Best Food Shows and Films on Amazon Prime 2020: Take your pick of the 18 best

Amazon Prime is a veritable smorgasbord of food-inspired viewing for food lovers and professionals, with a whole feast of foodie viewing just waiting to be devoured.

From archive footage of food stars like Spanish culinary giant Ferran Adria and US legend Julia Child to learning about sustainability and exploring behind the scenes of some of the world's best restaurants, there's plenty to pick and choose from.

In a moment when restaurants and chefs are caught in the coronavirus crossfire, it's also a moment in time to reflect, inspire, motivate and re-calibrate.

Here are some of the best educational, entertaining and inspiring shows and films to watch on Amazon Prime for when you need some on-screen downtime on your favourite subject.

Three Stars (2012)
1h 33

Go behind the scenes with ten three Michelin starred chefs like Jean-Georges Vongerichten and René Redzepi, as they share the sacrifices it takes to run some of the world's best restaurants.

The Contender Film (2016)
1h15

What does it take to compete in the most prestigious cooking competition in the world, otherwise known as the Bocuse d'Or? Find out about the one-year intense training regime when Certified Master Chef Rich Rosendale and Corey Siegel earned the opportunity to represent the U.S in 2012, determined to take gold. Starring Rich Rosendale, Corey Siegel and Daniel Boulud.

New Chefs on the Block (2018)
1h36

When two DC chefs struggle against the odds to open their first restaurants one of them becomes the most famous new chef in America. Feat. Michel Richard & Danny Meyer.

Sergio Herman F'ing Perfect (2018)
1h23

An intense behind the scenes documentary following three Michelin-star Dutch chef Sergio Herman, a man who strives for perfection at the height of his culinary career.

Chef Diary’s Scotland (2019)
1h15

The likeable Roca brothers, from "El Celler de Can Roca" take on Scotland discovering traditional producers and distilleries as well as the ambitious chefs defining "new Scottish cuisine."

Welcome Monsieur Robuchon (2018)
51min

Andalucian chef Dani García offers a tribute to one of his gastronomic idols, Joël Robuchon, one of the best chefs in history. Spanish language film with English subtitles.

Just Eat it (2015)
A food waste Story
1h13

Filmmakers and food lovers Jen and Grant embark on a six-month-long challenge surviving on nothing but food that would otherwise be tossed in the trash.

The Farm (2018)
30min episodes

A novel look at the power of food and farming as veterans are put through a rigorous 6-week training programme at a farming school.

Food Chains (2014)

Modern-day slavery and exploitation are explored in this engaging documentary into supermarket supply chains where the farm labourers, like migrant tomato pickers, are some of the most vulnerable.

El Bulli: The story of a dream (2011)

If you're really looking to get stuck into a piece of food history, check out these incredible15 episodes that tell the amazing story of Ferrán Adrià. From a boy with a modest background and no interest in cooking to becoming one of the most influential chefs in modern history.

Michelin Stars: Tales From The Kitchen (2017)
1h21

A globe-trotting documentary exploring the power of Michelin stars from both a chef perspective as well as the powers that be behind Michelin.

Eat the World with Emeril Lagasse (2016)
Series

Emeril Lagasse hits the road in this James Beard Award-nominated series. His infectious enthusiasm shines through around the world, wherever he is, exploring the New Nordic movement with Marcus Samuelsson in Sweden or joining José Andrés on a culinary tour of Spain.

American Masters chefs flight (2017)

James Beard, Jacques Pepin and Alice Waters are all profiled in three stand out documentaries.

Chefs A’Field (2003)

It's not all about what happens in the kitchen. Go back to the fields as farm-to-table enthusiasts and chefs show and seek out the local origin of their ingredients.

Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Cookery Course (2012)
Series

Watch and learn from Ramsay as he does what he does best - teaching. Each of the ten episodes has a different theme, allowing viewers to pick up the slack in their gaps in culinary knowledge. As usual the seasoned professional teaches in an accessible, energetic and memorable style, meaning you are bound to come away having learned something.

Julia & Jacques Cooking at Home (1999)

This gold standard of cooking shows has enough episodes to keep you entertained in bite-size pieces for a couple of weeks. Together the inimitable duo tackle everything from chicken potpie to sole meunière.