133 Essential Canadian Films from TIFF
129 titles
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FireMovie · 1997 · 108m · Drama, RomanceIn a future Gotham City facing a surge of dangerous new criminals, an older Bruce Wayne decides to step down as Batman. But when rebellious teenager Terry McGinnis discovers Bruce's secret identity, an unlikely partnership begins. Combining youthful energy with seasoned expertise, they team up, making Terry the city's new Batman. This story is about guidance and carrying on a tradition as the original Batman prepares the next generation to face the city's ongoing dangers.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 2
Manufactured LandscapesMovie · 2006 · 90m · DocumentaryMANUFACTURED LANDSCAPES is a new documentary exploring the work of celebrated artist Edward Burtynsky. Known for his expansive photographs of industrial sites – quarries, recycling centers, factories, mines, and dams – Burtynsky transforms materials and waste into strikingly beautiful art.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1 - 3
The DirtiesMovie · 2013 · 83m · Comedy, Drama, CrimeTwo best friends begin making a movie about getting revenge on their tormentors, and the line between what's real and what's not starts to fade.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.4 - 4
LiliesMovie · 1997 · 96m · Drama, RomanceIn 1952, Bishop Bilodeau travels to visit his old friend Simon, who is serving a life sentence for murder. At the prison, Bilodeau is unexpectedly asked to witness a play performed by the inmates, which recounts their pasts.
Watching the performance, Bilodeau is reminded of his youthful friendship with Simon and their shared dreams. But as the story unfolds, a dark secret emerges, revealing the truth behind Simon's crime – a truth that surprises everyone. This moving story explores themes of friendship, guilt, and redemption as the past comes to light.IMDb 7.3TMDB 8.1 - 5
Take This WaltzMovie · 2011 · 116m · Drama, Comedy, RomanceMargot, 28, is content in her marriage to Lou, a kind cookbook author. However, a strong connection sparks between Margot and Daniel, a charming artist who lives next door. Their mutual attraction becomes impossible to ignore.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.4 - 6
The Cat in the BagMovie · 1964 · 75mA disillusioned young journalist grapples with societal issues, searching for a way to effect change. The story reflects the political awakening of Quebec's people.IMDb 7.3TMDB 5.7 - 7
Café de FloreMovie · 2011 · 121m · Drama, RomanceIn 1960s Paris, Jacqueline, a young mother, dedicates herself to caring for her disabled son, Laurent, after being abandoned by her husband. She strives to provide Laurent with a happy, "normal" life. Present-day Montreal introduces Antoine, a successful DJ with a thriving career, two daughters, and a loving relationship with Rose. Despite his apparent perfection, Antoine's ex-wife Carole is struggling with their recent separation.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.8 - 8
Black ChristmasMovie · 1974 · 98m · Horror, Mystery, CrimeHoliday cheer turns to fear for the members of Pi Kappa Sigma sorority when unsettling phone calls disrupt their festive season. An unknown person begins making obscene calls with sinister intentions, invading the peace of their home. The sisters must band together to identify the caller while confronting their own fears and testing the bonds of their sisterhood. The film explores themes of trust and resilience as they fight to protect one another during this chilling investigation. It's a suspenseful drama highlighting the strength of young women facing unexpected challenges during the holidays.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9 - 9
Gambling, Gods and LSDMovie · 2002 · 180mFilmmaker Peter Mettler travels the globe, seeking to capture how people in different cultures find meaning and live fully. His journey through diverse communities and landscapes becomes a visual and auditory exploration of these perspectives, reflecting the complex and captivating worlds he encounters.IMDb 7.0TMDB 5.7 - 10
ArchangelMovie · 1990 · 82m · War, Romance, DramaDuring the 1919 Allied intervention in Arkhangelsk, Russia, a Canadian soldier named Lt. John Boles, who has a prosthetic leg, is rescued from the winter by an unusual family. He then mistakenly believes a local woman looks like his lost love. As Lt. Boles becomes involved in this complicated situation filled with misunderstandings and strong emotions, the film examines themes of loss, identity, and connection during wartime and political change.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.4 - 11Water SarkMovie · 1965 · 14mFilmed at my kitchen table – a familiar and comfortable space – this is a look at the artistry of everyday life. Using prisms, glass, and light, I explore the creative process alongside myself. "The Housewife is High" is a film sculpture, created in real time.IMDb 5.0TMDB 4.8
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Goin' Down the RoadMovie · 1970 · 88mTwo friends journey from Nova Scotia to Toronto, seeking a more promising future.IMDb 7.3TMDB 5.8 - 13
The Decline of the American EmpireMovie · 1986 · 101m · Comedy, DramaFour university professors – Remy, Claude, Pierre, and Alain – gather at a country house to cook a meal together. Their shared cooking and conversation evolve into open discussions about sex, relationships, and personal experiences. Simultaneously, their partners – Louise, Dominique, Diane, and Danielle – discuss similar topics at a city health gym. That evening, everyone reunites for dinner at the house, where a surprise guest, Mario, an acquaintance of Diane’s, arrives with his own unexpected addition. The film examines the connections between love, sexuality, and the challenges of human relationships through these characters' interactions.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 14
