50 Foreign Language Films With The Best Soundtracks
Foreign language films have given us some of the most memorable cinematic experiences of all time.
From heartwarming tales to spine-chilling thrillers, foreign language films have been able to captivate audiences across the globe.
One of the key elements that make these films so special is their soundtracks. A great soundtrack can elevate a movie to a whole new level, and foreign language films are no exception.
In this article, we will be exploring 50 Foreign Language Films With The Best Soundtracks.
From the charming melodies of Amélie to the haunting score of Pan's Labyrinth, we will be taking a look at some of the most iconic soundtracks in foreign language cinema.
So sit back, relax, and let's delve into the world of foreign language films and their incredible soundtracks.
50 Foreign Language Films With The Best Soundtracks
1. Amélie (French, 2001)
| Title | Amélie |
| Language | French |
| Actors | Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus |
| Director | Jean-Pierre Jeunet |
| Release Date | 25 April 2001 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Viewers under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Genres | Comedy, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 8.3/10 |
Plot Summary:
Amélie is a whimsical and charming French romantic comedy about a young woman named Amélie (Audrey Tautou) who decides to improve the lives of those around her while struggling with her own isolation and loneliness in the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris.
2. Cinema Paradiso (Italian, 1988)
| Title | Cinema Paradiso |
| Language | Italian |
| Actors | Philippe Noiret, Enzo Cannavale, Antonella Attili |
| Director | Giuseppe Tornatore |
| Release Date | 17 February 1989 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Viewers under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 2h 35min |
| Genres | Drama, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 8.5/10 |
Plot Summary:
Cinema Paradiso is a touching and nostalgic Italian drama about a young boy named Salvatore who befriends the local cinema projectionist Alfredo and develops a love for movies that lasts throughout his life.
Set in a small Italian village, the film explores themes of love, friendship, and the power of cinema to bring people together.
3. The Lives of Others (German, 2006)
| Title | The Lives of Others |
| Language | German |
| Actors | Ulrich Mühe, Martina Gedeck, Sebastian Koch |
| Viewers under 17 require an accompanying parent or adult guardian | Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck |
| Release Date | 23 March 2006 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Viewers under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 2h 17min |
| Genres | Drama, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 8.4/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Lives of Others is a gripping German drama set in East Berlin during the Cold War. The film follows a Stasi officer named Gerd Wiesler (Ulrich Mühe) who is assigned to spy on a playwright named Georg Dreyman (Sebastian Koch) and his girlfriend Christa-Maria Sieland (Martina Gedeck).
As Wiesler listens in on their conversations, he becomes increasingly drawn into their lives and begins to question his loyalty to the oppressive regime he serves.
4. Oldboy (Korean, 2003)
| Title | Oldboy |
| Language | Korean |
| Actors | Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jung |
| Director | Park Chan-wook |
| Release Date | 21 November 2003 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Viewers under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 2h |
| Genres | Action, Drama, Mystery |
| IMDB Rating | 8.4/10 |
Plot Summary:
Oldboy is a dark and twisted Korean thriller about a man named Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik) who is mysteriously kidnapped and imprisoned for 15 years without explanation.
Upon his release, he sets out to discover the identity of his captors and the reason behind his imprisonment. The film is known for its shocking twist ending and intense fight scenes.
5. Run Lola Run (German, 1998)
| Title | Run Lola Run |
| Language | German |
| Actors | Franka Potente, Moritz Bleibtreu, Herbert Knaup |
| Director | Tom Tykwer |
| Release Date | 20 August 1998 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Viewers under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 1h 20min |
| Genres | Action, Crime, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 7.7/10 |
Plot Summary:
Run Lola Run is a fast-paced and visually stunning German thriller that follows the story of Lola (Franka Potente), a young woman who has 20 minutes to come up with 100,000 marks to save her boyfriend Manni (Moritz Bleibtreu) from a gangster.
The film is known for its innovative use of split-screen and animation, as well as its high-energy techno soundtrack.
6. Let the Right One In (Swedish, 2008)
| Title | Let the Right One In |
| Viewers under 17 require an accompanying parent or adult guardian | Swedish |
| Actors | Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar |
| Director | Tomas Alfredson |
| Release Date | 24 October 2008 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Viewers under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 1h 54min |
| Genres | Drama, Horror, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 7.9/10 |
Plot Summary:
Let the Right One In is a haunting and atmospheric Swedish horror film about a lonely boy named Oskar who befriends a mysterious girl named Eli, who is revealed to be a vampire.
