53 Classic Hungarian Films
53 titles
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Little ValentinoMovie · 1979 · 93mSz. László, a twenty-year-old truck guard working for an agricultural cooperative near the capital, unexpectedly skips work and misuses the money entrusted to him. Instead of fulfilling his duties, he indulges in luxuries he couldn't normally afford: leisure activities, treats, taxi rides, meals out, trips to Lake Balaton, and spending time with women.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.2 - 2
Merry-Go-RoundMovie · 1956 · 92mIn a changing rural landscape, Mari Pataki is a hopeful young farmer. Her father forbids her from seeing the man she loves, prioritizing work and financial gain. He plans to marry her off to an older, wealthy businessman – a transaction of land for land, a common practice among Hungarian peasants. But Mari's young lover is determined to fight for her love.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.6
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Angi VeraMovie · 1978 · 96mAngi Vera works as a nursing assistant in a hospital and challenges the terrible conditions she witnesses. Though reprimanded for speaking out, she gains the support of the Communist Party. They send her to an ideological training program where she learns to be a political activist in exchange for housing and food. There, she develops feelings for one of her instructors, but their love is forbidden within the rigid confines of the school.IMDb 7.1TMDB 4.6 - 4
People of the MountainsMovie · 1942 · 88mIn 1942 Transylvania, a devout Hungarian woodcutter lives a simple life with his family and community of fellow squatters in the mountains. Their peaceful existence is shattered when a lumber company claims their land, demanding they work for the company or be displaced. This Hungarian film offers a starkly realistic portrayal of mountain life's hardships, influencing the Italian Neorealist movement. Directed by Istvan Szots, the film won the Biennale Cup at the Venice Film Festival, but was banned by the Nazis for its religious themes and remained unseen publicly until after World War II.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.7 - 5
Nobody's DaughterMovie · 1976 · 83mA young girl, orphaned at birth, endures cruelty at the hands of her adoptive family.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 5.9
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MephistoMovie · 1981 · 145m · DramaSet in pre-World War II Germany, this historical drama follows a gifted stage actor who gains unexpected fame for his powerful performance as Faust in a controversial play. As Nazism rises, his friends are exiled or persecuted. His fame increasingly eclipses his own sense of self, forcing him to navigate a dangerous path between artistic freedom and pleasing his Nazi supporters. Caught in a moral dilemma, the protagonist confronts the risks of fame and collaboration during a dark period in history.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.2
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Cold DaysMovie · 1966 · 96mAndras Kovacs' film, a key work of 1960s Hungarian cinema, follows four men awaiting trial for their part in the 1942 massacre of thousands of Jewish and Serbian civilians in Novi Sad. They all insist they were simply following orders. The film is notable for tackling Hungary's wartime role, a sensitive topic largely avoided when it was first released.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.0 - 8
Ten Thousand DaysMovie · 1967 · 110mThis somber drama follows three men as they reflect on a tumultuous 30 years of Hungarian history in the mid-1960s. Through flashbacks, they recount key moments from their lives, starting in the 1930s and spanning World War II to the aftermath of the 1956 communist uprising.IMDb 7.3TMDB 5.8 - 9
PhotographyMovie · 1973 · 82mTwo actors travel through the countryside, posing as a photographer and a retoucher, offering their services to local residents.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.2 - 10
Dead LandscapeMovie · 1972 · 95mThis Hungarian film follows Juli, a farmer's wife, as her life gradually falls apart. The countryside empties as people leave for cities or collective farms, leaving her increasingly isolated. Despite trying to find contentment, she becomes deeply despairing. A brief respite from her loneliness comes when she and her husband care for an elderly woman, but the woman dies. Soon after, her son visits, and Juli is killed in an accident that may have been a suicide.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.6 - 11
Football of the Good Old DaysMovie · 1973 · 84mBudapest, 1924. Ede Minarik, a laundryman, lives for football. He's determined to see his team, Csabagyöngye, reach the top division, willing to give up everything for this dream. But with limited resources and a struggling team mirroring the uncertain times, Ede is driven by a simple belief: "We need a team!"IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.1 - 12
Time Stands StillMovie · 1982 · 99mBudapest, early 1960s. Dini navigates the difficulties of teenage years. His father fled Hungary after the 1956 uprising, leaving Dini's mother to raise him and his brother alone. When Bodor, a friend of Dini’s father, is released from prison, he moves in with them. Dini and his brother are unhappy about this disruption to their family.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.1 - 13
The Red and the WhiteMovie · 1967 · 90m · War, DramaIn 1919, during the Russian Civil War, this film explores the conflict where Hungarian Communists joined forces with the Bolsheviks against the Czarist Whites. The story takes place at a remote monastery and field hospital near the Volga River, a location deeply affected by the intense battle for control between the opposing sides.
