5 Must-Watch Foreign Language Films: Or, How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love The Subtitles!

Many of us avoid foreign language films because we don’t want to deal with subtitles. We find it a chore, a nuisance, and a bit time-consuming in a fast-moving world.

I, however, watch everything with subtitles, even in English. Mainly because my boyfriend always has them on, but I also love to see how actors take text and transform it. It gives me a glimpse of what is on the page while also seeing how it is being delivered and presented to the audience.

Plus, foreign films show us that, despite the languages we speak, we are not so different. We all have emotions, struggles, and pain. We are all human.

Here is a list of some of the best foreign-language films that explore the beauty and complexity of that!

1. Parasite

This aforementioned South Korean dark comedy thriller is a wild ride.

Parasite, which is up for Best Picture at this weekend's Oscars, tells the story of a low-income family struggling to make ends meet, who eventually con their way into working for this very wealthy family.

It will twist your mind, make you question which is wrong and right, and the ending will leave you completely speechless. It’s scary but in an exciting shocking way. No jump scares in this one!

2. Amélie

The first time I watched this film, I couldn’t stop smiling.

This French romantic comedy is about a woman who decides to help shape and transform the lives of those around her while she tackles her sense of isolation. It’s incredibly quirky and imaginative, and the film, which was shot in over 80 Paris locations, creates a fun world that borderlines on fantasy and reality!

3. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

This is a film for those who love action and a lot of martial arts.

This Chinese film takes place during the 19th Century Qing Dynasty and tells the story of a martial arts master, a mighty stolen sword, and star-crossed lovers.

There is a lot to unpack in this film, and all of it is laid out neatly with fun but exaggerated fighting styles, fantasy elements, plot twists, and a beautiful soundtrack!

4. Blue Is The Warmest Color

This french film will break your heart in the most beautiful ways.

It tells the story and of the relationship between a young woman who falls in love with an older art student she meets one night in a lesbian bar. The film chronicles their relationship from adolescence into adulthood and explores themes of infidelity, sexuality, and love. 

5. Pan’s Labyrinth

This Mexican-Spanish dark fantasy drama from Guillermo del Toro is like Alice in Wonderland for adults.

The story takes place after the Spanish Civil War and follows the journey of a young girl as she enters a magical world to avoid the harsh reality of the decaying world around her.

After entering this new world, she is convinced by the faun (half-goat/half-man) Pan that she might be the lost princess of the underworld, so she must complete different life-threatening tasks to return to her rightful home. It’s a bit scary and full of surprises, but it is one heck of an adventure! 

I know it might seem daunting to step into a new world of film, but you never know what you might find. It just very well could be your favorite movie of all time!