15 Must-Watch Movies That Will Make You Want to Cook
Updated: May 29, 2023
Grab some popcorn because these movies will make you hungry!
Eat, Pray, Love
Eat, Pray, Love is a story of self-discovery as a newly minted divorcee travels through Italy, India and Bali. But for self-proclaimed foodies, this movie is two hours and twenty glorious minutes spent ogling over the mountains of pasta and gelato Julia Roberts eats. Now that’s amore.
Psst: Watch one of these films at your next outdoor movie night! Here’s how to plan one.
Julie & Julia
The 2009 dramedy proves there’s one thing in the world that can upstage Academy Award winner Meryl Streep: Julia Child’s famously delicious—and yes, famously complex—beef bourguignon (One of our own editors even challenged herself to cooking like Julia for a week. See how she did.). Can’t master the beef? Here are 25 tasty appetizers, entrees and desserts—all inspired by the larger-than-life chef. Bon appetit!
Mrs. Doubtfire
Amateur and professional chefs will agree: That infamous kitchen scene is so cringe-worthy, all we want to do is jump through the screen and teach Mrs. Doubtfire a thing or two about cooking. But, hey, we have to give the undercover housekeeper credit for making takeout look just as scrumptious as a home-cooked meal.
Psst! Here are the top food etiquette mistakes everybody makes.
The Hundred-Foot Journey
Why settle on one cuisine when you can enjoy two at the same time? The Hundred-Foot Journey seamlessly marries French food with Indian dishes, making us simultaneously crave chicken tikka masala and a croque madame. If you ask us, it basically gives fusion food a whole new meaning!
Ratatouille
Anyone can be a chef—even an adorable, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed rat named Remy. Not only is Ratatouille fun for the whole family, but it’s also a recipe that will get your kids’ foodie senses tingling in no time. As for what to make after the movie, this slow-cooked ratatouille is a no-brainer!
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
We could go on and go about gyros, baklava and tzatziki sauce, but carnivores will agree the best part of My Big Fat Greek Wedding is when Aunt Voula abruptly asks, “What do you mean he don’t eat no meat? Oh, that’s okay. I make lamb!” And Toula, we think moussaka is infinitely tastier than a mere Wonder Bread sandwich.
Waitress
From “Strawberry Chocolate Oasis Pie,” to “Spaghetti Pie” to the, erm, unconventional “I Can’t Have No Affair Because It’s Wrong and I Don’t Want Earl to Kill Me Pie,” Waitress will give you plenty of inspiration to up your dessert game. Or dare we say give you a big helping of “Kick in the Pants Pie?” Need some pie, inspo? Try these.
Burnt
Boasting a 29 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, Burnt is by no means a blockbuster smash, but who’s watching this movie for its plot or dialogue? We have our eyes glued on Adam Jones, played by Bradley Cooper, and his meticulously modern, Michelin star-worthy dishes.
Chocolat
Unleash your inner chocoholic by curling up with Chocolat. From chili-infused hot chocolate to bite-sized nibs, this movie is chock-full of recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth. And thanks to our list of sweet, chocolaty confections, you can turn your home into a patisserie.
Something’s Gotta Give
If you have any doubts Something’s Gotta Give is a bonafide foodie film, it’s worth noting the Nancy Meyer’s movie was shot at two major gourmand getaways: Ina Garten’s former East Hampton hangout, Barefoot Contessa, and Paris’ famed Le Grand Colbert.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi
Sushi isn’t something you’d normally make at home—but totally can, thanks to this yummy California roll recipe—which is what makes Jiro Dreams of Sushi a must-see. Plus, the level of precision chef Jiro Ono brings to each sushi, sashimi and maki roll is awe-inspiring.
Babette’s Feast
Anyone who’s hosting a dinner party needs to watch Babette’s Feast, stat. Set in a 19th century Danish village, the 1987 flick reminds us of the power of a good meal. From the classic tablescapes to the flowing food and wine, consider it a comprehensive guide to throwing the party of the year.
Throwing a dinner party of your own? Try some of these impressive (and affordable!) recipes.
Paris Can Wait
Between munching on prosciutto and melon and enjoying an impromptu picnic with grapes, cheese and wine, Paris Can Wait makes us want to pack our bags and jet off to the French Riviera. But since that’s easier said than done, we’ll settle for a perfectly curated cheese board and charcuterie. If the sumptuous shots don’t tug at your taste buds, the foodie-friendly one-liners will. “Food is good for the soul,” Jacques muses. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
The Five-Year Engagement
Technically, The Five-Year Engagement falls into rom-com territory, but any love story that ends with a taco truck sounds like happily ever after to us. As a bonus, the movie offers an insider look at Zingerman’s, one of the most popular college sandwich joints in all of Ann Arbor—if not, the country.
Chef
Speaking of food trucks, there’s no way we could leave out Chef. Between its dreamy recipes and up-close shots of ooey,gooey grilled cheese and savory skillets, this movie has food goals written all over it. And with Jon Favreau, Scarlett Johansson and Sofia Vergara, the cast isn’t half bad either.
Originally Published: March 14, 2019
