International Burger Day: History | Burgers in Film | TLDR |
May 28 marks International Burger Day, and while you could and should celebrate with a tasty burger topped however you’d like, and a cold drink, we think there’s another way to honor the mighty burger—at the movies. From fast food cult classics to deep-cut burger cameos, film has a long, messy, and mouth-watering history with hamburgers. Whether it’s a Royale with Cheese in Pulp Fiction, a corporate origin story in The Founder, or the surreal singing burger in Better Off Dead, burgers have long been more than just food—they’re cultural shorthand, character revealers, and sometimes even comic relief.
The history of this day is as rich and flavorful as the burgers themselves. While the origins of the hamburger are widely debated, with claims ranging from German immigrants to American chefs in the late 19th century, there’s no denying the burger’s massive impact on global cuisine. Over the years, the burger has evolved from a simple beef patty between two buns to a culinary canvas for creativity, inspiring countless variations around the world.
From intense moments of tension, to romantic silliness, burgers have been featured in many memorable movie moments. Here are some of the most iconic burger scenes in film history.
Burgers in Film
Pulp Fiction (1994)
When I think about National Burger Day and movies, of course the first film scene that pops into my head is from Pulp Fiction. Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, Pulp Fiction is a film packed with unforgettable moments, and burgers play a starring role in more than one scene. In the first memorable burger scene, hitmen Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) and Vincent Vega (John Travolta) are sent to retrieve a briefcase from some young men. Jules takes a bite of a Big Kahuna Burger, using the burger as a tool of intimidation. His calm demeanor while savoring the burger contrasts sharply with the violence that follows.
The second burger-related moment occurs when Vincent takes Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) out to dinner at the retro-themed Jack Rabbit Slim’s. While the $5 milkshake often gets the spotlight, it’s important to note that the couple also enjoys burgers during their quirky and flirtatious conversation. Both scenes emphasize Tarantino’s signature blend of the mundane with the unexpected, making the burger an integral part of these classic iconic movie moments.
The Menu (2022)
Directed by Mark Mylod and written by Seth Reiss and Will Tracy, The Menu features a striking scene involving a burger that serves as a pivotal moment in the film. Anya Taylor-Joy’s character, Margot, is an outsider among a group of wealthy diners at an exclusive restaurant run by the obsessive Chef Slowik (Ralph Fiennes) where each dish is a work of art. As the evening unfolds, Slowik reveals his sinister plan to punish his guests for their superficial approach to life and food. Margot, however, challenges his philosophy by requesting a simple cheeseburger, a dish tied to Slowik’s humble beginnings and genuine love for cooking. This moment serves as a turning point, reminding Slowik of his lost passion and allowing Margot to escape while the rest of the guests meet their grim fate.
Better Off Dead (1985)
In this hilarious quintessential 80’s teen comedy, one of the most bizarre burger moments ever captured on film comes from an animated dream sequence. Lane Meyer (John Cusack) imagines a Frankenstein-style burger—complete with a sesame seed bun, pickles, and a top hat—coming to life on the grill. The claymation burger then picks up a guitar and starts lip-syncing to Van Halen’s “Everybody Wants Some!!” while fries act as backup dancers. The scene, completely out of left field, is pure ‘80s weirdness and remains a cult favorite for fans of offbeat humor. It’s not about eating the burger—it’s about watching it rock out.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
In Gus Van Sant’s Good Will Hunting, written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, there’s a charming scene involving burgers during a date between Will Hunting (Matt Damon) and Skylar (Minnie Driver). The two share a casual meal at a fast-food restaurant, where Skylar playfully suggests they get their first kiss out of the way mid-bite. They kiss, and she laughs, saying, “I think I got a bit of your pickle.” This lighthearted moment captures the chemistry between the characters and adds warmth to the film, making the simple act of sharing a burger a memorable part of their budding romance.
