47 Essential Hebrew Films
47 titles
- 1
Daughters, DaughtersMovie · 1974 · 100mThis Israeli comedy follows a father deeply worried about his family's future. Having already had eight daughters, he fears he will never have a son.IMDb 6.8TMDB 5.8 - 2
Alex Is LovesickMovie · 1986 · 88mA significant film in Israeli cinema, it portrays the atmosphere of Israel in the late 1950s through the eyes of a young boy named Alex on the cusp of his 13th birthday. His mother embodies the traditional "Polish Mother" archetype, while his friends are aspiring young men preoccupied with dreams of romance. His schoolteacher is a nervous Russian immigrant. The dialogue is rich with Polish, Russian, and Farsi slang, capturing the casual conversation that would later become commonplace. The film's soundtrack features exclusively American music from the era.IMDb 7.0TMDB 5.3 - 3
Hunting ElephantsMovie · 2013 · 107mA funny crime comedy about a clever 12-year-old boy who teams up with three seniors to rob a bank. Their motive? Revenge against the bank for a wrong they believe they committed after his father's passing.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.0 - 4
Operation GrandmaMovie · 1999 · 50m"Operation Grandma" is a satirical Israeli comedy about three very different brothers navigating numerous challenges to bury their grandmother on their kibbutz. The film is set in Israel, specifically on the fictional kibbutz "Asisim."IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.0 - 5
Lemon Popsicle 9: The Party Goes OnMovie · 2001 · 95mThis film continues the story of three men navigating life in the 1950s, focusing on their experiences with desire and humorous situations.IMDb 3.7TMDB 5.0 - 6
Our FatherMovie · 2016 · 105mOvadia Rachmim is a tough doorman at Tel Aviv nightclubs, known for his strength and aggression. He and his wife Rachel have been trying to conceive for five years. A small-time gangster named Shalom offers Ovadia a lucrative job as a debt collector, which Ovadia sees as a chance to afford expensive fertility treatments for Rachel. When Rachel finally becomes pregnant, he plans to quit working for Shalom. However, Shalom needs him for a crucial mission that requires Ovadia to betray his closest friends. Now, Ovadia must face the consequences of pursuing fatherhood.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.5 - 7
First Lesson in LoveMovie · 2014 · 8mAt a Jerusalem train station, a 17-year-old religious girl named Tom meets Razi, a non-observant street musician. Their chance encounter sparks a love story that bridges their different worlds.IMDb 7.0 - 8
The Band's VisitMovie · 2007 · 83m · Comedy, DramaA small Egyptian police band travels to Israel to perform at the opening of a new Arab arts center. However, they arrive in the wrong town.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.0 - 9
Late MarriageMovie · 2001 · 102m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceZaza, a handsome and intelligent 31-year-old Israeli bachelor, faces pressure from his family to marry. Tradition requires him to choose a young, beautiful, and preferably wealthy virgin bride. His parents, Yasha and Lily, arrange meetings with potential brides, but Zaza finds ways to avoid commitment. Unbeknownst to them, Zaza is already in love with Judith, a captivating divorced woman with a six-year-old daughter. He has kept their relationship a secret. Now, Zaza must decide whether to uphold his family's strict traditions or follow his heart.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.0 - 10
The PolicemanMovie · 1971 · 87mAzulai is a police officer in Jaffa, known for being both inept and kind. His bosses are pushing for his retirement, but he wants to continue working. The criminals of Jaffa also don't want him to leave.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.8 - 11
SallahMovie · 1964 · 110mSallah Shabati, the head of a large Yemeni family who recently immigrated to Israel, struggles to earn a living and find suitable housing. He navigates a country struggling to support its existing population while simultaneously absorbing hundreds of thousands of Jewish refugees from Arab nations.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8 - 12
Baby LoveMovie · 1984 · 80m · Romance, ComedyThis charming comedy-drama follows Bobby, Benji, and Huey as they experience love and miscommunication in the 1950s. Benji and Bobby's sister begin a secret romance, but Bobby discovers them. Misunderstanding the situation, he wrongly accuses Benji, creating a divide between them. A series of funny mishaps reveals the truth, just as Benji faces danger on a cliff. The film, set to a nostalgic 50's soundtrack, examines the difficulties of love and friendship, showing how quick judgments can have amusing results.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.8 - 13
Up Your AnchorMovie · 1985 · 84m · ComedyBenji, Bobby, and Huey experience hilarious chaos on a luxurious cruise ship. The three friends use their humor to navigate unexpected events during their journey. Benji, in particular, finds himself developing feelings for the Captain's daughter. This story blends friendship and romance with humor, offering a new perspective on the comedy-romance genre, all set against the ocean.IMDb 4.5TMDB 5.2 - 14
A Tale of Love and DarknessMovie · 2015 · 95m · DramaThis is the story of young Amos Oz's childhood in Jerusalem during the years leading up to the establishment of the State of Israel. It follows his life with his parents: his intellectual father, Arieh, and his imaginative mother, Fania.IMDb 6.0TMDB 5.7 - 15
