Movie Food Ideas: 8 Shows and Movies about Sustainable and Delicious Food

Food is an essential part of our lives, and it represents history, geography, and culture. However, the food industry is responsible for around a quarter of the planet-warming carbon pollution. Our agricultural systems are exceptionally land and water-intensive, and extreme weather related to climate change endangers fragile food ecosystems. In this article, we introduce eight shows and movies that focus on sustainable and delicious food and bring people together.

1. Waffles + Mochi (Netflix)

This family-friendly cooking series follows aspiring chefs Waffles and Mochi as they travel around the world to learn about different foods and cultures. Each episode focuses on a fresh ingredient, many of which are plant-based. Waffles + Mochi is included in Netflix’s special collection of sustainability stories.

2. The Game Changers (Netflix)

The Game Changers is a documentary that follows James Wilks, former winner of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, as he travels the globe investigating the optimal diet for human performance. Wilks talks to scientists, soldiers, and elite athletes about the benefits of plant-based diets and rethinks everything he knew about the relationship between meat, health, and strength.

3. Wasted! The Story of Food Waste (Amazon)

Narrated by the late chef Anthony Bourdain, this documentary takes viewers around the world to show the devastating impacts of food waste and the visionaries fighting to prevent it. Famous chefs explain how to transform unwanted “scraps” into mouthwatering dishes and ultimately create a more sustainable and secure food system.

4. Down to Earth with Zac Efron (Netflix)

In the second season of Down to Earth, actor Zac Efron and wellness expert Darin Olien embark on another global journey, where they witness the impacts of climate change firsthand and explore healthier ways of living. From regenerative agriculture and plant-based diets to food waste, the show highlights the trailblazing solution-seekers who are combining new technology with traditional knowledge to protect nature and people.

5. Honeyland (Amazon)

Bees are crucial to our health and survival as pollinators, responsible for about a third of the food we eat. But bee populations worldwide are under threat from climate change. Honeyland follows Hatidze, a beekeeper living in the mountains of Macedonia who cultivates honey using ancient traditions. The film showcases how age-old techniques can help safeguard bee populations and, by extension, help secure global food security.

6. Chef’s Table: Alain Passard (Netflix)

Chef’s Table brings all the sweet, savory, and salty flavors of France right to your kitchen. In the first episode, join legendary Chef Alain Passard, who rocked the culinary world when he rebooted his three-Michelin star restaurant to focus on an all-vegetarian menu.

7. Selena + Chef (HBO)

Singer, actress, and producer Selena Gomez invites audiences into her home kitchen in this light-hearted, unscripted cooking series. Each episode features a new guest chef, and while you can try your hand at various plant-based recipes throughout its four seasons, don’t miss Season 3’s Episode 8, featuring chef and wellness expert Sophia Roe. Together they craft a flavorful plant-based picnic of tofu lettuce wraps, mushroom meatballs, and sweet potato salad. The show donates $10,000 to the charity of the chef’s choice after each episode.

8. 2040 (Amazon)

2040 is a docuseries that imagines what the future of our world will look like and the innovative solutions for some of the most pressing problems facing humanity. Season 1’s Episode 2 follows food tech startups that are trying to address ethical and environmental concerns around meat production and reimagine a classic: the cheeseburger.

In conclusion, these shows and movies showcase the power of sustainable and delicious food. From tackling systemic issues like food waste to learning how to cook delicious plant-based recipes at home, these eight shows and movies inspire people around the world to make more informed food choices and take steps towards a healthier planet.