Gastronomy on Screen: The Best Movies and Shows About Food

If you love cooking, eating, or simply indulging in the beauty of irresistible dishes, this list is for you! From culinary thrillers to heartwarming dramas that put food at the center of the narrative, these films and series will make you reflect on the power of gastronomy.

Check out our list!

The Menu

A young couple travels to a remote island to dine at an exclusive restaurant where a renowned chef has prepared a surprising menu full of dark twists.

Beyond its critique of gastronomic elitism, the film showcases conceptual and sophisticated dishes, elevating cuisine to an artistic—and deadly—experience.

The Platform

In a vertical prison, inmates are fed through a descending platform, leaving abundance for the upper levels and scarcity for those below. This psychological thriller offers a brutal metaphor for inequality and survival.

The concept of a banquet that deteriorates as it descends raises powerful reflections on waste and selfishness in the world of food.

Estômago: A Gastronomic Story

Raimundo Nonato arrives in the big city and discovers that his talent for cooking could be his salvation—or his downfall. The film alternates between his rise as a chef and his time in prison, revealing a surprising narrative.

Brazilian cuisine, including feijoada and traditional dishes, takes center stage in this story about how food can be both power and survival.

No Reservations

Kate, a renowned chef, finds her life turned upside down when she must take care of her niece after a tragedy, all while dealing with the arrival of an irreverent new chef who challenges her strict kitchen style.

A true visual delight, the film features refined dishes that celebrate haute cuisine and a deep love for cooking.

Pig

A reclusive ex-chef lives in the Oregon wilderness with his truffle-hunting pig. When the animal is stolen, he embarks on a melancholic journey through Portland, revisiting his past in the culinary world.

Unlike typical chef films, Pig treats food with deep emotional significance, exploring memories and the true essence of cooking.

The Bear

Carmy, a talented young chef, returns to run his family's restaurant after his brother’s death. Facing challenges in both the kitchen and his personal life, he strives to transform the business while managing a chaotic team.

The series realistically portrays the pressure of professional kitchens, featuring exquisite dishes and the emotional weight of gastronomy.

Julia

This series explores the life of Julia Child, from her journey to publish her iconic cookbook to the success of her television show. Julia overcomes challenges in a male-dominated industry to become a culinary icon.

A heartfelt tribute to French cuisine, the series is filled with inspiring moments that highlight how Julia revolutionized home cooking in America.

Midnight Diner

In Tokyo, a small restaurant only opens at midnight. Its owner, known as the Master, prepares simple dishes that comfort and help customers navigate their personal struggles.

The series emphasizes the emotional power of food, featuring home-cooked meals that evoke nostalgia and warmth.

Chef's Table

This award-winning Netflix documentary series delves into the lives and work of world-renowned chefs, exploring their inspirations, challenges, and culinary creations.

Each episode is a work of art, showcasing impeccable dishes and deeply personal stories that reveal the passion behind fine dining.

The Final Table

A global cooking competition where chefs from around the world battle to create dishes inspired by different national cuisines, impressing an elite panel of judges.

A visual feast, the show challenges participants to reinvent iconic dishes from various cultures, making it an immersive experience for food lovers.

Julie & Julia

Based on a true story, the film follows Julie Powell, a woman who decides to cook all 524 recipes from Julia Child’s cookbook in a year, documenting her journey in a blog.

A love letter to French cuisine, featuring enchanting scenes of classic dishes being prepared, including the iconic Boeuf Bourguignon.

Ratatouille

Remy, a rat with a refined palate, dreams of becoming a chef. He finds a way to cook in a prestigious Parisian restaurant, proving that anyone can be a great cook.

The film presents food in a vibrant and appetizing way, culminating in the iconic Ratatouille scene that melts even the heart of a strict food critic.

Burnt

A talented but troubled chef seeks redemption by striving for his third Michelin star in a new London restaurant.

An intense and realistic look into the high-pressure world of fine dining, featuring sophisticated dishes and impeccable techniques.

Tampopo

A Japanese comedy about a woman determined to turn her small ramen shop into the best in town, with the help of quirky experts.

A delightful celebration of ramen, with beautifully detailed scenes showcasing the artistry behind every bowl.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

A documentary about Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old legendary sushi master and owner of a three-star Michelin restaurant in Tokyo.

A stunning portrait of perfectionism in gastronomy, highlighting the precision and dedication behind the art of sushi.

The Hundred-Foot Journey

A rivalry between a traditional French restaurant and a newly opened Indian eatery evolves into a journey of learning and discovery.

A beautiful fusion of flavors and cultures, celebrating culinary diversity and the passion for cooking.

From inspiring documentaries to emotional fictional stories, these food-focused films and series prove that food is more than just nourishment—it’s art, culture, and connection.

Pick a title, grab a snack, and embark on this cinematic feast!