Halfon Hill Doesn't AnswerMovie · 1976 · 92mSergio Konstanza, a con artist, owes money to Mr. Hasson. He flees to the desert and joins a peculiar army reserve unit. The unit's Sergeant is engaged to one of Mr. Hasson's daughters.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.0 - 16
For My FatherMovie · 2008 · 97mDuring a tense weekend in Tel Aviv, a disillusioned suicide bomber and an Israeli woman from a privileged background unexpectedly connect and fall in love.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.8 - 17
Summertime Blues: Lemon Popsicle VIIIMovie · 1988 · 85m · Comedy, RomanceDuring the summer, Johnny suggests to his old friends Benny and Bobby that they restore a neglected bar. They face difficulties raising money, but the landlord's daughter, Polly, has a secret affection for Bobby. Bobby is uninterested, and Polly is suspicious of their plans. As the friends work to renovate the bar for its reopening, Polly begins to trust Bobby, and he seems to reciprocate, potentially leading to unexpected heartbreak.IMDb 4.7TMDB 5.4 - 18
Our StoryMovie · 2022 · 105mTal is an ambitious agent, and Ori is a self-conscious singer. To discover who they truly are, they must find each other, bridge their differences, and allow love and music to guide them.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 19
TwoMovie · 2021 · 80mOmer and Bar are deeply in love and eager to have a child. Their initial visit to a sperm bank is filled with optimism about their future. However, as they continue their search over multiple visits, emotions become strained and tensions rise. The situation becomes more complicated when Omer’s former partner, Yoni, emerges as a possible sperm donor, forcing them to confront difficult questions about how far they are willing to go to become parents.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.5 - 20
Paris BoutiqueMovie · 2022 · 81mThis 2020 comedy film, directed by Marco Carmel and starring Angel Bonanni, Moris Cohen, and Nelly Tagar, is available in both English and French.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.0 - 21
Waltz with BashirMovie · 2008 · 90m · Drama, Animation, WarAn Israeli film director speaks with other veterans of the 1982 Lebanon War. He uses their stories to piece together his own recollections of serving in the conflict.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.7 - 22
The Women's BalconyMovie · 2016 · 96mA bar mitzvah celebration turns into an accident that sparks a conflict between men and women in a traditional Orthodox community in Jerusalem. This uplifting story follows women as they challenge traditional authority.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.2 - 23
HoneymoodMovie · 2020 · 90mOn their wedding night, a bride and groom arrive at their luxurious honeymoon suite. Eleanor discovers her new husband received a ring from his ex-girlfriend, sparking a fight. Determined to return it, she convinces him to leave the hotel and travel through Jerusalem. Their simple mission transforms into a night-long journey where they confront past relationships, hidden insecurities, and the paths they've abandoned.IMDb 6.1TMDB 7.8 - 24
Tel Aviv StoriesMovie · 1992 · 108mThe film follows three women navigating life's challenges. One woman searches for love, another stages a hostage situation to escape her absent husband, and the third causes a city-wide disruption to rescue a kitten from a storm drain.IMDb 6.5TMDB 7.0 - 25
Zero MotivationMovie · 2014 · 97m · Drama, ComedyTalya Lavie's dark comedy focuses on a group of young Israeli female soldiers stationed at a remote desert base. The film centers on the human resources office, where they pass the time with paperwork, Minesweeper competitions, and counting down to their discharge. Navigating boredom and conflicting personalities, the soldiers grapple with questions of loyalty – to each other, to love, and to their country – all explored with humor and insightful wit.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.4 - 26
BeaufortMovie · 2007 · 131m · History, Drama, WarBEAUFORT follows Liraz Liberati, a 22-year-old outpost commander, and his soldiers in the months leading up to Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon. It’s not a war story, but one of retreat. The soldiers face no clear enemy, only an unseen force that bombs from above. As they prepare for their departure, the young men struggle to fulfill their mission until the very end.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.3 - 27
The Wedding PlanMovie · 2016 · 110mMichal, 32, has been religious for 12 years and is finally getting married. A month before the wedding, the groom calls off the ceremony, leaving her feeling unable to return to a normal life. She sees this as an opportunity to fundamentally change herself, embracing her belief that God is benevolent and ready to provide if she simply asks. For the month leading up to the wedding day, Michal embarks on a journey, confident that God can easily find her a groom, given that she already has the venue, dress, and apartment.IMDb 6.5TMDB 5.7 - 28
BudrusMovie · 2010 · 70mThis is the story of a Palestinian leader who brings together Fatah, Hamas, and Israelis in a nonviolent movement to protect his village from being destroyed. Their efforts face repeated setbacks until his 15-year-old daughter becomes involved.IMDb 7.8TMDB 6.5 - 29
Lemon PopsicleMovie · 1978 · 95m · Comedy, RomanceThis comedy-drama follows three high school seniors, Benji, Bobby, and Huey, as they pursue romance and fun, spending their days with girls and at their local ice cream shop. Their lighthearted lives change when they become involved in a complicated situation with Stella, a local woman, and her jealous boyfriend.
