46 German & Austrian Films to Watch
46 titles
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Erkan & StefanMovie · 2000 · 83m · ComedyA journalist in Eckernförde finds an audio cassette containing the final moments of politician Uwe Barschel, whose death remains controversial. The journalist's daughter, Nina, inadvertently takes the tape to Munich while visiting her mother in a sanatorium. This attracts the attention of both the CIA and the BND, who both want the tape. Meanwhile, two inept bodyguards, Erkan and Stefan, are assigned to protect Nina, with the expectation they will fail, allowing the tape to be recovered. However, the friends prove more capable than anticipated, surprising both intelligence agencies.IMDb 4.9TMDB 4.5 - 2
Führer ExMovie · 2002 · 105mIngo Hasselbach grew up in East Germany with Communist parents, giving him a unique perspective on political shifts. The film explores the complex question of how someone can change their beliefs. Hasselbach recounts the external factors that propelled him to establish Germany's first neo-Nazi party, and the internal struggles that ultimately led him to abandon that path just five years later.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.2 - 3
Ants in the PantsMovie · 2000 · 95m · Comedy, RomanceFlo is an unusual teenager; while his friends are preoccupied with sex, he struggles even to say the word. His life takes a bizarre turn one morning after a strange phone call. Flo's penis, experiencing excitement for the first time, suddenly begins speaking to him, claiming fifteen years of neglect and demanding release.IMDb 5.1TMDB 5.0 - 4
The BlenderMovie · 2012 · 95mIMDb 5.5 - 5
Sun and ConcreteMovie · 2023 · 119m · Crime, DramaIn Neukölln, Berlin, Lukas, Julius, Gino, and Sanchez navigate the challenges of daily life: drugs, gangs, rap music, violence, and monotony. Their existence takes a turn when they make a significant decision with far-reaching consequences, all stemming from a risky plan.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 6
Tiger MilkMovie · 2017 · 106mIn Berlin, 14-year-old best friends Nini and Jameelah navigate the excitement of summer and school holidays. Jameelah's family, originally from Iraq, faces the uncertain possibility of deportation if their citizenship application isn't approved. For now, the girls try to focus on the present, putting aside these difficult concerns as they anticipate the upcoming summer.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.2 - 7
Boarding SchoolMovie · 1978 · 100mThis film follows a group of girls at a prestigious German boarding school. Situated across the lake is an equally exclusive boys' boarding school.IMDb 4.7TMDB 4.0 - 8
Europa EuropaMovie · 1990 · 112m · History, Drama, WarDuring the early years of World War II, a young Jewish boy is forcibly separated from his family and chooses to hide his identity by posing as an orphaned German child to survive.
He successfully integrates into Nazi society, becoming a member of the Hitler Youth and gaining insight into the workings of the oppressive regime. He must carefully maintain his disguise while suppressing memories of his past.
This intense drama explores themes of identity, strength, and the desperate measures people take to protect themselves during a time of great darkness and fear. It follows a young boy's extraordinary journey as he faces unimaginable hardships in a world of danger and deception.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2 - 9
If It Don't Fit, Use a Bigger HammerMovie · 2002 · 101m · ComedyThree quirky construction workers become annoyed by their slow and unmotivated new intern. They decide to get revenge by playing increasingly elaborate pranks on him.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.3 - 10
Times Change YouMovie · 2010 · 94m · Music, DramaFollowing the success of the bestselling book, this film tells the story of Germany's most successful rapper, known for his authentic, provocative, and controversial style. Even with his achievements, Bushido is constantly confronted by the challenges of his past.IMDb 3.2TMDB 4.2 - 11
Berlin AlexanderplatzMovie · 2020 · 184m · Drama, CrimeIn 2015, Francis, a 30-year-old refugee and the only survivor of a dangerous Mediterranean crossing, finds himself pulled into the dark side of Berlin.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.9 - 12
Girl You Know It's TrueMovie · 2023 · 124m · Drama, History, MusicIn the late 1980s, dancers Pilatus and Morvan achieved international fame, topping the charts with their music and winning a Grammy Award. The duo famously never sang in their recordings. However, when the truth about their performances was revealed, it sparked one of the most significant scandals in music history.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.3 - 13
LammbockMovie · 2001 · 93m · ComedyStefan and Kai operate a successful business: a cannabis trade hidden within a pizza delivery service. Currently, their main challenge is dealing with an aphid infestation.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9 - 14
LommbockMovie · 2017 · 102m · ComedyYears after their last encounter, Stefan and Kai reunite. Stefan has built a successful life as a lawyer in Dubai, while Kai remains in their hometown, struggling with personal issues and desperately trying to connect with his stepson who is involved with drug dealers. Can Kai and Stefan help each other navigate their complicated lives? And what became of their friend Frank?IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.5 - 15
