52 Films for the 2020 Movies Challenge
52 titles
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HarragasMovie · 2009 · 95mThe film is set in Mostaganem, a port city in northern Algeria, named for the many refugees, known as "Harragas," who try to escape the country. We follow Rachid, Nasser, and Imene as they pay a smuggler, Hassan, to transport them to Spain on his unreliable boat. They join a larger group of African and Arab migrants, risking everything to cross the dangerous Straits during a storm.IMDb 6.7TMDB 7.4 - 2
Fleisch ist mein GemüseMovie · 2008 · 97mIn 1980s Hamburg-Harburg, Heinz Strunk struggles with debilitating skin conditions while caring for his ailing mother. He tours the North German countryside as a saxophonist with the dance group "Tiffanys." Under the guidance of bandleader Gurki, he learns to create relentlessly cheerful music amidst a world of quirky sights and sounds. Yearning to break free from the predictable cycle of local festivals and weddings, Heinz dreams of launching a solo career and becoming a successful music producer.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.5 - 3
Nosferatu the VampyreMovie · 1979 · 107m · Drama, HorrorA driven real estate agent travels to Transylvania to finalize a purchase of a distinctive property. Invited by the mysterious Count Dracula, he leaves his wife and familiar life for an uncertain journey. In the shadowy forests and castles of Transylvania, the agent navigates his dealings with the Count while grappling with the unknown. The film explores themes of personal growth, loyalty, and the mysteries of a foreign world as he confronts both danger and opportunity.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.3 - 4
VictoriaMovie · 2015 · 138m · Crime, Thriller, RomanceA young woman recently relocated to Berlin begins a romantic connection with a local man. Their evening with his friends takes a dark turn when a hidden danger is revealed, threatening their safety.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.6 - 5
The Black TulipMovie · 2012 · 116mFollowing the Taliban's collapse in Kabul, Afghanistan, the Mansouri family starts a restaurant. However, they soon become targets of groups within the Taliban.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.0 - 6
Mina WalkingMovie · 2015 · 125mMina, a spirited twelve-year-old Afghan girl, faces a difficult future. Burdened by an elderly grandfather and an absent father, she's forced to abandon her schooling and work on the streets of Kabul to help her family. Over seven days, Mina fights to free her father from a dangerous drug dealer and secretly pursue her education. Her struggle reflects the challenges faced by many young Afghans as they try to overcome the lasting impact of the Taliban and break free from oppression.IMDb 8.1TMDB 10.0 - 7
The WindmillMovie · 2014 · 114mSeventeen-year-old Hendri is sent to live with his distant grandfather in a retirement home. He quickly discovers the home holds many hidden secrets, and the biggest one threatens his relationship with the person he loves.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.5 - 8
KandaharMovie · 2001 · 85m · DramaA Canadian woman with Afghan roots receives a letter from her sister who is contemplating suicide. Driven by desperation, she embarks on a dangerous trip to Afghanistan to locate her.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.2 - 9
Who Am IMovie · 2014 · 105m · ThrillerBenjamin, a talented young computer expert from Germany, is recruited by a clandestine hacker collective aiming for international recognition.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.6 - 10
NosferatuMovie · 1922 · 89mA real estate agent, happily married, is summoned by the enigmatic Count Orlok to the Count's castle in the Transylvanian mountains to finalize a disturbing transaction.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.7 - 11
