Published February 23, 2020

Bow Tie Cinemas are my favorite — where matinees are $8 and the teens at the concession counter know your order (a water and large popcorn, extra butter).

I splurge for real movie theater experiences for favorites like Marvel, Frozen, and movies based on literary plots. However, nights snuggled on the couch with takeout are also satisfying. Netflix, Prime, and YouTube offer older classics and newer series to watch.

Yesterday marked the blog’s second birthday (yay!). I started to think about where I find inspiration to do what I do. Sometimes it’s instinct and a natural love for cooking. Sometimes it’s from a compelling storyline or dining experience. Though I’m not a movie-critic, I know what I like, and if there’s a food-theme, I’ll watch it.

So this week, I’m sharing 7 movies for foodies. If you love cooking and feel inspired to create dishes, then these films are for you.

7. Chef (2014)

Foodie Plot

Chef Carl Casper is presented with a choice: Continue cooking the restaurant owner’s standard menu or create innovative dishes for the upcoming visit from a restaurant critic. Forced to cook the standard menu which resulted in a negative review, Casper gets into a social media war which costs him his job. Carl decides to follow his passion, with support from his son, to venture out and start his own food truck brand.

My Favorites from the Cast

Sofia Vergara, Scarlett Johansson, and Robert Downey Jr.

My Favorite Quote

The savage review Chef Casper reads at the bar, is (horribly) hilarious. I personally could never write something so scathing, but it is gloriously written. I can imagine what the meal was like:

“The signature app, intended to impress the country club brunch crowd, is the caviar egg. A shirred egg topped with a dollop of caviar is an excuse for the chef to overcharge us for his insecurity and lack of imagination. Carl Casper can be best summed up by the first bite of his needy, and yet, by some miracle, also irrelevant chocolate lava cake. Casper didn't even have the courage to undercook the cake, thus curiously lacking its signature molten center.”
— Chef (2014)

My Rating

I loved the kitchen scenes and the plating in this movie. Chef Casper’s food was gorgeous.

I found that Chef Carl and Martin’s friendship to be the most authentic and believable. At times, I felt the moments between Chef Carl and his son were scripted and unnatural. Inez and Martin’s characters (though I love Sofia and RDJ), also felt that you had to watch in suspension of disbelief.

Overall though, I found the movie was aligned with the way businesses can leverage social media (like Instagram), to develop their audience and reach. I also loved the idea of starting a food truck business instead of a normal restaurant.

Best Movie Snack

Salt and pepper kettle-cooked potato chips. Yum!

6. Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)

Foodie Plot

Based on the novel, Fried Green Tomatoes is told through the eyes of Mrs. Threadgoode, an elderly woman at the nursing home that housewife Evelyn comes to visit. Through Mrs. Threadgoode’s memory, you learn about Idgie and Ruth, two women who open The Whistle Stop Cafe. Best friends (with the hint of romance), you follow Idgie and Ruth’s journey with the success of their cafe and the mystery behind Ruth’s abusive husband’s death.

My Favorites from the Cast

This was my first time watching a film with Mary Stuart Masterson. She was my favorite out of all of the cast. Though Kathy Bates had great character development, the first movie I saw her in was Misery, so I always think back to that character when I see her in films.

My Favorite Quote

“Remember if people talk behind your back, it only means you are two steps ahead.”

― Fannie Flagg, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe (the novel)

My Rating

The characters in Fried Green Tomatoes have so much depth. I love Idgie’s authenticity throughout childhood and adulthood, and the way that Evelyn embraces similar characteristics in her life.

The plot switching back and forth between the 80s and the Depression-era in the small town has themes around feminism, queer love, and racism, which bring the story beyond Ruth and Idgie’s business.

Best Movie Snack

A warm piece of banana bread with butter.

5. Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Alice Kingsleigh, avoiding her fiance’s proposal, finds herself in the magical world of Underland with creatures and Queen’s all asking if she is the Alice, come to save them. The movie follows Alice’s journey to the White Queen and her desire to find a champion to slay the Jabberwocky.

My Favorites from the Cast

Johnny Depp is one of my favorite actors ever, so for him to play the Mad Hatter was a dream! Helena Bonham Carter is also a Queen (no pun intended) — I love most of the movies she’s been in.

My Favorite Quote

Alice, “This is impossible!”

Hatter, “Only if you believe it is.”

—Alice in Wonderland (2010)

My Rating

I know, I know, I’m a bit biased, as I adore everything Alice in Wonderland (see the White Rabbit exhibit from the Atlanta Botanical Gardens).

When you think about it though, underneath the whimsical plot and adventure, there are many foodie moments throughout the film. From the tea time where Alice first meets the Mad Hatter, to mixing the potion with the White Queen in the kitchen. Even the cyclical plot at the garden party where Alice is to be engaged centers around a celebratory brunch. If you’re a foodie who loves fantasy movies, I recommend you watch the 2010 Alice in Wonderland.