Paul Tomkowicz: Street Railway SwitchmanMovie · 1953 · 9mThis is a personal story of a Polish immigrant in Winnipeg. It follows his life as he works a simple but essential job maintaining streetcar switches. The film portrays his quiet strength, determination, and sense of accomplishment in his daily work.IMDb 6.8TMDB 5.7 - 15
Margaret's MuseumMovie · 1995 · 114mMargaret MacNeil is content with her single life in a small Cape Breton town, where many men perish working in the coal mines. Her peaceful existence is disrupted when she meets Neil Currie, a kind and genuine dishwasher who plays the bagpipes and speaks Gaelic. However, the shadow of the mine looms large, and Margaret can't escape its influence.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.3 - 16
Felicia's JourneyMovie · 1999 · 116m · Drama, ThrillerFelicia, a teenage mother, travels to England to find the father of her baby. There, she meets Joseph Ambrose Hilditch, a helpful catering manager who offers her support. But as Felicia adjusts to this new place, she begins to suspect that Joseph isn't as kind as he seems, and something sinister lies beneath his friendly facade. The film explores themes of love, loss, and betrayal as Felicia confronts a disturbing truth about trust and human nature.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.3 - 17
When the Day BreaksMovie · 1999 · 10m · AnimationThis heartwarming story follows Redd, a rooster, as he enjoys his final biscuit before venturing out for a grocery run around the farm. Simultaneously, Penny, a resourceful pig, prepares her usual breakfast of potato peelings, only to discover she's out of milk. Their paths cross unexpectedly when a lemon rolls into the sewer, sparking a connection. With humor and kindness, the film explores Redd and Penny's journey of friendship, problem-solving, and discovering life lessons through simple interactions.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.7 - 18
Laurence AnywaysMovie · 2012 · 168m · Drama, RomanceFred and Laurence develop a profound connection, a love that defies societal expectations. Laurence shares her deeply personal journey of self-discovery, revealing her long-held desire to live authentically as her true gender.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.6 - 19Variations on a Cellophane WrapperMovie · 1970 · 9mDavid Rimmer's experimental film focuses on a factory worker carefully unfolding a piece of cellophane. The film transforms this simple act with a captivating sequence of ghostly images, sound manipulations, and altered visuals. It was preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2013.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.2
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Like a Dream that VanishesMovie · 1999 · 39m"Like a Dream That Vanishes" continues Sternberg's signature cinematic approach, exploring themes of life's fleeting nature through the medium of film itself. The film uses rhythmic light pulses to evoke the energy of life, comparing it to a candle burning. Images of nature and scenes from different stages of human life – a child playing, teenagers socializing, sunlight filtering through trees, men in moments of waiting, lightning flashes, and an old man contemplating miracles – are interspersed with abstract, imageless shots.IMDb 5.6TMDB 4.7 - 21
Hard Core LogoMovie · 1996 · 92mBruce Macdonald documents the final reunion tour of the punk band Hard Core Logo across Western Canada. The charismatic lead singer, Joe Dick, keeps the band together with incredible determination, but the tour brings a flood of old conflicts and challenges to the surface.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.5 - 22
Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the MediaMovie · 1992 · 167m · DocumentaryThis documentary explores the life and work of a leading American linguist and political activist. He exposes how corporate media uses propaganda to influence public opinion. The film presents his research and analysis, showing how mainstream media manipulates information for specific benefits. Featuring interviews and discussions, it emphasizes the need for media literacy in today's environment of false information. Ultimately, the documentary encourages viewers to think critically about the news they encounter.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.6 - 23
WaydowntownMovie · 2002 · 84mFour young office workers make a bet about who can stay indoors the longest. They're in a city where glass skywalks connect buildings downtown. It's day 28 of the bet, and during the lunch hour, as the office prepares for their company founder's retirement party, their carefully constructed plan begins to fall apart.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.6 - 24
Take It AllMovie · 1963 · 99mThis film explores a young man's internal conflicts as he grapples with questions of self, the paths he's taken, his relationship with a person of another race, and his hidden feelings for other men. It offers a glimpse into the lives of a group of young intellectuals in Montreal during the early 1960s.IMDb 7.1TMDB 5.3 - 25
The Heart of the WorldMovie · 2000 · 6m · Science Fiction, Comedy, RomanceA fantastical story follows two brothers competing for the affection of a scientist who is researching the Earth's core. Their rivalry unfolds against the backdrop of a desperate race to save the world from a deadly heart attack. One brother works as a mortician, while the other is an actor portraying Christ.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.0 - 26
Good RiddanceMovie · 1980 · 120m · DramaIn a remote Quebec mountain town, Michelle works hard to support her family: her developmentally-challenged brother Guy and her teenage daughter Manon. They make a living running a small firewood business and taking on odd jobs. Michelle navigates complicated relationships with the local police chief Maurice and Gaetan, a family friend who is also interested in her.
