There’s something special about the ritual of coffee, both in our daily lives and on the silver screen. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a backdrop for conversation, a catalyst for change, and a character in its own right. The best movies about coffee understand this, using the bean and the brew to explore themes of community, ambition, and the quiet moments that define us. They take us from bustling city cafes to remote plantations, showing the global journey of that humble cup of joe we often take for granted.
Whether you’re a casual drinker or a dedicated aficionado, these films offer a unique perspective. They can be heartwarming comedies, tense documentaries, or romantic dramas, but they all share a common thread. This list is a curated selection of films that celebrate coffee culture in all its forms. So, grab your favorite mug, pour yourself a fresh brew, and get ready to stream some of the most engaging stories centered around our beloved beverage.
Top Picks for the Best Movies About Coffee
- Coffee and Cigarettes
- The Barista
- A Film About Coffee
- The Founder
- Green Book
- The Coffee Trail with Simon Reeve
Coffee and Cigarettes
Jim Jarmusch’s Coffee and Cigarettes is a collection of short films that are, at their core, about the simple act of people talking over coffee. The black-and-white cinematography gives it a timeless feel, and the conversations range from hilariously awkward to deeply philosophical. With a cast that includes Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, Tom Waits, and the Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA and GZA, the film is a series of vignettes that find humor and humanity in caffeine-fueled encounters. It’s not a plot-driven movie, but rather a mood piece that captures the essence of how coffee shops serve as modern-day town squares for connection and contemplation.
What I find most compelling about this film is how it uses coffee as a social lubricant and a visual motif. The steam rising from the cups, the clinking of porcelain, and the ritual of pouring create a rhythm that ties the disparate stories together. It perfectly illustrates how a cup of coffee can be the centerpiece of a moment, whether it’s a tense reunion, a star-struck meeting, or a debate about Elvis Presley. It’s a must-watch for anyone who appreciates character-driven stories and the quiet drama of everyday life.
Pros
- Incredible and eclectic cast with fantastic performances.
- Unique anthology format that offers variety in a single viewing.
- Beautiful black-and-white cinematography that enhances the mood.
Cons
- The lack of a central narrative may not appeal to all viewers.
- Some segments are stronger than others, leading to an uneven pace.
The Barista
If you’re fascinated by the world of competitive coffee making, The Barista is a documentary you will enjoy. It follows the journeys of several baristas as they prepare for the National Barista Championship, where competitors are judged on espresso, cappuccino, and a signature drink. The film provides a behind-the-scenes look at the intense pressure, creativity, and sheer skill required to be a top-level barista. It’s a niche world, but the documentary frames it as a passionate pursuit of perfection.
What stands out to me is the dedication of the subjects. These aren’t just people making coffee; they are artists and scientists who have an incredible depth of knowledge about flavor profiles, extraction times, and milk texturing. The film does a great job of building suspense as the competition nears, making you invested in the outcomes for each barista. It’s a great pick for anyone who has ever wondered what goes into that perfectly crafted latte or pour-over they get from their local specialty shop.
Pros
- Offers a unique glimpse into the high-stakes world of coffee competitions.
- Makes the art and science of coffee preparation accessible and exciting.
- Well-paced and engaging, with a documentary style that builds genuine suspense.
Cons
- The very specific focus may have limited appeal to a general audience.
- Could have benefited from delving deeper into the personal backgrounds of the baristas.
A Film About Coffee
A Film About Coffee is a beautifully shot love letter to the specialty coffee industry. Unlike more critical documentaries, this film focuses on the positive connections coffee fosters, from the farmers in Honduras and Rwanda to the roasters and baristas in Tokyo, Portland, and New York. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the vibrant green of coffee fields and the warm, intimate atmosphere of cafes with equal care. It’s a sensory experience that emphasizes quality, craftsmanship, and community.
I find this film to be incredibly uplifting. It highlights the people who are passionate about every step of the process, showcasing a supply chain built on relationships and a shared appreciation for a great product. It’s less about narrative and more about creating a mood of appreciation and global connection. While it doesn’t ignore the challenges, its primary goal is to inspire awe for the journey of the bean. It’s the perfect film to watch when you want to feel good about your love for coffee.
