Holiday season is here, making it the perfect opportunity to watch (or rewatch) some of the best food-centric TV shows and movies to whet your appetite before the holiday meal. These selections, ranging from the mouth-watering fried chicken and collard greens in the classic film Soul Food to the culinary artistry featured in the hit FX series The Bear, are sure to bring friends and family together to savor the on-screen food and drama. Get ready for a feast for your inner foodie with this list of must-see films and shows.
Suggested Reading
“Uncorked”
If you’re looking for a movie that speaks to your heart and feeds your appetite, “Uncorked” will be a great pick. Set against the backdrop of Memphis barbecue culture, the film plunges you into the world of wine through the eyes of Elijah, a young man navigating the complex choice between honoring his family’s legacy of running a BBQ restaurant and chasing his dream of becoming a master sommelier. The narrative expertly highlights how food and shared meals serve as powerful connectors across generations, making it an ideal watch for a holiday like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
“It’s Complicated”
Set in beautiful Santa Barbara, the romantic comedy “It’s Complicated” is a sensory delight centered on Jane Adler (Meryl Streep), the warm-hearted owner of a bakery. Her kitchen is her sanctuary, specializing in comfort food like fresh croissants, and the scenes of her cooking and hosting create the perfect “holiday kitchen” feel. It’s a must-watch for those who find comfort in food.
“Soul Food”
Now, you know we can’t speak about food without inviting Soul Food into the chat. The core of the story is “Big Mama,” the matriarch whose Sunday dinners are a beautiful tradition of good food, seasoned with laughter and love that always brings the family together. Every dish that is on the family table was made from the heart. Watching Soul Food on Thanksgiving reminds us that the real special main course is being surrounded by the ones you love.
“The Menu”
If you have an appreciation for culinary arts paired with dark humor, “The Menu” may be enjoyable. It follows a couple who travel to an exclusive island restaurant where a world-renowned chef prepares a multi-course meal, but the evening takes a dark turn. As each dish is served, the guests discover the culinary experience where the chef’s true intentions are far from fine dining. It’s great for creating conversations during Thanksgiving.
“Good Burger”
A good nostalgic film like “Good Burger” is always needed. The hilarious, feel-good comedy follows two fast-food employees who team up to save their beloved burger joint from a corporate chain. Filled with the secret sauce, burger battles, and crazy antics, “Good Burger” celebrates good food and great friendship. It’s a great choice for the Thanksgiving wind-down.
“The Bear”
“The Bear” is an intense, emotional culinary drama that captures the chaos and passion of running a restaurant. The show follows, Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) who returns hom to run his late brother’s struggling sandwich shop as he navigates the high-pressue world of kitchens while confronting family and managing grief. It’s a raw, emotional glimpse at food and passion that is behind every plate.
“Ratatouille”
If you need something to enjoy with the kids, we will always recommend “Ratatouille.” This story follows Remy, a talented rat with a passion for gourmet cooking, who partners with a young kitchen worker in a Paris restaurant to prove his culinary skills. As the story progresses, he learns that talent can come from anywhere, and food has the power to inspire and connect people.
“Julie & Julia”
There are great food movies, but nothing can compare to “Julie & Julia.” The film brings together the true stories of Julia Child, who discovered her passion for French cooking, and Julie Powell, a writer who challenges herself to cook all 524 recipes in Child’s cookbook. This is the perfect Thanksgiving choice for food lovers.
“Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory”
While dinner is preparing, let your imagination run wild as “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory” feeds your sweet tooth. The popular film follows a humble, kind-hearted Charlie Bucket, who wins a once-in-a-lifetime Golden Ticket to tour Willy Wonka’s mysterious and magical chocolate factory. During the tour, Charlie learns valuable lessons on kindness that are worth more than any golden prize. From chocolate rivers to edible gardens, your imagination will be full.
“Matilda”
The popular movie follows the young, supergenius Matilda, with neglectful parents, who discovers she has telekinetic powers and uses them to stand up for herself and her teacher, Miss Honey. The heartwarming movie will be perfect for a Thanksgiving watch, especially for food lovers who appreciate a good food moment, like the unforgettable chocolate cake scene.
“His, Hers, and Ours”
Lifetime movies always seem to be perfect for any holiday. “His, Hers, and Ours” is a heartwarming movie about a widow and widower who fall in love and make efforts to blend their lives and children, which ultimately makes for beautiful chaos. It’s perfect for food lovers who know the kitchen is the heart of the house.
“The Family That Preys”
“The Family That Preys” is such a good movie for the Thanksgiving holiday as it serves you a nice slice of Southern charm, topped with drama. The story follows two families—one wealthy, one working class—whose lives become intertwined through friends, romance, and rivalry. The film highlights how food can bring people together, even if it brings some drama to the table.
“Crooklyn”
“Crooklyn” is a heartwarming film that celebrates family, home-cooked meals, and captures beautiful moments around the family dinner table. The film follows Troy Carmichael (Zelda Harris), a young girl growing up in 1970s Brooklyn, as she navigates the ups and downs of family, childhood moments, and the challenges of being an adolescent.
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