Food movies are not only enjoyable to watch – perhaps with a glass of wine – for their stunning food visuals and usually entertaining plots, but they can also be a fantastic motivation for trying out new recipes in the kitchen. Alternatively, perhaps to begin cooking in the first place! Thecookingmovie compiled a collection of the best food movies ever below that are sure to make you hungry and possibly encourage you to try recreating those delectable recipes at home. Have you seen any of these films?

Top 10 best food movies on Netflix

1. Aruna & Her Palate (2018)

This unique Indonesian rom-com, based on Laksmi Pamuntjak’s book The Birdwoman’s Palate, is the ideal spot to begin a study of Netflix’s food content. It’s about a group of attractive epidemiologists and their friends who embark on a road trip to explore avian flu while eating at a variety of eateries and street food booths along the route. Why all of the restaurants have remained open throughout an outbreak is a complete mystery.

2. Rotten

This political documentary series offers an eye-opening look at the challenges involved in producing and delivering food goods such as honey, peanuts, cod, and chocolate. It has been praised by many and criticized by a few. For example, the avocado episode examines how growing demand has resulted in avocado cartels in Mexico and water problems in a drought-stricken Chile. There are tragic conversations with farmers, producers, and suppliers, as well as achingly gorgeous cinematography. Both seasons are accessible; deeply unsettling yet essential viewing.

3. Rainbow Jelly (2018)

This wacky Bengali children’s film has received a relatively low level of social media attention, although it has received critical acclaim in India. It’s a fairy story about how a fairy uses magical recipes to teach an autistic youngster how to stand up to his nefarious uncle and, in the process, learn a little bit about flavor. Not a food film per such, but one in which food plays a significant role.

4. The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)

One of the best food movies, this film, which also takes set in France and stars Helen Mirren as one of the main, tells the story of two restaurants that become rivals. The first is a Michelin-starred restaurant operated by Helen Mirren’s character, while the second is an Indian restaurant run by a family of Indians. The food served is great, but the main course is the film’s delicious plot.

5. Food On The Go

This Argentinian documentary examines how Italian immigrants to America and Argentina influenced local food culture by opening restaurants and fruit and vegetable stands, introducing ingredients like octopus, and adapting dishes to create dishes like spaghetti with meatballs — “bastardized” or “assimilated” cuisine, depending on your point of view. Experts debate how food is tied to identity, how that identity shifts as the land shifts, and how many Italian associations try to standardize pizza and carbonara recipes. It’s fascinating to see early films of New York’s Eataly, street food vendors, and religious feasts.

6. Okja (2017)

Before Parasite, this was Bong Joon-final Ho’s picture. Okja follows a little girl (Ahn Seo-hyun) as she attempts to save the eponymous Okja, a “super pig,” in a film that straddles the line between thriller, serious political polemic, and the universal story of “child and her animal buddy.” It’s a weird blend at times, with storybook elements like Tilda Swinton portraying twins (again). The story-telling and photography are a mix of strange and adventurous, resulting in a fantastic culinary film.

7. Melvin Goes To Dinner (2003)

This cooking movie was directed by Bob Odenkirk (the one and only Saul Goodman) as a cringe comedy mashup with My Dinner With Andre beats. The awkward Melvin goes out with an old friend and two strangers in this story taken from Michael Blieden’s theatrical drama. Keep a lookout for everyone from a pre-Office Jenna Fischer to Fred Armisen as you’re watching it go horribly wrong.

8. Mr. Church (2016)

The dramedy stars Eddie Murphy as a home cook who builds a wonderful bond with the family for whom he serves. Murphy portrays Henry Church, a little girl, and her ailing mother who hires him to cook their meals for a brief time while the mother is battling a serious illness. Mr. Church takes on the role of a father figure for the child, teaching her everything he knows about cooking and the kitchen while also whipping up love and comfort for the family as they face tragedy, and that’s just the first half of the film. It’s a nice look at how food can affect relationships and improve people’s lives. Just make sure you have a box of Kleenex on hand for this one.

9. This Is Not What I Expected (2017)

A wealthy CEO and the young chef who mesmerizes him with her culinary talent star in this Chinese romantic comedy. Lu Jin encounters Gu Sheng Nan, a rebellious chef who impresses Lu Jin with her uncompromising cookery. They begin to spend time together, enjoying the food she prepares. They create a complicated friendship as they jump off into their own deep ends, keeping each other company. The cuisine becomes a vehicle for them to confront both the calamities in their life and the route forward.

10. Street Food (2019)

Street Food delves into the history of street food and how consuming it is the best way to get to know a culture in its most genuine form. In Thailand, India, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, it gets up close and personal with fantastic street food vendors.

Top 5 best food movies of all time on Amazon Prime

1. Mostly Martha

While food is frequently connected with stress relief (which explains the majority of our stress-eating), the chefs who prepare the cuisine frequently face challenges. This film stars Martina Gedeck, August Zirner, Maxime Foerste, and Sibylle Canonica as Martha, a skilled cook concerned with perfection and her profession. Her entire existence revolves around eating, which frequently causes conflicts with others around her. Her life, however, is turned upside down when a new chef enters her kitchen, threatens to replace her, and befriends her young niece. Sandra Nettelbeck, who directed Mostly Martha, wrote the script for No Reservations, which was partially based on it.

2. Chef (2017)

The Indian remake of the 2014 drama of the same name stars Saif Ali Khan. When Roshan Kalra (Khan) loses his job as a chef, he launches his own food truck and, in an unexpected way, reconnects with his family. In the comedy-drama, he sings, dances, and cooks up a storm while making life-changing decisions.

3. Antique (2008)

Prepare to have your sweet tooth aching while watching this, as it takes place in a bakery for most of the film! Ju Ji-Hoon portrays a man who establishes a cake store in the hopes of meeting his true love. There are plenty of cakes and sweets in this, as well as humor and even some suspense.

4. Burnt (2015)

Burnt, starring Bradley Cooper, is a film about a former high-class chef who wants to relaunch his career and get his third Michelin star. Burnt is a dramatic adventure that not only gets your stomach grumbling but maybe manages to make your brain spin with just how fast-paced and hectic life in the restaurant kitchen can be. It stars a number of prominent celebrities, including Alicia Vikander.

5. Bottle Shock (2008)

For a little diversion from cuisine, Bottle Shock is a must-see video for any wine enthusiast. The premise of Bottle Shock takes you to a wine tasting competition in Paris and features a star-studded ensemble that includes Chris Pine, Alan Rickman, and Bill Pullman. So crack open a bottle of wine and settle in for this dramatic comedy.

How many of these movies about cooking have you previously seen, and what are your plans for the future? Aside from the food, these gourmet films also feature a variety of realistic stories that many of us may enjoy and connect to. So, for your next movie night, and the ones after that, return to this list on Thecookingmovie and choose a film to see! And also, cooking shows to if you feel that more interesting.