140 German Films to Watch
138 titles
- 101
RamsMovie · 2015 · 93m · DramaIn a remote Icelandic valley, Gummi and Kiddi share a life tending sheep. They are renowned for their exceptional flock, boasting rams with a distinguished heritage and repeatedly winning awards. Despite sharing land and tradition, the brothers have been estranged for forty years. When a deadly disease strikes Kiddi’s sheep, threatening the whole valley, authorities order a cull. But Gummi and Kiddi refuse to accept this fate, each attempting to prevent disaster in their own way: Kiddi with a rifle, and Gummi with his ingenuity.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 102
HabermannMovie · 2010 · 104m"Habermann" is a story set in a small village in the Sudetenland, spanning the years 1937 to 1945. The film is based on true events.IMDb 7.0TMDB 5.8 - 103
Head-OnMovie · 2004 · 117m · Drama, RomanceTo escape her family, a young woman arranges a marriage with a forty-year-old addict. This arrangement unexpectedly sparks a passionate and jealous love.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5 - 104
In DarknessMovie · 2018 · 100m · Thriller, MysteryA blind musician overhears a murder in the apartment above hers, leading her into the dangerous world of London crime.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.1 - 105
Black BookMovie · 2006 · 145m · Drama, Thriller, WarDuring World War II in Nazi-occupied Netherlands, a Jewish singer goes undercover at the local Gestapo headquarters, working with the Dutch resistance.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 106
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 - 107
BarefootMovie · 2014 · 90m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceA wealthy family's estranged son encounters a young woman who has lived in complete isolation. He brings her to his brother's wedding, and an unlikely romance develops. Her innocent nature and simple charm win over everyone she meets.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.6 - 108
Two LivesMovie · 2012 · 97m · Drama, ThrillerIn 1990s Europe, following the fall of the Berlin Wall, Katrine, a woman raised in East Germany and now living in Norway, is considered a "war child"—the daughter of a Norwegian woman and a German soldier who occupied Norway during World War II. She has built a peaceful life with her mother, husband, daughter, and granddaughter. However, when a lawyer requests them to testify in a trial against the Norwegian government for war children, Katrine initially refuses. As the trial progresses, a series of hidden truths and secrets are revealed, ultimately shattering Katrine's world and forcing her family to confront the foundation of their lives: Is their shared history stronger than the lie upon which it was built?IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.6 - 109
LudwigMovie · 1973 · 238m · Drama, HistoryThe film follows the difficult final years of Ludwig II's reign as King of Bavaria, from his coronation in 1864 to his death in 1886. It portrays him as a romantic figure, exploring his complicated connection with composer Richard Wagner and his affection for his cousin Elisabeth of Austria, whose rejection contributes to Ludwig's decline. As the king struggles with his feelings for men in a time when such feelings were unacceptable, he slowly becomes mentally unstable, revealing a disturbing portrait of a troubled person burdened by his royal responsibilities.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 110
Short Sharp ShockMovie · 1998 · 100m · Crime, DramaIn Altona, Hamburg, Gabriel, Bobby, and Costa have a deep friendship from childhood. After prison, Gabriel wants to leave his criminal life behind, but struggles to stay away from his friends who are still involved in petty crime. As they deal with dangerous mafia figures and failed schemes, their friendship is tested.
This drama explores loyalty, betrayal, and the search for redemption in a diverse city. The film follows compelling characters torn by their desires, offering a realistic look at the impact of crime and the difficulties of maintaining friendships when trust is fragile.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.6 - 111
Love in ThoughtsMovie · 2004 · 89m · DramaThis film chronicles the final days of Guenther's life, focusing on a four-day period of intense indulgence with his closest friend and sister. The trio abandon themselves to a whirlwind of alcohol, drugs, and sexual encounters.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.3 - 112
StroszekMovie · 1977 · 108m · Drama"Bruno Stroszek" tells the story of a man trying to rebuild his life after prison. With few skills and a difficult history, Bruno takes up street music with a glockenspiel and accordion, advised to avoid alcohol. He meets Eva, a struggling prostitute, and they develop an unexpected connection.
Together, they join Scheitz, an eccentric elderly neighbor, for a daring trip to Wisconsin in search of opportunity. The film explores their hopes and struggles as they confront their pasts and try to find a better future in the American Midwest.
