National Chocolate Day

In this article you’ll find: Book to Movie Adaptations | DIY Chocolate Movie Props |

October 28 is National Chocolate Day, a cinematic delight for chocoholics and movie-lovers alike. While the world reaches for bars, truffles, and cocoa-drenched desserts, film still loves to tell stories woven in chocolate—from rivers of molten candy to bittersweet realizations around a box of chocolates. This day was established by the National Confectioners Association (NCA) to honor chocolate’s enduring cultural and emotional appeal.

Check out this spicy chocolate drink recipe from Green Carbon 2112.

Chocolate hit the big screen in more ways than one. Think of the silky chocolate waterfall set in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, where the fictional “Wonka Bar” became pop-culture icon. Behind the scenes, filmmakers used ingenious fake chocolate props made from foam, wood, glue, paint and lots of other non-edible materials to get the desired look on screen.

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Movie-set “chocolate” also means clever prop-making. One prop designer described creating large chocolate bars out of wood or glue sticks and spray-painted to look like chocolate. On this day, we celebrate chocolate’s real journey—from ancient Mesoamerican cacao ceremonies to its visual splendor in movies—and indulge in the fantasies it stirs on screen.

Top Five Books to Movie Adaptations Featuring Chocolate

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964 novel / 1971 & 2005 films)

Roald Dahl’s beloved novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, also known for his classics Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, and The BFG, inspired both the whimsical 1971 film directed by Mel Stuart and the weird and creepy 2005 Tim Burton adaptation. The story follows kind-hearted Charlie Bucket, who wins a rare Golden Ticket and enters Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory filled with edible landscapes, Oompa-Loompas, and unforgettable candy inventions.

Gene Wilder’s version created one of cinema’s most iconic scenes with the eerie, poetic boat ride and his line, “We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.” Meanwhile, Johnny Depp’s portrayal offered a quirky, eccentric twist on Wonka’s secrecy and genius. This movie lover thinks the original is perfection and should never have been remade.

Audiences still love the magical chocolate river, the Everlasting Gobstopper, and the lesson that humility and imagination beat greed and entitlement. As the ultimate chocolate movie, it remains a staple for National Chocolate Day, inspiring real chocolate makers, theme park attractions, and nostalgic fans worldwide.

Chocolat (1999 novel / 2000 film)

Joanne Harris’ acclaimed novel Chocolat, paired with director Lasse Hallström’s Academy Award-nominated film, remains one of the most romantic food-centric stories on screen. Hallström, who also directed The Cider House Rules and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, brings warmth and magic to a small French village shaken by the arrival of Vianne Rocher, played by Juliette Binoche.

Opening a chocolate shop during Lent, Vianne tempts the strict townspeople with luxurious truffles and cocoa desserts while helping them rediscover joy, compassion, and love. Johnny Depp co-stars as the gentle river traveler Roux, adding quiet chemistry and emotional depth. Memorable scenes include sensuous chocolate-making sequences, and the moment villagers finally indulge in Vianne’s decadent feast, symbolizing liberation from judgment and guilt. With themes of acceptance, sweetness, and the healing power of community, Chocolat feels like a warm, velvety mug of cocoa for the soul.

Like Water for Chocolate (1989 novel / 1992 film)

Laura Esquivel’s Like Water for Chocolate blends romance, tragedy, and magical realism, and the 1992 Mexican film adaptation directed by Alfonso Arau beautifully brings its emotional intensity to life.

The story follows Tita, forbidden by tradition to marry the man she loves, Pedro, and forced instead to care for her demanding mother. Because she cannot express her emotions openly, Tita pours them into her cooking — and the results enchant (and sometimes overwhelm) everyone who tastes her food.

Dishes like quail in rose petal sauce create waves of passion and heartbreak, including a scene where guests are overcome with desire and sorrow. This dramatic use of food, including chocolate elements tied to love and longing, helped the movie become a landmark in international cinema. Sensual, bittersweet, and deeply moving, it remains one of the most iconic culinary romance films ever made.

