Delicious Docs: Top Food Culture Documentaries to Savor
21 titles
- 1
SliceMovie · 2018 · 82m · Comedy, HorrorIn a secluded, unsettling town, a series of murders targets pizza delivery drivers, prompting two resilient individuals to investigate the strange and puzzling crimes.IMDb 4.6TMDB 4.5 - 2
All About AsadoMovie · 2016 · 85mAll About Asado is a journey into Argentina's food culture. Asado, the tradition of grilling meat, is both a culinary practice and a cherished ritual. It blends ancient and contemporary elements, embodying both rustic simplicity and refined skill. The film uniquely reveals core aspects of Argentine identity. Combining road-movie elements, documentary footage, and fictional storytelling, Gastón Duprat and Mariano Cohn playfully examine the almost sacred tradition of asado, offering a witty and insightful look at Argentina's passion for meat.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.5 - 3
City of GoldMovie · 2016 · 96m · DocumentaryCity of Gold explores the deeper side of Los Angeles, often seen only as glamorous and complicated. Using the perspective of Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathan Gold, the film reveals a hidden LA: a vibrant food scene reflecting the city's diverse cultures. By examining the details of Los Angeles’ varied restaurants, Gold offers an intimate look at the heart of America. This documentary goes beyond the typical view of LA as superficial, highlighting its rich food culture and the stories of immigrants who shaped it.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.3 - 4
BarbecueMovie · 2017 · 102mBarbecue is more than just cooking food; it's a deeply held tradition practiced globally. For many, it represents a spiritual connection and national identity. The stories shared while gathered around the grill foster a sense of community and global unity.IMDb 6.5TMDB 7.4 - 5
Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!Movie · 2019 · 93m · DocumentaryDocumentarian Morgan Spurlock returns to his critique of the food industry by opening his own fast-food restaurant.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0 - 6
Somm IIIMovie · 2018 · 80mWine legends Fred Dame, Steven Spurrier, and Jancis Robinson reunite in Paris for a tasting of their most prized wines. Back in New York City, Dustin Wilson gathers today's top blind tasters for a clandestine event mirroring the historic Judgment of Paris. The aim: to determine if exceptional American Pinot Noirs can compete with France’s finest Burgundies. Ultimately, the two tastings converge, yielding results with the potential to revolutionize the wine world.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8 - 7
Food, Inc.Movie · 2008 · 94m · DocumentaryDocumentary filmmaker Robert Kenner explores how large corporations now control every part of the American food system, from farming to restaurants and supermarkets. Narrated by Eric Schlosser, the film includes interviews with ordinary Americans about what they eat, insights from food experts like Michael Pollan, and disturbing footage from inside major meatpacking facilities.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.3 - 8
Fat, Sick & Nearly DeadMovie · 2010 · 97m · DocumentaryJoe Cross, weighing 100 pounds more than he should, is battling a severe autoimmune disease while taking steroids. He feels hopeless, seeing himself as a 310-pound man with a grim future. FAT, SICK & NEARLY DEAD is an inspiring film following Joe's journey to reclaim his health.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.7 - 9
SommMovie · 2013 · 93m · DocumentarySomm offers a humorous, emotional, and insightful glimpse into the enigmatic world of the Court of Master Sommeliers and their notoriously challenging Master Sommelier Exam.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0 - 10
In Search of Israeli CuisineMovie · 2016 · 97m"The Search for Israeli Cuisine" explores the diverse culinary landscape of Israel, revealing the 70+ cultures that shape its people and their unique food traditions. Through visits to fine restaurants, home kitchens, wineries, and markets, the film showcases Israel's vibrant and world-renowned food scene. It challenges the common perception of Israelis and Palestinians as perpetually at odds, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Israeli life and the impressive culinary experiences awaiting those who seek them. Securing a table in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem is a testament to the quality and popularity of the city's dining options.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.2 - 11
