5 Best Culinary Movie Recommendations: From Animation to True Stories

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The world of cinema often presents stories that are not only entertaining but also inspiring, including in the culinary realm.

Numerous films have successfully brought cooking and the world of chefs to the big screen, delighting audiences with delicious visuals and tantalizing stories.

From the adventures of chef rats to romances in the kitchen, these films offer a unique perspective on the passion and dedication behind each dish.

This article will review five of the best culinary-themed movies you must watch, based on high ratings from IMDb.

These films not only offer engaging drama and comedy, but also provide insight into the challenges and beauty of the culinary profession.

Each film has its own unique appeal, from stunning animation to touching biographical dramas, all centered on the magic of food and the timeless art of cooking.

Ratatouille is an animated film that tells the story of Remy, a rat with an extraordinary talent for cooking. This Pixar film was directed by Brad Bird and Jan Pinkava, with Patton Oswalt as the iconic voice of Remy. Remy dreams of becoming a chef and struggles to achieve his dream in Paris, despite being a rat—a condition that is certainly not common in a restaurant kitchen.

With the help of Linguini, an inexperienced chef, Remy attempts to conceal his identity and create a delicious dish that changes the fate of a famous Parisian restaurant. The film successfully explores the beauty and challenges of the culinary world in a highly imaginative and entertaining way.

Ratatouille holds an IMDb score of 8.0/10, making it one of the highest-rated animated films on the culinary theme. Its success proves that passion can overcome all obstacles. 

The Taste of Things, originally titled La Passion de Dodin Bouffant in French, is a 2023 French historical romantic drama film written and directed by Trần Anh Hùng.

The film stars Juliette Binoche and Benoît Magimel, set in France in 1889, depicting the profound romance between a chef and the gastronome she works for. Their love story is deeply intertwined with a love for the culinary arts.

The film received highly critical acclaim, with a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an average score of 8.4/10, as well as a score of 85 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating "universal acclaim."

The film explores the simmering passion between a master chef and his longtime partner, who are concentrated in their passionate professionalism. The culinary visuals presented in the film are a feast for the eyes.

With its beautiful storytelling and strong acting, The Taste of Things earned an IMDb score of 7.5/10. It's a must-see for fans of both drama and culinary films.

Chef is a 2014 American road comedy-drama film written, produced, and directed by Jon Favreau, who also stars as a celebrity chef. The film follows Carl Casper, a celebrity chef who quits his job at a popular Los Angeles restaurant after a public altercation with a food critic. This decision leads him on a new journey.

Following the incident, Carl Casper starts a food truck business with his friends and son, an adventure that not only rekindles his passion for cooking but also repairs his relationship with his family.

The film stars Sofía Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson, and Dustin Hoffman, adding to the appeal of the A-list cast.

The film was praised by critics for its direction, music, writing, story, and solid performances. Chef earned an IMDb score of 7.3/10. This is a highly recommended film for anyone looking for inspiration and delicious food.

The Hundred-Foot Journey is a 2014 comedy-drama film directed by Lasse Hallström and written by Steven Knight, adapted from Richard C. Morais' novel of the same name. The film stars Helen Mirren, Om Puri, Manish Dayal, and Charlotte Le Bon, presenting a fascinating blend of cultures in the culinary world. The story focuses on the rivalry between two restaurants.

The story centers on the rivalry between two restaurants in a French village: a new Indian restaurant owned by an Indian immigrant family, and an established Michelin-starred French restaurant owned by a French woman. The differences in culture and cooking styles are key elements in the film, creating both conflict and unique harmony. The film was produced by Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey.

The film earned an IMDb score of 7.3/10, indicating a positive reception from audiences and critics. The Hundred-Foot Journey is an entertaining and inspiring look at how food can bridge cultural divides and bring people together. It's a beautiful celebration of culinary diversity.

Julie & Julia is a 2009 American biographical comedy-drama film written and directed by Nora Ephron, starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams in the lead roles. The film contrasts the life of legendary chef Julia Child (played by Meryl Streep) at the beginning of her culinary career with the life of Julie Powell (played by Amy Adams), a young New York woman who dreams of cooking all 524 recipes in Child's cookbook in 365 days.

The film is based on two books: Child's autobiography "My Life in France" and Powell's memoir "Julie & Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen." This dual narrative adds depth to the story, demonstrating how inspiration can transcend time and motivate subsequent generations. Meryl Streep's charismatic performance as Julia Child received particularly positive reviews and critical acclaim.

With a heartwarming story and captivating acting, Julie & Julia earned an IMDb score of 7.2/10. This film is a wonderful offering for food lovers and anyone who has ever dreamed of following in their idols' footsteps.

It's the perfect movie to watch while enjoying a delicious meal.