132 Essential International Films
132 titles
- 1
The FoolMovie · 2014 · 116m · Drama"The Fool" tells the story of a straightforward plumber who finds himself battling a deeply corrupt bureaucracy. He's fighting to save the lives of 800 people who live in an aging dormitory facing imminent collapse – potentially within a single night.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.8 - 2
Castaway on the MoonMovie · 2009 · 119m · Drama, Comedy, RomanceFacing job loss, mounting debt, and heartbreak, Mr. Kim attempts suicide by jumping into the Han River. Instead, he ends up stranded on a small island in the middle of the river. He gives up on escaping and starts building a new life as a castaway. His unusual existence attracts the attention of a young woman living in an apartment overlooking the river. Their unexpected connection alters the course of both their lives.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.9 - 3
VictoriaMovie · 2015 · 138m · Crime, Thriller, RomanceA young woman recently relocated to Berlin begins a romantic connection with a local man. Their evening with his friends takes a dark turn when a hidden danger is revealed, threatening their safety.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.6 - 4
Blue Is the Warmest ColorMovie · 2013 · 180m · Romance, DramaAdèle's life takes a turn when she meets Emma, a young woman with distinctive blue hair. Emma helps Adèle explore her own desires and develop a sense of independence. Through their relationship, Adèle learns to express herself and discover who she is, navigating moments of growth, uncertainty, and self-discovery in the eyes of others.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.1 - 5
Love at First FightMovie · 2014 · 98m · Comedy, RomanceIn a quiet French coastal town, Arnaud feels trapped with limited options. He meets Madeleine, who is preparing for a predicted environmental collapse by joining a military survival training program. Drawn to Madeleine's unconventional outlook, Arnaud joins the program too. They quickly discover the training is more challenging than they anticipated, but the shared experience strengthens their bond as they navigate the early stages of their relationship.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.5 - 6
TimbuktuMovie · 2014 · 96m · Drama, WarNear Timbuktu, Mali, where Islamic militants enforce strict religious law and disrupt everyday life, a cattleman kills a fisherman.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0 - 7
HeadhuntersMovie · 2011 · 100m · Thriller, Crime, ActionA skilled recruiter takes a dangerous gamble to acquire a prized painting belonging to a retired soldier.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2 - 8
The White RibbonMovie · 2009 · 144m · Drama, MysteryAn old tailor reflects on his time as a schoolteacher in a remote Northern German village during the year before World War I, a period marked by a series of unusual occurrences.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5 - 9
The NightmareMovie · 2015 · 88m · Drama, Mystery, HorrorFollowing a large party, seventeen-year-old Tina starts having nightmares. In these dreams, she's pursued by a strange creature.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.4 - 10
The Spanish ApartmentMovie · 2002 · 122m · Drama, Comedy, RomanceA reserved French student begins life in a Barcelona apartment shared with six diverse European individuals. They connect through shared affection and camaraderie.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 11
The ChaserMovie · 2008 · 125m · Crime, Thriller, ActionJoong-ho, a disgraced detective now working as a pimp, is struggling financially after several of his women have disappeared without paying their debts. While searching for them, he discovers a clue suggesting the missing women were all contacted by the same client. One of Joong-ho's women is currently meeting with this client.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.8 - 12
A Woman in BerlinMovie · 2008 · 131m · Drama, War, HistoryDuring the final days of World War II, a woman struggles to survive as Soviet troops invade Berlin.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.6 - 13
DheepanMovie · 2015 · 115m · Crime, DramaThree strangers, haunted by war, pretend to be a family and escape Sri Lanka's civil war for a fresh start in a difficult Paris suburb. However, their past experiences begin to affect them as they try to build a life in a new country.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8 - 14
PricelessMovie · 2006 · 104m · Drama, Comedy, RomanceA pretty young woman pursues a hotel worker, believing him to be wealthy and a good match for her.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.4 - 15
