role that food plays in our lives.

In conclusion, films about cooking are a great way to indulge in your love of food and cinema at the same time. From light-hearted comedies to intense dramas, there’s something for everyone. So grab some popcorn (or better yet, some popcorn shrimp) and settle in for a culinary adventure.