111 Thought-Provoking Leftist Films
111 titles
- 101
Queercore: How to Punk a RevolutionMovie · 2017 · 83mThis documentary explores Queercore, a cultural and social movement that emerged from punk rock. It was defined by its opposition to societal prejudice against gay, bisexual, lesbian, and transgender people.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.0 - 102
Land and FreedomMovie · 1995 · 109m · War, Drama, HistoryIn 1936, unemployed British Communist David Carr feels a growing urgency to act as the Spanish Civil War erupts. He joins the Popular Front of Catalonia (POUM) militia, a diverse group of liberals, communists, and anarchists fighting against Franco's Nationalists. During his experiences, Carr begins to realize a disturbing truth: Stalin's allies in Spain are secretly sabotaging the revolution they claim to champion, acting under orders from Moscow. Forced to confront this profound betrayal, Carr navigates a complicated landscape of shifting political loyalties and hidden agendas.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 103
If They Tell You I FellMovie · 1989 · 120mYears after the Spanish Civil War, Catalan children gathered in ruins to share stories called "aventis." These tales blended war experiences with local news, comic book heroes, fantasy, and real life. The "aventis" in this film are recalled in flashbacks. In the mid-1980s, about 45 years after those childhood days, a doctor and a nurse-nun, who grew up together and now work at the same hospital, identify the body of a central figure from their "aventis." The flashbacks offer a glimpse into the Civil War through a microcosm of Barcelona. The discovery of this body, belonging to someone long thought dead, triggers further surprises and lingering questions decades later.IMDb 5.4TMDB 4.3 - 104
The Loneliness of the Long Distance RunnerMovie · 1962 · 104m · DramaA young man's life changes when he's sentenced to a correctional facility for stealing from a bakery. Instead of giving in to his new environment, he discovers he's a natural long-distance runner.
Inside, his running skills earn him respect and influence among the inmates. But during his runs, he's haunted by memories of his past as a successful athlete, forcing him to confront his choices and why he ended up there.
The film examines social inequality and privilege as it follows his journey toward redemption through running. It’s a story about self-discovery, strength, and the possibility of starting over.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2 - 105
Michael CollinsMovie · 1996 · 132m · War, Drama, ThrillerThis documentary explores the history of ABC World News, a long-running daily television news program. Starting in 1953, the film examines the many anchors who have presented the show, including current anchor David Muir. Interviews with former anchors and behind-the-scenes footage detail the program's name changes, from ABC Evening News in the 1970s to World News Tonight. The film offers a look at how news has been presented to audiences and how it remains relevant in modern media.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9 - 106
MissingMovie · 1982 · 123m · Drama, Mystery, ThrillerA determined American businessman travels to Chile after his son vanishes during a military coup. He's joined by his daughter-in-law as they uncover layers of cover-ups and lies. Their search for answers reveals disturbing US State Department involvement with the ruling government, exposing a world of human rights abuses and corruption. The film is a moving story about a father's strength and the hidden truths of international politics.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.2 - 107
FreedomfightersMovie · 1996 · 125m · War, Drama, HistoryDuring the Spanish Civil War, Maria, a nun, is displaced from her convent by the war. She finds temporary shelter in a brothel, where she finds a sense of peace. Later, anarchist women liberate the brothel, and Maria is drawn to their cause. Driven by her own beliefs, she joins them. As they fight on the front lines, confronting both the Nationalist forces and disagreements within their own group, Maria's journey explores themes of courage, female solidarity, and the sacrifices people make for what they believe in.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.3 - 108
The Discreet Charm of the BourgeoisieMovie · 1972 · 101m · ComedyLuis Buñuel's classic film depicts an absurd look at the complicated relationships at an exclusive dinner party. Six wealthy guests gather for an elegant meal and conversation, but their evening is disrupted by a series of strange occurrences.
The film features a mix of realistic and dreamlike events that interfere with the dinner. These surreal interruptions reveal Buñuel's aim to expose the hollowness beneath the surface of upper-class life.
This satirical work blends humor and challenging moments to offer a commentary on social conventions, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 109
Blue CollarMovie · 1978 · 114m · Drama, CrimeThree auto factory workers, burdened by financial hardship and feeling mistreated by both management and their union, hatch a daring plan to rob the union headquarters' safe. This drama explores themes of unity, defiance, and the desire for respect when facing economic hardship. As they carefully plan and execute the risky heist together, the men must also grapple with their loyalty to each other and their own safety. Will their bold plan pay off, or will their troubles overwhelm them?IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 110
The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975Movie · 2011 · 100m · Documentary, HistoryThis film explores the development of the Black Power Movement in America between 1967 and 1975. Using footage captured by Swedish journalists, it documents the movement's key figures: Angela Davis, Bobby Seale, Huey P. Newton, Eldridge Cleaver, and other prominent activists, artists, and leaders.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.6 - 111
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's NestMovie · 1975 · 133m · DramaA small-time criminal schemes to get a sentence in a mental institution instead of prison. Inside, he unexpectedly becomes a mentor to the other patients, who are dealing with their own mental health issues. But the fragile peace is threatened by a cruel and powerful nurse. As tensions rise, the protagonist must navigate complex relationships and hidden motives to protect his new community and fight back against the nurse's oppressive control.IMDb 8.6TMDB 8.4