TangerinesMovie · 2013 · 87m · Drama, WarAbkhazia, 1992. Amidst the war, an Estonian man named Ivo remains to gather his tangerine harvest. After a violent clash nearby, he finds a wounded man abandoned and is compelled to shelter him.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.7 - 16
The TribeMovie · 2014 · 132m · Drama, CrimeSergey, who is deaf and mute, arrives at a boarding school for the deaf. He navigates the school's social structure and discovers a criminal element within it called The Tribe. As he participates in increasingly risky robberies, Sergey rises through the ranks. He then meets Anya, one of the leader's concubines, and unintentionally violates the group’s unspoken rules.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7 - 17
You're Sleeping, NicoleMovie · 2014 · 93m · Comedy, DramaWhile her parents are on vacation, 22-year-old Nicole is having a relaxing summer with her best friend Véronique at their family home. Their peaceful time together is disrupted when Nicole's older brother arrives with his band to record an album, creating tension and challenging their friendship.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.4 - 18
Tell No OneMovie · 2006 · 131m · Drama, Thriller, CrimeA man receives a strange email that seems to be from his wife, who died years ago. Desperate to confirm if she's alive, he uncovers evidence that suggests he may have been involved in her murder.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2 - 19
The ClassMovie · 2007 · 97m · DramaA typical Estonian high school student steps in to protect a classmate who is being bullied. This act ignites a conflict with the class's unofficial leader, escalating into a full-blown war between them.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.4 - 20
In the Name of My DaughterMovie · 2014 · 122m · Drama, MysteryIn 1976, in Nice, Agnes, the daughter of the Palais de la Méditerranée's owner, falls in love with an older lawyer.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.6 - 21
The WaveMovie · 2008 · 107m · Drama, ThrillerDuring a lesson on government, a teacher discusses various systems with his students. Disinterested in the topic, the students find the repeated discussion of National Socialism tedious and dismiss the possibility of dictatorship in contemporary Germany. To demonstrate the susceptibility of people to manipulation, the teacher initiates an experiment.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 22
BreatheMovie · 2014 · 91m · DramaSeventeen-year-old Charlie, struggling with self-doubt, finds a lifeline in a new friendship with Sarah. However, when Sarah grows tired of Charlie and seeks someone else to befriend, their connection shifts into something unsettling.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.1 - 23
Water LiliesMovie · 2007 · 85m · Drama, RomanceDuring a hot summer in a French suburb, Marie wants to join the local synchronized swimming team, hoping to connect with Floriane, the team's rebellious star. Sciamma and the film's stars offer a sensitive look at the confusion of first love and growing up.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 24
Gett: The Trial of Viviane AmsalemMovie · 2014 · 115m · DramaThis is the true story of Viviane Amsalem's five-year struggle for a divorce within Israel's Rabbinical Court, the sole legal body authorized to handle such cases.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 25
Sophie Scholl: The Final DaysMovie · 2005 · 117m · Drama, HistoryIn 1943, with Hitler's war raging across Europe, a group of college students in Munich form an underground resistance movement called the White Rose, dedicated to ending the Third Reich. Sophie Scholl, one of the few women in the group, is captured while distributing pamphlets on campus with her brother Hans. During her interrogation by the Gestapo, Scholl fiercely defends her beliefs and calls for freedom and individual responsibility, leading to a powerful clash of wills.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.1 - 26
The Lives of OthersMovie · 2006 · 137m · Drama, ThrillerEast Berlin, 1984. A dedicated Stasi officer, Gerd Wiesler, is assigned to monitor a celebrated playwright and his actress partner, Christa-Maria. As Wiesler observes them, he develops unexpected empathy for the couple, leading him to struggle with conflicting loyalties when his superior becomes interested in Christa-Maria.IMDb 8.4TMDB 8.0 - 27