Pros
- Absolutely gorgeous cinematography that is almost meditative.
- Positive and inspiring tone that celebrates the coffee community.
- Provides a global perspective, linking producers and consumers.
Cons
- Can feel a bit like an extended, beautifully made advertisement for specialty coffee.
- Lacks the critical edge of other documentaries about the industry.
The Founder
While not exclusively a “coffee movie,” The Founder is a crucial film for understanding modern American coffee culture. It tells the story of Ray Kroc, the man who transformed McDonald’s from a single family-run restaurant into a global fast-food empire. The film is a fascinating and somewhat dark character study about ambition, business, and the American dream. Michael Keaton delivers a brilliant performance as Kroc, capturing his relentless drive and moral compromises.
The reason this film is on a list about coffee is that McDonald’s, through its McCafé brand, is one of the largest sellers of coffee in the world. The film illustrates the mechanics of franchising and mass-market consistency that made cheap, readily available coffee a staple for millions. It’s the story behind the kind of convenient, standardized cup of joe that stands in contrast to the artisanal focus of other films here. It provides essential context for the coffee landscape we live in today.
Pros
- Michael Keaton’s captivating and nuanced performance.
- A gripping story about business, innovation, and ethics.
- Excellent period detail that effectively recreates the 1950s and 60s.
Cons
- The connection to coffee is indirect, focusing on the fast-food business model.
- Portrays a story that may be frustrating for those who support small businesses.
Green Book
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture, Green Book is a road trip drama where coffee plays a small but symbolic role. The film is based on the true story of a working-class Italian-American bouncer who becomes the driver for an African-American classical pianist on a tour through the racially segregated American South in the 1960s. Their shared moments often happen over meals and drinks, including coffee, which serve as opportunities for their unlikely friendship to grow.
I included this film because it shows how coffee can be part of a shared human experience that transcends social barriers. The act of sharing a cup becomes a moment of normalcy and connection in a world full of prejudice and hardship. While the coffee itself isn’t the focus, the film is a powerful reminder of how food and drink can bring people together. It’s a heartwarming and often funny story with outstanding performances from Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali.
Pros
- Powerful performances from both lead actors.
- A heartwarming and meaningful story about friendship and understanding.
- Balances heavy themes with humor and warmth effectively.
Cons
- The film faced criticism for its handling of racial themes from some perspectives.
- The role of coffee is minor and symbolic rather than a central theme.
The Coffee Trail with Simon Reeve
For a real-world look at the journey of coffee, The Coffee Trail with Simon Reeve is an eye-opening documentary. Reeve travels from the highland farms of Peru and Colombia to the bustling consumer markets, tracing the path of the coffee bean. The film doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the industry, highlighting the poverty faced by many growers who work tirelessly to produce the beans that fuel our daily habit. It’s a sobering but important perspective that adds depth to every cup we drink.
I appreciate how this documentary connects the consumer directly to the source. Seeing the conditions under which coffee is harvested makes you think more critically about fair trade and ethical sourcing. Reeve is a engaging guide, asking tough questions and presenting the complex economic chain in an accessible way. It’s less of a celebration of coffee culture and more of an investigative report that will likely change the way you shop for your beans. It’s essential viewing for anyone who wants to understand the true cost of their cup of joe.
Pros
- Provides a crucial and honest look at the global coffee trade.
- Simon Reeve is a relatable and thoughtful host.
- Beautiful cinematography that showcases the landscapes of coffee-growing regions.
Cons
- The focus on economic injustice can be quite heavy and depressing.
- Less about the joy of coffee and more about its problematic supply chain.
10 Best Movies About Coffee: Learn All About Your Cup Of Joe
Sometimes the best way to appreciate your daily cup is to see it on the big screen. I have spent a lot of time watching films where coffee isn’t just a prop; it’s a character, a setting, or a central theme. This list is my personal guide to the 10 best movies about coffee that will give you a new perspective on your cup of joe.