"Bruno Stroszek" is a moving story about hope, perseverance, and the search for happiness, offering a tender and bittersweet look at people overcoming hardship.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.3 - 113
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 - 114
KokowäähMovie · 2011 · 115m · ComedyHenry, a carefree playboy, is unaware he fathered a daughter from a single night. The girl’s mother left her at Henry's door after her husband discovered, eight years into their marriage, that he wasn't the father, leading to their impending divorce. Interestingly, an eight-year-old German child unfamiliar with the dish would pronounce "Coq Au Vin" as "Kokowääh."IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.3 - 115
The CakemakerMovie · 2017 · 113m · DramaThomas, a young German baker, is having an affair with Oren, an Israeli married man who frequently travels to Berlin for business. After Oren dies in a car accident in Israel, Thomas travels to Jerusalem searching for answers about his death. Assuming a false identity, Thomas enters the life of Anat, Oren's newly widowed wife and owner of a small café in downtown Jerusalem. He begins working for her, baking German cakes and cookies that revitalize the café. Thomas becomes deeply involved in Anat’s life, exceeding his expectations. To protect his deception, he will go to increasingly dangerous lengths to maintain his cover.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 116
PinaMovie · 2011 · 106m · Documentary"Pina" is a 3D dance film featuring the renowned Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch company, created by the influential German choreographer who passed away in the summer of 2009.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 117
Rabbit Without EarsMovie · 2007 · 116m · Drama, Comedy, RomanceLudo, a reporter for Rainbow Press, receives an eight-month sentence but is released on probation. His condition is to complete 300 hours of work at a local daycare center, where he encounters Anna, who has a personal matter to settle with him.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.1 - 118
Benny's VideoMovie · 1993 · 110m · Crime, DramaA 14-year-old boy is obsessed with violent movies and wants to make his own shocking film to impress his parents. His attempt to do so has devastating and lasting consequences for him and his family. The film explores youthful rebellion, the dangers of obsession, and the way fantasy can bleed into reality.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9 - 119
AnonymousMovie · 2011 · 130m · Drama, History, ThrillerAgainst the backdrop of Queen Elizabeth I's reign and the Essex Rebellion, the story explores the theory that Edward De Vere, Earl of Oxford, was the true author of Shakespeare's plays.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.4 - 120
Soul KitchenMovie · 2009 · 99m · Drama, ComedyIn Hamburg, German-Greek chef Zinos upsets the established order at his neighborhood restaurant when he hires a more skilled cook, inadvertently causing friction with his regulars.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9 - 121
The Divine OrderMovie · 2017 · 96m · Comedy, DramaNora is a young housewife and mother living a peaceful life in a small Swiss village with her husband and two sons. The village remains isolated from the major social changes of 1968. Nora's life is quiet and she's well-liked, until she begins advocating for women's suffrage, a vote for which is scheduled for February 7, 1971.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.3 - 122
Head Full of HoneyMovie · 2014 · 139m · Comedy, DramaAs Tilda's grandfather's Alzheimer's worsens, her parents plan to move him to a nursing home. Before that happens, Tilda takes him on a final outing, an adventure that subtly puts her family in jeopardy.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.3 - 123
The DeathmakerMovie · 1995 · 110m · DramaThis psychological thriller explores the mind of Fritz Haarmann, a serial killer who committed at least twenty-seven murders. As police investigate his crimes, they bring in a psychology expert to question Haarmann and assess his mental state. The interrogation forces the killer to reveal his motives and describe his gruesome methods. This intense examination challenges our understanding of human nature and questions whether we can ever truly comprehend the mind of a cold killer.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.8 - 124
Aguirre, the Wrath of GodMovie · 1972 · 95m · History, Adventure, DramaFollowing the collapse of the Inca Empire, a bold Spanish expedition journeys into the Amazon to find the legendary city of El Dorado. Captain Aguirre leads the men on a dangerous trek through unexplored territory, driven by the hope of great wealth.
As they travel down the river, the pursuit of fortune transforms into a desperate struggle for power. Aguirre's control over his crew intensifies, breeding suspicion and madness.