A ProphetMovie · 2009 · 155m · Crime, DramaMalik El Djebena receives a six-year prison sentence. Having never learned to read or write, he feels isolated and vulnerable upon entering prison. He quickly becomes drawn to a dominant group of Corsican inmates who control life within the prison walls. As he participates in their activities, Malik grows stronger and earns the trust of the Corsicans.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6 - 28
The Double HourMovie · 2009 · 95m · Crime, Drama, MysteryAt a speed dating event, a chambermaid and a former police officer connect and begin a romance. Their relationship takes a difficult turn during a romantic trip when secrets from her past are revealed.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.1 - 29
The Consequences of LoveMovie · 2004 · 100m · Drama, ThrillerIn Lugano, Switzerland, Titta Di Girolamo lives a quiet, withdrawn life in a hotel room for nearly ten years, seemingly trapped in a pointless routine. He keeps his past hidden, offering vague answers to questions about his life and work. What is the truth behind this enigmatic man?IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.5 - 30
Rust and BoneMovie · 2012 · 123m · Drama, RomanceTo care for his young son, Ali moves from Belgium to Antibes to live with his sister and her husband. While there, Ali develops a close relationship with Stephanie, a killer whale trainer, after she experiences a serious accident.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2 - 31
City of GodMovie · 2002 · 129m · Drama, CrimeIn 1970s Rio de Janeiro's impoverished favelas, two young men make contrasting choices. Rocket is an aspiring photographer who documents the escalating drug violence in his community. Meanwhile, José "Zé" Pequeno is an ambitious newcomer to the dangerous world of drug dealing.IMDb 8.6TMDB 8.4 - 32
ImagineMovie · 2012 · 105m · DramaA blind teacher bends the rules to help a female student rediscover the joys of living.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2 - 33
RevancheMovie · 2008 · 121m · Crime, Drama, RomanceAlex, a former convict now providing protection in a Vienna brothel, hopes to escape with his girlfriend Tamara, who works there too. Their attempt to leave triggers a series of events connecting them to a rural police officer and his difficult marriage. As their lives become intertwined, a subtle conflict emerges centered on feelings of guilt, loss, and the longing for a fresh start.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1 - 34
Warsaw 44Movie · 2014 · 127m · Drama, History, WarWarsaw, Poland, August 1st, 1944. After five years of brutal Nazi occupation, the city's people have endured unimaginable terror. As the Soviet Army nears, the youngest and most courageous citizens unite to fight back, street by street. Their struggle for freedom will demand a heavy price.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.8 - 35
DownfallMovie · 2004 · 155m · Drama, History, WarApril 1945. With the Soviet Army advancing from the east and the Allied forces attacking from the west, Germany faces imminent defeat. In Berlin, Adolf Hitler declares Germany will still win and orders his generals to fight to the death. When Hitler dies by suicide, the remaining German military must find a way to stop the fighting and surrender.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.9 - 36
Run Lola RunMovie · 1998 · 80m · Action, Drama, ThrillerLola and Manni's love is tested when Manni loses a large amount of money to a dangerous criminal. With only 20 minutes to find 100,000 Deutsche Marks, Lola must undertake a desperate mission to save him from resorting to theft. Her search takes her down unexpected paths, each influenced by small events. This suspenseful drama explores loyalty and love as Lola confronts the consequences of their choices.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3 - 37
MalenaMovie · 2000 · 108m · DramaIn WWII Italy, a young boy coming to terms with his identity becomes captivated by Malèna, a strikingly sensual woman in his close-knit community.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.4 - 38
La PromesseMovie · 1996 · 94m · DramaThe film follows Igor and his father, Roger, as they live within the criminal world of housing and illegal work in Liege, Belgium. Their lives are marked by lies and manipulation, fostering a tense and morally gray atmosphere. When one of Roger's workers gets hurt, Igor faces a difficult choice: keep his word to the worker's family or remain loyal to his father. Torn between these obligations, the film examines family, trust, and the impact of decisions made in a harsh world.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.2 - 39
