KC Frankenburger
Whether you always know what to order, or you’re more of the indecisive type, we’ve all got our own ideas about what makes food great. But whatever your relationship with food is: whether it revolves around a mass of emotion — clinging to old favorites — or it’s simply a deep appreciation of the art of preparing a unique meal, here are 11 movies that any foodie will love.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi — Netflix/Doc Club/Sundance
This heartwarming film is one of the most well-done documentaries I have ever seen. Jiro, the man, will inspire you, and the gorgeous presentation is sure to make your stomach growl.
The Hundred-Foot Journey — Rent or buy from $2.99 and up.
The little chef that could. The Hundred-Foot Journey is a story about letting go, not being afraid of change, and embracing your future. Oh, and it’s also about food. Glorious food!
Julie & Julia — Starz
Based on the true story of one woman’s journey to cook through all 524 recipes in Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking, the film delightfully interweaves Julie’s modern story, with Julia Child’s own journey into the world of cooking.
Like Water for Chocolate — Netflix
This film was adapted from the novel of the same name, and is about one woman’s ability to express herself through her cooking, despite the constraints of her personal life. It must be said that this is a bit of a fairy tale, as the lead character is actually able to imbue her own emotion onto others with her culinary creations.
The Search for General Tso — Rent or buy from $2.99 and up.
The second documentary on the list, this story is about the birth of the popular chinese dish, General Tso’s Chicken. How did it become so popular? What is the origin story? Who invented it? Was it created by General Tso himself? These are just a few of the questions that this documentary attempts to answer.
Ratatouille — DirecTV Now
The food here might be animated, but it is no less mouth-watering.
Chef’s Table — Netflix
This Netflix documentary series by David Gelb (also of Jiro Dreams of Sushi) follows several different world-renowned chefs as they passionately (and sometimes torturously) create to-die-for cuisine that could easily be mistaken for art.
Pieces of April — Fandor/Epix
This indie drama centers around April, trying to piece together a passable Thanksgiving dinner for her family. One of the most memorable moments here is when April’s next-door-neighbors kindly teach her how to make her own cranberry sauce.
Big Night — Starz/Popcorn Flix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkaaUuQwRZY
With Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub, Big Night is another film that is not just about food, but it’s also about family, forgiveness, and friendship. It sounds silly, but there is one entirely wordless scene where Stanley Tucci makes scrambled eggs and toast, and the brothers sit together, quietly eating, and it is simply divine.
The Trip to Italy — Netflix/Hulu/Mubi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55OtglvtXuI
Starring as fictionalized versions of themselves, Steve Coogan and Rob Byrdon travel Italy on assignment, enjoying food, friendship, and lots of good food and banter along the way.
Spinning Plates — Snagfilms/Doc Club/Sundance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPHaLkd4J28
Spinning Plates is another delectable food documentary: this one focusing on three different restaurants and the arduous work that goes into making them successful.
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