Everybody knows that a movie, no matter how good or bad, calls for some snacks, especially when food is a central plot point. In some cases without even trying, there are special moments or scenes that forever tie those fictional stories to real food, creating a intertwined memory that makes both slightly more special. Sure, a food documentary or cooking show can make anyone hungry, but it's much rarer feat for a romcom or thriller.
As food delivery and takeout continue to thrive during the pandemic, so does streaming. Everyone stuck at home is eating and watching, watching and eating. What better time to pair favorite foods with fine video entertainment? Forks at the ready - it's time to eat!
Ramen | Naruto
Naruto is of the biggest and most popular anime franchises worldwide, closing in on two decades since it made its first appearance on television and now spanning onto its sequel Naruto: Shippuden and spin-off Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. For those that grew up watching Naruto, seeing the orange-clad ninja eating ramen surely brings back some memories, but anyone looking to catch up on the series is better off being warned of potential cravings. No wonder, since Naruto Uzamaki is named after narutomaki, also known as the white things with pink swirly patterns floating in your bowl.
Ice Cream | Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy
This one is a much more subtle reference, yet a mysteriously powerful trigger for fans of these comedy horror cult classics. In the first movie of the series, Shaun of the Dead, Ed asks Shaun to get him a Cornetto cone in an effort to cure his hangover and even if the science on that is nonexistent at best, it does happen to be director Edgar Wright's signature remedy. After getting a batch of free Cornettos, he and fellow writer Simon Pegg decided to add more brand references in the next two films hoping to get more freebies, while establishing ice cream and zombies as the new wine and cheese.
Candy | Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
The jury is still out on which of these two is the better adaptation of Roald Dahl's novel, or which one is a better movie for that matter, but regardless of the viewer's particular take on that, both are fantastic rides aboard an imaginative world where candy grows on trees and rivers of chocolate flow. But what's more unsettling: Gene Wilder's poetry on the boat or Johnny Depp's fake teeth? A hard debate, to be sure, but even harder is sitting through either one without some sugary treats.
Cake and Pastries | Marie Antoinette
While Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette does not aim to be an accurate historical retelling of the events that led to the French revolution, it does purposely try to immerse viewers in a colorful pastel toned world filled with opulence and cake. Tons and tons of cake. The film's aesthetics won it an Academy Award in 2007 for Best Costume Design, but if there was a separate category for Best Dessert Design, it would have surely taken home 2 Oscars instead.
Indian Food | The Hundred-Foot Journey
As comedian Vir Das puts it, Indian food is the tastiest food on the planet, but perhaps it's not the most visually appealing cuisine. The Hundred-Foot Journey takes care of that as it tells the story of a young aspiring chef from an Indian family who just moved to the French countryside and brought some spicier flavors to a small town already boasting a Michelin starred restaurant. It also features Helen Mirren channeling her inner Gordon Ramsay and some gorgeous Indian dishes bound to stimulate any appetite.
Sandwiches | Chef
Jon Favreau learned to cook for real as he prepared for this role, not only by taking cooking lessons, but going as far as being thrown into many of chef Roy Choi's kitchens to really learn the ropes. Favreau's character is a successful chef at a popular LA restaurant, but after falling out of favor with the owner, he decides to open his own food truck. While El Jefe serves other Cuban staples like arroz con pollo, it's the cubano, medianoche and grilled cheese sandwiches that stand out on the screen.
Italian Food| Master of None, season 2
Master of None's season 2 is an odd piece of work because it can genuinely work as a standalone experience for people that never watched the first season. The first two episodes are set in Italy and feature some fantastic food as well as a cameo appearance from Chef's Table Massimo Bottura and the show stays pretty meal focused from beginning to end. Italian love interests, classic Italian film inspirations and episodes titled in Italian, it all calls for some Italian food.
Food | Ratatouille
Is ratatouille the most appealing food in this article? Not by any means, yet Pixar managed to tell a captivating story that's pleasing both for children and adults, without copying the proven recipes of many animated movies, and the result is both soothingly artistic and funny. Whether it's simple omelettes and crepes or fancier dishes, Ratatouille conveys the idea that food carries meaning and emotion, even if it's made by a tiny little rat. Plus, it's always easier to convince kids to eat their veggies if it's ratatouille.
Also, try a bite of these: Julie & Julia; My Big Fat Greek Wedding; Eat, Pray, Love; Burnt; Jiro Dreams of Sushi; Chef''s Table; Street Food; The Great British Baking Show.