Tough EnoughMovie · 2006 · 98m · Drama, ThrillerDetlev Buck's film, based on Gregor Tressnow's novel, offers a realistic look at life in Berlin's Neukölln district. It explores themes of power and vulnerability, depicting the struggles of both those who cause trouble and those who are affected by it. The story centers on a 15-year-old navigating the challenges of a disadvantaged and often dangerous environment.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8 - 16
Manta, Manta: LegacyMovie · 2023 · 127m · Comedy, Action, AdventureA former racing driver is fighting to save his car repair shop and go-kart track from foreclosure. He decides on a risky plan: compete in the main race at Bilster Berg and win the prize money. He has one month to restore his vintage Opel to its former glory. Adding to the challenge, his ex-wife unexpectedly asks him to look after their son.IMDb 3.5TMDB 4.9 - 17
Lucy Goes GangstaMovie · 2022 · 92mLucy, a remarkably good 10-year-old girl, and her best friend Rima try to make the world better through small acts of kindness. Their lives are upended when Lucy's parents' ice cream parlor faces closure due to a broken ice cream machine. Determined to save it, Lucy decides the only way to raise money is to rob a bank. She enlists the help of Tristan, the class gangster, who agrees to train her under the code name "Operation Lucyfer." He teaches her how to be deceitful and ruthless, and Lucy surprisingly excels. However, her transformation from a sweet girl into a criminal creates unforeseen complications.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.6 - 18
Feuer, Eis & DosenbierMovie · 2002 · 83mTwo friends working in civil service escape to the Austrian Alps to avoid military conscription. There, one of them reconnects with his history, and they discover their unplanned getaway is proving to be more enjoyable than anticipated.IMDb 3.5TMDB 4.3 - 19
DealerMovie · 1999 · 74mCan and his girlfriend, Jale, struggle to make ends meet while raising their young daughter, Meral, in a challenging neighborhood in Berlin. Can works as a dealer and runner for drug boss Hakan, tasked with supplying his clients within a limited area. Jale, who works in a department store warehouse, has urged Can to leave this life behind. Can, equally weary of his circumstances, sees a chance for a better future when Hakan offers him the opportunity to manage his own bar. However, Can soon finds himself overwhelmed by mounting pressures and sinking into a difficult situation.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.0 - 20
Wet DogMovie · 2021 · 103mThis film, inspired by a compelling memoir, is set in a predominantly Muslim district of Berlin. It centers on a teenage gang member struggling to conceal his Jewish heritage, a secret that becomes crucial to his survival.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.9 - 21
Heiße KartoffelnMovie · 1980 · 82m · ComedyAn art student's life takes a wildly funny turn when a series of misunderstandings accidentally lands him working as a gynecologist. As he struggles to navigate this new world, he discovers a knack for making women feel at ease, providing them with surprisingly excellent care. Through a series of comical mishaps and mistaken identities, he learns valuable lessons about himself, staying strong, and the importance of connecting with others. The film examines personal growth, societal pressures, and how communication builds trust.IMDb 4.9TMDB 2.0 - 22
Und tschüss! Auf MallorcaMovie · 1996A group of wild friends from the Ruhr region head to Mallorca for a relaxing vacation filled with sun, beaches, and nightlife. Their trip quickly turns into a disaster when a series of unfortunate events leads them to be caught in a chaotic case of mistaken identity. Two criminals, Ossi and Heinz, plan to kidnap the daughter of pop star Bernd Bender, but she bears a striking resemblance to Petra, one of the friends.IMDb 4.2TMDB 6.5 - 23
Kanak AttackMovie · 2000 · 86mIn Kiel, three foreign friends – Ertan, Kemal, and Mehdi, who proudly call themselves "Kanaks" – navigate life on the fringes. Initially scraping by with petty crime, their lives become increasingly entangled in violence and criminal activity. When Erkan impulsively protects two prostitutes, he makes powerful enemies. A botched robbery leads to Ertan's brief imprisonment and Kemal's deportation to Turkey. Undeterred, the two friends now plot a drug smuggling operation between Istanbul and Germany. However, their pursuit of quick money ultimately results in tragedy and loss for both Kemal and Ertan.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.0 - 24
BubaMovie · 2022 · 94m · Comedy, DramaA small-town trickster teams up with his scheming brother to join the local mafia. His relentless pursuit of karmic balance leads to darkly funny and violent consequences.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.4 - 25
Big Mäck: Gangsters and GoldMovie · 2023 · 90m · DocumentaryWrongfully convicted of a robbery, a man serves six years in prison. Decades later, he is brought back into suspicion. Has he ever truly been guilty?IMDb 6.1TMDB 7.0 - 26
Voll NormaaalMovie · 1994 · 91m · ComedyTommie, a quiet man living in Cologne-Kalk, finds escape in movies and his collection of exhaust pipes. He endures daily workplace embarrassment, but remains hopeful, dreaming of his favorite actress, Gianna S. When he impulsively steals an unusual exhaust pipe from his boss Jupp's Mercedes, Tommie’s life spirals into chaos.
