A night at the cinema is never quite complete without the essential trio of popcorn, candy, and a refreshing soda. While these snacks enhance the movie-watching experience, they also play significant roles in the stories depicted on screen. Film characters, after all, need to eat too. The rich history of cinema features numerous films centered around lavish feasts, bustling kitchens, familial dining experiences, or even a simple snack break. While everyone has their own favorites in food-themed cinema, we were curious about which films resonate with or have inspired culinary professionals. This question was posed to esteemed chefs and food influencers at the 2025 New York City Wine & Food Festival, leading to a fascinating compilation of their top movie recommendations. This diverse list includes cherished Disney animations, prestigious Academy Award winners, and comedies that remain beloved years later. So, grab your popcorn as we present this delightful selection of food-centric films that chefs adore.
### Ratatouille
In 2007, Pixar flipped the script on the common aversion to rats in kitchens with its beloved film, “Ratatouille.” The story follows Remy, a rat with a refined palate and cooking talent, who mentors a young chef in Paris. Directed by Brad Bird, this animated feature received five Academy Award nominations, winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and inspiring an attraction at EPCOT in Orlando. Renowned chefs have expressed their admiration for “Ratatouille,” citing its remarkable storytelling and ability to inspire culinary interest among young audiences. For instance, social media influencer Ahmad Alzahabi praised its perfect blend of humor and heart, while Chef Maneet Chauhan highlighted its impressive portrayal of cooking as a family-friendly activity.
### Soul Food
Released in 1997, “Soul Food” is a heartwarming drama that explores the significance of family and food. Directed by George Tillman Jr., the film features three sisters navigating life’s challenges, while their Sunday gatherings at their mother’s house serve as a backdrop for delicious meals and bonding moments. Chef Abdul-Hadi, who runs a pizza parlor in Philadelphia that supports the formerly incarcerated, draws parallels between the film’s themes of community and his restaurant’s mission. Chef Shenarri Greens also champions the film, emphasizing its enduring message about family togetherness around the dinner table, a concept she embodies in her own culinary practices.
### Big Night
In the 1996 film “Big Night,” actors Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub shine as Italian immigrant brothers striving to save their restaurant in New Jersey. With the promise of a famous singer dining at their establishment, they prepare an extravagant feast that becomes the centerpiece of the film. The movie, co-directed and co-written by Tucci, is celebrated for its vibrant performances and heartfelt exploration of food and family. Chefs Maneet Chauhan and Melvin Boots have expressed their love for the film, particularly noting its portrayal of the brothers’ dedication to creating a stunning dish that captivates their patrons.
### Babette’s Feast
“Babette’s Feast,” a film from 1987, tells the story of a widowed French woman who, after winning a lottery, decides to create a lavish dinner for the sisters who took her in. Although the feast doesn’t occur until later in the film, its culinary splendor leaves a lasting impression on viewers. This film, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, has remained a classic in the food cinema genre. Chefs like Maneet Chauhan and John Kanell fondly recall their experiences watching it, often reminiscing about the film’s powerful portrayal of food as an expression of love and gratitude.
### Chef
Jon Favreau’s “Chef,” released in 2014, showcases a chef who rediscovers his passion for cooking after leaving a high-profile restaurant to operate a food truck. The film combines humor with heartfelt moments, featuring an ensemble cast that includes Sofía Vergara and John Leguizamo. Chefs like Emily Yuen appreciate the film’s authentic representation of the culinary world, highlighting its exploration of the emotional journey many chefs experience in their careers. Colombian Caribbean chef Stephanie Bonnin also noted its adept portrayal of the balance between pride and humility in the profession.
### The Menu
Ralph Fiennes stars in the 2022 film “The Menu,” where he plays Chef Slowik, who orchestrates an extravagant dinner for wealthy patrons at his exclusive restaurant on a remote island. The film cleverly critiques the pretentiousness often found in fine dining, resonating with chefs like Jae Lee and Stephanie Bonnin, who recognize its reflection of real-life culinary challenges. Bonnin appreciates how the film serves as a social commentary on the evolving nature of the culinary industry, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the essence of cooking.
### The Trip
“The Trip” is a British series that follows actors Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon as they embark on a culinary road trip across Europe, indulging in gourmet meals while showcasing their comedic talents. The series, which has been adapted into several feature-length films, is particularly beloved by chefs like Ayo Balogun, who finds its relatable approach to food and humor appealing. Although he hasn’t dined at the restaurants featured in the film, he aspires to experience them in the future.
### Tampopo
George Motz, an expert on hamburgers, surprisingly points to the 1985 film “Tampopo” as his favorite culinary movie. This Japanese film, described as a “ramen western,” follows a trucker who helps a widowed chef perfect her ramen recipes. The film is celebrated for its humorous and insightful portrayal of food culture. Motz appreciates a particular scene that teaches the proper etiquette for enjoying ramen, highlighting how the film captures the essence of culinary appreciation.
### Nonnas
“Nonnas,” a film based on the true story of a Staten Island restaurant where grandmothers prepare meals, brings to life the cherished culinary traditions of Italian-Americans. With a cast featuring Vince Vaughn and other renowned actors, the film resonates with chefs like Melvin Boots Johnson, who embodies his grandmother’s comforting cooking style in his own culinary creations. Johnson admires the film for its depiction of the warmth and joy that comes from sharing home-cooked meals.
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