Amidst this unexpected trouble, Benji develops feelings for a new girl, Nikki. When Bobby unexpectedly gets Nikki pregnant and leaves her, Benji must help her cope and support her. The film humorously explores friendship, love, responsibility, and the challenges of growing up.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.3 - 30
Going SteadyMovie · 1979 · 87m · Comedy, Romance"Going Steady" is a nostalgic look back at the 1950s, following the Lemon Popsicle gang as they navigate the ups and downs of first love. The film evokes the era with scenes of sunny beaches, romantic evenings, and a lively Rock 'n' Roll score. Benji grapples with his feelings for Tammy as she wants a deeper relationship. Martha is divided between her feelings for Benji and her current boyfriend, Huey, creating further complications. Bobby faces the common teenage challenge of staying true to someone he cares about. "Going Steady" is a cheerful story about love, friendship, and growing up in a classic time, featuring memorable characters and a vibrant atmosphere.IMDb 5.7TMDB 6.2 - 31
Hot BubblegumMovie · 1981 · 90m · Comedy, RomanceThis comedy follows Bobby, Benji, and Huey as they experience the ups and downs of teenage romance in the 1950s. Facing final exams, the high school students also grapple with love, commitment, and exploring their sexuality. The film examines their difficulties managing multiple girlfriends and the resulting conflicts – dealing with girls who are difficult or those who are overly eager. Through these experiences, the boys learn important lessons about love, trust, and honest communication.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.9 - 32
Private PopsicleMovie · 1982 · 96m · Comedy, RomanceBobby, Benji, and Huey, the Lemon Popsicle Boys, face an unexpected challenge when they are drafted into the army. Accustomed to a life of fun, the three friends struggle with military discipline. Rather than focusing on their training, they prioritize playful antics, trying to charm women and avoid work. Their strict sergeant relentlessly pursues them, determined to instill discipline. This comedic story follows their fight for freedom and personal growth, showing that adapting to change doesn't mean losing your youthful spirit.IMDb 5.4TMDB 5.7 - 33
Young LoveMovie · 1987 · 86m · Comedy, Romance, DramaA group of teenagers have a night out when they borrow their parents' car, leading to an unplanned adventure. While Huey is driving, they crash after a chase. Now they must earn money to fix the car before their parents return from vacation. They take jobs as porters at the Beachfront Hotel, where they face new challenges and meet interesting people, including some hotel guests. Balancing work and friendships, the boys learn important lessons throughout their entertaining journey.IMDb 4.6TMDB 5.3 - 34
One More StoryMovie · 2021 · 90mYarden Gat is a talented and independent young woman who is skeptical about love. But when she agrees to a date, she finds herself recounting a story from her past: a time she worked for a newspaper, had an affair with her married boss, and unknowingly caused significant damage to her best friend's romantic life by arranging dates and then exposing the details in a humiliating article. It’s perhaps not the ideal conversation starter for a first date, depending on the person she's with.TMDB 6.0 - 35
NoodleMovie · 2007 · 90mMiri, a 37-year-old flight attendant who has experienced the loss of her husband twice, has a predictable life. That changes when she finds an abandoned Chinese boy whose mother has been deported from Israel. This touching comedy-drama follows Miri and the boy as they travel together, two people from vastly different backgrounds – Tel Aviv and Beijing – finding unexpected connection and a path toward a more fulfilling life.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1 - 36
Saint ClaraMovie · 1996 · 85mIn 1999, the story follows thirteen-year-old Clara, who possesses the ability to predict the future and move objects with her mind. The narrative weaves together several storylines: a classmate harbors a crush on her, we see her family, and the family of a peculiar principal who inexplicably speaks French.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8 - 37
FootnoteMovie · 2011 · 102m · ComedyIn Jerusalem, Israel, professors Eliezer and Uriel Shkolnik – father and son – have spent their lives studying Jewish scripture. Eliezer, a dedicated but overlooked scholar, contrasts with his successful and celebrated son, Uriel. Their delicate relationship is unexpectedly disrupted by a single phone call.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.1 - 38