He now has to return the car and find a specific beer by nightfall, turning his ordinary existence into a funny ordeal. With Gianna S. unexpectedly entering the picture, Tommie must navigate a series of challenges while trying to make things right – all while staying true to what he loves.IMDb 5.4TMDB 5.3 - 27
Crazy for FixiMovie · 2016 · 94m · ComedyTom is a kind person, but he struggles to attract romantic attention. He's never had a relationship. On his college graduation day, he receives a lifelike sex doll as a joke. Mortified, he's shocked the next morning to find a real woman is lying next to him – the doll has come to life.IMDb 4.2TMDB 5.0 - 28
Die SuperbullenMovie · 2011 · 85mTommie and Mario are back in action, but this time their escapades take them into the German underworld. The police are eager to remove these two employees. When the mascot of 1st FC Cologne, "Hennes" the billy goat, is kidnapped, they see a chance to redeem themselves and race to rescue their beloved team's symbol. Their investigation leads them across Germany, where they discover "Hennes" is in Munich – with Bayern Munich, who are trying to undermine the morale of FC Cologne with this audacious act.IMDb 4.0TMDB 4.6 - 29
Brothers and SistersMovie · 1997 · 82mThomas Arslan's second film in a Berlin trilogy is a deliberate, character-driven look at German-Turkish youth living in Berlin's Kreuzberg neighborhood. It follows the daily lives, family tensions, aspirations, and setbacks of three siblings as they wander aimlessly through the streets of Kreuzberg.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.4 - 30
3 Türken und ein BabyMovie · 2015 · 95m · ComedyThe Yildiz brothers – Celal, Sami, and Mesut – remain living together, despite their conflicting desires. Their family's struggling bridal shop fuels their individual yearnings for a different future: Celal dreams of reopening his mobile phone shop and risks their inheritance for it, hoping to win back his ex-girlfriend Anna. Sami struggles to find love, sabotaging every date with his temper. And Mesut attempts to balance a music career with his devotion to Islamic tradition. The arrival of a baby dramatically changes their lives, forcing the three young Turkish men to confront responsibility.IMDb 5.4TMDB 5.4 - 31
Erkan & Stefan 2Movie · 2002 · 80mTwo laid-back individuals discover an antique dagger and accidentally release a beautiful female warrior trapped within by a dark spell. An evil sorcerer, angered by this disruption, plans a ritual to seize both the dagger and the warrior for himself. The pair rescues the warrior and defeats the sorcerer and his followers by using skills they honed through playing video games.IMDb 4.2TMDB 4.4 - 32
Erkan & Stefan 3Movie · 2005 · 97mThis is the third film from comedians Erkan and Stefan.IMDb 4.4TMDB 4.6 - 33
Stromberg – The MovieMovie · 2014 · 123m · ComedyCapitol-Insurance is celebrating its 50th anniversary, a party open to all employees at a hotel. But beneath the celebration, rumors suggest the company is struggling. To prevent layoffs stemming from the potential closure of a branch office, employees must relocate to headquarters. This presents a major challenge for Stromberg, a department manager determined to lead his team and rally them together.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9 - 34
AxiomMovie · 2022 · 108mJulius, a charming and well-liked museum employee, organizes a sailing trip for his colleagues aboard his family's yacht. However, the outing takes a turn when it becomes clear that Julius is hiding a secret identity.IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.6 - 35
RhinegoldMovie · 2022 · 138m · History, Drama, CrimeFatih Akin's new film tells the dramatic and daring story of Giwar Hajabi, the key figure in German gangsta rap. Based on his autobiographical novel "All or Nothing," the film follows Giwar's journey from a difficult childhood in an Iraqi prison to starting life in Germany with his family in the 1980s. He faces many obstacles as he climbs from petty crime to becoming a major drug dealer. When a shipment disappears, Giwar plans a daring gold heist to settle his debts with a criminal organization. However, as his plans fall apart, a passion for music offers him a new path forward.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 36
Die Klasse von '99 - Schule war gestern, Leben ist jetztMovie · 2003 · 94mThis is the story of a group of young adults navigating life in an affluent, close-knit small town.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.5 - 37