As their friendship deepens, Oskar becomes caught up in a series of grisly murders that plague their small town. The film is known for its complex characters and unique take on the vampire genre.
7. The Grandmaster (Chinese, 2013)
| Title | The Grandmaster |
| Language | Mandarin, Cantonese |
| Actors | Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Ziyi Zhang, Jin Zhang |
| Director | Kar-Wai Wong |
| Release Date | 30 August 2013 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG-13 |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 |
| Duration | 1h 48min |
| Genres | Action, Biography, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 6.6/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Grandmaster is a stunningly choreographed Chinese martial arts film that tells the story of Ip Man (Tony Chiu-Wai Leung), the legendary martial artist who trained Bruce Lee.
Set against the backdrop of the Japanese occupation of China, the film explores the themes of honor, sacrifice, and the pursuit of mastery.
8. The Triplets of Belleville (French, 2003)
| Title | The Triplets of Belleville |
| Language | French |
| Actors | Béatrice Bonifassi, Lina Boudreau, Michèle Caucheteux |
| Director | Sylvain Chomet |
| Release Date | 13 June 2003 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG-13 |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 |
| Duration | 1h 18min |
| Genres | Animation, Comedy, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Triplets of Belleville is a whimsical and charming French animated film about an elderly woman named Madame Souza who sets out to rescue her grandson, a cyclist who has been kidnapped during the Tour de France.
Along the way, she enlists the help of three singing sisters known as the Triplets of Belleville. The film is known for its unique animation style and offbeat humor.
9. Y Tu Mamá También (Spanish, 2001)
| Title | Y Tu Mamá También |
| Language | Spanish |
| Actors | Maribel Verdú, Gael García Bernal, Daniel Giménez Cacho |
| Director | Alfonso Cuarón |
| Release Date | 26 April 2002 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Viewers under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 1h 46min |
| Genres | Adventure, Comedy, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 7.6/10 |
Plot Summary:
Y Tu Mamá También is a sexually charged Mexican road movie about two teenage boys, Julio (Gael García Bernal) and Tenoch (Diego Luna), who embark on a road trip with an older woman named Luisa (Maribel Verdú).
Along the way, they explore their sexuality and confront the harsh realities of life in Mexico. The film is known for its frank depiction of sexuality and its political undertones.
10. A Separation (Persian, 2011)
| Title | A Separation |
| Language | Persian |
| Actors | Payman Maadi, Leila Hatami, Sareh Bayat |
| Director | Asghar Farhadi |
| Release Date | 16 March 2012 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG-13 |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 |
| Duration | 2h 3min |
| Genres | Drama, Mystery |
| IMDB Rating | 8.3/10 |
Plot Summary:
A Separation is a powerful and emotionally gripping Iranian drama about a married couple, Nader and Simin, who are struggling with the decision to divorce.
When a tragedy occurs, they find themselves caught up in a legal battle that threatens to tear their family apart.
The film is known for its nuanced performances and its exploration of themes such as justice, morality, and family values.
11. City of God (Portuguese, 2002)
| Title | City of God |
| Language | Portuguese |
| Actors | Viewers under 17 require an accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Director | Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund |
| Release Date | 13 February 2003 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Viewers under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 2h 10min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 8.6/10 |
Plot Summary:
City of God is a Brazilian crime drama that follows the lives of a group of young men living in the violent favelas of Rio de Janeiro.
The film explores themes such as poverty, violence, and the struggle for survival in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The film is known for its gritty realism and its vivid depiction of the Brazilian underworld.
12. Jiro Dreams of Sushi (Japanese, 2011)
| Title | Jiro Dreams of Sushi |
| Language | Japanese |
| Actors | Jiro Ono, Yoshikazu Ono, Masuhiro Yamamoto |
| Director | David Gelb |
| Some materials may not be suitable for children | 21 June 2012 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may not be suitable for children |
| Duration | 1h 21min |
| Genres | Documentary |
| IMDB Rating | 7.9/10 |
Plot Summary:
Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a mesmerizing Japanese documentary about Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master who runs a tiny, three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo.
The film explores his life, his passion for sushi, and the rigorous training that his apprentices must undergo in order to become sushi masters themselves.
