Cooking is an art and the inspiration behind many creative masterpieces of the years, including movies and novels. As we all know, it takes a lot more than just cooking skills and the best chef uniforms to master the culinary world. It takes dedication, love, passion and sometimes a touch of madness as well. Here we take a delectable look at some of the best movies about cooking that will surely ignite your senses and have you coming back for more.

Like Water for Chocolate (1992)

Like Water for Chocolate is a beautiful Mexican love story with a magical twist. It tells the tale of a young woman whose food has the power to affect those who consume it with whatever mood the chef is in at the time. She also uses her magic to remain close to the love of her life, whom she cannot be with because of class differences.

Big Night (1996)

Big Night is a cinematic ode to Italian cooking and stars Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub as rival brothers trying to keep their restaurant afloat. When a famed singer is scheduled to make an appearance at the restaurant, the brothers go to great lengths to prepare the perfect feast for the big night.

Soul Food (1997)

Soul Food is a heartfelt movie that takes place around the dinner table of a loud, crowded and lively family. The family gets together regularly to enjoy the comfort food made famous by their beloved mother, who is suffering from an illness and includes staples like macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, potato salad, and biscuits. Vanessa Williams, Nia Long and Vivica A Fox star as sisters with a passion for cooking and a love of soul food.

Chocolat (2000)

Another movie that highlights the artistry behind food, the magical Chocolat stars Juliette Binoche as a single mom and owner of La Chocolaterie Maya, and Johnny Depp plays a handsome gypsy who shows up to sweep her off her feet. In addition to the enchanting love story and the magical sparkle of the movie, viewers will relish the numerous shots of delectable chocolate treats throughout.

No Reservations (2007)

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Eckhart drive this film about star-crossed chefs dedicated to culinary perfection. With Catherine’s character out of action due to a family crisis, Aaron takes over the kitchen, but his skills and passion threaten to take over the role permanently. What follows is an entertaining love-hate relationship between two strong characters, while gorgeous shots of artistic food whet the appetite.

Waitress (2007)

Keri Russel stars in this delightful flick about a talented yet troubled pie-maker trapped in a bad marriage and with limited prospects. Russel’s character finds herself pregnant but manages to unleash transformative powers to make the most delectable pies, which earns her unimaginable recognition and fame. While she whips up delicious pies, Nathan Fillion also shows up as a love interest.

Ratatouille (2007)

This charming Disney film is a celebration of French cuisine. It follows the adventures of rodent Remy, who yearns to become the most accomplished chef in the business. He befriends Alfred Linguini, a human garbage boy with the same goals, and together they go about trying to accomplish their dreams.

Julie & Julia (2009)

Starring the incredible Meryl Streep as the famous chef and cookbook writer Julia Child, Julia & Julia is a charming little ode to the art of cooking. The film follows the gastronomical adventures of Child and stars Stanley Tucci as her devoted husband, and Amy Adams stars as a real life blogger tasked with documenting Child’s success and stunning recipes.

The Hundred Foot Journey (2014)

The Hundred Foot Journey is a comedy-drama centered on an Indian family fleeing violence and settling in a tiny French town. They soon set up their own restaurant, but there is competition from the conniving Helen Mirren who tries to sabotage the family. While the movie is based around the professional restaurant industry, it ultimately sends a positive message of multicultural acceptance and the fusion of cultures and recipes.

Burnt (2015)

Bradley Cooper stars in this romantic drama about a chef trying to regain his edge after a stint in rehab. Throw in a love interest played by Sienna Miller, and you have a recipe for an entertaining and light-hearted film that will make foodies swoon.