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Discovering Food and Farming through Movies and TV Shows

At Movie and Food, we have compiled a list of movies and TV shows that are related to food, music, and agriculture. Whether you are interested in pure entertainment, in-depth analysis, or becoming more informed about the world around us, we have something for you.

Movies

Here are some of the best movies that you can watch if you are interested in exploring the world of food and farming.

1. Minari (2020)

   • "This was such a great portrayal of farming in Arkansas, but as experienced through the lens of a recent (Korean) immigrant. So well-acted, realistic, and with a very unique perspective."

2. Blood Diner (1987)

   • "This one is a bit cheeky. It’s a comedy/horror that is a send-up of the highest of the high end, farm-to-table restaurant scene. I’m a bit of a foodie and totally understand the appeal, but also the critique of this type of food experience."

3. Fantastic Fungi (2019)

   • "Visually stunning examination of the mycelial network."

TV Shows

If you are in the mood for binge-watching, here are some TV shows that you can explore.

1. Rotten (2018- )

   • "This is a docu-series that exposes industrial and extractive agriculture and supply chains."

2. Vanishing of the Bees (2009)

   • "The need to save native bees from extinction is dire. They are at severe risk due to pesticides, disease, habitat loss, and climate change. The Union for Conservation of Nature estimates that 28% of North America’s 47 bumble bee species currently face some level of extinction risk. This short film will open your eyes to the wondrous diversity of bee species and hopefully motivate you to make gardening/landscaping choices that play a role in nurturing their continued existence."

3. High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America (2021)

   • "A great series that looks at Black food culture in the United States and how African American food has shaped the greater food culture in the U.S. today."

4. American Epic (2017)

   • "It’s rare for me to watch a documentary about a band I’d never heard of but makes me rethink that stance. I came away loving much of the unique music they made over five decades, and impressed by their adaptation of different styles."

5. Somebody Feed Phil (2018- )

   • "There are a lot of shows where a famous person travels to a new city, visits a few restaurants, eats a ton over two or three days, and then moves on to the next destination. Somebody Feed Phil doesn’t really break that mold, but I’ve really appreciated the open-minded and heartfelt enthusiasm that the host, Phil Rosenthal, brings to each location. Season 5’s episodes on Oaxaca and Portland were what hooked me."

Whether you are a foodie or a farming enthusiast, there’s something on this list for you to discover. So, grab some popcorn and enjoy watching food-related movies and TV shows. And if you have any other recommendations, let us know!