Logo

Why are German films often so formulaic even though Germany is a European culture? I love them but they follow formula very closely like Hollywood. What are the best German films?

10.06.2025 18:46

Why are German films often so formulaic even though Germany is a European culture? I love them but they follow formula very closely like Hollywood. What are the best German films?

And many I can't think of at the moment.

Here is a list of some (by no means all) German movies that are considered Classics (and a few that should be, in my opinion):

Nackt

Do you think cheating is that bad?

Man spricht Deutsh

Es war eine rauschende Ballnacht

Es geschah am helllichten Tag

Why are flat Earthers made fun of when they seemingly don't exist? I have only met one flat Earther in 18 years.

Die Feuerzangenbowle

In Wirtschaftswunder times, most Western German movies were junk but the GDR produced some very good ones, e.g. Western movies and Spur der Steine; in the 70s Paul und Paula. I definitely recommend both!

Besides these, there are some really good children's movies: More recently, the Bibi und Tina series as just one example. Looking back into the 80s and 70s, as well as into the present, I would even say that movies for children are what the German Film industry excels at. There is much less screaming and cake throwing and slimy monsters and much more discussing of matters that affect children in real life (even in phantasy plots) than in most US children's movies as far als I know them. The GDR was particularly well known for excellent children's movies but the west was and is good at it, too.

What if you were the only and last person left on Earth. How will you survive and what would you do with your life?

Berlin - Sinfonie einer Großstadt

Metropolis

I have seen some very good German movies. It is not that they don't exist, but they hardly ever achieve much fame. Especially since people have been accustomed to the dominance of US popular culture.

In Italy, how do people greet each other when they meet for the first time (e.g., on the street)? What's a good response to that greeting if you're not from Italy or don't speak Italian fluently yet?

Das Haus in Montevideo

Didi - alles im Eimer

Lola rennt

It’s back! Massive $400 price drop now live on 2TB Space Black M4 iPad Pro at Amazon - 9to5Toys

In jenen Tagen

What is of absolutely horrible quality is the “movies” that are produced for TV. They are famously bad.

Zur Sache, Schätzchen (and its sequel)

AI could solve puzzles posed by twin stars in 'mere minutes or seconds on a single laptop' - Space