Memorable Food Scenes in Horror Films

When we think of elements that frequently appear in horror films, I think mirrors are the first thing that comes to mind for many people. Along with mirrors, we also think of dolls and figurines, animals like spiders or crows. But there’s another element that appears frequently in horror films yet doesn’t get as much attention as the ones I just mentioned—food. Sometimes this element presents itself through characters eating in strange and nauseating ways, and sometimes in quite appetizing, well-attended scenes that somehow still convey an underlying sense of unease. As someone who loves both food and horror films, as you know, I felt it was my duty to write something like this. Let me say upfront: this isn’t a “best of” list. That’s why the order is based entirely on the sequence these scenes came to my mind. I’ve written down the ones that stuck with me. So don’t come at me later saying “how could this film not be on this list?”

If that introduction is sufficient, let’s move on to the list.

The Menu – Cheeseburger

I wanted to start with a recent film that’s more “thriller” than horror. Considering the relationship between thriller and horror, I decided this scene absolutely needed to be on the list. The scene, when you think only about the preparation and eating stages of the food, actually falls into the category of appetizing scenes I mentioned above. In the restaurant’s atmosphere of escalating dread, watching the obsessive Chef Slowik—brilliantly portrayed by Ralph Fiennes—decide to make a cheeseburger in a way that contradicts his entire plan for the evening and reflects his obsession with cooking, and seeing Margot, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, take that first bite with immense pleasure… I think I rewatched that scene 4-5 more times after finishing the film. If you’re looking for an answer to the question “how can a person crave a cheeseburger after watching a horror film?” I recommend watching it.

Eraserhead – Chicken

It was essential to include one of the most memorable scenes from this cult David Lynch film, which can be considered one of the first examples of body horror in cinema history. The scene brilliantly captures the film’s surreal atmosphere while also forcing us to think about the relationship between dreams and reality. The size of the chicken reminded me of something that appears in almost all our dreams—how entities appear far from their real dimensions. When the chicken is cut and blood pours out, the strange movements of the chicken’s legs, the mother starting to make bizarre sounds—all of this makes the scene even more uncanny.

IT Chapter Two – Fortune Cookie

This scene is one of the best at conveying the tension of realizing the curse/entity pursuing you hasn’t let you go at all. The group of friends, reunited after many years, are eating their meal and chatting when it’s time to crack open their fortune cookies. But when the cookies are opened, instead of lucky numbers or wise sayings, out come insects, eyeballs, and strange creatures. This is one of those scenes where food is used as a jump scare element.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer – Spaghetti

I think we need to start by acknowledging that eating spaghetti is inherently quite difficult and has a high potential for creating a disgusting sight due to the sauce’s tendency to splatter on your mouth and face. Barry Keoghan’s portrayal of Martin takes the disgust and unease to even higher levels. Without giving too many spoilers, in this scene Martin is eating spaghetti with a level of comfort completely at odds with the situation—in front of a mother (Nicole Kidman) who’s begging him to spare her family. A scene those bothered by mouth sounds should stay away from.

Pearl – Homecoming Dinner

In this film starring Mia Goth, recent years’ biggest scream queen, there are actually multiple scenes that take place at a dinner table. But I chose the film’s final scene. Again, I can’t go into detail without spoiling, but Pearl greeting her husband, who’s been at the front for years, with “I’m so happy you’re back” and her husband encountering that rotten, horrific dinner table—for me, this scene easily earns its place among the unforgettable dinner tables in horror films. Watch the film, watch this scene multiple times.

Hannibal – Paul’s Last Supper

This scene is hard to explain without spoilers. But I don’t think it’s necessary anyway. The film is very famous and also more than 10 years old, so it didn’t pass my spoiler laws. There’s not much to say about the scene. The unfortunate Paul (Ray Liotta) is forced to eat his own brain as his last meal. I don’t think the film carried on the legacy of The Silence of the Lambs very well… But not including this scene in such a list would be unthinkable.

We Are What We Are – Family Dinner

It’s been quite a while since I watched this film, so I don’t remember all the details. But the dinner scene that appears at the end of the film still sticks with me. Bill Sage, playing the family’s father, has grown weary of the strange ritual they live in and begins forcing the not-so-pleasant meal on his children, who look more exhausted by life than scared. The horrible father’s story is completed through the practice he trained them in—by his own daughter. If you’re looking for a film that’s elevated but still a horror movie, one that doesn’t forget to be scary while trying to make a good film, I can recommend this one.

Hereditary – Small Talk and Dinner

This scene between Annie (Toni Colette) and her son Peter (Alex Wolff) is my favorite scene from Hereditary, Ari Aster’s film that I relatively like, unlike Midsommar. The explosion that everyone has been holding inside, constantly postponing saying what they need to say to each other, finally happens during a family dinner. Toni Colette’s performance in this scene truly reaches the heavens. Although I couldn’t quite figure out what they were eating, I can say it appeared to be a delicious meat dish. I couldn’t decide whether to be upset about the meal being ruined or to be amazed at the father’s state of mind—making a meal that resembles fine dining restaurant food during such a painful moment.

The Shining – Jack Daniel’s

I was actually undecided about whether to include this scene in the list. After all, there’s nothing food-related in the scene, just drinking. After thinking for a while, I decided it was appropriate to include it on the list, saying “gastronomy is involved somehow, after all.” One of the iconic scenes from this iconic film. Jack Torrance, played by Jack Nicholson, goes to the hotel bar where they’re staying, and the bartender, who seems extremely competent at his job, serves him a Jack Daniel’s whiskey on the rocks. What makes this scene special is Jack Nicholson’s magnificent performance and how we completely feel the film’s disquieting nature in his dialogue with the bartender.

Guest of Honor – Resident Evil 7 (What Are You Cooking, Master?)

Before finishing the list, I didn’t want to skip one of the first scenes that comes to mind when you say horror and food. Since the scene isn’t from a film, I’ve included it on the list as a guest of honor. I don’t want to give too many spoilers about one of the best horror games, so let me describe the scene like this: Ethan is knocked out by Jack Baker and suddenly finds himself at the dinner table with the Baker family. At this table where completely rotten human intestines and perhaps various other organs are being eaten, you can also see references to this scene in many comments under Instagram videos that could fall under the category of “food terror.” I’d say watch it if your stomach can handle it.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre – Sausage with a Side of Terror

I wanted to close the list with one of the most iconic films in horror cinema history. After her friends are killed by Leatherface, Sally Hardesty, played by Marilyn Burns, is kidnapped by Leatherface’s companions and tied to a chair. When Sally wakes up, she finds herself bound to a chair and starts screaming. On her plate are sausages and various charcuterie items, and across from her sit her friends’ killers. A severed head, various bones belonging to animals or humans, and the killers’ bizarre behavior make the scene much more disturbing.

As I said at the beginning, I tried to write down the scenes that stuck in my own mind. I hope it was satisfying. Until the next piece of content.