Manon, intelligent but struggling in school, experiences emotional turmoil. She feels jealous of her mother's suitors and resentful of the responsibilities she carries for Guy and the household, straining their relationship. A significant event forces Michelle and Manon to confront their weaknesses and deal with the results of their decisions.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.3 - 27
Strange BrewMovie · 1983 · 90m · Comedy, Crime, Science FictionElsinore Brewery, a successful business founded by its late owner, is about to be inherited by Pam, an orphan. However, strange events threaten the brewery's future. Bob and Doug McKenzie, known from the SCTV show, step in to help Pam regain control and uncover hidden secrets within Elsinore.
Their efforts are complicated by powerful enemies: Brewmeister Smith and two ruthless hockey teams, all vying for ownership of the brewery. Through humor, friendship, and fierce competition, Bob, Doug, and Pam must use their intelligence and love of brewing to fight for what is theirs.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.0 - 28
KissedMovie · 1996 · 78m · Romance, DramaThe film follows a person whose childhood interest in death deepens into a strong appreciation for embalming. What starts as simple curiosity evolves into a personal and intimate connection with the art of preserving the dead. The story explores the complexities of this unusual relationship, revealing the strength of human connection found outside traditional boundaries.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.4 - 29
EnemyMovie · 2014 · 91m · Thriller, MysteryA quiet college professor stumbles upon someone who looks exactly like him and becomes increasingly drawn into the stranger's personal life.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.9 - 30
A Married CoupleMovie · 1969 · 97mThis film examines the challenges of a troubled marriage through the everyday lives of Billy and Antoinette Edwards, along with their son Bogart and dog Merton. The couple invites documentary filmmaker Allan King to film their daily routines in an attempt to understand the source of their marital difficulties, capturing moments of laughter, tears, humor, affection, frustration, resilience, and heartbreak.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.3 - 31
Kanehsatake, 270 Years of ResistanceMovie · 1993 · 119mIn July 1990, a disagreement over plans for a golf course on Mohawk land in Oka, Quebec, sparks a major conflict. This event gained widespread attention and became a significant moment in Canadian history.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.4 - 32
OrdersMovie · 1974 · 109mThis film tells the true story of everyday people who were unjustly arrested and held in prison for weeks, without being charged with any crime, during the 1970 October Crisis in Quebec.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.4 - 33
Night ZooMovie · 1987 · 115mNewly released from prison, Marcel tries to reconnect with his girlfriend Julie, who has become a prostitute, and his father Albert, who believes he was simply traveling. However, Marcel is being hunted by two corrupt police officers – one with a personal vendetta – who claim he has drug money.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 34
CalendarMovie · 1993 · 74mA photographer and his wife journey through Armenia, documenting churches for a calendar. They are joined by a local driver and guide. As the calendar project progresses, the relationship between the husband and wife becomes increasingly strained.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.3 - 35
Monsieur LazharMovie · 2011 · 94m · Drama, ComedyIn the depths of a brutal Montreal winter, an elementary school class is devastated by the suicide of their teacher. Bachir Lazhar, a compelling Algerian immigrant, becomes their substitute, tasked with guiding the traumatized children. He carefully hides his own struggles: seeking political refuge in Quebec and carrying the weight of a profound personal loss, mirroring the children's pain.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2 - 36
IncendiesMovie · 2010 · 131m · Drama, War, MysteryFollowing their mother's dying wish, twins Jeanne and Simon travel to the Middle East to uncover their family history. Adapted from Wajdi Mouawad's acclaimed play, Incendies is a powerful and moving story about two young adults exploring the origins of deep-seated hatred, ongoing conflicts, and enduring love.IMDb 8.3TMDB 8.1 - 37
GoonMovie · 2012 · 92m · Comedy, DramaDoug Glatt, a laid-back guy who unexpectedly finds he's good at fighting, is recruited by a minor league hockey coach to be the team's enforcer. Even though Doug can't skate, his friend Pat encourages him to try out, and he quickly becomes a fan favorite. But when the league's top tough guy feels challenged by Doug's popularity, he plots revenge.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.4 - 38
The Grey FoxMovie · 1982 · 92mIn 1901, after 33 years in prison, Bill Miner, the legendary highwayman known as "The Gentleman Bandit" to the Pinkertons, is released. A friendly and charismatic man, he finds himself in a changed world. He ultimately returns to his life's work: robbing trains.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9 - 39
The CorporationMovie · 2003 · 145m · DocumentaryFollowing a late 18th-century legal ruling that established corporations as legal persons, they have become a powerful force in global economics, politics, and society. This film offers a psychological exploration of this corporate "person" through various real-world examples. The analysis reveals a pattern of ruthless, amoral behavior. It highlights the significant danger this entity poses to our world and future, while also examining how courageous, intelligent individuals can work to counter it.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.6 - 40