The monastery and hospital repeatedly change hands as the war shifts. The people there confront their beliefs and values while trying to survive in a world filled with violence and uncertainty. Their personal struggles highlight themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the strength of the human spirit.
The film presents a direct look at this critical period, showing the desperation and intensity of a country divided by political passions. Through its powerful visuals and moving story, it offers an immersive experience that allows viewers to connect with those caught in the middle of ideological warfare.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.0
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LoveMovie · 1971 · 88m · DramaLuca cares for her bedridden mother-in-law while hiding the truth about her husband János' imprisonment with carefully crafted letters. She tells them he's thriving as a filmmaker in New York City, hoping for news of his release. As Luca struggles with losing her teaching job because of János' situation, their already strained family faces even greater challenges. It’s a story of love and strength amidst political unrest, and the desperate need for connection when everything is uncertain.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.9 - 15
Professor HannibalMovie · 1956 · 89mA school teacher briefly gains recognition after saving a stuffed bird during a school event.IMDb 7.6TMDB 5.1 - 16
The Stud FarmMovie · 1978 · 102mIn 1950, a young communist director arrives at a stud farm near the Hungarian border, hoping to improve operations. He struggles to gain the respect of the experienced workers, who were exiled there and viewed as enemies of the state. Janit Busó faces resistance from the proud and resentful staff, despite his attempts to assert authority. Unreliable support from the party only complicates his challenging position.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.6 - 17
The WitnessMovie · 1979 · 108m · ComedyIn 1950s Hungary, József Pelikán works as a dam keeper on the Danube. He unexpectedly meets Zoltán Dániel, an old friend he once saved. Years later, Zoltán is now a powerful politician in a changing world. Their reunion sparks a complicated relationship, shaped by political shifts and their shared past, all within a nation rebuilding after the war.IMDb 8.6TMDB 8.1 - 18
HungariansMovie · 1978 · 107mHungarian peasants, seeking better wages, take migrant work on a German farm during World War II, bringing their families with them. While relatively comfortable, they witness the harsh treatment of prisoners of war and others. At the end of the harvest season, they decide to return to Hungary, only to be caught up in the escalating conflict. This film is by acclaimed director Zoltan Fabri, known for his series documenting the fight against fascism.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.4 - 19
A Hungarian NabobMovie · 1966 · 96mSet in the first half of the 18th century, this story follows several decades in the life of the Karpati, a noble family. Based on the novel by Mór Jókai.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.2 - 20
Colonel RedlMovie · 1985 · 152m · Drama, HistorySet in the fading Austro-Hungarian Empire, the film follows Alfred Redl, a determined young officer with big goals. He rises through the ranks to head the Secret Police, becoming deeply involved in a world of political lies and conspiracies. The movie vividly portrays the era's wealth and its approaching end, examining ambition, betrayal, and sacrifice amidst changing power. With careful historical accuracy, it presents a personal story of a man whose success is thrilling and whose downfall is heartbreaking.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 6.9
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SinbadMovie · 1971 · 91m · DramaThis film adapts the stories of Hungarian writer Gyula Krúdy, following the life and romantic experiences of Szindbád, an enigmatic man. The movie offers a visually rich look at his relationships, exploring themes of passion, self-discovery, and love's fleeting nature. Through vivid storytelling and cinematography, it presents Szindbád’s adventures, inviting audiences to consider his choices as he navigates a world where desires and life's realities collide.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.9 - 22