Once Upon a Time in AnatoliaMovie · 2011 · 163m · Drama, CrimeA group of men search for the victim in a murder case – a location confessed to by the suspect, Kenan, and his mentally challenged brother. But finding the body proves harder than anticipated, as Kenan can't clearly remember where it is. As the search continues late into the night, the men find themselves talking about their lives, their conversations growing increasingly personal and revealing hidden truths and significant stories.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5 - 40
On the PathMovie · 2010 · 100mLuna and Amar, a young couple, face unforeseen challenges that test their bond. When Amar undergoes a significant shift after joining a fundamentalist community, Luna struggles to determine if their love can sustain them both on their journey toward a future together.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.4 - 41
In JulyMovie · 2000 · 96m · Adventure, Comedy, RomanceA predictable life as a physics teacher changes for Daniel when he falls for Melek, a Turkish woman. He impulsively drives to Istanbul to be with her, and along the way picks up his friend Juli, who harbors a secret affection for him.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.2 - 42
The ClassMovie · 2008 · 128m · DramaFrançois Bégaudeau, a teacher and novelist, portrays a version of himself as he navigates a challenging year with his diverse students from a working-class Parisian district.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.0 - 43
Goodnight MommyMovie · 2015 · 100m · Horror, Mystery, ThrillerDuring a hot summer, two nine-year-old twin brothers wait for their mother to come home to their isolated countryside house. When she returns, recovering from cosmetic surgery and wearing bandages, the children sense a change. They begin to question if this woman is truly their mother.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7 - 44
Shrew's NestMovie · 2014 · 91m · Horror, Thriller, DramaMadrid, Spain, 1950s. Montse suffers from severe agoraphobia, confined to her apartment and finding solace only in caring for her younger sister. Her isolated world is shattered when Carlos, a spirited young neighbor, falls down the stairs and seeks refuge at their door. A disruption has occurred in Montse's carefully controlled life, and it's unclear if Carlos will ever be allowed to leave.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8 - 45
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 - 46
A Happy EventMovie · 2011 · 107m · Drama, ComedyHer presence challenged everything I thought I knew. She pushed me to the edge, forcing me to grapple with profound emotions: love, selflessness, compassion, and loss. She fundamentally changed me. I wish someone had prepared me for this. It's a raw, honest look at motherhood, unflinchingly real.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.0 - 47
No Man's LandMovie · 2001 · 98m · Action, History, WarDuring a war, two soldiers from opposing sides find themselves trapped together in the same trench, caught between the fighting. The United Nations intervenes to rescue them, leading to a ceasefire agreement between the warring factions. The question remains: can both sides truly honor the truce?IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.5 - 48
OldboyMovie · 2003 · 120m · Drama, Thriller, MysteryA man awakens after fifteen years of captivity, having been imprisoned, drugged, and tortured, with no memory of how he arrived there. Driven by desperation, he now seeks revenge against those who held him.IMDb 8.3TMDB 8.2 - 49
Memories of MurderMovie · 2003 · 131m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerIn the late 1980s, two detectives in rural South Korea struggle to solve a series of brutal rape and murders targeting young women, terrifying their community. Working with limited resources and old-fashioned techniques, they soon realize they are hunting the country's first documented serial killer as the murders continue with a disturbing pattern. This true-crime thriller follows their desperate attempt to connect the clues.IMDb 8.1TMDB 8.1 - 50
In a Better WorldMovie · 2010 · 118m · DramaTwo Danish families' lives intertwine, leading to an unusual and potentially precarious friendship. However, loneliness, vulnerability, and grief are also present.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.1 - 51
Slovenian GirlMovie · 2009 · 90m · DramaAleksandra, a student from the small Slovenian town of Krško, is determined to achieve her ambitions. She works as a sex worker and feels she's on the path to success. However, an accidental death forces her to confront unexpected emotions: fear, loneliness, confusion, and a sense of responsibility.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.9 - 52
