Whether you're a cooking enthusiast, a food lover or simply curious, these films, documentaries and series will immerse you in the fascinating world of food. Between captivating stories, revelations about the food industry and celebrations of culinary creativity, we've selected for you 14 must-see works that celebrate cuisine in all its forms, from iconic fast-food outlets to Michelin-starred chefs.
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1. The Founder
"The Founder" tells the fascinating story of Ray Kroc, the man who transformed a small burger chain into a global empire. This biopic explores the McDonald brothers' humble beginnings and how Kroc took the reins of the company to make it the giant we know today. The film highlights the less glamorous aspects of the fast-food industry, including aggressive business practices and product standardization. It's a compelling story about ambition, betrayal and the impact of fast food on modern society.
👉 Available on Canal +, Amazon Prime or Apple TV
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2. Chef's Table
This groundbreaking documentary series offers an intimate look into the lives and work of some of the world's most creative and influential chefs. Each episode focuses on a different chef, exploring their inspirations, challenges and culinary philosophies. From molecular to traditional cuisine, "Chef's Table" celebrates the world's culinary diversity and the passion that drives these artisans. It's a must-see series for anyone interested in haute cuisine and the culinary arts.
👉 Available on Netflix
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3. Street Food Asia
"Street Food Asia" takes us on a culinary journey across the Asian continent, spotlighting street chefs serving up authentic, delicious dishes. The series explores street food culture in different cities, from Bangkok to Delhi to Osaka. Each episode tells the story of a chef, often self-taught, who has dedicated his or her life to perfecting an iconic dish. "Street Food Asia" is a celebration of street food, its simplicity and its ability to bring people together.
👉 Available on Netflix
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4. Super Size Me 1 & 2
In "Super Size Me", director Morgan Spurlock undertakes a daring experiment: eating only McDonald's meals for 30 days. Building on the impact of this first documentary, Spurlock continues his exploration of the food industry with "Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!", where he embarks on the creation of his own fast-food chain. This sequel examines the deceptive marketing practices and hidden realities behind "healthy food" claims, highlighting the industry's contradictions and strategies for seducing consumers.
👉 Available on Amazon Prime and Canal +.
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5. Nothing goes to waste: anti-gaspi
This series tackles a crucial issue: food waste. Around the world, tons of food are thrown away every day, while millions of people go hungry. "Rien ne se perd : l'anti-gaspi" presents innovative initiatives to combat this scourge. From reclaiming unsold food to transforming leftovers into nutritious meals, the series shows how everyone can help reduce waste. It's a call to action for more responsible, sustainable consumption.
👉 Available on Netflix
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6. Chief
"Chef" tells the story of a restaurant chef, Carl Casper, who rediscovers his passion for cooking after leaving his position at a prestigious restaurant. Disappointed by the constraints of haute cuisine and in search of creative freedom, he launches a food truck with the help of his ex-wife, his best friend and his young son. This culinary road trip allows Carl to reconnect with his family and culinary roots, while rediscovering the simple joy of cooking for others. The film celebrates creativity, family and authentic cooking.
👉 Available on Canal +, Apple TV and Amazon Prime
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7. Top Chef
"Top Chef" is a French culinary TV show that has captivated millions of viewers around the world. Each season, talented chefs compete in creative and demanding culinary challenges, under the watchful eye of a jury of renowned professionals. The show is not only a competition, but also a source of inspiration for culinary enthusiasts. Contestants must demonstrate innovation, technique and nerve to impress the jury and win the coveted title. "Top Chef" is a real springboard for many chefs, offering them a platform to showcase their talent and make a name for themselves in the industry.
👉 Available on M6 and Canal +.
8. Ratatouille
"Ratatouille" is an animated film from Pixar that tells the story of Remy, a rat with exceptional taste in food. Despite the obvious challenges of being a rat in a Parisian kitchen, Remy dreams of becoming a top chef. With the help of Linguini, a young commis de cuisine, RĂ©my proves that anyone can cook, even a rat. The film is an ode to culinary passion, creativity and perseverance. "Ratatouille" is a celebration of French gastronomy and a heartwarming film for the whole family.
👉 Available on Disney +
9. Vatel
"Vatel" is a historical film that traces the final days of François Vatel, the celebrated maître d'hôtel and organizer of sumptuous feasts for the court of Louis XIV. The film explores the challenges and pressures of preparing a banquet for the king, as well as the political intrigues of the time. Gérard Depardieu plays Vatel with remarkable intensity, illustrating the tensions between professional honor and the cruel realities of the court. "Vatel" is a fascinating journey through the history of gastronomy, and a tribute to the great chefs of the time.
👉 Available on Canal +, Apple TV and Amazon Prime
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10. Wing or thigh
"L'aile ou la cuisse" is a cult comedy starring the famous duo Louis de Funès and Coluche. The film tells the story of Charles Duchemin, a renowned food critic, and his fight against industrial junk food. With humor and satire, "L'aile ou la cuisse" explores the opposition between French haute cuisine and the industrialization of food. The film remains relevant today, reflecting contemporary debates on food quality and the importance of culinary tradition.
👉 Available on Canal +, Apple TV and Amazon Prime
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11. The Bear
"The Bear" follows Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), an aspiring gourmet chef who inherits her late brother's sandwich shop. With the help of Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), a talented apprentice, Carmy attempts to transform the dilapidated establishment into a culinary destination in Chicago. Faced with opposition from Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), her brother's best friend, and numerous challenges, Carmy strives to modernize the restaurant while honoring the family legacy. The series won several awards, including Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
👉 Available on Disney+
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12. Service not included(Waiting...)
"Waiting..." is a comedy set in a fictional chain restaurant, Shenaniganz. The film offers a humorous and sometimes satirical look at the lives of employees, their interactions with customers and the day-to-day challenges of the restaurant industry. Through the eyes of the staff, "Waiting..." explores the power dynamics, professional frustrations and absurdities of working in a restaurant, while highlighting the camaraderie and small victories that unite the team.
👉 Available on Amazon Prime
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13. Good Burger 1 & 2
"Good Burger" is a cult comedy in which two employees of a local fast-food restaurant must save their restaurant from bankruptcy. As a new fast-food chain, Mondo Burger, opens across the street, eccentric protagonists Ed and Dexter embark on a series of misadventures to keep their establishment afloat. With its quirky humor and endearing characters, "Good Burger" is a light-hearted film that tackles the themes of friendship and loyalty.
👉 Available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV
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14. Clerks II
The sequel to the cult film "Clerks", "Clerks II" follows the adventures of Dante and Randal after the closure of their video store. The two friends find themselves working at a fast-food joint called Mooby's, where they continue to debate life, love and pop culture. With its irreverent humor and biting dialogue, "Clerks II" explores the challenges of transitioning to adulthood and finding meaning in a seemingly mundane job. The film is a reflection on friendship and the quest for direction in life.
👉 Available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV
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These works offer a total immersion in the world of food, from haute gastronomy to the realities of fast food. They celebrate the passion, creativity and challenges of the culinary world. Whether you're a gourmet or simply curious, this selection is a treat not to be missed.
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