AjamiMovie · 2009 · 120m · Crime, DramaIn the diverse neighborhood of Ajami, Tel Aviv, where Arabs, Palestinians, Jews, and Christians coexist uneasily, lives Omar, an Israeli Arab fighting to protect his family from ruthless extortionists. He also pursues a relationship with Hadir, a beautiful Christian woman. Meanwhile, Malek, an undocumented Palestinian worker, desperately seeks funds for his mother's medical treatment. And Dando, an Israeli police officer, is determined to find his missing brother, who may have been killed by Palestinians.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 39
Fill the VoidMovie · 2012 · 90m · DramaEighteen-year-old Shira, the youngest of the Mendelman family, is set to marry a suitable young man and is thrilled by the prospect. However, her wedding plans are disrupted when her twenty-eight-year-old sister, Esther, dies in childbirth. The family is devastated, and Shira's engagement is postponed. The situation shifts when a potential match is proposed for Esther's husband – a widow in Belgium. He feels it’s too soon to remarry, but acknowledges he will eventually need to. The girls’ mother, learning of this possibility, suggests Shira marry the widower instead. Shira must now decide between her own desires and her family obligations, discovering that the difficult choice lies within herself.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.4 - 40
God's NeighborsMovie · 2012 · 102mIn Bat Yam, Israel, a group of young men – Avi, Kobi, and Yaniv – enforce strict religious rules on their community. They demand modest dress, adherence to Shabbat, and control over who enters their neighborhood. Driven by zealous faith, they use violence to maintain their authority. The residents both admire and fear the gang. The arrival of Miri, a young woman unfamiliar with their rigid customs, challenges the group's power dynamic. Avi, the gang leader, finds himself conflicted between his growing feelings for Miri and his loyalty to the gang.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.4 - 41
The House on Chelouche StreetMovie · 1973 · 110mFollowing the British Mandate, a family without a father moves to Israel and faces considerable difficulties in the country's turbulent political climate. The film depicts their struggles.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.4 - 42
A.K.A NadiaMovie · 2015 · 115mMaya is a successful choreographer and a happy wife and mother of two. Her life appears perfect, but it's built on a secret. Everyone around her is unaware of her hidden past.IMDb 6.4TMDB 7.7 - 43
Image of VictoryMovie · 2023 · 128mIn 1948, an Egyptian filmmaker documents a volunteer force's mission to aid Palestinian farmers. His work leads him to a pivotal meeting with a determined young leader from a nearby agricultural community. This encounter sparks a series of events that profoundly alter the course of their lives.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.0 - 44
CampfireMovie · 2004 · 96mThis is the story of a woman's struggle to find acceptance, set against the backdrop of a political movement that profoundly changed the lives of millions in the Middle East.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.2 - 45
JellyfishMovie · 2007 · 82m"Meduzot" explores the lives of three distinct Israeli women in Tel Aviv, whose paths unexpectedly connect to reveal a glimpse into contemporary Israeli society. Batya, a catering waitress, finds herself caring for a child left at the beach. She then works a wedding reception for Keren, a bride whose honeymoon plans are derailed when she breaks her leg escaping a bathroom. Among the guests is Joy, a Filipino domestic worker who, unable to speak Hebrew, feels guilty about leaving her son in the Philippines.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 46
MaktubMovie · 2017 · 100mSteve and Chuma, the only survivors of a terrorist attack in a Jerusalem restaurant, resolve to reform. They embark on a path of redemption, becoming selfless helpers. They fulfill the wishes of people who write requests on paper and place them between the stones of the Wailing Wall.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.4 - 47
Or (My Treasure)Movie · 2004 · 95mOr, 17 or 18, juggles school, a restaurant job, and recycling to support herself and her mother, Ruthie, in Tel Aviv. Or struggles to keep Ruthie from returning to streetwalking, despite Ruthie’s affectionate calls of "my treasure." Recently out of the hospital and frail, Ruthie is now working as a house cleaner, but the lure of easy money on the streets is strong. Or’s feelings are complicated further when the mother of the boy Or loves visits to warn her away. With love slipping away and Ruthie seemingly unable to change, Or faces difficult decisions.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8