GomorrahMovie · 2008 · 136m · Drama, CrimeThis film offers a look inside the world of Italy's contemporary crime families, specifically the Camorra in Naples and Caserta. Based on the work of Roberto Saviano, it reveals a reality dominated by power, wealth, and violence. Residents of the region are constantly confronted with the Camorra's demands, leaving little room for personal freedom. Only a select few manage to escape the cycle of crime and live a semblance of normalcy.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 53
The ClosetMovie · 2001 · 84m · ComedyTo avoid losing his job, a man fabricates a rumor about being gay, working with his neighbor to make the deception believable.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.4 - 54
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 - 55
My Golden DaysMovie · 2015 · 123m · DramaAs Paul prepares to depart Tajikistan, he's haunted by memories of his adolescence: a childhood marked by his mother's instability, wild parties, a formative trip to the USSR where he experienced his first sexual encounter, a devastating betrayal by a friend, and the enduring memory of his first love.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.6 - 56
Liza, the Fox-FairyMovie · 2015 · 98m · Comedy, Fantasy, RomanceLiza, a lonely 30-year-old nurse, longs for love. Her only companion is a deceased Japanese pop star who, consumed by jealousy, transforms her into a fox-fairy. As a result, any man who desires Liza meets a gruesome end. Can she break the curse?IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 57
MarshlandMovie · 2014 · 104m · Crime, Mystery, Thriller1980s rural Spain. A string of horrific murders targeting teenage girls in a secluded town draws together two detectives from the homicide division, who are very different from each other, to solve the crimes.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 58
I, Olga HepnarovaMovie · 2016 · 106m · Drama, HistoryOlga is a troubled young woman yearning to escape her cold family and societal expectations. With a distinctive, tomboyish style, reminiscent of Louise Brooks, she works a series of jobs, often smoking heavily, until she finds a sense of purpose as a truck driver. Despite having relationships with women, she struggles to connect emotionally, frequently expressing herself through outbursts and unconventional behavior.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.6 - 59
AmélieMovie · 2001 · 122m · Comedy, RomanceIn a small café in Paris, the sweet but shy Amélie discovers she finds joy in secretly helping people. She dedicates herself to matchmaking, offering small acts of kindness, and generally improving the lives around her. However, her world shifts when she meets a charming stranger, forcing her to consider if she’s ready to pursue her own happiness and find love.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.9 - 60
Sin NombreMovie · 2009 · 96m · Drama, Action, ThrillerSayra, a teenager from Honduras, dreams of a better future. That opportunity appears when she's reunited with her father, who plans to travel to Mexico and then continue to the United States. On the train heading north, Sayra's life intersects with two Mexican gang members traveling the same route.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.6 - 61
Slim SusieMovie · 2003 · 97mWhen Erik, a city dweller, discovers his beauty-queen sister Susie has gone missing, he returns to their rural hometown to find her. Talking to the unusual locals – a reserved video store clerk and a dishonest police officer – he discovers a woman who is very different from the sister he remembers. This black comedy with a modern sensibility is from award-winning director Ulf Malmros.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7 - 62
Toni ErdmannMovie · 2016 · 162m · Comedy, DramaA father believes his daughter has lost her sense of humor, so he unexpectedly visits her while she's living in another country and overwhelms her with silly jokes.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 63
Two Days, One NightMovie · 2014 · 95m · DramaSandra, a young professional, has just one weekend to persuade her coworkers to forfeit their bonuses. Her goal: to secure her own job amidst a challenging economic climate.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9 - 64
Paris Je T'aimeMovie · 2006 · 120m · Drama, RomanceTwenty acclaimed directors, including Olivier Assayas, Gus Van Sant, Wes Craven, and Alfonso Cuarón, offer eighteen stories exploring various facets of Parisian life. The drama features a diverse cast of characters, including a mime couple, a man torn between his wife and lover, and a married man seeking counsel from a prostitute.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8 - 65