C.R.A.Z.Y.Movie · 2005 · 126m · Comedy, DramaIn the 1960s and 70s, a young French Canadian man navigates the complexities of growing up within a traditional family. He grapples with finding his own identity while trying to live up to his father’s expectations.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5 - 41
Crime WaveMovie · 1985 · 80mA young director is determined to create a groundbreaking crime film, but struggles to write the middle section of his script. His landlord's daughter, eager to assist, connects him with a mysterious individual named Dr. Jolly who is interested in collaborating on the project.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.2 - 42
Picture of LightMovie · 1994 · 83mThis documentary follows an expedition to Churchill, Manitoba, with the goal of filming the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 43
Wedding in WhiteMovie · 1972 · 103mWhen a young woman's brother returns home from the army with a fellow soldier, they celebrate together. After drinking, the brother's friend assaults the sister. Later, she discovers she is pregnant. Instead of blaming the perpetrator, her parents hold her responsible.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.5 - 44
Begone Dull CareMovie · 1949 · 8m · Animation, MusicThis animated short film visually interprets a performance by the Oscar Peterson Trio. Evelyn Lambart and Norman McLaren use a unique technique to paint colors, shapes, and transitions onto a filmstrip, creating a vibrant and immersive experience. The animation captures the feeling of jazz through fluid lines, vivid colors, and dynamic movement, responding to the music with kaleidoscopic patterns and lively forms. It's a showcase of artistic skill in combining music, visuals, and technology for an unforgettable journey into the world of jazz.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9 - 45
I Killed My MotherMovie · 2009 · 96m · DramaSeventeen-year-old Hubert struggles with a complicated relationship with his mother, a mix of love and resentment that grows stronger daily. Following difficult events and heartbreaking moments, Hubert discovers his mother by the Saint Lawrence River, the place where he spent his childhood. There, a murder takes place: the murder of their shared past.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.5 - 46
The Devil's ToyMovie · 1966 · 15m"The Devil's Toy," dedicated to those harmed by intolerance, presents itself as a public service documentary detailing skateboarding's emergence in Montreal. Presented as anti-skateboarding propaganda, the film contrasts official disapproval with the thrill and independence felt by young people skateboarding downhill through the city streets, just before the activity was outlawed.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.2 - 47
Anvil! The Story of AnvilMovie · 2008 · 81m · Documentary, MusicRobb Reiner and Lips, best friends since they were 14, made a promise to play music together for life. Their band, Anvil, known as the "demi-gods of Canadian metal," inspired bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. After a disastrous European tour, Robb and Lips, now in their fifties, embark on recording their 13th album – a final effort to realize the dreams they shared as young men.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.6 - 48
The Maltese Cross MovementMovie · 1967 · 7mThis film explores Dewdney's belief that the projector, rather than the camera, is the core medium for filmmaking. The film's structure and content are directly shaped by how a projector works, particularly the movement of its Maltese cross, which visually represents the projector's key components and motions. It also suggests a relationship between continuous and interrupted movements throughout the entire process, from the machine's mechanics to how viewers perceive the images. The film’s soundtrack similarly utilizes continuous and interrupted sounds. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2009.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.7 - 49
Naked LunchMovie · 1991 · 115mBill Lee, a man who kills bugs for a living, lives a detached life with his wife Joan, often using his pest poisons for recreational drug use with his Beat poet friends. His world changes when he encounters the enigmatic Dr. Benway, who gives him a drug made from a centipede. After taking it, Bill accidentally kills Joan and finds himself under the control of his typewriter, which has transformed into a cockroach. He's transported to a constantly shifting Mediterranean city and discovers his friends have published his writing – work he doesn't recall creating.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.0 - 50
Rat Life and Diet in North AmericaMovie · 1968 · 16mThis film critiques the global network of corporations and the military-industrial complex that shapes modern society.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.1 - 51
ExoticaMovie · 1994 · 103m · DramaChristina is a performer at Exotica, a lavish Toronto strip club, and she draws the attention of Francis, a lonely tax auditor who is persistently drawn to her. Their lives become complicated by Eric, the club's MC and Christina's former lover, who introduces her to the stage while dealing with his own complicated feelings for the club's owner. As tensions build within the club, a new person enters the scene: Thomas, an intriguing pet-shop owner whose life will unexpectedly connect with these interwoven stories. The film explores obsession, desire, and the difficulty of distinguishing between fantasy and reality, all set against the glamorous and raw backdrop of the club.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.6 - 52
Between FriendsMovie · 1973 · 91mA former convict assembles a team – his daughter and her two friends – to meticulously plan a major robbery of a nickel mine in Northern Ontario.IMDb 6.6 - 53
RyanMovie · 2004 · 13m · Documentary, Animation, DramaThe film follows Canadian animator Ryan Larkin, who later experienced homelessness in Montreal after struggling with substance abuse.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.6 - 54
