25 Movies Every Food Lover MUST Watch, According To Delish Editors

In the wise words of Nicole Kidman, we go to the movies “to laugh, to cry, to care.” And if you love food as much as we do, you also watch them to get hungry. Food plays a central role in our lives, so it’s no surprise that it often takes center stage on the big screen.

Over the years, there have been some incredible food movies—both blockbuster hits and under-the-radar films. Our team of editors has watched more than our fair share of them, so we feel especially qualified to recommend some of the greatest movies that prominently feature food.

We’ve rounded up the 25 best movies for food lovers that you should add to your Letterboxd watch list. Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments.

Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

Hayao Miyazaki has a magic touch when it comes to animating food. In his 1989 film about an enterprising 13-year-old witch, viewers are treated to stunning displays of freshly baked bread and steaming herring and pumpkin pie.

Big Night (1996)

From the stunning cross-section of a freshly-baked timpano to the plate of tricolored risotto, Big Night is one of the best pieces of media to take place in the Jersey Shore (and that’s including the eponymous MTV series).

Spirited Away (2001)

No other film manages to capture street food so beautifully, even if it made me scared of the Boar’s Head deli counter for a good five years.

Phantom Thread (2017)

We may not want to eat the poisonous mushroom-spiked meals served in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Phantom Thread, but we sure love looking at them.

Mystic Pizza (1988)

The movie that put Mystic, Connecticut on the map. The cheese pulls and young Julia Roberts are reason enough to watch, but it’s also worth visiting the real Mystic Pizza that inspired the film.

Chef (2014)

Jon Favreau and John Leguizamo cooking cubanos from a food truck is one of the most mesmerizing cooking scenes in movie history. The sizzling buttered bread on the plancha. The tender mojo-marinated pork. The hearty smear of mustard. We rewatch this movie on the regular for the sandwich alone.

Matilda (1996)

From chocolate cake to TV dinners to magic milk cartons, Matilda is a hilarious and heartwarming movie we could watch again and again.

Goodfellas (1990)

There are precise knife skills, and then there’s using a razor blade for paper-thin slices of garlic. The prison sauce is, no exaggeration, a work of art.

Tampopo (1985)

Two truck drivers walk into a ramen shop, and a hilarious and warm-hearted cooking journey ensues.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (2009)

This animated film isn’t just for kids—the star-studded cast helmed by Bill Hader offers silly, lighthearted comedy that all ages will love.

Waitress (2007)

Waitress has since been transformed into a hit Broadway musical, but we’ll always have a soft spot for the film adaptation. It’s the best way to watch the pies up close.

Julie & Julia (2009)

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve rewatched Julie & Julia. There is incredible food split between two different eras—and two different powerhouse performances from Amy Adams and Meryl Streep.

Julie & Julia (2009)

Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)

This critically acclaimed movie spotlighted fried green tomatoes as a Southern delicacy. Expect food fights, queer subtexts, and some indulgent barbecue staples.

In The Mood For Love (2000)

Wong Kar-Wai’s turn-of-the-21st century masterpiece is a love story that takes place at the dinner table. If you want to be swept away by a sea of Cantonese cuisine, this is a must watch.

The Taste Of Things (2023)

This historical romance takes place in the French countryside and centers around a chef’s relationship with her employer. There’s a baked Alaska, crystal clear consommé, and so, so much butter.

Ratatouille (2007)

We could wax poetic about Ratatouille forever, but the beloved animated film speaks for itself. If you’re one of the few who haven’t watched it yet: What are you doing?

Heartburn (1986)

How can you go wrong with a Nora Ephron film? Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson are a dynamic duo—especially when she lobs a key lime pie straight at him.

Troop Beverly Hills (1989)

This cult classic is a love letter to Girl Scouts everywhere. Expect hijinks in the wild, a young Tori Spelling, and (obviously) cookies.

Marie Antoinette (2006)

The pastel tones and powdered wigs in Marie Antoinette are a visual dream, peaking with the over-the-top treats in the iconic “I Want Candy” scene.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

As much as we love all of the traditional holiday deishes, we would give anything for a Snoopy-catered Thanksgiving dinner—complete with popcorn, jelly beans, and buttered toast.

The Princess And The Frog (2009)

Tiana’s dream restaurant may be fictional, but it makes us really want to eat pillowy, sugary beignets in real life.

The Menu (2022)

This darkly funny satire on restaurant culture dominated the zeitgeist in 2022. Ralph Fiennes’s performance as an intense, murderous, and meticulous fine-dining chef is high on the list of his best performances.

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971)

Roald Dahl’s story has been adapted several times for a reason. The music, Gene Wilder’s electric performance, and the fantastical set design are more than just eye candy (pun intended).

Eat Pray Love (2010)

Between the premieres of Glee and American Horror Story, Ryan Murphy released the iconic and inimitable Eat Pray Love starring Julia Roberts. Liz Gilbert’s stint in Italy is one for the ages.

Eat Drink Man Woman (1994)

There are more than 80 dishes featured in the 124 minutes in Ang Lee’s beloved Eat Drink Man Woman—and no other movie has made us feel more hungry.