Anything for HerMovie · 2008 · 96m · Drama, ThrillerLisa and Julien have a peaceful life together with their son Oscar. Their world is turned upside down when the police arrest Lisa on murder charges, leading to a 20-year prison sentence. Julien is certain of his wife's innocence and resolves to fight for her release, no matter the cost.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0 - 66
InvoluntaryMovie · 2008 · 98m · Comedy, DramaThe film explores how different people face outcomes based on whether they stand up for themselves or don't.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.5 - 67
Virgin MountainMovie · 2015 · 90m · DramaFúsi lives for routine, finding solace in his predictable days. But when he's unexpectedly enrolled in a dance class, he's thrust into the vibrant chaos of the real world.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2 - 68
RosettaMovie · 1999 · 95m · DramaRosetta, a strong-willed young woman, struggles against a cycle of poverty and hardship. Determined to maintain her pride, she faces life's difficulties while caring for her mother, who battles alcoholism. Rosetta fiercely rejects charity and tirelessly seeks ways to provide for herself. The film explores survival, resilience, and self-respect as it follows Rosetta’s persistent fight for a dignified life in a world that offers little support. Her story reveals the strength of the human spirit when confronted with adversity.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2 - 69
The ChildMovie · 2005 · 96m · DramaA young mother in Belgium hopes her boyfriend, a small-time thief, will start working so they can provide for their new baby. But he's not interested in settling down.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1 - 70
Don't Worry, I'm FineMovie · 2006 · 96m · DramaA 19-year-old woman embarks on a search for her twin brother after he leaves home following an argument with their father.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2 - 71
Love Me If You DareMovie · 2003 · 93m · Drama, Comedy, RomanceJulien and Sophie, lifelong best friends, maintain a playful rivalry from childhood: a series of increasingly risky challenges designed to top each other. Their competitive antics often serve as a way to support each other through difficult times, but their game may also be a subconscious way of avoiding the realization that they are deeply in love.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2 - 72
The HuntMovie · 2012 · 116m · DramaA solitary teacher battles for custody of his son. His life begins to improve with the arrival of love and encouraging news from his son, but this newfound happiness is threatened when a simple untruthderails everything.IMDb 8.3TMDB 8.1 - 73
The AdoptedMovie · 2011 · 100m · DramaLisa and Marine share a quiet life, centered around Lisa's son, Leo. Their peaceful routine is disrupted when Marine falls for Alex, a customer at her bookstore. Lisa feels left out, and their relationship becomes strained. An unforeseen accident then compels them all to reconsider their roles and connections with one another.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8 - 74
Twin SistersMovie · 2002 · 137m · Romance, Drama, HistoryIn 1920s Germany, two sisters, separated shortly after their last parent's death – Lotte sent to live with her Dutch aunt in Holland, Anna to work on her uncle’s farm – experience the impact of World War II on their lives. They are reunited in old age.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.8 - 75
Love ExposureMovie · 2008 · 237m · Action, Comedy, DramaYu, a teenage boy, develops feelings for Yoko, a girl he meets while working as an "up-skirt" photographer. His efforts to win her affection are complicated by cross-dressing, a fascination with kung fu and crime, and ongoing guilt stemming from his Catholic faith.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.0 - 76
The LessonMovie · 2014 · 111m · DramaA dedicated schoolteacher in a rural Bulgarian community faces financial collapse and is forced to consider extreme actions to survive.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.7 - 77
La CérémonieMovie · 1995 · 112m · Drama, ThrillerSet in early 1900s France, the film follows Sophie, a quiet housemaid whose life changes when she befriends Jeanne, the lively postmistress. Confined by the rigid rules of her employers' home, Sophie finds strength in Jeanne’s independent spirit. Jeanne encourages Sophie to challenge her limited role and resist the restrictive social expectations of the wealthy class around her. It’s a moving story about finding oneself, navigating societal pressures, and the power of friendship in difficult times.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 78