Best Movie Snack

A cup of tea with shortbread cookies.

4. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

Foodie Plot

Newly divorced Frances Mayes is gifted a tour of Italy by her best friends. As she’s touring, she finds a villa for sale, which she spontaneously buys and starts to renovate. Giving up her old life in the states, Frances finds a new romance in Italy, while pushing herself to build the life she always imagined.

My Favorites from the Cast

Kate Walsh and Sandra Oh (hello, Grey’s Anatomy?)

My Favorite Quote

This made me laugh, as this is sometimes my cooking perspective:

“There is no technique, there is just the way to do it. Now, are we going to measure or are we going to cook?”

― Frances Mayes, Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

My Rating

Like Alice in Wonderland, Under the Tuscan Sun isn’t about a chef, but the essence of loving food is embedded in this movie (of course, it takes place in Italy! How could it not?). The community dinners and Tuscan culture are beautifully depicted, making it one of my favorites. This movie even inspired me to take my trip to Florence!

Best Movie Snack

A slice of chicken parm pizza from Primo Pizza!

3. Big Night (1996)

Foodie Plot

Taking place in the 1950s at the Jersey Shore, Big Night follows two Italian immigrant brothers, Primo and Secondo, as they make one last attempt to save their failing restaurant. Their competitor across the street invites a famous Jazz singer to their restaurant, in the hopes that his presence will draw attention to their restaurant. The movie follows their efforts to prepare for the big night, and the amazing dinners they’ve created for the evening. Do the brother’s save their restaurant? Watch to find out! 

My Favorites from the Cast

I love every character that Stanley Tucci plays.

My Favorite Quote

“To eat good food is to be close to God.”

― Primo, Big Night (1996)

My Rating

A fantastic movie! Not only because it took place in New Jersey, but because Primo and Secondo were so believable. Their opinions about food and their culture were spot on, and I was laughing the whole time. The courses during the “big night” were spectacular. I like that this movie encompasses the American Dream, and the hustle it takes to make it.

Best Movie Snack

Garlic knots with extra sauce.

2. Julie & Julia (2009)

The parallel story of Julia Child’s early culinary career with New Yorker Julie Powell, who feels frustrated and uninspired with her life. She decides to start a blogging project, where she spends one year making every recipe from Julia Child’s cookbook. Her daily blog shares her struggles and lessons as she grows as a cook and gains recognition for her blog.

My Favorites from the Cast

Meryl Streep (of course, what a legend) and Stanley Tucci (again!), I love them together.

My Favorite Quote

“I began to ponder; this life we had for ourselves, Eric and I, it felt like the opposite of Potage Parmentier. It was easy enough to keep on with the soul-sucking jobs; at least it saved having to make a choice. But how much longer could I take such an easy life? Quicksand was easy. Hell, death was easy. Maybe that's why my synapses had started snapping at the sight of potatoes and leeks in the Korean deli. Maybe that was what was plucking deep down in my belly whenever I thought of Julia Child's book. Maybe I needed to make like a potato, winnow myself down, be a part of something that was not easy, just simple.”

— Julie Powell, Julie and Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen (the novel)

My Rating

I loved everything about this movie. As a for-fun food blogger, I empathize with Julie’s cooking failures. It’s not easy to write and cook, but there is a joy to it — that when it goes right, it’s wonderful.

I also never knew much about Julia Child, but after watching this movie and reading her letters, I find that I love her sense of humor, confidence, and style. This is one of my favorite movies ever, and if you love food, you’ll die for this movie!

Best Movie Snack

Cream puffs!

1. Ratatouille (2007)

Foodie Plot

Ratatouille is about Remy the rat who dreams of becoming a chef. However, his rat colony has been trained to fear humans, and encourages Remy to steal food like them. Remy doesn’t want to steal to eat, he wants to create a delicious meal. When he finds himself in the kitchen of his idol’s restaurant, he’s captured by the garbage boy, Alfredo. They make a deal, Remy can stay in the kitchen if he teaches Alfredo to cook. Together, they rise to stardom, drawing the attention of a famous food critic, who decides to visit for a review.

My Favorites from the Cast

Peter O'Toole as the restaurant critic is everything you would imagine.

My Favorite Quotes

I have so many favorite quotes from Ratatouille (see my About Page), but I think this one is fitting:

“Anyone can cook, but only the fearless can be great.”

— Ratatouille (2007)

My Rating

I can watch Ratatouille over and over and never get bored. The animation is amazing, especially the attention to detail with the scenery and dishes. Remy’s love for food is contagious. The movie captures the way texture, ingredient pairing, and passion play into an amazing dining experience.

Best Movie Snack

A cheese board!

Do you have a favorite food-themed movie?

What movie would you add to this list? Tell me about it in the comments below, I’d love to find more food inspiration.