Cheese is more than food. It can be a symbol of culture, indulgence, and lifestyle. In several acclaimed films, cheese takes on a subtle but meaningful role—sometimes as part of the setting, sometimes as a cultural marker, sometimes as a symbol of passion for cooking. If you are planning a movie night with a cheese platter, here are films that will enrich the experience.
Julie & Julia (2009, dir. Nora Ephron) – The Joy of French Cooking
Story: Based on two true stories, the film follows Julia Child learning French cuisine in 1950s Paris and Julie Powell blogging about cooking all 524 recipes from Child’s book in New York decades later.
Cheese’s role: Cheese appears in classic French dishes and rustic meals, representing authenticity and craftsmanship. Julia Child’s joy in cooking highlights how cheese is integral to French cuisine.
Tone: Lighthearted, humorous, and inspiring, perfect for a relaxed evening.
Enhance the viewing with these cheese ideas
- Cheese: Brie de Meaux, Saint-André triple cream
- Accompaniments: fresh baguette, lightly salted butter
- Wine: Burgundy Chardonnay or Champagne
Babette’s Feast (1987, dir. Gabriel Axel) – A Celebration of Culture and Gratitude
Story: In a small Danish village, a French refugee named Babette wins the lottery and uses her prize to prepare an extravagant French feast for the puritanical community that sheltered her.
Cheese’s role: Part of the sumptuous menu, cheese symbolizes refinement, generosity, and cultural exchange.
Tone: Slow and meditative, deeply dramatic, rewarding but not light entertainment.
Turn this film into a feast at home
- Cheese: Aged Comté, Gruyère, Beaufort
- Accompaniments: walnuts, dried apricots, dark rye bread
- Wine: Bordeaux or Côte du Rhône red
French Kiss (1995, dir. Lawrence Kasdan) – Romance and the French Lifestyle
Story: A woman (Meg Ryan) travels to France to win back her fiancé but ends up falling for a charming but roguish Frenchman (Kevin Kline).
Cheese’s role: Cheese is part of the romanticized French countryside lifestyle. Sharing wine and cheese embodies savoring life.
Tone: Romantic comedy, light and humorous, easy to enjoy.
Make it playful with French flavors while you watch
- Cheese: Crottin de Chavignol, Reblochon
- Accompaniments: lavender honey, apple slices
- Wine: Sancerre or Beaujolais
Midnight in Paris (2011, dir. Woody Allen) – Nostalgia, Wine, and Cheese in Paris
Story: A Hollywood screenwriter (Owen Wilson) travels to Paris and mysteriously finds himself transported back to the 1920s, mingling with Hemingway, Picasso, and other icons.
Cheese’s role: Cheese plates and wine shape the atmosphere, reminding viewers of Parisian café culture.
Tone: Whimsical, nostalgic, gently humorous, ideal for a thoughtful evening.
Recreate Parisian nights with these pairings
- Cheese: Roquefort, Brie de Nangis, Valencay goat cheese
- Accompaniments: figs, rustic bread
- Wine: Bordeaux or Sauvignon Blanc
Sideways (2004, dir. Alexander Payne) – California Wine Culture
Story: Two middle-aged men take a road trip through California wine country before one of them marries. The film explores friendship, insecurity, and passion for wine.
Cheese’s role: Cheese supports the wine culture, part of the sensory richness of California’s lifestyle.
Tone: Bittersweet comedy-drama, witty but also melancholic.
Match the California mood with cheese and wine
- Cheese: Humboldt Fog (California goat cheese), Point Reyes Blue
- Accompaniments: roasted almonds, pear slices
- Wine: Pinot Noir or California Chardonnay
The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014, dir. Lasse Hallström) – Crossing Cultures with Cheese
Story: An Indian family opens a restaurant across the street from a Michelin-starred French establishment. Culinary rivalry grows into cultural exchange and mutual respect.
Cheese’s role: Cheese is a symbol of French tradition and high cuisine, something the young Indian chef must master.
Tone: Uplifting, humorous, feel-good family drama.
Add spice to your evening with these combinations
- Cheese: Camembert, Tomme de Savoie
- Accompaniments: mango chutney, naan bread
- Wine: Alsace Gewürztraminer or rosé
Le goût des autres (2000, dir. Agnès Jaoui) – Taste, Class, and Identity
Story: A French businessman struggles to connect with artists and intellectuals, revealing how taste and culture define belonging.
Cheese’s role: Cheese appears as a marker of class and cultural codes in French dining.
Tone: Social drama with humor, more demanding, suited for viewers who enjoy subtle character studies.
Deepen the experience with bold cheeses
- Cheese: Époisses, Saint-Nectaire
- Accompaniments: baguette, cornichons
- Wine: Côte de Nuits Burgundy
Final Thought
Each of these films uses cheese differently: as a highlight of cooking, a cultural marker, or a romantic backdrop. Knowing the tone helps you choose the right mood for your evening—lighthearted comedy with Brie, or a slow drama with an aged Comté. By pairing stories and flavors, your movie night becomes both cultural and culinary.