When one thinks of French cinema, a few things might immediately come to mind: emotionally rich storytelling, stylish visuals, lingering camera shots, and a certain je ne sais quoi that distinguishes it from Hollywood. But there’s another element that’s woven deeply into the fabric of French filmmaking — food.
French culture has long held cuisine in high regard, elevating it to the level of art, tradition, and even philosophy. Unsurprisingly, French filmmakers have often treated food not as a backdrop, but as a key character in its own right — a mirror of identity, a catalyst for emotional transformation, and a symbol of memory and connection. In many films, what’s being prepared, shared, or eaten says more than dialogue ever could.
Let’s explore five must-watch films (some wholly French, others simply steeped in the French culinary tradition) where food plays a central narrative and symbolic role — and of course, some suggestions for what to eat while watching them.
1. Babette’s Feast (1987)
Directed by: Gabriel Axel
Best enjoyed with: A full-course French dinner — turtle soup, roast game, cheese, and a glass of Burgundy
Though it’s a Danish film, Babette’s Feast is an ode to French cuisine and culinary grace. The story follows Babette, a French refugee who ends up cooking for a small, austere Lutheran community in rural Denmark. After years of frugal meals, Babette prepares a lavish banquet that astonishes the villagers — not only for its richness and complexity but for its emotional and spiritual depth.
The meal becomes a transformative experience, breaking down emotional barriers and offering a moment of transcendence. It’s a powerful reminder that food can be an act of love, generosity, and even redemption. The dishes — inspired by French haute cuisine — serve as both sensory pleasures and metaphors for self-expression.
2. Julie & Julia (2009)
Directed by: Nora Ephron
Best enjoyed with: Boeuf Bourguignon, fresh bread, and lots of real French butter
While the film is American in origin, the soul of Julie & Julia is undeniably French. It contrasts two women’s lives: Julia Child, the American who demystified French cooking for the masses, and Julie Powell, a modern-day blogger attempting to cook her way through Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
Julia’s scenes in 1950s Paris are rich in culinary discovery, as she trains at Le Cordon Bleu and battles snobbery to share her love of French food with American home cooks. Meanwhile, Julie’s own struggles reflect how cooking — especially French cooking — can be a means of reclaiming joy, identity, and purpose. Every dish is a triumph, a failure, or a revelation. It’s a delightful celebration of how food and storytelling are inextricably linked.
3. Ratatouille (2007)
Directed by: Brad Bird and Jan Pinkava
Best enjoyed with: Ratatouille (of course), a cheese platter, or a buttery croissant
This Pixar animation may centre on a rat, but it captures the spirit of French gastronomy with heartfelt precision. Remy, a rat with a highly refined palate, dreams of becoming a chef in Paris. Teaming up with a young human kitchen worker, he secretly crafts stunning dishes that win over even the harshest of critics.
Beyond its humour and charm, Ratatouille offers one of the most respectful and poetic portrayals of French cuisine in cinema. The climactic scene — when food critic Anton Ego is brought back to his childhood through a simple dish — reminds us how food can trigger deep emotional memory. It’s a film about inclusion, creativity, and respect for tradition — all core elements of French culinary philosophy.
4. Haute Cuisine (Les Saveurs du Palais) (2012)
Directed by: Christian Vincent
Best enjoyed with: A simple omelette aux fines herbes, or a delicate tarte Tatin
Haute Cuisine is based on the real story of Danièle Mazet-Delpeuch, a regional chef chosen to cook for President François Mitterrand at the Élysée Palace. The film reveals the tension between traditional French cooking and bureaucratic expectations, as well as the quiet strength required for a woman to thrive in a male-dominated culinary world.
The joy of this film lies in its attention to detail — the textures of fresh truffles, the care in preparing sauces, the balance of flavours. But it also asks larger questions: What happens when food becomes too political? Can authenticity survive in formal institutions? Haute Cuisine is a love letter to simplicity, regionality, and the emotional integrity of French home cooking.
5. The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)
Directed by: Lasse Hallström
Best enjoyed with: A fusion meal — maybe coq au vin with spiced rice, or samosas with chèvre
Although it veers into Hollywood territory, The Hundred-Foot Journey is a fascinating exploration of culinary identity and cross-cultural influence. It tells the story of an Indian family who opens a restaurant across the road from a Michelin-starred French establishment in a picturesque French village.
The clash between Madame Mallory, the rigid French chef, and Hassan, the talented newcomer with a passion for spices and flavour, highlights the evolving nature of French cuisine in a globalised world. Food becomes the bridge between cultures, generations, and philosophies. The film celebrates both tradition and innovation — and the joy of mixing them on one plate . To watch French cinema is to enter a world where food is more than flavour — it’s feeling. It tells us something about the human condition, about pleasure and patience, about community and solitude.
So the next time you're planning a film night, don’t just pick a film — pick a dish to go with it. Taste the moment. Watch slowly. Eat well.
Bon appétit — and bon cinéma!
