10 Movies and Shows Similar to Chef (2014)

Description: Tampopo shares with Chef a lighthearted yet profound exploration of food's role in human connection. Both films use food as a narrative device to tell stories about passion, community, and the simple joys of life. The visual presentation of food is equally important in both movies.

Fact: The film is often called a 'ramen western' due to its playful homage to spaghetti westerns. Director Juzo Itami included surreal vignettes about food throughout the main narrative. The movie was a major international success and helped popularize Japanese cuisine worldwide.

Description: Babette's Feast and Chef both demonstrate how food can be a transformative, almost spiritual experience. The films share themes of generosity, cultural exchange, and the power of a shared meal to heal and unite people. Both movies present food preparation as an act of love.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It's based on a story by Karen Blixen (who wrote Out of Africa under the pen name Isak Dinesen). The famous feast scene took two months to prepare and film.

Description: Like Chef, Like Water for Chocolate uses food as a metaphor for emotion and desire. Both films show how cooking can express feelings that words cannot. The magical realism in Like Water for Chocolate parallels Chef's whimsical tone when depicting the power of food.

Fact: The film is based on Laura Esquivel's novel, which was the first Spanish-language bestseller in the U.S. Each chapter in the original novel corresponds to a month and includes recipes. The movie was Mexico's official submission for the Academy Awards.

Description: Big Night and Chef both delve into the challenges of running a restaurant and the personal sacrifices involved. The films share a love for authentic, heartfelt cooking and the idea that food is more than just sustenance—it's an expression of love and culture.

Fact: The film features a legendary timpano scene, a complex Italian dish that took days to prepare for filming. Stanley Tucci co-directed, co-wrote, and starred in the film. The movie has since become a cult classic among food lovers.

Description: Ratatouille, like Chef, celebrates the artistry and passion behind cooking. Both films emphasize that great food can come from unexpected places and that cooking is a universal language. The emotional tone of both movies is uplifting, with a strong message about following one's dreams.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The character of Remy was partially inspired by chef Anthony Bourdain. The famous food critic Anton Ego was voiced by Peter O'Toole in his final film role.

Description: No Reservations, like Chef, explores the life of a talented but emotionally guarded chef who finds personal growth through food and relationships. Both films highlight the pressures of the culinary world while also showing its capacity to heal and connect people.

Fact: The film is a remake of the German movie Mostly Martha. Catherine Zeta-Jones trained with a professional chef to prepare for her role. The young actress Abigail Breslin, who plays her niece, was only 10 years old during filming.

Description: Julie & Julia shares with Chef (2014) a focus on the transformative power of cooking and the joy it brings to both the cook and those who eat the food. Both films intertwine personal journeys with culinary adventures, showing how food can be a medium for self-discovery and expression.

Fact: The film is based on two true stories: Julia Child's life and Julie Powell's blog about cooking her way through Child's cookbook. Meryl Streep's portrayal of Julia Child earned her an Academy Award nomination. The movie alternates between the 1950s and 2002, showing parallels between the two women's lives.

Description: The Trip and Chef both combine food, travel, and personal reflection. While The Trip is more comedic, both films use culinary experiences as a backdrop for exploring relationships and self-discovery. The movies share a similar visual appeal in their depiction of beautiful meals in picturesque locations.

Fact: The film originated as a BBC television series before being edited into a feature film. Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon improvise most of their dialogue, including their famous Michael Caine impressions. The movie showcases some of England's finest restaurants and countryside.

Description: Like Chef, Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a celebration of culinary mastery and dedication. Both films showcase the beauty of food preparation and the deep personal satisfaction that comes from perfecting one's craft. The documentaries visual style mirrors Chef's attention to the artistry of cooking.

Fact: The documentary profiles 85-year-old sushi master Jiro Ono, whose Tokyo restaurant has three Michelin stars. Reservations at Sukiyabashi Jiro must be made months in advance. The film was directed by David Gelb, who later created the Netflix series Chef's Table.

Description: Like Chef (2014), The Hundred-Foot Journey is a heartwarming film that revolves around food, culture, and personal growth. Both movies feature protagonists who rediscover their passion for cooking and use it as a means to connect with others. The visual aesthetics of food preparation are central to both films, making them a feast for the eyes.

Fact: The film is based on the novel of the same name by Richard C. Morais. Helen Mirren plays a strict French restaurateur who initially clashes with the Indian family running a competing restaurant. The movie was produced by Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey.