130 Films Celebrating a Century of Polish Cinema
130 titles
- 101
The Depot of the DeadMovie · 1959 · 104mIn the remote, mountainous regions of southeastern Poland, the arrival of a new boss and his wife ignites a chain of violent events.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.9 - 102
CustodyMovie · 1985 · 118mOn her wedding day, a young woman is arrested for embezzlement and immediately sentenced to life in prison. Already pregnant, she gives birth to her child inside the prison walls. The baby is taken from her shortly after birth, and she later discovers he suffered a spinal injury while in an orphanage. After years of imprisonment, her sentence is reduced, and she is released on parole after serving twelve years.IMDb 7.1TMDB 3.8 - 103
The Sun Rises Once a DayMovie · 1972 · 90mFollowing the war, a group of mountain people are determined to build their own sawmill. Their plans are disrupted when communist authorities attempt to seize control of the mill, sparking a rebellion.IMDb 6.8TMDB 5.3 - 104
33 Scenes from LifeMovie · 2008 · 100mIn Kraków, Polish artist Julia and her composer husband Piotr's life unravels when Julia's mother, Barbara, becomes seriously ill with stomach cancer. Julia stays with her mother until she dies, while Piotr is away for rehearsals in Cologne. Left to cope alone, Julia finds support only in her friend Adrian, as her father Jurek is overwhelmed by grief. Following his wife’s death, Jurek turns to alcohol and soon after passes away himself. Consumed by loss, Julia finds solace in Adrian's arms, a turn that ultimately destroys her marriage to Piotr. With both parents gone and her marriage ended, Julia is left isolated and facing an uncertain future, finding little comfort in Adrian's presence.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.0 - 105
Winter TwilightMovie · 1957 · 94mRumsza, a retired railway worker, lives a quiet life with his wife, longing for his only son, who lost his two older brothers in the war. Joziuk unexpectedly returns from the military with Zosia, who is pregnant, instead of the woman Rumsza had hoped for – Celinka, the daughter of his closest friend and neighbor. Disappointed, Rumsza angrily kicks Joziuk and Zosia out. Celinka is hurt, but still holds onto hope that Joziuk will change his mind. The arrival of their child prompts a shift: Rumsza accepts Joziuk's relationship, while Celinka chooses to leave.IMDb 6.4TMDB 5.5 - 106
Escape from the Liberty CinemaMovie · 1990 · 87m · Drama, Fantasy"Daybreak" depicts an extraordinary event at the Liberty Cinema where the movie screen becomes a portal. The characters in the film begin interacting with the audience, blurring the line between fiction and reality. This strange occurrence draws a crowd of onlookers.
Local authorities and experts try to understand the situation, and a former literary critic is brought in to manage the confusing mix of reality and the film. The movie explores how this event challenges our perception of art and existence, creating a suspenseful and thought-provoking experience.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.2 - 107
Squint Your EyesMovie · 2003 · 88mA spirited ten-year-old girl runs away from her wealthy parents and seeks shelter with the caretaker of a deserted farm. The caretaker is an older, somewhat untidy former teacher who reluctantly takes her in.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.2 - 108
Little DramasMovie · 1960 · 62mThe film explores two separate narratives highlighting challenges children encounter during their formative years.IMDb 6.9TMDB 5.0 - 109
Woman in a HatMovie · 1985 · 101mThis film explores the life of Ewa, a young Polish actress striving to find her place. She takes on a small role in a play, a stark contrast to her true self, while dreaming of playing Cordelia in 'King Lear'. Living independently, she seeks guidance from a renowned older actress, cares for a struggling neighbor, and clashes with her mother over the truth about her father's life and death.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 110
Behind the WallMovie · 1971 · 56mJan, a driven chemistry assistant professor, finds his world disrupted by Anna, a struggling science writer seeking his guidance and kindness. However, Jan, consumed by his professional ambitions, is largely oblivious to Anna's attempts to connect with him.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.3 - 111
The Last Day of SummerMovie · 1958 · 59mThis is a quiet story about two isolated individuals who seek connection, but find genuine understanding remains elusive.Stream onIMDb 6.8TMDB 6.5
- 112
PharaohMovie · 1966 · 151m · History, DramaYoung Pharaoh Ramses XIII challenges the established order as he fights for control of Egypt. He clashes with the powerful clergy, who tightly control the country's government and riches. Though inexperienced, Ramses must navigate a dangerous world of political maneuvering and deceit to secure his rule against those determined to overthrow him. The film explores ambition, corruption, and the struggle between tradition and progress amidst a turbulent mix of politics and religion.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 6.7
- 113
Hotel PacificMovie · 1975 · 94mIn the early 1930s, a young man takes a job as a dishwasher at a hotel and rapidly climbs the ranks. Loosely adapted from the novel by Henryk Worcell.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.4 - 114
The DebtMovie · 1999 · 106m · Drama, CrimeThis drama follows two ambitious men as they try to start a scooter business while facing financial hardship and exploitation. Unable to get a loan due to lack of assets, they find a chance encounter with an old friend who hides a dangerous past. As this friend begins to manipulate their situation, their hopeful business venture quickly descends into chaos and despair. The film explores the difficult choices and emotional struggles that occur when ambition meets corruption in a tough city environment.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.0 - 115
Colonel KwiatkowskiMovie · 1996 · 123mMilitary doctor Kwiatkowski, stationed at a Western Territories barracks hospital, earns a week's leave after successfully operating on Colonel Kiziora of the Polish Underground. He and his friend then steal a truck headed for Warsaw. There, amidst the city's ruins, he reunites with his old neighbor Krysia, falls in love, and, following a fight with a Russian officer at a dance in the surviving Polonia Hotel, pretends to be a high-ranking UB colonel to avoid embarrassment.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 116
Ashes and DiamondsMovie · 1958 · 103m · Drama, War, RomanceSet against the backdrop of post-World War II turmoil, the film follows Maciek Chelmicki, an academy soldier ordered to assassinate a political figure. A chance meeting throws him into a difficult situation: carry out the killing or disobey his orders and face the repercussions. As Maciek struggles with this moral dilemma, he meets Krystyna, a young barmaid whose kindness questions his sense of duty. In the midst of war's aftermath, their moments of connection highlight the human cost of this emotional story.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4
- 117
The Yellow ScarfMovie · 2000 · 59mA man battling alcoholism desperately seeks a better life. The day before Christmas Eve, his son gives him a yellow scarf – a gift meant to offer protection from hardship. He’s lost the scarf before, each loss a reminder of his struggles. After another night of heavy drinking, he’s brought to his mother by his ex-wife and secretary, who helps him recover. His mother then organizes a holiday gathering for them and gives her son another yellow scarf, hoping it will aid him in overcoming his addiction.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.5 - 118
ShiversMovie · 1981 · 106mA young man grows up under a harsh, authoritarian socialist regime, witnessing its gradual corruption of his family, his education, and his own perceptions.Stream on - 119
IlluminationMovie · 1973 · 87m · DramaKrzysztof Zanussi's film follows a young physics student for ten years as he faces life's challenges, which test his faith in reason and science. The story shows how tragedy and relationships slowly shake his belief in the power of scientific thought. The film explores intellectual honesty, human weakness, and emotional depth, ultimately examining the limits and potential of what we can understand.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0
- 120
White MarriageMovie · 1993 · 94mWhile watching a video about sexuality, teenage girls Bianka and Paulina are startled by Bianka's father and switch channels. They are instantly transported to the same house in the 1920s, where they grapple with the challenges of growing up. The house is filled with a palpable sense of sensuality. Bianka, with her sensitive and artistic nature, is deeply disturbed by the traditional path laid out for her and fears an arranged marriage. Paulina, outgoing and confident, readily accepts romantic attention. Adapted from Tadeusz Różewicz's 1975 play, *White Marriage*.IMDb 5.9TMDB 6.2 - 121
KornblumenblauMovie · 1989 · 88mThis is the true story of a Polish musician who lived through the concentration camps because he could play the title melody on his accordion.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.8 - 122
A Few People, a Little TimeMovie · 2007 · 104mA blind writer and a celebrated poet develop a unique connection that profoundly impacts both of them, leading to an extraordinary collaboration focused solely on their shared artistic work, untouched by everyday concerns or external pressures.IMDb 6.5TMDB 5.8 - 123
Woman from the ProvincesMovie · 1985 · 104mAndzia has spent her entire life in a small town. She's married to the owner of the apartment building where she lives, a union that occurs when she's fifty. Prior to that, she raised two children on her own. A straightforward woman, Andzia doesn't perceive any monotony in her everyday life. In her fifties, she works as a dishwasher in a restaurant and hopes her daughter will marry her and her son will find a profession. Small savings bring her the most joy. During the occupation, she works in a soldier's kitchen for the Germans.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.2 - 124
Hospital of the TransfigurationMovie · 1979 · 90mIn the early years of World War II, a young, idealistic doctor begins working at a psychiatric hospital. There, his beliefs about patient care are tested by the hospital staff and the realities of the German occupation.IMDb 7.3TMDB 5.9 - 125
A Woman AloneMovie · 1987 · 92mIrena, a postal worker, faces hardship with a cramped apartment, a disruptive neighbor who wants her job, and a demanding boss – all while being separated from her young son throughout the workday. The loneliness of single motherhood is a constant burden. She finds a potential path to happiness in Jacek, a disabled pensioner, but tragedy persists.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.6 - 126
Young ForestMovie · 1934 · 71mAt the start of the 1900s, Polish students recognize their education is controlled by the government, not focused on truth. A student challenges his professor's view of Suworow as a great Polish leader. This disagreement sparks a widespread student strike.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.2 - 127
AusteriaMovie · 1983 · 102mOn the eve of World War I, a group of Jewish people fleeing a pogrom in Poland find refuge in a countryside inn, desperately hiding from the Cossacks and fearing discovery.Stream on - 128
Knights of the Teutonic OrderMovie · 1960 · 166m · Adventure, Drama, HistoryA young nobleman returns from a difficult war against the Teutonic Knights in Lithuania to find himself broke. With his uncle's help, he enters the complicated world of politics and finds himself deeply in love with a captivating woman. Determined to win her heart, he vows to bring her three valuable trophies from the Knights. This moving story explores loyalty, sacrifice, and the lengths people will go for love, set against a backdrop of war and turmoil.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.3 - 129
Night TrainMovie · 1959 · 97m · Drama, ThrillerJerzy and Marta, two strangers, unexpectedly share a sleeping compartment on a train to the Baltic Sea. A ticket mix-up brings them together, setting off a series of events that connect their lives. Unbeknownst to them, Marta's former lover is also on board, persistently trying to win her back, creating tension in their confined space.
The situation escalates when police enter the train searching for a murderer. Suspicion falls on several passengers, including Jerzy and Marta, fostering an atmosphere of paranoia. Secrets are revealed, relationships are strained, and unexpected bonds form as they navigate a complex web of mistrust.
Blending drama, suspense, and dark humor, the story follows these strangers as they confront their inner struggles while searching for answers in the unfolding mystery. The train journey becomes a psychological exploration, keeping them guessing until the very end.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.6 - 130
The Promised LandMovie · 1975 · 179m · Drama, HistoryIn 19th-century Łódź, Poland, three ambitious young men seek fortune in the booming textile industry. The film follows their efforts to build and invest in their own factory, offering a detailed look at the rapid industrial expansion of the time. It vividly portrays the challenges and successes of these entrepreneurs, and how their ventures reshape the town's social and economic landscape.Stream on
