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 07:25

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 jenen Tagen

Metropolis

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!

One Molecule to Sleep and Wake: A New Brain Switch Discovered - Neuroscience News

Es war eine rauschende Ballnacht

Es geschah am helllichten Tag

Zur Sache, Schätzchen (and its sequel)

RFK Jr. looks to fast track rare disease drug approvals (updated) - Seeking Alpha

Didi - alles im Eimer

Nackt

Die Feuerzangenbowle

Are landlords allowed to make unreasonable requests?

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

Berlin - Sinfonie einer Großstadt

Lola rennt

David Jolly, a Trump critic and former GOP congressman, to run for Florida governor as a Democrat - AP News

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):

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.

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.

Have your parents ever walked in on you?

Das Haus in Montevideo

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

Man spricht Deutsh

Why does my private parts itch so much during certain periods?