5 International Films To Check Out To Expand Your Movie-Watching Horizons!

Living in America, there are not many everyday opportunities to watch international films, as most of the movies we see come from Hollywood. Films in foreign languages often don’t get wide releases or much attention from the general American population. But just because we don’t see them doesn’t mean international cinema doesn’t have a lot to offer in terms of artistry and entertainment. Seeing the types of films that come from different countries can help broaden your understanding of other cultures and of cinema in general. If you’re looking for an introduction into movies from other cultures, below are some acclaimed international films that are the perfect start!

1. In A Better World (Denmark, 2010)

This film from Denmark won both an Oscar and a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film, among other awards, and totally lives up to the hype. It expertly deals with morality and what constitutes the line between good and evil. Some of the dialogue is in English, so it’s a good way to dip your toes into a foreign language film if you haven’t watched much before. Mikael Persbrandt, who you might recognize as Jakob from Netflix’s "Sex Education", plays the main character in this film and gives an amazing performance. (Available on VOD/Digital) 

2. Les Misérables (France, 2019)

Based on the name, you may be thinking that this is an adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel or a revival of the world famous musical, but it is actually a completely unique story about crime and police violence within a slum-like suburb of France, Seine-Saint-Denis. This town just so happens to be the place where Victor Hugo originally wrote Les Misérables, which is how the film gets its title. This meditative crime drama will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you thinking for a while after the credits roll. (Stream on Prime Video)

3. Ringu by (Japan, 1998)

Seeing this title may bring to mind the wildly popular American horror film, The Ring, which you may not know is actually a remake of the 1998 Japanese film, Ringu. Much of the American horror genre takes inspiration from the eeriness of Japanese films like Ringu, imitating the Japanese idea of Onryō, vengeful spirits that often appear as creepy women with long black hair. As well as seeing where some American horror traditions come from, Ringu will allow a peek into how another cultures approach horror. (Stream on Tubi, Philo, and AMC+)

4. Women on The Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Spain, 1988)

This colorful and wild film comes from the internationally acclaimed Spanish filmmaker, Pedro Almodovar. It’s about a television actress who meets a cast of eccentric characters and wacky situations as she tries to deal with the fact that her lover left her. If you are a fan of the color and stylisation in films such as those from Wes Anderson, you might enjoy this fun romp. (Available on VOD/Digital) 

5. Head-On (Germany, 2004)

This German film explores what it’s like to be Turkish in Germany, as Germany has a big population of Turkish people. Both a tragic love story and a gritty and dark rumination on addiction and mental health, this movie provides the audience with nonstop drama and action. Raw and unfiltered, it basically contains every trigger in the book, so definitely not a watch for the faint of heart. If you like movies that follow an anti-hero who’s a bit of a train wreck, you will love Head-On. (Stream on Prime Video)