Anthony Bourdain Commends ‘Ratatouille’ as the Greatest Culinary Film Ever Created

The film “Ratatouille” (2007) is frequently regarded as one of Pixar’s great achievements and one of the top animated features ever produced. In addition to winning an Oscar for Best Animated Feature, it garnered significant acclaim from the culinary industry. The late Anthony Bourdain, known for his enthusiasm for worldwide cuisine, notably referred to “Ratatouille” as the “greatest food film of all time.”

Bourdain initially voiced his admiration for “Ratatouille” in a 2011 conversation with Entertainment Weekly while reflecting on his favorite films about food. He commented on Hollywood’s inability to accurately portray the restaurant experience, commending the animated feature for its genuine representation of gastronomy and the culinary sphere. He highlighted its meticulous attention to detail, from the delicate pink burns on a character’s arms to the genuine portrayals of the chefs’ backstories and their passion for food.

As the film approached its 15th anniversary in 2021, Eric Italiano of Brobible revisited Bourdain’s homage, emphasizing a sentiment from Bourdain on Reddit, thought to stem from an email he sent. Bourdain reiterated that “Ratatouille” stood as the finest film concerning food, restaurants, and chefs ever created, commending its remarkable details and the poignant moment of Anton Ego’s ratatouille revelation, which he described as awe-inspiring.

Patton Oswalt, the voice behind Remy the rat, affirmed Bourdain’s fondness for the film, noting that Bourdain recognized its precise depiction of kitchens and chefs. Oswalt shared how their mutual appreciation for the movie fostered a friendship, with Bourdain offering restaurant suggestions for Oswalt’s honeymoon in Paris.

For those eager to relive “Ratatouille” and catch a glimpse of Bourdain’s name in the credits, the film can be streamed on Disney+.