The Age of Innocence (1993)

Babette’s Feast (1987)

An Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Language Film, this Danish classic has endured for its lush scenes and the healing power of food prepared with joy and love.

Bao (2018)

This Pixar short may be only eight minutes, but the filmmakers made every second count. The heartstring-tugging story of motherhood and letting go is fueled by food—in every sense.

The Big Night (1996)

Chef (2014)

Jon Favreau has helmed his share of big, flashy projects, but my forever favorite will be Chef, his relatively modest foray back into the indie film world. The cast is stacked and the writing is smart, but the lovingly shot cooking scenes, scored to salsa, reggae, and ska, are pure movie magic.

Chocolat (2000)

The tale of a little chocolate shop’s cathartic effect on a French town is so lavishly brought to life, you can practically smell the spiced hot cocoa as you watch.

Dinner Rush (2000)

This indie classic takes place during one eventful New York night at an Italian spot in Tribeca. Danny Aiello stars as the owner and part-time bookmaker who deals with a memorable cast of characters, including his son, the restaurant’s ambitious star chef.

Eat Drink Man Woman (1994)

The movie that helped put director Ang Lee on the map, Eat Drink Man Woman tells the story of a Taiwanese master chef trying to connect with his three grown daughters, often through the family tradition of elaborate Sunday lunches (the first of which took a week to film and required the use of an actual master chef).

Eat Pray Love (2010)

The expression “Eat Pray Love” has taken on a life of its own since the 2010 film, based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s 2006 novel of the same name and directed by Ryan Murphy. But it’s always nice to take the trip to Italy, India, and Bali with Julia Roberts.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)

The revered documentary about a son preparing to step into the shoes of his father, a man who happens to be arguably the greatest sushi chef in the world, is entirely engrossing. You’ll find yourself fully giving yourself over to Jiro Ono’s meticulously crafted world, where perfection seems almost achievable.

Isle of Dogs (2018)

It’s Complicated (2009)

My explanation for why this Nancy Meyers movie belongs on a list about food is also a little bit complicated, but here goes.

Yes, Meryl Streep’s bubbly Santa Barbara divorcee is involved in a tricky love triangle, but more importantly, one night, after getting a little too high at her son’s lovely graduation party, she brings Steve Martin to her bakery (called “The Bakery”), rolls up her silky sleeves, and proceeds to make a batch of gorgeous chocolate croissants while a jaunty French tune plays in the background. Is this feasible in real life? Certainly not! But who cares? It’s silly Streep perfection.

Julie & Julia (2009)

Mostly Martha (2001)

Filmed in Hamburg, Germany, and Italy, the acclaimed romantic dramedy finally features a woman in the role of the workaholic chef. Fun fact: the Catherine Zeta-Jones film No Reservations was an American remake of Mostly Martha, though I’d stick with the source material if you’re choosing between the two.  

Pieces of April (2003)

A Thanksgiving movie through and through, this low-budget indie has earned a cult fanbase over the years, partly, perhaps, due to the intimacy of the pressure cooker kitchen drama, but almost certainly because of the surprising (and iconic) bluntness of Katie Holmes’ bangs.

Ratatouille (2007)

Sideways (2004)

Simply Irresistible (1999)

This bonkers little movie about a mediocre chef (Sarah Michelle Geller) whose dishes become brilliant (and aphrodisiacs) with the help of a magical crab is, frankly, not a great film. But go in with proper expectations (prepared for a wild performance from the great Patricia Clarkson, who is also, coincidentally, in No Reservations and Pieces of April) and I promise you’ll have fun. 

Soul Food (1997)

Set around Sunday family dinners in Chicago, the 90s classic features as much warmth and comfort as its title suggests. Plus, Nia Long wears an absolutely killer beany/sweater combo.

The Trip (2010)

Come for a tour of Northern England’s finest restaurants. Stay for the enduring, ebullient chemistry between Steven Coogan and Rob Brydon.  

Waitress (2007)

Every scene in this sweet movie is a treat, but I’d happily watch just the interludes, where Keri Russell dreamily narrates exactly how to craft the sugary, buttery pies in her head (from Kick in the Pants Pie to Pregnant Miserable Self-Pitying Loser Pie), on an endless loop.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

When it comes to the food in Willy Wonka, it’s not so much about the chocolate as it is about the creativity of the flavors. There are your roast beef chewing gums and giant fruity gummy bears, but your mind is left to fill in the tasting blank for things like edible teacups or everlasting gobstoppers. But whatever you do, don’t Google snozzberries.