The film is known for its beautiful cinematography and its celebration of craftsmanship.
13. The Handmaiden (Korean, 2016)
| Title | The Handmaiden |
| Language | Korean |
| Actors | Kim Min-hee, Kim Tae-ri, Ha Jung-woo |
| Director | Park Chan-wook |
| Release Date | 1 June 2016 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | NR |
| Parental Guidance | Viewer discretion advised |
| Duration | 2h 24min |
| Genres | Drama, Romance, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 8.1/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Handmaiden is a Korean erotic thriller that tells the story of a con artist who poses as a handmaiden to a wealthy Japanese heiress in order to steal her fortune.
The film is known for its stunning visuals, complex characters, and intricate plot twists.
14. La Haine (French, 1995)
| Title | La Haine |
| Language | French |
| Actors | Vincent Cassel, Hubert Koundé, Saïd Taghmaoui |
| Director | Mathieu Kassovitz |
| Release Date | 23 February 1996 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Viewers under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 1h 38min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 8.1/10 |
Plot Summary:
La Haine is a powerful French drama that takes place over the course of a single day and follows the lives of three young men from the impoverished suburbs of Paris.
The film explores themes such as racism, police brutality, and the struggle for identity in a divided society. The film is known for its raw and uncompromising portrayal of life in the Parisian banlieues.
15. Blue Is the Warmest Color (French, 2013)
| Title | Blue Is the Warmest Color |
| Language | French |
| Actors | Léa Seydoux, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Salim Kechiouche |
| Director | Abdellatif Kechiche |
| Release Date | 9 October 2013 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | NC-17 |
| Parental Guidance | No one 17 and under admitted |
| Duration | 3h |
| Genres | Drama, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 7.7/10 |
Plot Summary:
Blue Is the Warmest Color is a French romantic drama that follows the story of a young woman named Adèle (Adèle Exarchopoulos) who falls in love with a blue-haired artist named Emma (Léa Seydoux).
The film explores themes such as love, sexuality, and the challenges of coming of age. The film is known for its frank depiction of female sexuality and the stunning performances of its lead actresses.
16. La Dolce Vita (Italian, 1960)
| Title | La Dolce Vita |
| Language | Italian |
| Actors | Marcello Mastroianni, Anita Ekberg, Anouk Aimée |
| Director | Federico Fellini |
| Release Date | 19 April 1961 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | NR |
| Parental Guidance | Viewer discretion advised |
| Duration | 2h 54min |
| Genres | Comedy, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 8.0/10 |
Plot Summary:
La Dolce Vita is an Italian classic that follows a week in the life of a gossip columnist named Marcello Rubini (Marcello Mastroianni) as he navigates his way through the decadent and hedonistic world of Rome's high society.
The film is known for its exploration of themes such as fame, love, and the emptiness of modern life.
17. Let the Bullets Fly (Chinese, 2010)
| Title | Let the Bullets Fly |
| Language | Mandarin |
| Actors | Jiang Wen, Chow Yun-fat, Ge You |
| Director | Jiang Wen |
| Release Date | 16 December 2010 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | NR |
| Parental Guidance | Viewer discretion advised |
| Duration | 2h 12min |
| Genres | Action, Comedy, Western |
| IMDB Rating | 7.4/10 |
Plot Summary:
Let the Bullets Fly is a Chinese action-comedy-western that takes place in the 1920s and follows a bandit named Zhang (Jiang Wen) who poses as a governor in order to take control of a town ruled by a corrupt and powerful crime boss (Chow Yun-fat).
The film is known for its fast-paced action, witty dialogue, and clever plot twists.
18. Pan's Labyrinth (Spanish, 2006)
| Title | Pan's Labyrinth |
| Language | Spanish |
| Actors | Ivana Baquero, Ariadna Gil, Sergi López |
| Director | Guillermo del Toro |
| Release Date | 19 January 2007 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Viewers under 17 require an accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 1h 58min |
| Genres | Drama, Fantasy, War |
| IMDB Rating | 8.2/10 |
Plot Summary:
Pan's Labyrinth is a Spanish dark fantasy film that takes place during the Spanish Civil War and follows a young girl named Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) who discovers a hidden world of fantastical creatures and magical beings.