SerpentariusMovie · 2019 · 83mIn a ravaged African world after a disaster, a young man wanders aimlessly, searching for the spirit of his mother.IMDb 6.8 - 12
AayeshMovie · 2010 · 28mAayesh lives a solitary life as a security guard in a morgue. His predictable routine is disrupted when a ten-minute anomaly occurs, leading to a profound shift in his existence.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 13
Wings of DesireMovie · 1987 · 128m · Drama, Fantasy, RomanceIn Berlin, two angels, Damiel and Cassiel, observe humanity, offering silent comfort without direct involvement. Damiel, however, develops a strong connection with Marion, a lonely trapeze artist, and begins to question his purpose, longing for a taste of mortal life. He finds an unexpected guide in Peter Falk, a reclusive actor who helps him understand how to bridge the gap between angel and human. Torn between his divine nature and his desire for human experience, Damiel must navigate this opportunity to live among mortals, facing the potential consequences of his choice.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.8 - 14
Hannah ArendtMovie · 2012 · 113m · DramaThis film explores the life of Hannah Arendt, the intellectual who famously coined the phrase "the banality of evil" after covering Adolf Eichmann's trial in Jerusalem. Arendt's unconventional analysis of the Holocaust ignited a fierce controversy, drawing criticism from both allies and enemies. The story follows the German-Jewish émigré as she grapples with her own history while facing intense attacks on her work. The film reveals Arendt's complex character – a mix of confidence and fragility – and how her experiences in exile profoundly shaped her life and ideas.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9 - 15
Knockin' on Heaven's DoorMovie · 1997 · 89m · Comedy, Crime, ActionTwo men, Martin and Rudi, facing terminal cancer, find an unexpected connection in a hospital room, sharing stories and seeking solace in tequila. They impulsively decide to escape their fate with a road trip to the sea. Dressed in pajamas and drinking, they steal a 1960s Mercedes convertible, unaware it belongs to a dangerous gangster organization. Their lighthearted journey quickly turns perilous as the gangsters relentlessly pursue them, transforming the trip into a desperate fight for survival and a surprising bond between the two men.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.7 - 16
Barakah Meets BarakahMovie · 2016 · 88m · Comedy, Romance"Barakah Meets Barakah" is a film about two people finding love in a society with strict traditions. In Jeddah, Barakah, a civil servant and aspiring actor, unexpectedly falls for Bibi. He's known for his charisma, his mother's fashion boutique, and his online vlog, which connects him to the wider world.
Bibi is equally independent, challenging community expectations while also embracing traditional dating. As they fall in love, they push boundaries and explore forbidden paths. The film is about rebellion, love, and standing apart from the crowd, prompting questions about societal rules and the power of love.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.3 - 17
ZMovie · 1969 · 127m · Thriller, Crime, DramaZ is a tense political thriller set against a turbulent time in Greek history, revealing the dark side of power and corruption. When tensions escalate between opposing groups, a leading opposition figure dies in what appears to be an accident. But a persistent prosecutor discovers evidence of a far-reaching conspiracy.
As the cover-up is exposed, witnesses find themselves in danger. The film portrays a climate of suspicion and peril as the main character navigates a world of political secrets. Inspired by the real-life assassination of Greek politician Grigoris Lambrakis in 1963, Z depicts Greece under US-backed military rule.