One WeekMovie · 2008 · 94m · Adventure, DramaAfter receiving a cancer diagnosis with a very poor prognosis, Ben Tyler chooses a different path. Instead of starting treatment, he embarks on a motorcycle journey from Toronto, across the Canadian prairies, to British Columbia.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8 - 55
Eastern PromisesMovie · 2007 · 100m · Thriller, Crime, MysteryA Russian teenager living in London dies giving birth, leaving behind a diary filled with clues. These clues suggest a connection between her child and a violent rape committed by a Russian mob family.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3 - 56
Blind TrustMovie · 1986 · 86mA rising security chief in a government ministry hires the enigmatic fixer Meursault to steal a bag from an armored truck. Meursault seeks out Théo, a former nightclub owner recently released from prison after serving two years on false charges, in exchange for information about Montreal's criminal world. Théo accepts the job for money and a path to the US with his son Robin. He assembles a team: Gilder, a former convict and set designer, and Roxanne, Gilder’s resourceful friend and a skilled thief. Their carefully planned heist unravels when a security guard, Marcel, is overly diligent. What becomes of Théo and his son? Will any of the thieves succeed in escaping?IMDb 6.9TMDB 4.9 - 57
The True Nature of BernadetteMovie · 1972 · 96mIn this French-language Canadian film, Bernadette decides to abandon her life and embrace a simpler existence. She carefully leaves her wedding ring for her lawyer husband to find, then purchases a farm with a dilapidated house and an elderly, grumpy caretaker. Bernadette's empathy and unique perspective unexpectedly bring positive changes to her neighbors' lives. They believe these improvements are miraculous, possibly inspired by her name, and soon many desperate people seek her out at the farm.IMDb 7.5TMDB 5.9 - 58
The FlyMovie · 1986 · 96m · Horror, Science FictionBrilliant scientist Seth Brundle develops revolutionary teleportation technology and decides to be the first human to test it. He steps into the machine, unaware that a housefly has entered with him. During the teleportation process, the fly's genetic material fuses with Brundle's, creating unforeseen consequences. The once-celebrated scientist now confronts a disturbing transformation, grappling with the implications of his invention and questioning what it means to be human.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 59
MeatballsMovie · 1979 · 92m · ComedyCamp Northstar is home to a group of enthusiastic campers and their young counselor, Tripper, who's better at practical jokes than giving advice. The film follows Tripper as he tries to guide a quiet camper named Rudy. As Tripper and his team compete against Camp Mohawk in the annual Olympiad, Rudy unexpectedly sparks a romance between Tripper and Roxanne, another counselor. It’s a funny story about friendship, first love, and figuring out who you are.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.8 - 60
Stories We TellMovie · 2012 · 109m · DocumentarySarah Polley, a Canadian actress and filmmaker, explores hidden aspects of her mother's past. She interviews family and friends, but their accounts differ depending on their connection to the events. This creates a series of unanswered questions, as memory is unreliable and the truth hinges on whose perspective we hear.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1 - 61
WarrendaleMovie · 1967 · 101m"Warrendale" documents the daily lives of twelve emotionally troubled children and their caregivers at a residential treatment center near Toronto. Filmed over five weeks without narration, interviews, or direction, Allan King captures unscripted moments, creating what he termed "actuality drama."IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 62
Dying at GraceMovie · 2003 · 148mThe film follows five patients in a palliative care unit as they spend their final days, documenting their experiences of dying with a film crew present.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.6 - 63
The ConfessionalMovie · 1995 · 100mPierre Lamontagne returns to Quebec for his father's funeral and reconnects with his adopted brother, Marc. Marc is grappling with questions about his identity and begins searching for his origins, a journey that takes them to 1950s Quebec. The past and present intertwine in a complicated mystery, with the solution hidden within their search.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.0 - 64
The Silent PartnerMovie · 1978 · 102m · Drama, ThrillerIn Toronto, Canada, just before Christmas, bank teller Miles Cullen's ordinary life changes when he finds a strange note at work. Working in a busy shopping mall branch, he discovers a planned robbery that threatens the holiday. Miles is forced to step outside his comfort zone and find a way to stop the heist as time runs out. The film explores suspense, personal growth, and the importance of connection as Miles tries to prevent disaster during the festive season.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0 - 65
LoyaltiesMovie · 1987 · 98mLily and her three youngest children move to a remote town in northern Alberta to join her husband David Sutton, a doctor. Their eleven-year-old son joins them later from boarding school. David is hiding a painful past that prompted their sudden departure from England. They connect with a neighbor named Rosanne, who breaks up with her abusive boyfriend. Lily, feeling isolated as an English woman in the town, hires Rosanne as a housekeeper. The two women develop a close friendship, which is threatened when David's secret resurfaces.IMDb 6.8TMDB 5.0 - 66
Last NightMovie · 1998 · 95m · Comedy, Romance, DramaIn Toronto, as New Year's Eve nears midnight, a feeling of unease grows. The city's people face the impending end of the world at the start of New Year's Day.