It Happened in EuropeMovie · 1947 · 100m1944. During the war, a group of orphaned and homeless children roam the countryside looking for food and safety. They break into a ruined castle and are taken in by a musician and former concert pianist who is hiding there. After an initial clash, the children accept his leadership, and he earns their respect by shielding them from the harsh conditions.IMDb 7.6TMDB 6.1 - 23
Two Half-Times in HellMovie · 1961 · 120mA soccer game is arranged between German players and a team of Hungarian political prisoners to commemorate Hitler's birthday. The prisoners include a well-known football star from before the war.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.7 - 24
CantataMovie · 1963 · 94mA young doctor returns to his rural hometown and experiences a profound spiritual crisis.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.6 - 25
The Soil Under Your FeetMovie · 1948 · 97mIn 1905 Hungary, a young woman marries the arrogant son of a man her father owes money to, in order to clear the debt. However, she is then taken away by her true love, a young peasant, and soon discovers she is pregnant. Together, they try to find a way to pay off her father's debt and obtain a divorce from her husband, facing many obstacles.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.0 - 26
Twenty HoursMovie · 1965 · 110mIn 1956, a determined newspaper reporter documents the Soviet invasion of Hungary. Starting out as a critic of the communist regime, the reporter's perspective shifts as the film progresses, highlighting the positive social changes that followed the invasion. The title reflects the extensive time the reporter spent speaking with people who witnessed the events.IMDb 7.5TMDB 5.5 - 27
SkylarkMovie · 1965 · 93mThis Hungarian drama, adapted from Dezso Kosztolani's novel, unfolds at the dawn of the 20th century. A young woman stays at home with her mother and retired father, providing them with constant care. This care isolates the family from the outside world, causing her parents to become increasingly detached and self-absorbed. When the daughter briefly visits her uncle, her parents confront the reality of their isolation and the depth of their selfishness toward her.IMDb 7.4TMDB 8.3 - 28
Do You Know Sunday-Monday?Movie · 1969 · 78mSeventeen-year-old Juli starts a summer job at a chemical factory and finds a friend in Piri, a girl who has worked there before and isn't well-regarded. The pair are repeatedly harassed by leering male coworkers. Juli rejects the attention of an infatuated young man, while Piri faces hostility from the older female employees and struggles with her parents' worsening alcoholism.Stream onIMDb 6.3TMDB 4.4
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SatantangoMovie · 1994 · 432m · DramaIn a beautiful Hungarian valley, a tight-knit village faces hardship after the fall of Communism threatens their way of life. The village factory, the source of jobs and security for generations, suddenly closes, leaving residents – including a dedicated doctor and several couples – anxiously awaiting government compensation.
An enigmatic man named Irimias reappears, his past shrouded in secrecy as a former police informant. He exploits the villagers' desperation, proposing a radical solution: transforming their community into a self-sufficient commune under his guidance.
As tensions build and loyalties are tested, the villagers struggle to adapt to this new reality while confronting personal conflicts and the challenges of life in post-Communist Hungary. This story explores themes of resilience, community, and the conflict between individual desires and collective survival.Stream on - 30
My Twentieth CenturyMovie · 1989 · 102m · Comedy, Drama, Science FictionSet in 1880s Budapest, this historical drama follows twin sisters Dóra and Lili, whose lives are irrevocably changed by tragedy after their parents die soon after Thomas Edison's invention of the electric lightbulb. Dóra becomes a revolutionary, believing violence is necessary for progress, while Lili embraces a life of luxury as a courtesan.