Direct and unflinching, this film presents a stark view of a society teetering on the edge, where opposition is met with violence. Exploring themes of political oppression and the dangers of unchecked power, Z offers a powerful look at the human cost of ideological conflict that remains relevant today.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.8 - 18
I Still Hide to SmokeMovie · 2017 · 90m · DramaThis tragi-comedy follows nine women of different ages and backgrounds who meet in an Algerian hammam to share stories about their lives.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 19
PapichaMovie · 2019 · 108m · DramaNedjma, an 18-year-old fashion design student, strives for normalcy despite the backdrop of the Algerian Civil War. Facing increasing social restrictions, she defies the radicals' new rules by organizing a fashion show.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.7 - 20
What a ManMovie · 2011 · 95m · Comedy, Romance"What a Man" is a comedy about Alex (Matthias Schweighofer), a young professor who embarks on a self-discovery journey after his girlfriend leaves him. He grapples with modern manhood, questioning what it truly means to be a man in today's world and how to navigate the challenges that come with it.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.3 - 21
Little OneMovie · 2013 · 84m*Little One* portrays the everyday lives of people struggling in poverty. Amidst hardship, crime, and difficult circumstances, the film highlights the enduring presence of hope and love.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.6 - 22
Carnaval fi DachraMovie · 1994 · 125mMakhlouf Bombardier, an unconventional man, sets his sights on becoming the mayor of his village, Dechra. He assembles a team of trusted allies to run a comprehensive campaign and wins the election. As mayor, he plans an international film festival to rival Carthage. However, his activities draw the attention of the Court of Auditors, who accuse him of embezzlement. Ultimately, Bombardier aims to achieve even greater power: the presidency.IMDb 9.0TMDB 9.2 - 23
The WaveMovie · 2008 · 107m · Drama, ThrillerDuring a lesson on government, a teacher discusses various systems with his students. Disinterested in the topic, the students find the repeated discussion of National Socialism tedious and dismiss the possibility of dictatorship in contemporary Germany. To demonstrate the susceptibility of people to manipulation, the teacher initiates an experiment.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 24
Hassan (A Film from Afghanistan)Movie · 2018 · 111mHassan operates a non-profit lottery company to provide medical care for underprivileged children with heart conditions. Following financial ruin and the loss of his mother due to political turmoil, Hassan is forced to relocate to Canada to join his fiancée, Tabasom, who has been waiting for him for seven years. Struggling with hopelessness and cultural adjustment in a new country, the couple resolves to pursue their shared passion and return to their homeland to rebuild the lottery company and continue helping the children.IMDb 7.3 - 25
Kandasamys: The WeddingMovie · 2019 · 98mTaking place in Chatsworth, *Keeping Up with the Kandasamys* offers a glimpse into the lives and culture of contemporary Indian South Africans – their hopes, dreams, and struggles. Shanti Naidoo and Jennifer Kandasamy, powerful matriarchs of nearby families, find their worlds colliding when their adult children develop feelings for each other. And the last thing these two mothers wanted was to be connected! But despite their best efforts to keep their families separate, they find themselves unexpectedly invited to the wedding.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.9 - 26
The Lives of OthersMovie · 2006 · 137m · Drama, ThrillerEast Berlin, 1984. A dedicated Stasi officer, Gerd Wiesler, is assigned to monitor a celebrated playwright and his actress partner, Christa-Maria. As Wiesler observes them, he develops unexpected empathy for the couple, leading him to struggle with conflicting loyalties when his superior becomes interested in Christa-Maria.IMDb 8.4TMDB 8.0 - 27
Meerkat MoonshipMovie · 2018 · 100mThirteen-year-old Gideonette de La Rey, a shy girl with a vivid imagination, discovers her name carries a terrible curse. Following her father's death, she's sent to live with her grandparents on a remote forest farm. There, she befriends a young deaf boy who dreams of space and is preparing to launch a Moonship built by her grandfather.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.3 - 28
