These movies about food deserve an Oscar

From Parasite to Bao, here’s 22 movies about food which really do deserve an Oscar.

From the conventionally culinary to the stomach-churning mindbenders, there’s no denying that when it comes to food movies, we can’t look away.

Our list of must-see movies may span from comedy to romance, drama to horror but they’ve all got one thing in common: if you’re obsessed with food you’re going to love them.

The Taste of Things.

The Taste of Things (2023)

Step into the enchanting world of 1889 France, where passion simmers and flavours ignite in the romantic drama The Pot-au-Feu which was France’s official submission for the 2024 Oscars ceremony. The film may not have won the Oscar but it won plenty of foodie hearts for its exploration of cuisine, romance, and a decades-long love story.

The Menu.

The Menu (2022)

A remote island, farm-to-table experimental tasting menu, world-renowned chef, and only a handful of seats – The Menu is essentially the fine dining starter pack. So what happens when the glow of fine dining morphs into something uglier? What happens when good chefs become caricatures, good restaurants become arenas for privilege, and good food becomes a status symbol rather than a source of enjoyment? A psychotic and darkly comedic dive into the story of a deranged chef, a slaying of status, and a woman who sees through it all.

Flux Gourmet.

Flux Gourmet (2022)

Peter Strickland’s Flux Gourmet is as much a feast for the cinephiles as it is for the gourmands. The star-studded comedy/horror focuses on a trio of painfully cool artists who are determined to extract the ASMR soundtrack of food during their residency at a gastrointestinal clinic. It’s bizarre, it’s hilarious, it’s shocking, and it’s totally insane.

Parasite.

Parasite (2019)

The critically acclaimed South Korean masterpiece Parasite cleverly uses food to highlight the contrast between the haves and the have-nots in contemporary Seoul. The Kim family, struggling to make ends meet, form a symbiotic relationship with the wealthy Park family in this dark comedy where greed and discrimination are emphasised through humble noodle dishes topped with richly marbled steak. Food is used as a weapon in class warfare in this dark-comedy that will leave you utterly exhausted.

Bao.

Bao (2018)

Pixar short Bao will make you want to hug your mum and eat dumplings, not necessarily in that order. A woman lovingly prepares a feast of soup dumplings for her husband before he rushes off to work. She is tired, perhaps lonely, and upon popping a dumpling into her mouth is alarmed to hear it squeal. We watch the two grow together, the heartbreak of your baby leaving the nest, and the bittersweet moment of coming together as adults, as equals. Bring the napkins, er, tissues.

The Founder.

The Founder (2016)

Behind the technicoloured origin story of fast food giant, McDonalds, lies a jarring tale. Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton) is a struggling salesman who sees an opportunity when he meets the McDonald brothers in 1954. Follow the disturbing journey from a wholesome, family-run burger joint to the global powerhouse that is Maccas. The legal team behind this movie have well and truly earned their stripes.

Chef.

Chef (2014)

A frustrated top chef, worn down by an overbearing restaurant owner and slayed by a food critic, turns in his crisp whites to hit the road in a food truck. It’s a must-watch for the modern foodie, with plenty of on-the-pulse industry commentary. Our tip? Make sure you find your nearest Cuban sandwich slinger before you watch this, because killer cravings will ensue.

The Hundred-Foot Journey.

The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)

When the Kadam family leaves India for France to open a restaurant, worlds collide. The vibrant, family-run restaurant sits directly across the road from Madame Mallory’s Michelin-starred eatery. The Hundred-Foot Journey addresses culture, cuisine, assumptions and prejudice with a light-hearted lens – and a great menu alongside.

The Lunchbox.

The Lunchbox (2013)

This sweet Indian love story revolves around a lonely housewife’s effort to catch her husband’s attention with a new recipe. The lunchbox goes astray, along with a little note tucked inside, sparking a pen-pal relationship that turns into a growing hunger.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2009)

It’s impossible to watch the story of 85-year-old Jiro Ono and not feel inspired. Widely considered the world’s greatest sushi chef, Ono’s dedication to his craft is only paralleled by his son, Yoshikazu. The documentary follows the history of Sukiyabashi, Ono’s tiny 10 seat three-Michelin star restaurant in a Toyko subway station.

Haute Cuisine.