The film follows ordinary people as they deal with the possibility of dying. It looks at hope, fear, love, and community as they count down to an uncertain future. Each person reacts differently – some find comfort with family, while others seek answers in themselves or their faith.
As the city celebrates and mourns, we see how people respond to the coming apocalypse, both together and alone. Capturing real human feelings, the film is a moving look at facing death and the bonds that connect us when things fall apart.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.6 - 67
Life ClassesMovie · 1988 · 117mA young woman from Cape Breton relocates to Halifax and works as a model for art students to make a living after having a child out of wedlock. She pursues her dream of becoming an artist while navigating life in the city.IMDb 6.9TMDB 4.2 - 68
Set Me FreeMovie · 1999 · 95mIn 1963, Hannah, a young girl facing difficulties at home, becomes captivated by Jean-Luc Godard's film "Vivre sa vie." Inspired by the film's protagonist, she gradually begins to question and understand her own sexuality. The story follows Hannah as she navigates these complex feelings during her coming-of-age.IMDb 6.9TMDB 5.8 - 69
The Shimmering BeastMovie · 1982 · 128mThis documentary follows a group of hunters who return each year for a moose hunt near Maniwaki, Quebec.IMDb 7.6TMDB 6.7 - 70
Montreal MainMovie · 1974 · 88mThis is an open and honest look at male sexuality, focusing on Frank, an unemployed photographer, and his close group of primarily gay friends. Frank and his best friend, Bozo, try to have a sexual relationship, though they both believe they are heterosexual. Their lives become complicated when Frank meets Johnny, a 13-year-old boy, and develops romantic feelings for him.IMDb 6.1TMDB 4.8 - 71
Rhymes for Young GhoulsMovie · 2013 · 86m · Drama, CrimeIn 1976, a Mi'kmaq teenager plans revenge against the cruel Indian agent who confined her to a residential school. There, rape and abuse were commonplace.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.6 - 72
Highway 61Movie · 1991 · 103mA wide-eyed Canadian barber, deeply familiar with American pop culture, encounters a flamboyant roadie who requires a driver for herself and her deceased "brother" from Thunder Bay, Ontario, to New Orleans. The situation quickly spirals into chaos when the barber agrees to the journey, unknowingly transporting the body and hidden drugs.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8 - 73
Réjeanne PadovaniMovie · 1973 · 96mA corrupt contractor's inauguration party for his new superhighway is thrown into chaos by the unexpected return of his ex-wife and the arrival of a group of protesters.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.3 - 74
New Waterford GirlMovie · 1999 · 97mA talented teenager yearning for something more than her quiet hometown finds a spark of inspiration when a 15-year-old girl from New York begins living next door.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6 - 75
PolytechniqueMovie · 2009 · 77m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerThis film depicts the 1989 Montreal Massacre, focusing on the tragic murders of several female engineering students committed by a disturbed man driven by misogyny.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1 - 76
The Barbarian InvasionsMovie · 2003 · 99m · Comedy, DramaYears after 'The Decline of the American Empire,' Remy, a middle-aged Montreal college professor, is diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. His ex-wife, Louise, asks their estranged son Sebastian, a successful businessman in London, to return home. Sebastian mobilizes his resources, navigating the Canadian healthcare system to support his father's fight, and reunites Remy with old friends: Pierre, Alain, Dominique, Diane, and Claude, who come to say goodbye.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.0 - 77
Reason Over PassionMovie · 1969 · 83mThe film features mostly damaged footage of landscapes captured from moving vehicles traveling across the country. Throughout, 537 computer-generated variations of the film's title appear as subtitles, with the letters repeatedly scrambled, disrupting the meaning of Pierre Trudeau's famous phrase.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.8 - 78
ShiversMovie · 1975 · 88m · Horror, Science FictionA quiet suburb outside Montreal is overrun by parasitic organisms that turn its apartment residents into violent maniacs. Dr. Roger St. Luc, a dedicated scientist, must stop the outbreak from spreading to the city. The film explores human nature and societal control as St. Luc races to find a cure. It’s a suspenseful horror story about the desperation to save a community from a deadly epidemic that threatens everyone's safety.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.4 - 79
