Are you a fan of both detective stories and fast food? Then this curated list is just for you! Here, we dive into the world of crime, mystery, and intrigue, all set against the backdrop of fast food culture. These films not only offer suspenseful plots but also incorporate the fast-paced, often quirky environment of fast food joints, making for an entertaining and unique viewing experience.

The Fast and the Furious (2001)
Description: While not directly about fast food, the film includes scenes in fast food restaurants and uses the fast food culture as a backdrop for street racing and undercover operations, making it a fun, if loose, fit for this list.
Fact: The film was inspired by a Vibe magazine article about street racing in New York City. The iconic Dodge Charger used in the film was actually a 1970 model, not a 1969 as stated in the movie.


Super Size Me (2004)
Description: This documentary follows Morgan Spurlock as he eats only McDonald's food for 30 days, turning the lens on the fast food industry's impact on health. While not a detective film per se, it investigates the effects of fast food consumption, making it a unique addition to this list.
Fact: The film led to significant changes in McDonald's menu offerings, including the removal of the "Super Size" option. Morgan Spurlock gained


Fast Food Nation (2006)
Description: Based on Eric Schlosser's book, this film delves into the dark underbelly of the fast food industry, uncovering labor practices, health issues, and corporate greed. It's a detective story in the sense that it uncovers hidden truths about the food we eat.
Fact: The film features a diverse cast including Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, and Greg Kinnear. It was shot in various locations to reflect the global nature of the fast food industry.


The Informant! (2009)
Description: This film follows Mark Whitacre, an executive who becomes an informant for the FBI to expose price-fixing in the agricultural industry, which indirectly affects fast food pricing. It's a detective story about corporate espionage and whistleblowing.
Fact: Matt Damon gained 30 pounds for the role to portray Whitacre's physical transformation. The film was based on a true story, with some liberties taken for dramatic effect.


The Big Short (2015)
Description: Although primarily about the financial crisis, this film includes a subplot involving fast food, where one character explains complex financial concepts using fast food analogies. It's a detective story of sorts, as characters uncover the truth behind the housing market collapse.
Fact: The film uses celebrity cameos to explain financial jargon, including Margot Robbie in a bathtub and Selena Gomez at a blackjack table.


The Bling Ring (2013)
Description: This film, based on real events, follows a group of teenagers who rob celebrities' homes. Fast food plays a role in their lifestyle and the culture they are part of, adding a layer of irony to their lavish thefts.
Fact: Emma Watson learned to drive for the film, as her character drives in several scenes. The film was shot in the actual homes of some celebrities, adding authenticity to the settings.


The Founder (2016)
Description: While not a traditional detective story, this film explores the fast food industry through the lens of Ray Kroc, who turned McDonald's into a global empire. The detective aspect comes from uncovering the truth behind the business practices and the original founders' story.
Fact: Michael Keaton, who plays Ray Kroc, did not eat McDonald's food during the filming to maintain his character's disdain for the food. The film was shot in various locations, including a real McDonald's in Albuquerque, New Mexico.


The Menu (2022)
Description: This film revolves around a couple who visit an exclusive restaurant on a remote island, where the chef prepares a lavish menu with some deadly courses. The fast food element comes from the juxtaposition of gourmet dining with the everyday fast food experience, highlighting the absurdity and the dark side of culinary culture.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life experiences of chefs and the pressures they face in high-end dining. Also, the restaurant in the film is a fictional creation but draws inspiration from various exclusive dining experiences around the world.


The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989)
Description: This film, set in a luxurious restaurant, involves a love affair, revenge, and murder, with the fast food element coming from the contrast between the gourmet dining and the raw, violent nature of the characters' interactions.
Fact: The film's director, Peter Greenaway, is known for his visually striking and often controversial films. The restaurant scenes were shot in an actual restaurant, Le Caprice in London.


The Fast Food Detective (2018)
Description: A lesser-known film where a detective investigates a series of food poisoning cases linked to a popular fast food chain, uncovering corporate secrets and corruption along the way.
Fact: This film was shot on a low budget but gained a cult following for its unique blend of comedy and mystery. The director, a former fast food worker, used his experiences to add realism to the plot.