The EdukatorsMovie · 2004 · 127m · Drama, ComedyThree activists devise a kidnapping plan after unexpectedly encountering a businessman at his house.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2 - 79
SistersMovie · 2001 · 83m · Crime, DramaThis film centers on two sisters: Sveta, a thirteen-year-old struggling with poverty and feeling abandoned by her father, who dreams of joining the army as a sniper; and Dina, an indulged eight-year-old cherished by her gangster father.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 80
A Very Long EngagementMovie · 2004 · 133m · Drama, Romance, WarIn the aftermath of World War I, Mathilde, a young woman from France, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about her fiancé who disappeared during the conflict. Her search reveals surprising revelations. Though heartbroken by the loss of her love, she clings to the hope that he might still be alive and is determined to find definitive answers.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3 - 81
The Secret in Their EyesMovie · 2009 · 130m · Mystery, Thriller, DramaRetired criminal investigator Benjamín tries to resolve lingering issues from a previous case by writing a novel about the unsolved rape and murder of a new bride. He works with a former colleague, Judge Irene, to understand what happened.IMDb 8.2TMDB 8.0 - 82
Russian DollsMovie · 2005 · 129m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceFive years after spending a summer together in Barcelona, Xavier, William, Wendy, Martine, and Isabelle get back together.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6 - 83
Facing WindowsMovie · 2003 · 106m · Drama, RomanceFeeling stifled in her marriage, Giovanna finds herself caring for a Holocaust survivor her husband introduces. This experience prompts her to re-evaluate her own life, leading her to seek connection with the man who lives next door.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9 - 84
The Second MotherMovie · 2015 · 112m · DramaVal left her daughter Jessica in Pernambuco as a child, entrusting her to family. For the next 13 years, Val works as a nanny for Fabinho in São Paulo, achieving financial security but living with the constant ache of missing out on raising Jessica herself. As Fabinho prepares for university entrance exams, Jessica unexpectedly reappears, offering Val a chance to reconnect. But Jessica, having been raised differently, challenges Val's carefully constructed life and exposes the fragile foundations of social class. With wit and insight, the story explores how young people might disrupt deeply ingrained societal structures.IMDb 7.8TMDB 8.0 - 85
The Baader Meinhof ComplexMovie · 2008 · 149m · Action, Crime, DramaAfter witnessing the brutal suppression of a protest in Iran, journalist Ulrike Meinhof leaves her family and marriage to join radical anarchist Andreas Baader. Alongside Baader and his girlfriend Gudrun Ensslin, she becomes involved with the violent Red Faction Army. The group carries out numerous terrorist attacks, aiming to destabilize what they perceive as a growing fascist regime.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 86
Suite FrançaiseMovie · 2015 · 103m · Drama, Romance, WarFrance, 1940. As the Nazis occupy the country, Lucile Angellier finds herself confined by her controlling mother-in-law while anxiously awaiting news of her husband, a prisoner of war. When Parisian refugees arrive in their town, followed by German soldiers taking up residence, Lucile tries to avoid the attention of Bruno von Falk, a handsome and cultured German officer staying with them. However, a strong attraction develops between them, drawing them into the devastating realities of war.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.2 - 87
About EllyMovie · 2009 · 119m · DramaDuring a picnic in northern Iran, a kindergarten teacher vanishes without a trace, and her friends find themselves caught in a string of unexpected problems.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.5 - 88
Lilya 4-everMovie · 2002 · 109m · Drama, CrimeIn a struggling post-Soviet community, Lilya, a teenage girl, is abandoned when her mother moves to the United States with her boyfriend. Facing neglect and poverty, she meets Andrei, who offers her a job in Sweden, giving her hope for a better life and a journey that will change everything.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6 - 89