The film is known for its stunning visuals, intricate storytelling, and its exploration of themes such as innocence, imagination, and the horrors of war.
19. Son of Saul (Hungarian, 2015)
| Title | Son of Saul |
| Language | Hungarian |
| Actors | Géza Röhrig, Levente Molnár, Urs Rechn |
| Director | László Nemes |
| Release Date | 11 December 2015 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Viewers under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 1h 47min |
| Genres | Drama, War |
| IMDB Rating | 7.5/10 |
Plot Summary:
Son of Saul is a Hungarian war drama that takes place in Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II and follows the story of Saul Ausländer (Géza Röhrig), a Hungarian-Jewish prisoner who is forced to work as a Sonderkommando, a prisoner assigned to dispose of the bodies of fellow prisoners who have been gassed.
The film is known for its intense and unflinching portrayal of the horrors of the Holocaust.
20. The Secret in Their Eyes (Spanish, 2009)
| Title | The Secret in Their Eyes |
| Language | Spanish |
| Actors | Ricardo Darín, Soledad Villamil, Pablo Rago |
| Director | Juan José Campanella |
| Release Date | 21 May 2010 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Viewers under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 2h 9min |
| Genres | Drama, Mystery, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 8.2/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Secret in Their Eyes is an Argentine crime thriller that follows a retired legal counselor named Benjamín Espósito (Ricardo Darín) as he tries to solve a brutal murder case that has haunted him for 25 years.
The film is known for its suspenseful plot, complex characters, and its exploration of themes such as justice, revenge, and the cost of obsession.
21. The Intouchables (French, 2011)
| Title | The Intouchables |
| Language | French |
| Actors | François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny |
| Director | Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano |
| Release Date | 13 September 2011 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Viewers under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 1h 52min |
| Genres | Biography, Comedy, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 8.5/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Intouchables is a French comedy-drama that tells the story of a wealthy quadriplegic named Philippe (François Cluzet) who hires a young man from the projects named Driss (Omar Sy) as his caregiver.
The two men come from very different backgrounds and form an unlikely bond. The film is known for its heartwarming and humorous portrayal of friendship and its exploration of themes such as disability, class, and race.
22. The Raid (Indonesian, 2011)
| Title | The Raid |
| Language | Indonesian |
| Actors | Iko Uwais, Ananda George, Ray Sahetapy |
| Director | Gareth Evans |
| Release Date | 13 April 2012 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Viewers under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 1h 41min |
| Genres | Action, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 7.6/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Raid is an Indonesian martial arts action-thriller that follows a SWAT team as they infiltrate an apartment building controlled by a ruthless drug lord.
The film is known for its intense and brutal fight scenes, inventive choreography, and its exploration of themes such as loyalty, corruption, and the price of survival.
23. Roma (Spanish, 2018)
| Title | Roma |
| Language | Spanish |
| Actors | Yalitza Aparicio, Marina de Tavira, Diego Cortina Autrey |
| Director | Alfonso Cuarón |
| Release Date | 21 November 2018 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Viewers under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 2h 15min |
| Genres | Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 7.7/10 |
Plot Summary:
Roma is a Mexican drama film that follows a year in the life of a middle-class family and their live-in housekeeper named Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio) in the early 1970s in Mexico City.
The film is known for its beautiful black-and-white cinematography, its detailed and realistic portrayal of everyday life, and its exploration of themes such as family, social class, and the bonds that connect us.
24. The Skin I Live In (Spanish, 2011)
| Title | The Skin I Live In |
| Language | Spanish |
| Actors | Antonio Banderas, Elena Anaya, Jan Cornet |
| Director | Pedro Almodóvar |
| Release Date | 2 September 2011 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Viewers under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 1h 57min |
| Genres | Drama, Horror, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 7.6/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Skin I Live In is a Spanish psychological thriller that follows a brilliant plastic surgeon named Robert Ledgard (Antonio Banderas) who has dedicated his life to creating a new type of synthetic skin that could have saved the life of his deceased wife.
The film is known for its disturbing and provocative storyline, its exploration of themes such as identity, obsession, and revenge, and its stylish and elegant direction by the acclaimed filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar.