Years later, their paths cross on the Orient Express during New Year's Eve 1899. Forced to confront their past and reconcile their different lives, the sisters discover shared desires hidden beneath their contrasting appearances. The film explores themes of identity, family, and the impact of choices in a world rapidly changing at the dawn of the 20th century.Stream on - 31
80 HussarsMovie · 1978 · 124mThe film follows a regiment of Hungarian hussars stationed in Poland. These men, mostly common soldiers, learn of the uprising and want to return to Hungary to help defend the newly independent nation. However, the Empire is determined to keep all Hungarian troops away from the conflict, fearing their loyalty lies with Budapest rather than Vienna.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.4 - 32
A Sunday RomanceMovie · 1957 · 92mSet in the 1910s, this poetic love story explores everyday life through a psychological lens. Sándor, an editor at the local newspaper, works as a soldier on Sundays but spends his weekdays playing billiards and pursuing women. One Sunday afternoon, while in uniform, he encounters Vilma, a beautiful maid whose honesty and virtue spark a passionate romance.IMDb 7.2TMDB 5.7 - 33
Lily BoyMovie · 1955 · 109mDuring the flourishing days of traveling Hungarian theater companies, Mariska and Liliomfi fall in love, unaware that Mariska's foster father, Professor Szilvay, is also Liliomfi's uncle. Their romance is soon threatened when the professor tries to force Liliomfi to abandon his acting career. This leads to a confrontation exposing the professor's hypocrisy, greed, and selfish tyranny.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.4 - 34
Goose BoyMovie · 1950 · 100mA young peasant boy rebels against an oppressive regime, with the help of his loyal companion – a goose.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.3 - 35
The Round-UpMovie · 1966 · 91m · Drama, History, WarFollowing the failed Kossuth Revolution of 1848, this intense historical drama reveals the severe repercussions for those who opposed the government. As suspected rebels are forced into harsh prison camps, a band of partisans, guided by the mysterious outlaw Sándor Rózsa, persists in their fight against the oppressive regime. The authorities, despite knowing little about the partisans, use brutal methods to locate and eliminate them, aiming to regain control. The film powerfully depicts courage and resilience during a time of upheaval, examining themes of resistance, sacrifice, and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of hardship.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2
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CurrentMovie · 1964 · 81mA group of students grapple with the vanishing of their friend.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.9 - 37
Song of the CornfieldsMovie · 1947 · 81mAfter fighting in World War II, a Hungarian soldier marries a woman he believes is the widow of a fellow soldier who died in a prisoner-of-war camp.Stream on - 38
Narcissus and PsycheMovie · 1980 · 261m · DramaDirector Gabor Bodó presents a compelling 19th-century European adaptation of the myth of Narcissus and Psyche. Vilmos Csaplar portrays Psyche as a sensual and bold woman challenging the conservative norms of her time.
The film follows Psyche's journey through a difficult life, where her curiosity and open expression of desire make her both captivating and controversial.
*Narcissus and Psyche* explores themes of desire, societal expectations, and relationships, highlighting the protagonist’s beauty and resilience. This adaptation is a transformative exploration of love, self-discovery, and the nature of desire.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.1 - 39
WoyzeckMovie · 1994 · 93mLajos Kovács is Woyzeck, a man struggling to survive by sweeping train tracks, running errands for a cruel army captain, and participating in unsettling experiments conducted by a doctor obsessed with free will. When his wife starts an affair with a police officer, Woyzeck's faith and poverty push him toward a disturbing path of desperate attempts at making things right.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0 - 40
The House Under the RocksMovie · 1959 · 96mA former prisoner of war, his stunning new wife, and his sister-in-law – a jealous, hunchbacked woman from his first marriage – find themselves trapped together in a remote house beneath a dormant volcano. Each seeks individual fulfillment, but their lives are stifled by their intertwined relationships and mutual needs.IMDb 7.4TMDB 5.9 - 41
Holiday in BritainMovie · 1975 · 85mThis documentary-feature film, using real stories and amateur actors, follows a district pioneer secretary on a mission. The secretary must locate a suitable young person – someone with a working-class background, good grades, and musical talent – to win a month-long trip to Britain. His search leads him to Balogh Tibi, a guitarist at a village school.IMDb 7.0TMDB 5.7 - 42
Diary for My ChildrenMovie · 1984 · 106mFollowing the death of her parents, Juli returns to Budapest from the Soviet Union. The trauma of her past lingers as she reconnects with her aunt and adoptive mother, Magda, shadowed by memories of Stalin's regime.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9
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CsontvaryMovie · 1980 · 112m · DramaTivadar Csontváry Kosztka was an unusual artist who became a legend through his unique style and unwavering dedication to his vision. Initially considered a madman by his fellow Hungarians, the eccentric painter eventually made a significant impact on the art world. The film explores Csontváry's life, showing how he overcame doubt and personal struggles to achieve recognition. Using striking visuals and a moving story, this biographical drama reveals the challenges and successes of an artist who saw the world in a distinctive way. The film also prompts viewers to consider their own perspectives, encouraging acceptance of individuality and new ideas in art and life.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6 - 44