First, let’s talk about documentaries. If you want to understand where your coffee comes from, Coffee: The Drink That Changed America is a fantastic start. It traces the history of coffee in the US, from the Civil War to the modern specialty scene. For a more global view, A Film About Coffee is beautiful and thoughtful. It travels from farms in Honduras and Rwanda to cafes in Tokyo and New York, showing the entire chain of people who bring coffee to your mug. It’s a quiet, respectful look at the craft.
For a look at the competitive side, you can’t beat Barista. This film follows several baristas as they prepare for the National Barista Championship. The pressure is intense, and you get a real sense of the skill and artistry involved in high-end coffee preparation. It completely changed how I view the work my local barista does every morning.
Now, for some fiction. The 2003 film Green Street Hooligans might seem like an odd choice, but the main character, Matt, is a journalist who was fired for a story about a coffee company’s unethical practices. It’s a subplot, but it shows the dark side of big business that documentaries often highlight. A much more direct choice is the Norwegian comedy Kaffe (or Coffee). It’s a series of vignettes all connected by a single cafe, showing how coffee brings people together in funny, sad, and touching ways.
You also have films where coffee shops are essential to the atmosphere. You’ve Got Mail is a perfect example. The independent bookstore run by Meg Ryan’s character is a cozy, community-focused place, much like many independent coffee shops. The film captures the feeling of a “third place” that cafes provide. Similarly, the entire Twin Peaks series (and its film prequel, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me) is saturated with coffee. Agent Dale Cooper’s love for a “damn fine cup of coffee” is legendary and adds to the show’s unique charm.
Finally, for something completely different, check out the silent film The Coffee Tree. It’s a short, artistic film that uses coffee as a metaphor, showing its journey from bean to cup in a visually striking way. It’s a reminder of the simple, beautiful process behind the drink we often take for granted. Watching these films gave me a much deeper appreciation for every sip I take.
FAQ
What is the best documentary about the coffee industry?
In my opinion, the most comprehensive and beautifully shot documentary is A Film About Coffee. It does an excellent job of balancing the story of the farmers at the origin with the work of roasters and baristas at the consumer end. It’s not overly technical, so it’s very accessible even if you are just beginning to learn about your cup of joe. Another great one is Coffee: The Drink That Changed America, which is perfect if you are specifically interested in the history of coffee culture in the United States.
Are there any good movies where a coffee shop is a central location?
Absolutely. A classic example is the Norwegian film Kaffe, where the entire story unfolds in and around a single cafe. While not the only location, the coffee shop in You’ve Got Mail is a vital setting that represents community and small business charm. For a more dramatic take, the Korean TV series Coffee Prince (which is a full season, not a movie) is entirely set in a coffee shop and was a massive international hit.
I love competitive shows. Is there a movie about coffee competitions?
Yes, the documentary Barista is exactly what you are looking for. It follows the journeys of several competitors in the lead-up to the World Barista Championship. You see the incredible amount of practice, the stress, and the creativity that goes into crafting a perfect performance. It’s like a sports documentary but for coffee, and it’s surprisingly gripping.
Are these movies suitable for someone who doesn’t know much about coffee?
Definitely. Most of these films are made for a general audience. Documentaries like A Film About Coffee are designed to be informative and engaging without assuming you have any prior knowledge. The fictional films, like You’ve Got Mail, use the coffee shop as a relatable backdrop for human stories. They are a gentle and entertaining way to get interested in the world of coffee.
Where can I watch these movies about coffee?
Availability changes often, but you can typically find them on major streaming platforms. A Film About Coffee and Barista are often on services like Amazon Prime Video or available for rental on YouTube. For the older or more obscure titles, like the silent film The Coffee Tree, your best bet is to search on YouTube or Vimeo, where they are sometimes available for free.
Is there a comedy film centered around coffee?
The film Kaffe is a comedy-drama with a lot of lighthearted and humorous moments as it observes the customers of a cafe. For a more outright comedy, while not exclusively about coffee, the film Larry Crowne features Tom Hanks, and a significant part of the story involves him and his friends meeting at a coffee shop, with many funny scenes set there. It captures the social aspect of coffee culture very well.