25. A Very Long Engagement (French, 2004)
| Title | A Very Long Engagement |
| Language | French |
| Actors | Audrey Tautou, Gaspard Ulliel, Jodie Foster |
| Director | Jean-Pierre Jeunet |
| Release Date | 17 November 2004 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Viewers under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 2h 13min |
| Genres | Drama, Mystery, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 7.6/10 |
Plot Summary:
A Very Long Engagement is a French romantic war film that tells the story of a young woman named Mathilde (Audrey Tautou) who embarks on a journey to discover the truth behind the disappearance of her fiancé during World War I.
The film is known for its beautiful cinematography, its heartfelt and emotional storyline, and its exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the power of hope.
26. Biutiful (Spanish, 2010)
Videocine.
| Title | Biutiful |
| Language | Spanish |
| Actors | Javier Bardem, Maricel Álvarez, Hanaa Bouchaib |
| Director | Alejandro González Iñárritu |
| Release Date | 28 January 2011 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Viewers under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 2h 28min |
| Genres | Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 7.5/10 |
Plot Summary:
Biutiful is a Spanish drama film that follows Uxbal (Javier Bardem), a man in Barcelona who is struggling to provide for his two young children while dealing with a terminal illness.
The film is known for its powerful and emotional performance by Bardem, its raw and realistic portrayal of poverty and desperation, and its exploration of themes such as mortality, spirituality, and the human condition.
27. The Sea Inside (Spanish, 2004)
| Title | The Sea Inside |
| Language | Spanish |
| Actors | Javier Bardem, Belén Rueda, Lola Dueñas |
| Director | Alejandro Amenábar |
| Release Date | 4 March 2005 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG-13 |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 |
| Duration | 2h 5min |
| Genres | Biography, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 8.0/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Sea Inside is a Spanish biographical drama film based on the true story of Ramón Sampedro (Javier Bardem), a man who became a quadriplegic after a diving accident and fought for his right to end his own life.
The film is known for its sensitive and poignant exploration of euthanasia, its powerful and emotional performance by Bardem, and its beautiful and haunting cinematography.
28. The Handmaiden (Korean, 2016)
| Title | The Handmaiden |
| Language | Korean |
| Actors | Min-hee Kim, Tae-ri Kim, Jung-woo Ha |
| Director | Park Chan-wook |
| Release Date | 1 June 2016 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Viewer discretion advised |
| Duration | 2h 24min |
| Genres | Drama, Romance, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 8.1/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Handmaiden is a Korean erotic psychological thriller film that tells the story of a young Korean woman named Sook-hee (Kim Tae-ri) who is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, but secretly plots with a conman to defraud her of her fortune.
The film is known for its stylish and provocative direction by acclaimed filmmaker Park Chan-wook, its exploration of themes such as sexuality, power, and betrayal, and its intricate and cleverly constructed plot.
29. The Great Beauty (Italian, 2013)
| Title | The Great Beauty |
| Language | Italian |
| Actors | Toni Servillo, Carlo Verdone, Sabrina Ferilli |
| Director | Paolo Sorrentino |
| Release Date | 21 May 2013 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Viewer discretion advised |
| Duration | 2h 22min |
| Genres | Comedy, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Great Beauty is an Italian comedy-drama film that follows Jep Gambardella (Toni Servillo), a journalist and socialite in Rome who reflects on his life and the city's decadent society as he approaches his 65th birthday.
The film is known for its beautiful and surreal visuals, its exploration of themes such as art, beauty, and the meaning of life, and its strong and charismatic performance by Servillo.
30. House of Flying Daggers (Chinese, 2004)
| Title | House of Flying Daggers |
| Language | Mandarin |
| Actors | Ziyi Zhang, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau |
| Director | Zhang Yimou |
| Release Date | 16 December 2004 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG-13 |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 |
| Duration | 1h 59min |
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 7.6/10 |
Plot Summary:
House of Flying Daggers is a Chinese martial arts romantic drama film that tells the story of two police officers who fall in love with a blind dancer suspected of being a member of a revolutionary group known as the House of Flying Daggers.
The film is known for its stunning and breathtaking visuals, its thrilling and emotional storyline, and its exciting and innovative fight scenes.
31. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (French, 1964)
| Title | The Umbrellas of Cherbourg |
| Language | French |
| Actors | Catherine Deneuve, Nino Castelnuovo, Anne Vernon |
| Director | Jacques Demy |
| Release Date | 16 February 1964 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Viewer discretion advised |
| Duration | 1h 31min |
| Genres | Drama, Musical, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is a French musical drama film that follows the love story of Geneviève (Catherine Deneuve) and Guy (Nino Castelnuovo), two young lovers who are separated by the Algerian War.