This intense story of exploration and ambition explores the darker side of humanity, depicting a harrowing fight for survival amidst extreme hardship. The expedition’s quest for El Dorado raises the question of whether the promise of riches will ultimately save or ruin them.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5 - 125
The 4th ManMovie · 1983 · 98m · Thriller, MysteryA man is haunted by disturbing visions of an impending disaster. He begins a passionate relationship with a mysterious woman, believing she may be connected to his premonitions. As their relationship deepens, they face increasing danger, and he questions whether he's acting on love or fate. Their growing connection leads them to a chilling truth that threatens both their lives and love.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 126
The CaptainMovie · 2018 · 118m · War, Drama, HistoryGermany, 1945. During the final, desperate weeks of World War II, deserter Willi Herold finds a discarded Nazi captain's uniform. He takes it to stay warm, but soon discovers that many Germans are willing to follow anyone who appears to be in charge.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2 - 127
To Be or Not to BeMovie · 1983 · 107m · Comedy, Drama, WarDuring World War II, a quiet Polish actor faces both his own difficulties and the growing turmoil in his country. He finds solace on the stage, but his peace is disturbed by his wife's flirtations with young Polish officers. When one of these officers returns on a secret mission, the actor feels compelled to help. He creates a risky escape plan for the officer and himself, discovering hidden courage as he confronts the war's dangers and the threat of the German invasion. The story shows how ordinary people rise to extraordinary challenges, revealing the strength of the human spirit during dark times.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7 - 128
The American FriendMovie · 1977 · 125m · Drama, Thriller, CrimeTom Ripley, an American con man skilled at forgery, is disrupted when he loses a valuable painting to Jonathan Zimmerman, a picture framer, at a Hamburg auction. Soon after, Ripley meets Raoul Minot, a dangerous gangster who offers him a perilous job: murder a rival. Seeing a chance for revenge against Zimmerman for the earlier incident, Ripley manipulates both the desperate and ill Zimmerman into becoming his accomplices, transforming a personal grudge into a disturbing partnership.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1 - 129
Point BlankMovie · 2016 · 91mIn Berlin, police officer Klaus Roth goes undercover within the Serbian mafia, focusing on their sports betting operations. He forms a bond with the innocent Luka, all while working to bring down Aco Gorić, the shadowy leader of the criminal organization.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.4 - 130
The Edge of HeavenMovie · 2007 · 122m · DramaSix German-Turkish immigrants' lives intersect unexpectedly. An elderly man and a sex worker form an alliance. A young academic confronts his history. Two young women develop a romantic relationship. And a mother struggles to rebuild her life after it has been broken.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.2 - 131
25 km/hMovie · 2018 · 116m · Comedy, Drama, AdventureThis road movie follows two estranged brothers, Christian, a city manager, and Georg, a cabinetmaker. They haven't spoken in 20 years and both remained in their hometown, caring for their father until he died. Following their father's funeral, the brothers impulsively decide to revive a childhood dream: a moped trip across Germany, fueled by a little alcohol.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9 - 132
Last Exit to BrooklynMovie · 1989 · 103m · DramaSet in 1950s Brooklyn, the film follows several people dealing with difficult lives amidst a changing society. A union leader's beliefs are challenged when he discovers something about himself that changes his understanding of who he is. A prostitute unexpectedly finds love with one of her clients. At the same time, a family struggles to accept their daughter's unplanned pregnancy, facing conflict between tradition and evolving values. The interconnected stories explore identity, love, and acceptance as they depict life in a time of transition.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.5 - 133
Four Against the BankMovie · 2016 · 96m · Comedy, CrimeThree men, each having lost their savings due to an incompetent bank worker, team up with him to plan a daring and unconventional robbery to recover their funds.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.9 - 134
Stopped on TrackMovie · 2011 · 110m · DramaFrank and Simone have achieved their dream life, raising their two children in a suburban row house. Their happiness is shattered when Frank receives a diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumor, forcing the family to face the reality of mortality.IMDb 7.6TMDB 6.9 - 135
LoreMovie · 2012 · 109m · Drama, War, ThrillerAt the close of World War II, five German siblings are abandoned by their Nazi parents and must navigate a devastated homeland. The children, guided by their 14-year-old eldest sister Lore, face the consequences of their parents' choices and the harsh realities of a changed world. They are compelled to confront the legacy of their family and find their way forward.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 136
The TunnelMovie · 2001 · 150m · Drama, ThrillerBased on a true story, Olympic swimmer Harry Melchior escapes from East Germany in the 1960s. He develops a risky plan to help his sister and others escape East Berlin by using a 145-yard tunnel hidden beneath the city.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.1 - 137
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 - 138
71 Fragments of a Chronology of ChanceMovie · 1995 · 100m · DramaThe film follows the interwoven lives of people in Vienna who are unknowingly affected by a senseless Christmas Eve shooting. Told through 71 scenes, the story explores the emotional impact of the tragedy on many different people. The violence shakes the city, testing relationships and forcing difficult choices. It's a moving look at how ordinary people cope when faced with extraordinary circumstances, highlighting the strength of community during a crisis.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0