The Gods Must Be CrazyMovie · 1980 · 109m · Action, ComedyDeep in the African wilderness, a peaceful tribe of bushmen lives in harmony with nature. Their tranquility is shattered when a Coca-Cola bottle falls from the sky, appearing as if a gift from the gods. The tribe, isolated from the outside world, sees the bottle as sacred and treats it with reverence. As they try to understand it, the bottle unexpectedly creates division within the community, questioning their traditions. This story examines cultural differences, how people adapt, and the impact of unfamiliarity, all set against a stunning natural backdrop that highlights the resilience of people in the wild.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.3 - 29The Beauty Academy of KabulMovie · 2004 · 74mA group of American hairdressers travels to Kabul to teach Afghan women modern hair and makeup techniques. This documentary follows a unique project: a new beauty school, supported by beauty industry leaders, designed to train Afghan hairdressers and beauticians in the latest styles. The American volunteers include three Afghan-Americans returning home after two decades. The Beauty Academy of Kabul offers a glimpse into the lives of Afghan women, documenting the often moving and humorous way women with diverse backgrounds connect and learn from each other.IMDb 6.6
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Good Bye, Lenin!Movie · 2003 · 121m · Comedy, DramaAs the Berlin Wall falls, Alex Kerner's mother awakens from a coma. A staunch communist, she must now be shielded from the news of the wall's collapse to prevent a potentially fatal heart attack.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 31
MaterialMovie · 2012 · 94mCassim Kaif is a young Muslim man working in his father's fabric shop in Fordsburg, Johannesburg. As the only son, he is expected to continue the family business, a tradition passed down through generations.IMDb 7.1TMDB 5.7 - 32
Le ClandestinMovie · 1989 · 88mNine people are crammed into a single car, traveling to Algiers with Abdullah Le Clandestin (Illegal Taxi).IMDb 8.6TMDB 9.5 - 33
WadjdaMovie · 2013 · 98m · DramaA determined Saudi girl enters her school's Quran recitation competition to earn money for a green bicycle she really wants.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2 - 34
The LullabyMovie · 2018 · 86m · HorrorChloe van Heerden, a 19-year-old, returns to her hometown after having her first child and finds herself struggling with the realities of motherhood. While her mother offers support, Chloe battles the overwhelming demands of caring for her newborn. The constant crying, coupled with feelings of guilt and paranoia, trigger a deep depression. Driven by a fierce need to protect her son, she begins to perceive threats in everyday life.IMDb 3.9TMDB 5.8 - 35
The BlizzardMovie · 2019 · 11mWorld War II. Marie awakens wounded and disoriented in a blizzard. A mysterious forest lies between her and her daughter.IMDb 5.8TMDB 7.2 - 36
SpudMovie · 2010 · 103m · Comedy, DramaSouth Africa, 1990. The year marks both Nelson Mandela's release and Spud Milton's first year at an exclusive boys' boarding school. John Milton, an ordinary boy, earns a scholarship to a private school in KwaZulu-Natal. Thrust into a world of boys with colorful nicknames, Spud struggles to fit in. He navigates this new environment as he begins his journey toward adulthood – a journey that appears to be quite a long one. An only child, Spud is raised by eccentric parents and a forgetful grandmother. His father is a paranoid anti-communist convinced the family's domestic worker is secretly running an illegal bar. His mother is a bohemian free spirit who often embarrasses him in public.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.0 - 37
TsotsiMovie · 2005 · 94m · Crime, DramaTsotsi, a young man growing up in the Johannesburg ghetto, left his home as a child to escape his parents. Now a teenage gangster, he steals a car and discovers a baby in the back seat. Tsotsi takes the child under his care, and through this unexpected responsibility, begins to question his life of crime.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9 - 38
Horror ExpressMovie · 1972 · 87m · HorrorProfessor Saxton travels from Manchuria to Europe with the frozen body of an ancient, mysterious creature. Along the way, a series of strange and disturbing deaths occur. The professor struggles with his own inner issues while trying to understand the origins of the creature. In a journey filled with icy landscapes and shadows, the story explores science, ancient life, and the supernatural. As Saxton tries to solve the mystery of the deaths, he learns that some truths are best left forgotten.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.3 - 39
KhumbaMovie · 2013 · 85m · Animation, Adventure, FamilyA zebra with half his stripes missing is wrongly accused of causing a drought and leaves his herd to find them. He's joined by a protective wildebeest and a showy ostrich on his journey. Together, they confront a cruel leopard and rescue his herd.IMDb 5.6TMDB 6.0 - 40