The film is known for its unique and innovative use of music, its bright and colorful visuals, and its exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the passage of time.
32. The Secret of Kells (Irish, 2009)
| Title | The Secret of Kells |
| Language | English |
| Actors | Evan McGuire, Brendan Gleeson, Mick Lally |
| Director | Tomm Moore |
| Release Date | 11 March 2010 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Viewer discretion advised |
| Duration | 1h 15min |
| Genres | Animation, Adventure, Family |
| IMDB Rating | 7.7/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Secret of Kells is an Irish animated adventure film that follows the story of a young boy named Brendan who lives in the Irish abbey of Kells and becomes involved in the creation of the famous Book of Kells.
The film is known for its beautiful and intricate animation, its imaginative and fantastical storytelling, and its exploration of themes such as creativity, mythology, and the power of imagination.
33. Waltz with Bashir (Hebrew, 2008)
| Title | Waltz with Bashir |
| Language | Hebrew |
| Actors | Ari Folman, Ron Ben-Yishai, Ronny Dayag |
| Director | Ari Folman |
| Release Date | 25 June 2008 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted – Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 1h 30min |
| Genres | Animation, Biography, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 8.0/10 |
Plot Summary:
Waltz with Bashir is an Israeli animated war documentary film that explores the director's own experiences during the 1982 Lebanon War.
The film is known for its unique and powerful blend of animation and documentary filmmaking, its haunting and poignant exploration of the traumas of war, and its innovative and visionary direction by Ari Folman.
34. Talk to Her (Spanish, 2002)
| Title | Talk to Her |
| Language | Spanish |
| Actors | Javier Cámara, Darío Grandinetti, Leonor Watling |
| Director | Pedro Almodóvar |
| Release Date | 14 March 2002 |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted – Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 1h 52min |
| Genres | Drama, Mystery, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 8.0/10 |
Plot Summary:
Talk to Her is a Spanish drama film that tells the story of two men who bond over their love for comatose women.
The film is known for its complex and emotional exploration of love and relationships, its stunning and artistic cinematography, and its powerful and moving performances by the cast.
35. Chungking Express (Chinese, 1994)
| Title | Chungking Express |
| Language | Cantonese, Mandarin, English, Japanese, Hindi |
| Actors | Brigitte Lin, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai |
| Director | Wong Kar-wai |
| Release Date | 14 July 1994 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG-13 |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 |
| Duration | 1h 42min |
| Genres | Comedy, Crime, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 8.1/10 |
Plot Summary:
Chungking Express is a Hong Kong romantic drama film that tells the story of two police officers and their romantic relationships.
The film is known for its innovative and experimental style, its vibrant and colorful visuals, and its exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the passage of time.
36. Incendies (French, 2010)
| Title | Incendies |
| Language | French, Arabic, English |
| Actors | Lubna Azabal, Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin, Maxim Gaudette |
| Director | Denis Villeneuve |
| Release Date | 12 May 2010 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted – Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 2h 11min |
| Genres | Drama, Mystery, War |
| IMDB Rating | 8.3/10 |
Plot Summary:
Incendies is a French-Canadian drama film that follows the journey of twins Jeanne and Simon as they try to uncover the secrets of their mother's past in war-torn Lebanon.
The film is known for its powerful and emotional storytelling, its exploration of themes such as identity, family, and the legacy of war, and its stunning performances by the cast.
37. Goodbye Lenin! (German, 2003)
| Title | Goodbye Lenin! |
| Language | German |
| Actors | Daniel Brühl, Katrin Sass, Chulpan Khamatova |
| Director | Wolfgang Becker |
| Release Date | 9 February 2003 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted – Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 2h 1min |
| Genres | Comedy, Drama, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 7.7/10 |
Plot Summary:
Goodbye, Lenin! is a German tragicomedy film that takes place in East Germany during the fall of the Berlin Wall.
It follows the story of Alex, a young man who tries to shield his mother, who has just come out of a coma, from the news of the collapse of the GDR.
The film is known for its unique blend of humor and drama, its exploration of themes such as family, politics, and nostalgia, and its exceptional performances by the cast.