Somm: Into the BottleMovie · 2015 · 90m · DocumentaryThis film explores the captivating world of winemaking, revealing the hidden processes behind every bottle. It examines the entire wine production journey – from growing the grapes and harvesting them, through cellar work and flavor development. The film also looks at how economics influence wine prices, the complex systems that deliver wine to consumers, and the careful selection involved in building a great wine list. Offering a unique and informative look at wine, the film provides viewers with a deep understanding of the journey from grape to glass.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 12
Forks Over KnivesMovie · 2011 · 90m · DocumentaryThis film explores the idea that many chronic diseases can be managed or even reversed by changing what we eat. It investigates the concept of food as medicine. The film follows people with conditions like heart disease and diabetes as they try a whole-foods, plant-based diet. Doctors guide them through the process, and the film documents their struggles and successes.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.1 - 13
Jacques Pépin: The Art of CraftMovie · 2017This is the story of Chef Jacques Pépin (born December 18, 1935), a young immigrant with striking looks, a charming French accent, and an exceptional talent for cooking and teaching. His skill in these areas made him a pioneering figure in the American food scene, joining James Beard and Julia Child as one of the few people to fundamentally change how Americans perceive food.IMDb 8.2TMDB 8.0 - 14
The Game ChangersMovie · 2019 · 88m · DocumentaryThe film follows a diverse group of individuals – from UFC fighters and special forces to scientists, celebrities, and ordinary people – as they pursue innovative solutions to change how we eat and live. Their journeys take them to locations worldwide, including Las Vegas, Dartmouth, Berlin, and Zimbabwe, all driven by a desire for a significant impact.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.3 - 15
The Search for General TsoMovie · 2014 · 71m · DocumentaryIan Cheney’s documentary explores the surprising history of General Tso's Chicken, a hugely popular American dish. With over 50,000 Chinese restaurants in the U.S., it's become a staple of the American diet. The film investigates who General Tso was and how this unique fusion dish emerged. It reveals the story behind General Tso’s Chicken and offers a look at Chinese American heritage. Through humor, insight, and plenty of food, the documentary examines the cultural exchange that shaped both Chinese cuisine and American food culture, explaining the enduring appeal of this iconic dish.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.5 - 16
The Quest of Alain DucasseMovie · 2017 · 84mWhat drives Alain Ducasse, the boy from the French countryside who became the world's most celebrated chef and culinary mentor? What does a man with so much already possess continue to seek? With 23 restaurants and 18 Michelin stars, Alain Ducasse constantly innovates, creating dining experiences for today while establishing culinary schools and expanding the possibilities of his art. His curiosity is boundless, fueled by a lifelong exploration of cooking as an endless universe. This often private figure allows a nearly two-year documentary to follow him, offering an unprecedented look into his ever-evolving world.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.3 - 17
Knife SkillsMovie · 2017 · 40mEdwin’s Restaurant aims to be a leading French dining destination in the U.S., boasting a unique staff. Brandon Edwin Chrostowski is opening his Cleveland, Ohio restaurant with a team made up largely of recently paroled individuals seeking a fresh start. They enroll in an intensive classical French cooking program to master fine wine, sauces, and culinary techniques.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 18
The Gateway BugMovie · 2017 · 84mMore than two billion people worldwide consume insects for protein. *The Gateway Bug* examines how altering our everyday diets could provide a sustainable food source for the future, starting with one meal at a time.IMDb 7.8 - 19
Food ChainsMovie · 2014 · 83mThis documentary examines the ethical concerns surrounding the U.S. food industry. It highlights how large supermarket chains exert influence, leading to low wages and poor working conditions for farmworkers.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0 - 20
Ants on a ShrimpMovie · 2017 · 88mThe acclaimed Copenhagen restaurant Noma, led by chef-owner René Redzepi, moves its entire operation and staff to Tokyo.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.2 - 21
I Like Killing FliesMovie · 2004 · 80mInside Shopsin's, a beloved, small diner in New York City's Greenwich Village, the quirky chef Kenny Shopsin runs the place, serving huge portions and sharing his distinctive views on life, food, and people. When the family restaurant is threatened with being moved, this documentary offers a close look at Kenny’s lively world. It’s a place where customers are like characters and meals are a show, celebrating a commitment to being yourself and doing things differently.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1
