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?

Last Updated: 28.06.2025 02:05

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?

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.

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):

Which actor/actress appears to be in pain while acting? Is this due to their method acting or their lack of skill as an actor?

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

In jenen Tagen

Das Haus in Montevideo

Unde non omnis quia ut et magni ea.

Es war eine rauschende Ballnacht

Man spricht Deutsh

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.

Are there any examples of outdated values in the Bible?

Zur Sache, Schätzchen (and its sequel)

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

Berlin - Sinfonie einer Großstadt

New Xbox Game Pass Day One Game Is Instantly a Huge Hit - ComicBook.com

Didi - alles im Eimer

Es geschah am helllichten Tag

Nackt

GameStop promise replacements after retail staff staples Switch 2 screens - OC3D

Lola rennt

Die Feuerzangenbowle

Metropolis

Enzo Maresca rues ‘six minutes that changed the game’ in failed experiment against Flamengo - We Ain't Got No History