38. Amores Perros (Spanish, 2000)
| Title | Amores Perros |
| Language | Spanish |
| Actors | Emilio Echevarría, Gael García Bernal, Goya Toledo |
| Director | Alejandro González Iñárritu |
| Release Date | 16 June 2000 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted – Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 2h 34min |
| Genres | Drama, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 8.0/10 |
Plot Summary:
Amores Perros is a Mexican drama film that tells the story of three interconnected lives in Mexico City that are affected by a car crash.
The film is known for its gritty and raw portrayal of urban life, its exploration of themes such as love, violence, and redemption, and its innovative and powerful direction by Alejandro González Iñárritu.
39. A Prophet (French, 2009)
| Title | A Prophet |
| Language | French |
| Actors | Tahar Rahim, Niels Arestrup, Adel Bencherif |
| Director | Jacques Audiard |
| Release Date | 26 August 2009 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted – Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 2h 35min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 7.9/10 |
Plot Summary:
A Prophet is a French prison drama film that follows the story of a young Arab man who rises to power in a French prison by becoming a trusted confidant of a Corsican mob boss.
The film is known for its intense and gripping storytelling, its exploration of themes such as power, loyalty, and identity, and its exceptional performances by the cast.
40. The Return (Russian, 2003)
| Title | The Return |
| Language | Russian |
| Actors | Vladimir Garin, Ivan Dobronravov, Konstantin Lavronenko |
| Director | Andrey Zvyagintsev |
| Release Date | 19 February 2004 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG-13 |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 |
| Duration | 1h 45min |
| Genres | Drama, Mystery |
| IMDB Rating | 8.0/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Return is a Russian drama film that tells the story of two brothers who are taken on a fishing trip by their long-absent father.
The film is known for its powerful and emotional storytelling, its exploration of themes such as family, identity, and the search for meaning, and its stunning and atmospheric cinematography.
41. Central Station (Portuguese, 1998)
Europa Filmes.
| Title | Central Station |
| Language | Portuguese |
| Actors | Fernanda Montenegro, Vinícius de Oliveira, Marília Pêra |
| Director | Walter Salles |
| Release Date | 16 April 1998 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted – Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 1h 53min |
| Genres | Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 8.0/10 |
Plot Summary:
Central Station is a Brazilian drama film that follows the journey of a retired schoolteacher and a young boy as they embark on a trip across Brazil to find the boy's estranged father.
The film is known for its heartfelt and emotional storytelling, its exploration of themes such as loss, redemption, and human connection, and its exceptional performances by the cast.
42. The White Ribbon (German, 2009)
| Title | The White Ribbon |
| Language | German |
| Actors | Christian Friedel, Ernst Jacobi, Leonie Benesch |
| Director | Michael Haneke |
| Release Date | 24 September 2009 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted – Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 2h 24min |
| Genres | Drama, History, Mystery |
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
Plot Summary:
The White Ribbon is a German mystery drama film that takes place in a small village in northern Germany on the eve of World War I.
It follows the story of the strange and disturbing events that occur in the village and the people who are affected by them.
The film is known for its powerful and haunting storytelling, its exploration of themes such as power, control, and repression, and its stunning black-and-white cinematography.
43. Breathless (French, 1960)
| Title | Breathless |
| Language | French |
| Actors | Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jean Seberg, Daniel Boulanger |
| Director | Jean-Luc Godard |
| Release Date | 16 March 1961 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Not Rated |
| Duration | 1h 30min |
| IMDB Rating | 7.9/10 |
Plot Summary:
Breathless is a French crime drama film that follows the story of a petty criminal who falls in love with an American woman and goes on the run after killing a policeman.
The film is known for its innovative and influential direction by Jean-Luc Godard, its unconventional and existential storytelling, and its iconic performances by Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg.
44. The Death of Mr. Lazarescu (Romanian, 2005)
| Title | The Death of Mr. Lazarescu |
| Language | Romanian |
| Actors | Ion Fiscuteanu, Luminita Gheorghiu, Gabriel Spahiu |
| Director | Cristi Puiu |
| Release Date | 3 February 2006 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted – Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 2h 33min |
| Genres | Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 8.0/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Death of Mr. Lazarescu is a Romanian drama film that follows the story of an elderly man who is taken from hospital to hospital in a desperate attempt to receive medical care but is consistently turned away.
