From evoking laughter in comedic scenes to creating tension in dramatic moments, pizza has been a part of some of the most memorable scenes in film history. It has served as a comforting symbol of home and familiarity, a tool for exploration and discovery, and even a driving force in narratives.

This article explores 20 iconic movie pizza scenes, showcasing the indelible mark this beloved dish has left on the silver screen. These scenes, spanning various genres from comedy to horror, underscore pizza’s multifaceted roles in our cinematic experiences.

20 Pizza Movie Scenes

Wayne’s World (1992).

Wayne Campbell, played by Mike Myers, is seen enjoying a slice of Pizza Hut pizza. However, it’s not just a casual pizza-eating scene. Wayne conspicuously holds the pizza box to ensure the logo is perfectly angled toward the camera, making it blatant product placement. He even goes as far as to say, “Contract or no, I will not bow to any sponsor,” all while showcasing the Pizza Hut logo prominently.

This scene is a hilarious critique of the often blatant product placements in films, making it one of the most iconic moments in the movie. It’s a perfect example of the film’s self-aware humor and irreverent tone.

Saturday Night Fever (1977).

John Travolta’s character, Tony Manero, struts down the streets of his neighborhood to the beat of the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive,” making his way to Lenny’s Pizza. When he arrives, Tony orders two slices of pizza, but instead of eating them separately, he stacks them on top of each other to create a ‘double-decker’ slice. As he continues his charismatic strut down the street, casually eating his pizza and soaking in the city’s rhythm, we get a vivid introduction to his character.

This scene, with its fusion of music, dance, and a unique approach to eating pizza, not only sets the tone for the rest of the film but creates a memorable movie moment.

Back to the Future Part II (1989).

One of the iconic scenes involves a pizza from Pizza Hut but with a unique twist. The McFly family utilizes a Black & Decker hydrator to cook a dehydrated pizza, turning it from a small, cookie-sized item into a piping hot, full-sized pizza in a matter of seconds.

Spaceballs (1987).

Spaceballs features Pizza the Hutt, a play on Star Wars Jabba the Hutt. Pizza the Hutt is a grotesque, pizza-like creature covered in cheese and pepperoni. The character is a visual gag and a clever commentary on the commercialization of food.

In one memorable scene, Pizza the Hutt’s henchman, Vinnie, is seen eating a piece of his boss when Pizza gets stuck in his limo. The scene is humorous and a little stomach-churning, making it a standout moment in the film.

The use of actual cheese for Pizza the Hutt’s costume adds to the absurdity and the memorable nature of this character.

Eat, Pray, Love (2010).

Julia Roberts’ character, Elizabeth Gilbert, savors a pizza Margherita from Naples. The scene beautifully captures the authentic Italian pizza experience, making viewers yearn for a taste.

Mystic Pizza (1988).

In Julia Roberts’ first role, she plays a pizzeria waitress in a small town. The film revolves around the lives and loves of the pizzeria’s staff, with pizza as a central motif.

The Net (1995).

Sandra Bullock’s character, Angela Bennett, showcases the then-novel concept of ordering a pizza online. This scene was a glimpse into the future of food delivery.

Do The Right Thing (1989).

Spike Lee’s breakthrough film centers around Sal’s Pizzeria in Brooklyn. The pizzeria, an Italian-American-owned restaurant in a predominantly black neighborhood, becomes a focal point for racial tensions, making this film a poignant exploration of race relations.

Nightmare on Elm Street 4.

Freddy torments one of his victims, Rick, with a pizza topped with ‘soul meatballs.’ These meatballs are the trapped faces of Freddy’s previous victims, screaming for help. With his razor-sharp claws, Freddy picks up one of the faces and eats it, much to Rick’s horror. This scene is a gruesome play on the beloved dish, turning an ordinary pizza into a tool of terror.

Toy Story 2 (1999).