Run Lola RunMovie · 1998 · 80m · Action, Drama, ThrillerLola and Manni's love is tested when Manni loses a large amount of money to a dangerous criminal. With only 20 minutes to find 100,000 Deutsche Marks, Lola must undertake a desperate mission to save him from resorting to theft. Her search takes her down unexpected paths, each influenced by small events. This suspenseful drama explores loyalty and love as Lola confronts the consequences of their choices.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3 - 41
Last VisitMovie · 2019 · 76mShortly after Nasser and his teenage son, Waleed, depart for a wedding, Nasser learns his father is dying. These unforeseen circumstances disrupt their trip and strain their relationship. Interactions with family reveal a deeper conflict: Waleed doesn't embrace the traditional values his father holds dear. Through this family drama, the film realistically explores the growing gap between rural traditions and the more liberal views of Riyadh. It critiques deeply ingrained Islamic customs and examines how patriarchal expectations influence paternal affection.IMDb 5.4TMDB 8.0 - 42
The Golden GloveMovie · 2019 · 110m · Crime, Thriller, HorrorIn early 1970s Hamburg, a serial killer terrorizes the city's population.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.9 - 43
We Are the NightMovie · 2010 · 100m · Fantasy, Drama, HorrorEighteen-year-old Lena is bitten by Louise, the leader of a strikingly beautiful but deadly trio of vampires. Her transformation into a vampire offers both freedom and a dangerous new reality. Initially captivated by the luxury and excitement, Lena soon struggles with the violent instincts of her vampire companions. She finds herself increasingly drawn to Tom, a young police officer working undercover.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.1 - 44
Dirty LaundryMovie · 2017 · 100mWim and Kevin work at a laundromat. Their days are uneventful, but at night they party in the clothes left behind by customers. While at one of these parties, they find a severed finger hidden in a client's suit jacket. Suddenly, they become targets. The finger's owner, along with his sons and a dangerous betrayer, relentlessly pursue Wim and Kevin, showing no concern for their well-being.IMDb 7.1TMDB 9.0 - 45
ImpactMovie · 2017 · 14mSigur plans a surprise for his guests at his birthday party, but his carefully laid plans fall apart.IMDb 8.0TMDB 2.7 - 46
System CrasherMovie · 2019 · 118m · DramaBenni, a spirited 9-year-old, keeps getting expelled from school, earning her the label "system crasher" from child protection services. She's determined only to return to her mother. When anger management trainer Micha is brought in to help, a glimmer of possibility emerges.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6 - 47
Opium WarMovie · 2008 · 90mTwo American soldiers crash their helicopter in the Afghan desert and must survive the harsh environment. They are taken in by a diverse family of Afghan opium farmers, finding themselves dependent on them for survival.IMDb 6.0TMDB 5.7 - 48
The Bliss of Being No OneMovie · 2016 · 26mA young man grieving the loss of his family meets an old man with a missing eye.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 49
SkemersonMovie · 2019 · 87mA young man struggling with mental illness intends to end his life. On a bridge, he encounters two strangers.IMDb 6.4TMDB 7.0 - 50
Funny GamesMovie · 1997 · 109m · Drama, Horror, ThrillerDuring a vacation, a family – a mother, father, and child – meets two dangerous young men. What begins as a relaxing getaway quickly turns into a terrifying ordeal. The antagonists subject the family to cruel games, forcing them to compete against each other for the captors' entertainment. The film explores how fear and desperation can reveal the worst in people as the family fights to survive.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 51
A Few Cubic Meters of LoveMovie · 2014 · 90mOn the edges of Tehran, a hidden factory employs Afghan asylum seekers, who live with their families in makeshift homes. There, a young Iranian worker named Saber secretly connects with Marona, the daughter of an Afghan worker named Abdolsalam. Their burgeoning romance takes place against a backdrop of uncertainty, leaving their future unknown.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.5 - 52Zolykha's SecretMovie · 2006 · 142mIn the final year of the Taliban and as a new war begins, an Afghan family living in the mountains fights to survive under brutal conditions. They find solace in their family and in rebuilding their home. The youngest daughter, Zolykha, is unusually perceptive, able to sense and see the spirits of men from the past wandering the hills. As Zolykha and her siblings, Amena and Zalmai, grapple with life's hardships, they find renewed strength and purpose.IMDb 7.8