Black RobeMovie · 1991 · 101m · Adventure, Drama, HistoryFather LaForgue travels to the New World with a strong desire to convert the Algonquin Indians to Catholicism. Initially welcomed by the native people, he lives among them while quietly trying to introduce his strict religious beliefs. The film examines the conflict between cultures, faith and tradition, and the difficulties of forced assimilation. Father LaForgue's mission becomes a careful balancing act: respecting a different culture while attempting to change its fundamental beliefs, highlighting the challenges faced by both the missionaries and the Algonquin in seeking peace and mutual understanding.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.5 - 80
CarefulMovie · 1992 · 100mSet in a remote German mountain village, the story follows a widow and her sons as intense emotions play out around them, reminiscent of a 1920s expressionist film.IMDb 7.0TMDB 5.9 - 81
MaelströmMovie · 2000 · 87m · Drama, ComedyA young woman's life unravels following a hit-and-run incident. She then meets Evian, a mysterious man who presents her with a chance at making amends. The story is narrated from the perspective of a fish.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.2 - 82
A Scream from SilenceMovie · 1979 · 96mTwo female filmmakers struggle to remain objective while working on a film depicting a nurse's rape. The subject matter forces them to confront broader issues of womanhood and the justice system's handling of such crimes.IMDb 6.9TMDB 5.1 - 83
VideodromeMovie · 1983 · 88m · Horror, Science Fiction, MysteryMax Renn leads a TV channel focused on popular, low-quality programming. Seeking new material, he discovers "Videodrome," a program featuring extreme violence. Hoping to increase viewership, Max broadcasts it. Soon after, his girlfriend disappears after auditioning for the show, prompting him to investigate. He uncovers a disturbing truth suggesting the violence in "Videodrome" may be real. This thriller examines media manipulation and the difficulty of distinguishing reality from illusion, unfolding in a suspenseful story.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.3 - 84
The AdjusterMovie · 1991 · 102m · Drama, ThrillerAn insurance agent who is very careful and his traditional wife become landlords to a couple with unusual interests. The couple's new neighbors lead them into exploring taboo desires, discovering themselves, and finding unexpected humor. The story gently questions what society considers normal as it looks at the challenges of wanting a relationship, staying committed, and accepting others, all within a typical suburban setting.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.0 - 85
Winter Kept Us WarmMovie · 1965 · 81mIn 1960s Toronto, Doug, a popular senior, has a similarly popular girlfriend. He befriends Peter, a shy Finnish freshman adjusting to university life. The two become close, sharing many experiences. However, Doug's perception of their friendship begins to change.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.4 - 86
Of Whales, the Moon, and MenMovie · 1963 · 106mInspired by the filmmakers, young men from the island community of Ile-aux-Coudres, located in the St. Lawrence River, attempt to restart beluga whale fishing – a tradition interrupted in 1924 – as a tribute to their ancestors.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.4 - 87
It's All Gone Pete TongMovie · 2004 · 90m · Drama, Comedy, MusicThis is a comedy about the remarkable life of Frankie Wilde, a once-great DJ. The film follows Frankie from his rise to fame as one of the best DJs around, through a difficult struggle with a hearing problem, and finally to his unexplained vanishing act.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.5 - 88
EarthMovie · 1998 · 101m · Drama, Romance, HistoryIn 1947, as India and Pakistan prepare to separate, a young girl's life is profoundly affected by the unfolding drama. She witnesses the difficult choices faced by her ayah, torn between two men: one involved in the political changes and the other consumed by religious passion. The film explores themes of love, loyalty, and identity as a society transforms. The events shape the girl’s view of the world, revealing the complexities of human feelings during a time of great upheaval.IMDb 7.6TMDB 6.5 - 89
Family ViewingMovie · 1987 · 86m · DramaThis film explores how video technology affects human feelings and connections. Van often visits his grandmother in a neglected nursing home, where she's disconnected from the digital age. His father, however, seeks guidance through phone sex while deleting important family videos to make space for his own pornography. The story questions whether Van can protect his grandmother and preserve memories of his mother before they are lost. It examines themes of feeling lost, connection, and the importance of personal history in a world dominated by technology.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.4 - 90
WaterMovie · 2005 · 115m · Drama, RomanceIn 1938, Mahatma Gandhi's influential ideas are spreading throughout India. Eight-year-old Chuyia, recently orphaned, is sent to live with other widows at an ashram. Her arrival brings a change to the community as she forms friendships with two of the other women.IMDb 7.7TMDB 6.8 - 91