Oh, Bloody LifeMovie · 1984 · 108mOh, Bloody Life, a Hungarian film, examines the profound emotional impact of the oppressive Stalinist era. Dorotya Udvaros portrays a promising young actress from an aristocratic background. Government prejudice against those of wealth endangers her career from its very start. Adding to her distress, she faces the threat of deportation. The frustration suggested by the film's title represents only a small part of the larger story.IMDb 7.4TMDB 5.3 - 45
The Fifth SealMovie · 1976 · 107m · Drama, WarBudapest, 1944. Four friends, who have known each other their whole lives, find themselves together as the war engulfs the city. During relaxed conversations, one friend asks a simple moral question, sparking a series of challenges to their friendship and forcing them to reconsider their values. The hypothetical scenario compels them to confront difficult choices in a world where survival often clashes with what's right. As the war intensifies, each friend struggles with the question's implications and must navigate a time when every decision carries profound weight.IMDb 8.5TMDB 8.0 - 46Film Novel - Three SistersMovie · 1977 · 270mThis documentary follows three sisters in Budapest, depicting their everyday lives with quiet detail and becoming a defining work of the Budapest School. Living with their parents in a small apartment, the sisters begin by sharing their aspirations for the future: rooms with glass walls, successful husbands, homes in leafy suburbs, pets, travel, happy children, and a vibrant social life.IMDb 7.9TMDB 8.0
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Hyppolit, the ButlerMovie · 1931 · 72mThis evergreen comedy follows a newly wealthy, unsophisticated transportation magnate and his wife, who aspires to a glamorous life despite their humble beginnings. Their world is dramatically disrupted when they hire a butler, Hyppolit. A perennial favorite, it remains one of Hungary's most beloved and frequently screened comedies.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 48
Sweet AnnaMovie · 1958 · 84mAnna, a young maid, begins working for the wealthy Vizy family. Mrs. Vizy praises Anna's diligence but shows her little kindness. Her nephew charms Anna, but abandons her when she becomes pregnant. The constant mistreatment Anna endures ultimately leads to a devastating outcome.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.4 - 49
Flowers of ReverieMovie · 1985 · 102mThis historical drama, set in mid-19th century Hungary, explores the struggle against an oppressive government that suppresses any dissent. Following Hungary's recent loss of independence from Austria, a Magyar officer tragically takes his own life after the defeat. Two years later, Ferenc struggles to support his family while carefully avoiding any expression of support for Hungarian independence, as the Secret Police are constantly watching. The arrival of Ferenc's former commanding officer, who rekindles talk of revolution, offers a glimmer of hope, but ultimately leads to disaster. Ferenc and everyone around him are arrested and sent to an asylum.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.4 - 50
American TorsoMovie · 1975 · 96mDuring the closing weeks of the American Civil War, a Hungarian military officer who emigrated to the United States tries to assess the enemy's strength. Several veterans of the 1848 Hungarian War of Independence, including the seasoned Fiala, the homesick Boldogh, and the impulsive Vereczky, grapple with their forced exile, each reacting differently to the news of a coming peace.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.6 - 51
The Midas TouchMovie · 1989 · 104mThis is a profound drama set in post-World War II Hungary, culminating in the 1956 revolt against Soviet control. The story centers on the head of Budapest's black market, a man convinced he can acquire anything through money. Ultimately, he confronts the limitations of wealth when it comes to life itself. Featuring a stellar cast of Hungarian actors, the film unfolds in Budapest's eighth district, with a focus on the bustling marketplace at Teleki Square, which continues to operate throughout the period. Archival footage of the 1956 revolution is also included.IMDb 7.6TMDB 6.9 - 52
The Upthrown StoneMovie · 1969 · 84mWhen his father is jailed for stopping a train to reunite two friends, an aspiring film student loses his state university scholarship. He takes a job as a land surveyor and encounters a Greek man dedicated to improving the lives of peasants. The man is killed in a peasant uprising sparked by government corruption. Caring for the surveyor's widow, he becomes increasingly aware of injustice and begins to protest government wrongdoing. A further incident, where Roma people are wrongly detained by health officials, solidifies his convictions. He photographs the event, and the resulting work earns him admission to the university he was previously denied.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.3 - 53
The Corporal and the OthersMovie · 1965 · 111mAfter WWII ends, PFC Molnár plans to skip his duties, carrying a hidden stash of money in his hand grenades. He seeks refuge in a deserted mansion, where he finds himself among a group of people all trying to avoid their responsibilities, including a disgruntled butler.IMDb 8.3TMDB 8.0
