The 20 Best Food Scenes in Movies

Ahead of the Oscars, Food and Film writers and editors recount the moments that filled them most.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:51pm

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In film, food is hardly just a prop. It's a plot device, bringing characters together, tearing them apart and moving their stories forward — much like in real life. The New York Times' Food and Film critics, reporters and editors have compiled a list of 20 of the most memorable, evocative food scenes in any film, including two Oscar nominees from this year.

Why it matters

Food scenes in movies can be powerful storytelling devices, revealing character motivations, relationships, and moving the plot forward in meaningful ways. This list from The New York Times highlights some of the most impactful and iconic food moments in cinema.

The details

The list includes a range of films, from this year's Oscar nominees like the 'unnerving spaghetti and meatballs scene in 'Bugonia,' or the 'few small beers' in 'One Battle After Another,' to classic films like 'Moonstruck,' where 'a steak Loretta serves Ronny might be the most consequential piece of meat in cinema, if not in love.' The article describes how food is used as a plot device in these films, bringing characters together or tearing them apart.

  • The Oscars are scheduled for this Sunday.

The players

Tanya Sichynsky

The author of the article, a writer and editor at The New York Times covering food and film.

The New York Times

The publication that compiled this list of the 20 best food scenes in movies, ahead of the Oscars.

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The takeaway

Food scenes in movies can be powerful storytelling devices, revealing character motivations, relationships, and moving the plot forward in meaningful ways. This list from The New York Times highlights some of the most impactful and iconic food moments in cinema, showcasing the important role food can play in film.