The Chocolate War (1974 novel / 1988 film)

Robert Cormier’s novel The Chocolate War, known for its dark themes and psychological tension, became a cult film in 1988 directed by Keith Gordon. Cormier, also known for I Am the Cheese and After the First Death, explores rebellion, conformity, and cruelty at a Catholic prep school where students are pressured to sell chocolates for a fundraiser. When protagonist Jerry Renault refuses to participate, he becomes the target of peer manipulation, secret societies, and vicious retaliation.

Gordon’s adaptation builds to an unforgettable climax featuring the disturbing boxing match scene, where violence replaces morality and the school’s darkest system takes control. The film’s chilling tone and Jerry’s haunting question, “Do I dare disturb the universe?” offer a powerful commentary on courage, corruption, and the price of individuality. It is a far darker “chocolate movie,” yet one that stays with viewers long after the credits roll.

Forrest Gump (Book 1986 / Film 1994)

In Forrest Gump, based on the novel by Winston Groom (who also wrote Gump & Co. and Better Times Than These), director Robert Zemeckis brings the heartfelt, humorous, and inspiring story to life. Zemeckis, known for films like Back to the Future, Cast Away, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit, guides a powerful performance from Tom Hanks, who stars as Forrest, alongside Robin Wright as Jenny and Gary Sinise as Lieutenant Dan.

The film follows Forrest, a kind-hearted Alabama man with a unique way of seeing the world, as he unintentionally influences key moments in American history while chasing his love for Jenny and discovering his own path. The most memorable scenes include Forrest running across the country, the emotional moment on the Washington D.C. reflecting pool, and the iconic box-of-chocolates bench scene. That famous line — “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” — ties perfectly into National Chocolate Day, reminding us that life’s surprises are often as sweet and unexpected as each bite. Through humor, heartache, and hope, Forrest Gump remains a timeless reminder that ordinary individuals can lead extraordinary lives.

Bonus Feature: Chocolate (2008)

While not adapted from a book, Chocolate deserves a place in any chocolate-themed film list for its heart and action. Directed by Prachya Pinkaew, known for the martial arts hit Ong-Bak, the film stars Yanin “JeeJa” Vismitananda as Zen, an autistic girl who learns Muay Thai by watching action films and practicing precision-based movements.

When her mother becomes ill, Zen starts collecting debts — leading to high-energy fights across markets, ice factories, and narrow steel structures. Although the chocolate connection is symbolic rather than culinary, the film uses sweetness as a metaphor for innocence, empathy, and surprising strength. Its breathtaking stunts, including real-danger action sequences without digital effects, make it a standout film for viewers who enjoy adrenaline with emotional depth. A powerful addition to National Chocolate Day viewing lists, it reminds us that “sweet” stories can carry fierce impact.

How Movies Make Fake Chocolate Props

When scenes call for a chocolate river or giant candy bars, filmmakers don’t always use real chocolate. For example, in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the “chocolate” river scene used 192,000 gallons of a water-based mixture made with a thickening agent (Natrosol) and food dye, not tasty at all. The giant candy and bar props were often wood or plastic painted to look like chocolate.

Our Recipe for Fake Chocolate Syrup

SUPPLIES TO MAKE FAKE CHOCOLATE SYRUP

• Gloss Modge Podge
• Chocolate Brown Paint – choose the acrylic brown paint color that suits the milk or dark chocolate shades you are going for
• Squeeze Bottles and containers
• Baby Powder and/or Corn Starch

DIRECTIONS

**This is not edible and will stick to and stain – as paint does – whatever you pour it into or on while wet.**

This recipe has no exact measurements. It’s more about experimenting to get the right color. The white of the Gloss Modge Podge will lighten up whatever brown paint you choose. Mix the Modge Podge and paint together in a container then pour into a squeeze bottle. This will give you a thin faux chocolate syrup.

For thicker chocolate syrup, frosting, and/or truffles mix the modge podge and burnt umber or whatever brown paint you choose in a container and then add baby powder or cornstarch until you acheive the consistency you are looking for. **Don’t use flour or your project will likely get moldy**

Pro Tip – you can use this recipe to make any color faux syrup or candy you want – ex. use pink paint instead of brown to make a strawberry flavored fake syrup, frosting, and/or truffles.