The Founder (2016)
The Founder, directed by John Lee Hancock and written by Robert Siegel, chronicles the rise of the McDonald’s empire. Starring Michael Keaton as Ray Kroc, the film dives into the history of how the fast-food giant became a global phenomenon. The movie centers around the McDonald brothers, Richard (Nick Offerman) and Maurice McDonald (John Carroll Lynch), who revolutionized the food industry with their speedy service system and perfectly standardized burgers. Kroc’s realization of the potential of this system leads to the explosive growth of McDonald’s, making it synonymous with the burger worldwide. This film doesn’t just feature a burger scene; it’s a testament to how one simple sandwich became a symbol of fast food across the globe.
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)
In the cult classic Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004), directed by Danny Leiner and starring John Cho, Kal Penn, two friends embark on a chaotic, surreal road trip fueled by an intense craving for White Castle burgers. Their journey includes run-ins with wild animals, extreme sports punks, and a hilariously unhinged version of Neil Patrick Harris. The film climaxes in a gloriously greasy payoff as they finally devour a massive order of sliders, fries, and Cokes—celebrating fast food as both comfort and reward after a night of absurd misadventures.
Good Burger (1997)
Directed by Brian Robbins and written by Dan Schneider, Kevin Kopelow, and Heath Seifert, Good Burger is a comedy that brings burgers front and center. The film stars Kenan Thompson as Dexter and Kel Mitchell as Ed, two employees at a small burger joint called Good Burger. The plot revolves around their efforts to save their workplace from the new and overwhelming Mondo Burger, a massive chain trying to take them down. Throughout the movie, the titular Good Burger is the center of the characters’ lives, with Ed’s secret sauce being the key to their success. The film is a fun and nostalgic dive into the fast-food world, with plenty of burger-related humor and heart.
Beethoven’s 2nd (1993)
Beethoven’s 2nd, directed by Rod Daniel and written by Len Blum, features a delightful burger-eating contest that is one of the film’s highlights. The Newton family’s beloved St. Bernard, Beethoven, enters a burger-eating contest at a local fair, competing with both humans and dogs. The scene is filled with laughter as Beethoven devours a massive pile of burgers, much to the amazement and amusement of the onlookers. This moment showcases the lovable chaos Beethoven brings into the Newton family’s lives, making it a favorite among family audiences.
Super Size Me (2004)
Super Size Me, directed by and starring Morgan Spurlock, is a documentary that explores the effects of fast food on health, with a particular focus on McDonald’s burgers. For 30 days, Spurlock eats only McDonald’s food, including their famous burgers, to see how it affects his physical and mental well-being. While not a fictional film, the documentary highlights the cultural significance of burgers in America and their impact on health, sparking discussions that resonated far beyond the screen.
TL;DR: Burger Day at the Movies 🍔
If you’re celebrating International Burger Day (May 28), why not fire up a few films that serve up iconic burger moments? From cult comedies to dark satires, these movies prove that burgers aren’t just food—they’re cinematic stars. Whether it’s craving sliders, analyzing fast food culture, or just enjoying a burger with fries and a side of chaos, these films have it all.
Burger-featured movies you’ll find in our roundup:
- Pulp Fiction – The “Big Kahuna Burger” scene is legendary.
- The Founder – A biopic on how McDonald’s became a global empire.
- Good Burger – A goofy ode to burger joints.
- Good Will Hunting – Burgers and brash wit at a Harvard bar.
- Beethoven’s 2nd – A burger-snatching dog creates comedic chaos.
- Super Size Me – A documentary dive into fast food’s health effects.
- The Menu – A burger becomes a symbol of culinary rebellion.
- Better Off Dead – A claymation cheeseburger (with guitar!) steals the scene.
- Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle – The ultimate late-night burger quest.
For full scene breakdowns, movie trivia, and more burger-flavored nostalgia, check out the full article.
As International Burger Day rolls around, it’s the perfect time to not only enjoy your favorite burger but also to appreciate the impact this humble sandwich has had on pop culture. Whether it’s a tense standoff, a romantic date, or a symbol of corporate power, the burger has found its way into some of the most iconic scenes in film history. So, grab a burger, sit back, and celebrate this delicious day by revisiting these unforgettable movie moments.