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No matter how many food-themed films you’ve seen, there’s nothing quite like the pleasure of silently salivating over the scrumptious dinners and drinks that accompany your favorite scenes. While they’re no substitute for the real thing, these eight wine-, food- and drink-centric films have a way of satisfying the taste buds like a hearty meal with the perfect wine pairing.
1. Chef (2014)
An epic battle of palate preferences makes its way online when a disgruntled head chef takes his grievances with a food blogger’s unflattering critique to Twitter. After going viral (for the wrong reasons), the chef quits his restaurant gig, launches a food truck business and begins serving up Cuban cuisine, simultaneously restoring his faith in cooking, love and family.
Whip up a tasty batch of mojitos at home and check out Chef.
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2. Uncorked (2020)
Released in 2020, this Netflix drama follows the story of Elijah, an aspiring master sommelier who works to realize his professional dreams only to have his chances of studying abroad derailed by one obstacle after another.
Not only does this film beautifully illustrate the infectious passion and commitment that goes into garnering expert-level wine knowledge, but it also highlights the extremely relatable challenge of daring to take your family’s legacy in a new yet uncertain direction.
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3. Julie & Julia (2009)
Julie & Julia tells the story of an author who sets out to refine her culinary skills and break out of a personal rut by perfecting all 524 recipes in Julia Childs’ first book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. With her story told in conjunction with Childs’ early career in 1940s Paris, the author winds her way through a journey of growth and evolution.
Watch this film for a healthy dose of cooking and life inspiration, and because it’s the first movie to be based on a blog. Julie & Julia is currently streaming on Hulu, Amazon Prime and Starz apps.
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4. Fast Food Nation (2006)
In a world where millions of people’s meals are only a drive-thru or app order away, Fast Food Nation is essential food-related viewing. Based on Eric Schlosser’s best-selling book, the comedy-drama takes an inside look at the inner workings of the meat processing plant responsible for producing The Big One, a popular menu item at a thriving fast-food chain.
A group of researchers detects fecal matter in the main meat supply, leading to multiple revelations about the production process, from the food itself to food service workers and the environmental impact.
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5. Soul Food (1997)
Told from the perspective of 11-year-old Ahmad, Soul Food chronicles a Chicago family forced to address brewing tensions that come to a head when the matriarch falls ill, an event that threatens to derail a 40-year family tradition of gathering for Sunday dinner.
Between the scrumptious food prep scenes and the nail-biting drama, you’ll want to have your own plate of food on hand to properly enjoy this classic.