No More SchoolMovie · 2000 · 99m · ComedyWith graduation looming, the friends at Gymnasium Kerkheim face an uncertain future. Markus struggles to balance time with his old friends and his girlfriend Sandra, who wants his attention. Dirk faces expulsion if he fails a crucial math exam. Meanwhile, Michael, a model student, realizes he's never truly enjoyed himself. To celebrate Steven's draft exemption, they gather for one last memorable party together.IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.9 - 38
Und tschüss! In AmerikaMovie · 1996 · 91mGünni's car race ends badly for him and his Mustang. Meanwhile, Ossi "Raoul" is being pressured by a loan shark. Zombie proposes a solution that could help them both: a used car business involving an old American caravan. The group then travels to America to put their plan into action.IMDb 4.6TMDB 5.5 - 39
FreibadMovie · 2022 · 103mThe German open-air swimming pool for women is sweltering with heat and a variety of bathing styles – topless, bikinis, swimsuits, and burkinis, each with its own set of rules, leading to constant conflict. The lifeguard struggles to maintain order. The situation explodes when a group of veiled women discover the pool, sparking a debate about ownership: of the pool, of women's bodies, and even of womanhood itself. The lifeguard quits in frustration. Then, an unexpected hire – a man as the new lifeguard – sends the already volatile situation spiraling out of control.IMDb 4.8TMDB 4.9 - 40
Violent ObsessionMovie · 2023 · 35mA newborn brings an initial sense of pain – a sacrifice from the body that sustained them before they could sustain themselves. The harsh reality of birth, a violent entry into the world and a fight for survival, marks the beginning of a new existence. Unasked, this person now exists, capable of experiencing and inflicting both joy and suffering, doing both good and evil. But the question remains: who decides whether someone is good or evil? And who has the right to make that judgment?IMDb 5.7 - 41
Ants in the Pants 2Movie · 2002 · 83m · ComedyThe sequel to "Ants in the Pants" reunites Flo with his familiar companions.IMDb 4.6TMDB 4.8 - 42
Das verrückte StrandhotelMovie · 1983 · 85mA group of German tourists gather at the African resort, Leisure Lodge. Businessman Harry Weber intends to pursue his secretary, Julia, but his wife, Melanie, is also there with designs on a skier named Toni. Weber’s business partner, Pfefferkorn, joins them, while Weber's secretary attempts to win over his son, Florian. A friend provides Weber with a call girl, Christine, but Pfefferkorn also wants her. The hairdresser, Agathe, quickly sees the tangled web of relationships and exploits the situation for her own gain. The arrival of Toni’s fiancée, Resi, further complicates matters.IMDb 2.8TMDB 3.4 - 43
Hard FeelingsMovie · 2023 · 103m · ComedyCharly and Paula are concerned that intimacy might damage their close friendship, but they find themselves increasingly drawn to each other physically. Their bodies unexpectedly become assertive, pushing them towards a sexual encounter.IMDb 4.8TMDB 5.9 - 44
Christiane F.Movie · 1981 · 131m · DramaSet in 1970s Berlin, the film follows Christiane F., a teenage girl navigating adolescence in a tough city. Living with her mother and sister in a large apartment, Christiane discovers a new disco called 'Sound,' captivated by its atmosphere and music.
Driven by her desire to attend the club despite being underage, she befriends Detlef, who is part of a group involved in the drug scene. As their friendship grows, Christiane becomes increasingly drawn into this dangerous world, struggling with peer pressure and a need to belong.
The film offers a raw look at youth, addiction, and growing up during a turbulent time in Berlin. Through Christiane's experiences, it shows how seeking connection can have serious consequences, forcing her to confront the harsh realities hidden beneath the excitement of nightlife.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 45
Manta, MantaMovie · 1991 · 91m · Comedy, ActionGarry Shandling's series provides a revealing look at the demanding world of late-night talk shows through the eyes of Larry Sanders, an anxious host struggling with self-doubt and suspicion. The show follows Larry, his loyal assistant Hank Kingsley, and his protective producer Artie as they navigate the complicated relationships within the show's production. Shandling and his writers cleverly examine the details of working behind the scenes in this funny and perceptive story.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.7 - 46
Blood & GoldMovie · 2023 · 100m · Action, Drama, WarIn the aftermath of World War II, a German soldier searches for his daughter, while an SS troop pursues a hidden Jewish treasure.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.7
