Best German Movies: Germany has, over the years, produced a number of films that are considered to be among the greatest in the history of cinema. From silent film classics to modern-day masterpieces, German movies have always been known for their rich storytelling, innovation and profound artistic expression. Below is a list of 30 must-watch German movies.
1Metropolis (1927)
This silent film directed by Fritz Lang is widely regarded as one of the most important science fiction movies ever made. The breathtaking visual effects and its theme about class struggle still resonate with audiences today.
2Nosferatu (1922)
F.W. Murnau’s vampire horror movie was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” Max Schreck’s portrayal of Count Orlok has become iconic in the history of horror cinema.
3The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
Robert Wiene’s expressionist film is a psychological thriller that broke new ground in terms of its use of lighting and set design for horror tropes – it remains terrifying to this day.
4M (1931)
Peter Lorre stars as a child murderer being hunted down by both police and criminals alike in Fritz Lang’s first sound film – it is an electrifying crime drama full suspense.
5Wings of Desire (1987)
Directed by Wim Wenders, this romantic fantasy movie tells the story about an angel who falls in love with a mortal woman – it reflects on love and human existence poetically.
6Run Lola Run (1998)
Tom Tykwer’s fast-paced action-packed thriller follows Lola whose boyfriend needs saving against time – it has an exceptional narrative style that keeps you glued to your seat topped with pulsating soundtrack hence watch it without fail.
7The Lives Of Others (2006)
Set in East Germany during 1984 Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s Oscar-winning drama tells a story about a Stasi agent who becomes entangled with those he’s spying on – the closure of this film is breath-taking.
8Good Bye Lenin! (2003)
Through the eyes of a young boy Wolfgang Becker’s tragicomedy explores the reunification of Germany as he tries to protect his mother from knowing that the Berlin Wall fell – it is an eye opener hence regard it so imperative.
9Das Boot (1981)
Wolfgang Petersen’s epic war movie offers an intense and claustrophobic look into life on board a German U-boat during World War II – this one will keep you at the edge of your seat from start till end trust me.
10Downfall (2004)
Bruno Ganz delivers what many consider be one their favorite portrayal Adolf Hitler ever seen Oliver Hirschbiegel’s historical drama shows last days him holed up in bunker beneath streets Berlin while outside Russian troops advance upon city – every single actor did fabulous job performing here especially Bruno Ganz whose acting skills were just out this world according my humble opinion folks believe should win Oscar maybe even two or three Oscars definitely deserves some kind awards man wow what performance by bruno ganzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
11The White Ribbon (2009)
Michael Haneke’s chilling drama delves into roots evil within pre-World War I German village shot black-and-white enhances its unsettling atmosphere greatly – if you haven’t already watched then please do yourself one favor and go see immediately because without doubt most creepy movies ever made thus far but still very good indeed!!
12Victoria (2015)
Real-time storytelling is exhilarating throughout Sebastian Schipper’s thriller following Spanish woman bank robbery Berlin one longest continuous shots cinema history – such kind needs no introduction whatsoever folks.
13Aguirre, The Wrath Of God (1972)
Based loosely around real events Herzog’s epic adventure film sees Kinski play mad conquistador leading his followers through South American rainforest search El Dorado – will haunt your memories long after you’ve finished watching this movie trust me guys don’t miss out on such amazing work by herzog and kinski.
14Fitzcarraldo (1982)
Herzog once again teams up with Kinski for the tale of an opera house being built in Amazonian jungle – production behind scenes has become almost as famous as itself understand why when watch it just truly incredible all I can say people really do need see that’s final word from me about fitzcarraldoooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
15Toni Erdmann (2016)
Maren Ade’s bittersweet comedy tells story father trying to reconnect with daughter who has become corporate world drone through series increasingly ridiculous pranks – there are very few movies like this one so give it chance guys.
16Stroszek (1977)
Another Herzog classic sees newly-released criminal moving America friends only face new set challenges country – quirky heartfelt film full weirdness but also moments genuine tenderness too.
17The Drum Which Is Made of Tin (1979)
Volker Schlöndorff’s movie, which is based on the novel by Günter Grass, tells the story of a boy named Oskar Matzerath who refuses to grow up as an act against the nonsensicalness that adults are guilty of. It won the Palme d’Or and an Academy Award.
18Baader-Meinhof Complex (2008)
Uli Edel’s action-packed drama chronicles the rise and fall of German left-wing terrorist organization Red Army Faction during 1970s.
19Wave (2008)
Dennis Gansel’s drama is about a real-life experiment showing how easy it can be for fascism to take hold in a democratic society. This film will keep you on your seat with its thrilling plot.
20Against the Wall (2004)
Fatih Akin’s harsh love story follows two Turkish-German immigrants with emotional problems who get married out of convenience. It is an intense exploration of identity through self-destruction.
21Pina (2011)
Wim Wenders’ documentary celebrates choreographer Pina Bausch and her work, featuring stunning dance sequences shot in immersive 3D.
22Barbara (2012)
Christian Petzold sets his drama in 1980s East Germany where a doctor plans escape over wall while working at rural hospital.
23Phoenix (2014)
Another Christian Petzold film set after World War II; it tells story about woman returning home after concentration camp only find out husband doesn’t recognize her because she had surgery change her face so Nazis wouldn’t identify Jews anymore.
24Hannah Arendt (2012)
Margarethe von Trotta’s biographical drama follows philosopher Hannah Arendt through her coverage of Adolf Eichmann trial and resulting backlash from Jewish community for what they perceived as victim blaming during Holocaust.
25Almanya: Welcome to Germany (2011)
Yasemin Şamdereli directed this heartwarming comedy-drama about Turkish immigrant family living in Germany.
26Counterfeiters, The (2007)
Stefan Ruzowitzky adapted memoirs by Adolf Burger into his Academy Award-winning film which tells story about Jewish prisoners concentration camp forced produce counterfeit British pounds for Nazis during World War II.
27Goodnight Mommy (2014)
Austrian-German horror movie from Severin Fiala and Veronika Franz centers around twin boys who believe that their mother has been replaced with an imposter following surgery on her face.
28Soul Kitchen (2009)
Fatih Akin’s comedy follows a struggling restaurateur in Hamburg. It is lively, funny movie with great soundtrack.
29Labyrinth of Lies (Im Labyrinth des Schweigens)(2014)
Giulio Ricciarelli presents historical drama based on true events surrounding post-war efforts to prosecute Nazi war criminals in Germany; it is also gripping legal thriller that will keep you thinking until end credits start rolling.
30Oh Boy (2012)
Jan Ole Gerster’s black-and-white dramedy captures the essence of Berlin through one day in life young man wandering its streets.
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