Haute Cuisine (2012)

Based on the real life of Daniele Mazet-Delpeuch, the first female to ever cook in Eylsee Palace for French president Francois Daniele, the film showcases both her fiery spirit and expert grasp of classic French cuisine. She bitterly fights with both the president’s draconian nutritionist (sacre le bleu!) and the all-male, testosterone-driven male kitchen team, before leaving the palace for an even more interesting post.

Eat, Pray, Love.

Eat, Pray, Love (2010)

Of course Eat, Pray, Love had to be on the list. While many feel this movie has the depth of a puddle, there’s no denying that for the food obsessed – it’s heaven. A broken-hearted woman leaves her life behind and sets off around the globe to “find herself.” Thankfully, she finds friendship, romance, and plenty of great food along the way. The life advice of buying a bigger pair of jeans also earns our tick of approval.

Julie & Julia.

Julie & Julia (2009)

One of the most polarizing food films, this homage to the great Julia Child, played by her highness Meryl Streep. It’s a lightweight as far as the story line goes, but most foodies will get a kick out of watching Julie, played by Amy Adams, try to recreate her best recipes.

Ratatouille.

Ratatouille (2007)

Yes, it’s about a talking rat that wants to cook, but don’t underestimate this super cute animation’s food cred. In the lead up to production, director Brad Bird interned at Thomas Keller’s French Laundry to help create the film’s signature dishes. It’s the kitchen versus Ego, the food critic, as Remy, our ratty hero, teams up with a bumbling young cook.

Waitress.

Waitress (2007)

Jenna, a Southern belle working as a waitress, is trapped in an abusive relationship with her husband Earl and grappling with an unwanted pregnancy. She pours her frustrations into creating curiously named pies, hoping that a pie making contest will be her ticket out of this place. Darkly comedic, we follow Jenna on her journey through friendship, lust, empowerment and plenty of pies.

Sideways.

Sideways (2004)

Any vino buff worth their weight in vermentino will instantly recognize the line “I’m not drinking any ****ing merlot!”. Sales of the poor, misunderstood varietal plummeted in the USA after Paul Giamatti uttered the fateful line. The film casts a shadow on wine wankery, but is plenty of fun for anyone that appreciates a good pinot.

Spirited Away.

Spirited Away (2001)

We don’t even care that the feast in Spirited Away is cursed, we’d go for it. Whole crispy birds, roasted fish heads, dumplings, grilled mochi sticks, sausages, crab legs, and so much more – the fateful meal may turn our hero Chihiro Ogino’s parents into greedy little piggies but it’s a price we’re willing to pay. Ambient and ethereal, Spirited Away is Studio Ghibli at its best.

Chocolat.

Chocolat (2000)

Before Johnny Depp became… whatever he is today, he was an unproblematic river traveller, falling in love with a beautiful and mysterious chocolate shop owner. Watch as a whole French village becomes intoxicated with the joy-inspiring, possibly magical, chocolate of Vianne and her firecracker daughter Anouk.

Big Night.

Big Night (1996)

There’s nothing like a touch of hedonism and that’s exactly what Big Night serves up on a silver platter. Two brothers host a night of lavish food and drink in a bid to get word out about their struggling restaurant. Tensions flare, patrons collapse into food comas on tabletops, secrets are revealed, and wounds are healed over the simple act of sharing an omelette. Brava.

Babette's Feast.

Babette’s Feast (1987)

Babette’s Feast, based on the novel of the same title, is all about the earthly pleasures of a dinner party thrown by recently hired French refugee, Babette. The Parisian chef prepares a feast for a pious pair of sisters and their guests, whose reactions to the exotic foods range everywhere from disgust to borderline erotic pleasure. A must watch for the Francophiles out there.

Tampopo.

Tampopo (1985)

Long before the ramen craze hit Australia, there was Tampopo, a series of interwoven stories focusing on the quest to create the world’s greatest ramen. “It’s like a bento box,” says the trailer, with a sneak peek into the world of Japan’s culinary obsessions, in and outside of the dining room.

Garlic is as Good as Ten Mothers.

Garlic is as Good as Ten Mothers (1980)

Measure garlic with your heart, people. That’s the general consensus of Garlic is as Good as Ten Mothers. The documentary is filmed primarily at a California garlic festival where director, Les Blank, interviews historians, chefs, enthusiasts and healthcare professionals about everything garlic.

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