Some people relish cooking a big Thanksgiving meal while others dread it. But either way, queuing up a great movie or two helps the time speed by, especially if you’re in the kitchen by yourself. Here are five foodie films that make excellent companions when the rest of the family has gone AWOL. So pour a glass of wine, set your pots to simmer, and settle in for some entertainment between bastings.

Big Night: The gold standard of food films is almost the perfect film for Thanksgiving. It's got the stress of planning a one time big meal combined with dealing with family... sound familiar? Plus the soundtrack is killer. Queue up your iTunes so you can purchase your favorites then play them as background music for the whole family during your own big feast.

Eat, Drink, Man, Woman: Another film that combines the two greats of Thanksgiving: food and family. But unlike the epic event of Big Night, this movie is made up of smaller vignettes about a dad and his three daughters. This makes it perfect for viewing in between tasks. And Ang Lee's stunning visuals will have you upping your food-preparation game. Or at the very least, you’ll feel like you’re creating art with turkey. If you prefer Mexican food, check out the remake Tortilla Soup

Jiro Dreams of Sushi: The only problem with watching films about food while cooking is that they make you want to change your menu to whatever is on the screen. Jiro takes care of that. I mean, where are you going to find sashimi grade on a holiday Thursday? However, Jiro's love of the craft is so infectious, this documentary will make you want to make your green bean casserole THE BEST EVER.

Ratatouille: Got little helpers in the kitchen? Distract them when needed with everyone's favorite cooking rat. OK, Remy may be the only cooking rat, but his can-do spirit just may inspire the kids to help you peel that never-ending pile of potatoes. And if you want to add ratatouille to the menu, it takes no time to make and you probably already have the ingredients on hand. If not, just tell your kiddos that Remy will be disappointed if they don't eat their sweet potatoes, even if they don't have marshmallows like Aunt Edith's.

Chef: Feeling uninspired this year? Queue up Chef and work through your problems with Jon Favreau. His character has lost his creative spark when it comes to cooking and has to get back to basics to rediscover his passion. Sound familiar as you prepare to roast a turkey and make stuffing for the umpteenth time?

Kate Canterbury made major bank running an Oscars betting book in high school. Now she keeps her movie watching legal by writing about movies and more online. She is slowly trying to wean her twin girls from My Little Pony to Black Beauty and writing about it on her blog The Guavalicious Life