The Saddest Music in the WorldMovie · 2003 · 101m · Comedy, Drama, MusicWinnipeg, during the Depression, is home to a wealthy woman who uses her position as a beer baroness to organize a competition. The contest seeks out the saddest music imaginable, with a $25,000 prize for the winner.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 92
The Hanging GardenMovie · 1997 · 91mWilliam, who left home ten years ago as a troubled and overweight teenager, returns to find his family and childhood home filled with echoes of his past. He's since transformed into a fit and happy gay man living in the city, but his visit triggers painful memories. As he confronts the reasons for his unhappy adolescence, the past comes vividly back to life, unraveling his newfound stability.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.2 - 93
Very Nice, Very NiceMovie · 1961 · 7m · DocumentaryArthur Lipsett's groundbreaking first film uses photography and sound to explore the unspoken anxieties of everyday life. The short film combines familiar, unsettling images with fragments of ordinary conversations and a repeated voice saying "Very nice, very nice." This experimental work reveals the hidden tensions beneath a surface of normalcy. Oscar-nominated for Best Live Action Short Film, the film offers a compelling reflection on society and human nature.IMDb 6.8TMDB 5.9 - 94
Volcano: An Inquiry into the Life and Death of Malcolm LowryMovie · 1976 · 100mThis Oscar-nominated documentary explores Malcolm Lowry, the acclaimed author of the 20th-century novel *Under the Volcano*. While Lowry achieved literary success, he struggled with alcoholism. Filmed in four countries, the documentary uses photographs, readings from the novel by Richard Burton, and interviews with those who knew him – both admirers and detractors – to offer a detailed look at his life.IMDb 7.2TMDB 5.2 - 95
WavelengthMovie · 1967 · 45m · Drama"Wavelength" is an experimental film using minimalist visuals and a unique story approach. The movie mainly shows a fixed, long shot of a bedroom, as if seen through a telescope. Time appears to slow down within the room, marked only by subtle changes in light.
The film includes three scenes with people that blend reality and surrealism. In one, two people talk while The Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever" plays. A third person enters, then suddenly falls to the floor and dies inexplicably. Later, the apartment's owner is heard on the phone, casually talking about the dead man she never met.
This unusual film encourages viewers to focus on the visuals and sounds, rather than traditional action. "Wavelength" is a haunting and unconventional experience that questions how stories are told in movies.IMDb 5.3TMDB 5.2 - 96
SonatineMovie · 1984 · 91mTwo teenage girls face deeply challenging situations independently, leading them both to contemplate ending their lives.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.9 - 97
The Hart of LondonMovie · 1970 · 79m"The Hart of London" is a deeply complex and powerful film that examines life and death, the feeling of belonging and being lost, and how we represent the world around us. It's a very personal and spiritual work, made with the filmmaker knowing he had leukemia. The late Stan Brakhage, a major figure in American avant-garde cinema, called "Hart" one of the five greatest films ever made. Even that level of praise doesn't fully capture its significance; it's a central piece of the filmmaker's remarkable body of work.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.1 - 98
Hobo with a ShotgunMovie · 2011 · 86m · Crime, Action, ThrillerA homeless man with a strong sense of justice arrives in a new city consumed by crime and controlled by a powerful crime boss. He witnesses widespread corruption, violence, and exploitation. Determined to improve the city for future generations, he takes matters into his own hands, dispensing justice with a shotgun. His actions spark chaos as he attempts to make a difference on the streets.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.9 - 99
CrashMovie · 1996 · 100m · Thriller, DramaA TV director seeking to reignite his marriage becomes drawn into a hidden world of people affected by car accidents. The accident survivors, bearing physical scars, participate in a sexually open subculture driven by the intense energy of collisions. As the director explores this dangerous community, he confronts his own desires and the potential impact they have on himself and others. The film presents a challenging look at human connection and societal expectations through stark visuals.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.5 - 100
The Journals of Knud RasmussenMovie · 2006 · 112mThis film is based on Knud Rasmussen's 1922 account of his sled journey across Arctic Canada, and it presents the story from the perspective of the Inuit people, depicting their traditional beliefs and way of life. It centers on the last great Inuit shaman and his strong-willed daughter, as the shaman grapples with the decision of whether to embrace Christianity, which is spreading among the Inuit of Greenland.IMDb 6.4TMDB 4.8