MotherMovie · 2009 · 129m · Crime, Drama, MysteryA mother lives a simple life with her son. Their world is shattered when a girl is murdered, and the boy becomes the prime suspect. Determined to clear his name, the mother embarks on a desperate fight to prove his innocence.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.7 - 90
MartyrsMovie · 2008 · 99m · Horror, Drama, ThrillerAfter being kidnapped and tortured as a child, a young woman seeks revenge on her abusers. She and her close friend, who also survived abuse, embark on a harrowing journey into a world of extreme cruelty.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.3 - 91
He Loves Me… He Loves Me NotMovie · 2002 · 92m · Drama, Romance, ThrillerAngélique, a gifted art student, is deeply in love with Dr. Loïc Le Garrec, a married man she's convinced will abandon his wife for her. When he chooses to remain with his wife, Angélique's world falls apart. The story then shifts to Loïc's point of view, revealing a surprising truth about their connection.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 92
Good Bye, Lenin!Movie · 2003 · 121m · Comedy, DramaAs the Berlin Wall falls, Alex Kerner's mother awakens from a coma. A staunch communist, she must now be shielded from the news of the wall's collapse to prevent a potentially fatal heart attack.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 93
A SeparationMovie · 2011 · 123m · DramaA married couple struggles with a painful choice: relocate their child to a new country for a better future, or remain in Iran to care for their aging parent who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease.IMDb 8.3TMDB 7.9 - 94
GuiltyMovie · 2011 · 102m · Drama, CrimeThe film explores the flawed legal system that led to Alain Mar'caux and his wife Edith's arrest on false charges of child abuse – acts they never committed. It follows Alain's years-long struggle within the prison system to prove his innocence, clear his name, and protect his family.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2 - 95
Corrections ClassMovie · 2014 · 98m · DramaLena, a bright young woman with a disability who has been homeschooled for years, is eager to return to regular school. She's placed in a special class for students with disabilities, where they must pass before a school review to be considered for mainstream classes. However, the teachers seem uninterested in helping the students succeed and actively discourage Lena from pursuing more challenging work. Despite this, Lena finds a routine and befriends a classmate named Anton. Their obvious happiness doesn't go unnoticed, and they soon face negative consequences.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.0 - 96
The SonMovie · 2002 · 103m · DramaA skilled joinery instructor at a rehabilitation center initially rejects a new teenage patient as an apprentice. However, he soon starts discreetly observing the boy as he moves throughout the facility and into the surrounding community.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.5 - 97
ElenaMovie · 2011 · 110m · Drama, ThrillerFollowing a heart attack, a wealthy older Russian man intends to leave the majority of his fortune to his daughter, whom he has not seen in years. However, his wife challenges his plans.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2 - 98
Head-OnMovie · 2004 · 117m · Drama, RomanceTo escape her family, a young woman arranges a marriage with a forty-year-old addict. This arrangement unexpectedly sparks a passionate and jealous love.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5 - 99
Black BookMovie · 2006 · 145m · Drama, Thriller, WarDuring World War II in Nazi-occupied Netherlands, a Jewish singer goes undercover at the local Gestapo headquarters, working with the Dutch resistance.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 100
Christiane F.Movie · 1981 · 131m · DramaSet in 1970s Berlin, the film follows Christiane F., a teenage girl navigating adolescence in a tough city. Living with her mother and sister in a large apartment, Christiane discovers a new disco called 'Sound,' captivated by its atmosphere and music.
Driven by her desire to attend the club despite being underage, she befriends Detlef, who is part of a group involved in the drug scene. As their friendship grows, Christiane becomes increasingly drawn into this dangerous world, struggling with peer pressure and a need to belong.
The film offers a raw look at youth, addiction, and growing up during a turbulent time in Berlin. Through Christiane's experiences, it shows how seeking connection can have serious consequences, forcing her to confront the harsh realities hidden beneath the excitement of nightlife.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3
