Chefs Reveal the Films That Spark Their Appetite and Culinary Passion

While the demanding pace of professional kitchens leaves little time for movie-watching, many chefs still find cinematic inspiration. When asked about films that ignite their desire to cook or eat, several culinary experts reflected on stories that evoke the pleasure of leisurely meals, the comforting power of food, and the motivations behind their culinary journeys. Here, eleven chefs share the food-related movies—both classics and contemporary—that continue to fuel their passion.

One chef recalls watching a provocative film in Paris in 1973 while her husband was working on the Pompidou Center. The story centers around a group of friends who decide to eat themselves to death, celebrating their love of food through excessive indulgence. The film sparked a personal tradition of gauging others’ reactions—whether it made them hungry or turned them off. For her and her husband, it certainly whetted their appetites. Years later, she discovered that the film was also a favorite of a renowned filmmaker.

Another chef revisited the film “Good Burger” this year, a nostalgic favorite from childhood. Originally from Detroit but now living in New York City, she turns to food, music, and films to reconnect with her hometown when feeling homesick. She first saw the movie during elementary school, likely on VHS, and identified with the quirky character Ed, a burger joint cashier who invents a beloved sauce. At a young age, she felt unique in her interest in food, while her peers were engrossed in other entertainment. “Good Burger” resonated as a celebration of being in one’s own world and finding joy in cooking.