The film is known for its unflinching and realistic portrayal of the Romanian healthcare system, its exploration of themes such as aging, mortality, and human dignity, and its exceptional performances by the cast.
45. Like Water for Chocolate (Spanish, 1992)
| Title | Like Water for Chocolate |
| Language | Spanish |
| Actors | Marco Leonardi, Lumi Cavazos, Regina Torné |
| Director | Alfonso Arau |
| Release Date | 28 May 1993 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted – Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian |
| Duration | 1h 45min |
| Genres | Drama, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 7.1/10 |
Plot Summary:
Like Water for Chocolate is a Mexican romantic drama film that tells the story of a young woman who is unable to marry the man she loves and instead devotes herself to cooking, channeling all of her emotions and passions into her food.
The film is known for its magical and surreal storytelling, its exploration of themes such as love, family, and tradition, and its sumptuous and visually stunning cinematography.
46. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Chinese, 2000)
| Title | Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon |
| Language | Mandarin |
| Actors | Yun-Fat Chow, Michelle Yeoh, Ziyi Zhang |
| Director | Ang Lee |
| Release Date | 12 January 2001 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG-13 |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 |
| Duration | 2h |
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Fantasy |
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
Plot Summary:
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a Chinese martial arts fantasy film that tells the story of a legendary sword, stolen and lost for many years, and the search for it by a group of skilled warriors.
The film is known for its breathtaking and gravity-defying action sequences, its lush and fantastical storytelling, and its exceptional performances by the cast.
47. Fitzcarraldo (German, 1982)
| Title | Fitzcarraldo |
| Language | German |
| Actors | Klaus Kinski, Claudia Cardinale, José Lewgoy |
| Director | Werner Herzog |
| Release Date | 12 October 1982 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may not be suitable for children |
| Duration | 2h 38min |
| Genres | Adventure, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 8.1/10 |
Plot Summary:
Fitzcarraldo is a German adventure drama film that tells the story of a man's obsession with building an opera house in the jungle, and his attempts to transport a steamship over a mountain.
The film is known for its epic and ambitious storytelling, its stunning and exotic visuals, and its captivating performances by the cast.
48. The Passion of Joan of Arc (French, 1928)
| Title | The Passion of Joan of Arc |
| Language | French |
| Actors | Maria Falconetti, Eugene Silvain, André Berley |
| Director | Carl Theodor Dreyer |
| Release Date | 21 April 1928 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | Not Rated |
| Parental Guidance | Not Rated |
| Duration | 1h 50min |
| Genres | Biography, Drama, History |
| IMDB Rating | 8.1/10 |
Plot Summary:
The Passion of Joan of Arc is a French silent film that tells the story of Joan of Arc's trial and execution in 1431.
The film is known for its innovative and influential direction by Carl Theodor Dreyer, its powerful and emotional performances, particularly by Maria Falconetti, and its stunning and iconic cinematography.
49. Solaris (Russian, 1972)
| Title | Solaris |
| Language | Russian |
| Actors | Natalya Bondarchuk, Donatas Banionis, Jüri Järvet |
| Director | Andrei Tarkovsky |
| Release Date | 26 February 1972 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may not be suitable for children |
| Duration | 2h 47min |
| Genres | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi |
| IMDB Rating | 8.1/10 |
Plot Summary:
Solaris is a Russian sci-fi drama film that tells the story of a psychologist sent to a space station orbiting a distant planet to investigate the mysterious deaths of its crew, only to be confronted with his own past and memories.
The film is known for its philosophical and introspective themes, its haunting and atmospheric visuals, and its masterful direction by Andrei Tarkovsky.
50. In the Mood for Love (Chinese, 2000)
| Title | In the Mood for Love |
| Language | Cantonese |
| Actors | Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Maggie Cheung, Ping Lam Siu |
| Director | Kar-Wai Wong |
| Release Date | 29 March 2001 |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may not be suitable for children |
| Duration | 1h 38min |
| Genres | Drama, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 8.1/10 |
Plot Summary:
In the Mood for Love is a Hong Kong romantic drama film that tells the story of two neighbors who discover that their spouses are having an affair, and who develop a deep and complicated relationship with each other.
The film is known for its stunning and evocative visuals, its poignant and restrained storytelling, and its exceptional performances by the cast.