Lightyear, Mr. Potato Head, Slinky Dog, Rex, and Hamm embark on a rescue mission to save Woody, who has been mistakenly sold to a toy collector. Their mode of transportation? A Pizza Planet delivery truck. This Pizza Planet truck, a recurring element in the Toy Story franchise, infuses the high-stakes rescue mission with humor and nostalgia. In their determination, the toys navigate the manual transmission and weave through traffic, providing a thrilling and humorous sequence that underscores their camaraderie and determination. This scene is a testament to the film’s ability to blend adventure, humor, and heart.

Spider-Man 2 (2004).

Tobey Maguire’s character, Peter Parker, grapples with balancing his responsibilities as Spider-Man with his everyday life. A significant scene in the film involves Peter delivering pizzas for Joe’s Pizza. Dressed in his Spider-Man suit, he swings through the skyscrapers of New York City, attempting to deliver the pizzas within the 29-minute guarantee. However, his superhero duties interfere, causing him to deliver the pizzas late, which results in his dismissal. This scene adds a layer of realism to the superhero narrative, showing that even superheroes have to deal with everyday problems and responsibilities.

Deadpool (2016).

Before becoming Deadpool, Wade Wilson targets a pizza delivery boy for stalking a girl. The scene is a humorous introduction to the character’s unconventional justice.

Along Came Polly (2004).

One of the film’s most memorable scenes is in a bowling alley where Reuben and Polly enjoy a casual date. They order a pizza, but Reuben’s best friend, Sandy Lyle, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman, adds some extra grease to his slice. He runs his slice along the bowling alley’s return ball track, collecting the machine’s oil on his pizza. He then proceeds to eat the slice, much to Reuben’s disgust and the audience’s amusement.

Home Alone (1990).

Kevin McCallister being home alone, wants to enjoy a cheese pizza all by himself, something he couldn’t do when his family was around. However, as a young boy, he must figure out how to get the pizza without revealing that he’s home alone. He uses a classic gangster film, “Angels with Filthy Souls,” to trick the pizza delivery guy into thinking there’s an adult at home. He plays a scene from the movie where a gangster fires his Tommy gun, which scares the delivery guy away, leaving the pizza.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990).

One memorable scene occurs when the turtles order a pizza at their sewer hideout. The delivery boy arrives, puzzled about delivering a pizza to a manhole.

Meanwhile, the turtles, waiting below, count down to the promised delivery time. As soon as the clock ticks over, they demand the pizza, claiming it’s late and thus should be free. The delivery boy reluctantly hands the pizza, and the turtles enjoy their victory and favorite food. This scene is a humorous highlight, showcasing the turtles’ cheeky personalities and love for pizza, a recurring theme throughout the franchise.

Just Go With It (2011).

Adam Sandler’s character, Danny, negotiates with two precocious youngsters at Pizza Hut to convince them to be his pretend children. The scene is a humorous take on family dynamics and the lengths one would go to for love.

Set It Up (2018).

Harper and Charlie, two overworked assistants, share a pizza while drunkenly climbing a fire escape. The scene marks a turning point in their relationship as they realize they fall for each other.

Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011).

Ryan Gosling’s character, Jacob, eating pizza in slow motion is arguably the hottest moment in the film. The scene is a testament to Gosling’s charm and the film’s playful tone.

Home Alone 2, Lost in New York (1992).

One of the most memorable scenes in the movie involves Kevin enjoying a cheese pizza all by himself, but not in an ordinary setting. He’s in the back of a luxurious limousine, driving through the bustling streets of New York City. As he gazes out at the city’s Christmas lights, he takes a bite of the large, cheesy pizza slice, a satisfied grin on his face.

Rough Night (2017).

Kate McKinnon and Jillian Bell’s characters stress-eat a pizza while trying to fix their bachelorette party gone wrong. The scene is a humorous take on the therapeutic qualities of pizza during stressful times.

Conclusion

Seeing pizza in a movie scene is always a delight. It’s a familiar sight that brings a smile to our faces. Whether it’s a character casually enjoying a slice or a dramatic pizza delivery scene, these moments add a touch of realism and fun to the movie. So, enjoy the moment next time you spot a pizza in a movie scene.