Top 10 Food Films

After writing up my thoughts on the food themed flick Dinner Rush, I decided wanted to follow it up with another post about food in movies. Being a filmmaker at heart, I get just as excited watching a good food film, as I do flipping through a cookbook or reading about a new restaurant in a review. With so many people close to my heart struggling with food related illnesses (obesity, diabetes, cancer), I wanted see which inspiring food films, Ted Talks and documentaries I could find that related to food and health. Through my researching, I found a ton of educational, beautiful and inspiring films. It’s quite interesting to see so many common themes regarding food and health. These films discuss food, art, spirituality and everything in between.

Here’s my shortlist of films to check out.

1.     Jiro Dreams of Sushi, (2011)

A thoughtful meditation on the art of perfection. Jiro Dreams of Sushi chronicles the life of an 85-year-old sushi master. His 10-seat, sushi-only subway station restaurant is the first of its kind to be awarded 3 Michelin stars.

2.     Forks over Knives, (2011)

An insightful examination of the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict humans can be controlled, or even reversed, by eating plant based, non-processed foods.

3.     El Bulli Cooking in Progress

An incredibly detailed look inside the renowned Spanish restaurant, El Bulli. A film that’s both inspiring and beautiful to watch, Spanish chef Ferran Adrià (referred to as the Salvador Dali of the kitchen) allows the cameras to see inside his most intimate preparations for the following season’s innovative menu.

4.      Super Size Me, (2004)

The now, super famous film in which documentarian Morgan Spurlock literally puts his life on the line to prove a point. He eats only McDonalds food every day for one month; you know what happens next…

5.     William Li: Can We Eat to Starve Cancer? (Ted Talk 2010)

A fascinating Ted Talk that encourages eating cancer-fighting foods to cut off the supply lines which can beat cancer at its own game.

6.      Food Matters, (2008)

Engaging insight of interviews conducted with leading nutritionists, naturopaths, scientists, M.D.’s and medical journalists who suggest scientifically verifiable solutions for overcoming illness naturally without the aid of prescription drugs.

7.     Hungry for Change, (2012)

Exposing the diet and weight-loss industry and the deceptive strategies designed to keep you eating the wrong things. Can you trust what you think you know about your food?

8.     How to Cook Your Life, (2007)

A Zen chef inspires his followers to treat their food as preciously as their eyesight. Nirvana starts in the kitchen.

9.     Food, Inc. (2008)

They say you are what you eat. Well, do you really know what you’re eating? This is the documentary film based off the controversial book that ripped the curtain off the American food industry. It’s the film that the food industry doesn’t want you to see. Watch with caution.

10.    Jamie Oliver’s Ted Prize wish: Teach Every Child About Food. (Ted Talk 2010)

Another great Ted Talk. Famous chef and activist, Jamie Oliver makes the case for an all-out assault on our ignorance of food. A must watch.

Okay. I know you have opinions! What great food films have I missed? Add your favorites to the comments section below to start the conversation.