Foreign Movies You Are Sleeping On (But Shouldn’t)

Expanding your cinematic horizons beyond English-language films opens the door to some of the most compelling stories ever told. World cinema offers unique perspectives and storytelling techniques that often differ significantly from Hollywood conventions. The following collection highlights exceptional international films that deserve far more attention than they typically receive from mainstream audiences. These selections range from intense thrillers to poignant dramas that showcase the incredible talent found across the globe.

‘City of God’ (2002)

Two young boys take diverging paths while growing up in a violent neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. One struggles to become a photographer while the other rises through the ranks to become a drug kingpin. The narrative spans several decades to illustrate the brutal evolution of organized crime in the favelas. Director Fernando Meirelles uses fast-paced editing and non-linear storytelling to create a visceral experience.

‘Oldboy’ (2003)

A businessman is kidnapped and imprisoned in a hotel room for fifteen years without explanation. He is suddenly released with a wallet full of money and a mobile phone. The protagonist must find his captor within five days to understand the reason for his torment. This South Korean thriller is renowned for its shocking plot twist and a brilliantly choreographed corridor fight scene.

‘The Hunt’ (2012)

A kindergarten teacher in a small Danish community finds his life destroyed by a false allegation. The tight-knit town turns against him as paranoia and hysteria spread rapidly among the residents. He fights to prove his innocence while facing ostracization and physical violence from his former friends. Mads Mikkelsen delivers a powerful performance that anchors this harrowing drama about the fragility of reputation.

‘Incendies’ (2010)

Twins travel to the Middle East to fulfill their mother’s last wishes and uncover their family history. They navigate a war-torn landscape to locate a father they thought was dead and a brother they never knew existed. The journey reveals shocking secrets about their mother’s past survival amidst violent conflict. Director Denis Villeneuve crafts a devastating tragedy that explores the cyclical nature of violence.

‘A Separation’ (2011)

A married couple in Iran faces a difficult decision involving immigration and the care of an elderly parent. Their disagreement leads to a separation that triggers a complex chain of legal and moral conflicts. The film examines class differences and religious devotion through a domestic dispute that spirals out of control. It stands as a masterful script that treats every character with empathy and nuance.

‘The Lives of Others’ (2006)

A secret police agent in East Germany is assigned to surveil a playwright and his actress girlfriend. He becomes increasingly absorbed in their lives and begins to question his loyalty to the oppressive state. The film depicts the pervasive atmosphere of fear and suspicion behind the Iron Curtain. It serves as a poignant reminder of the power of art to transform the human spirit.

‘Burning’ (2018)

A deliveryman reconnects with a childhood friend who asks him to watch her cat while she travels. She returns with a wealthy and enigmatic man who confesses to a strange hobby involving greenhouses. The protagonist becomes obsessed with the new stranger as a sense of dread slowly builds. This psychological mystery explores themes of class rage and existential ambiguity in modern South Korea.

‘Shoplifters’ (2018)

A family living in poverty relies on petty theft to supplement their meager income. They take in a young girl they find alone in the cold despite their own financial struggles. The film slowly peels back the layers of their unconventional bond to reveal the secrets holding them together. Director Hirokazu Kore-eda questions the definition of family and the societal structures that fail the marginalized.

‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ (2019)

A painter is commissioned to create a wedding portrait of a young woman on an isolated island in Brittany. The two women develop a deep emotional and intellectual intimacy during their short time together. The film captures the subtle gestures and longing glances that define their forbidden romance. It is visually striking and celebrated for its distinct lack of a male gaze.

‘Let the Right One In’ (2008)

A bullied twelve-year-old boy strikes up a friendship with a strange girl who moves into his apartment complex. He soon discovers she is a vampire who relies on others to procure blood for her survival. The film blends tender coming-of-age elements with brutal horror imagery. It offers a dark and atmospheric take on vampire mythology that remains grounded in human emotion.

‘Wild Tales’ (2014)

This anthology film consists of six standalone stories united by the theme of vengeance and loss of control. Characters react to everyday frustrations with explosive and often hilarious violence. The segments range from road rage incidents to wedding receptions gone wrong. It serves as a cathartic examination of the thin line between civilization and barbarism.

‘Capernaum’ (2018)

A young boy in Beirut sues his parents for bringing him into a world of suffering and neglect. The story follows his struggle to survive on the streets while caring for a toddler refugee. The film utilizes non-professional actors to achieve a gritty and heartbreaking realism. It shines a light on the plight of undocumented children and the cycle of poverty.

‘Memories of Murder’ (2003)

Two detectives with opposing methods attempt to catch a serial killer in a rural Korean province. The investigation becomes increasingly desperate as the killer continues to evade capture. The film focuses on the psychological toll the case takes on the officers involved. It is a masterful procedural that blends dark humor with a pervasive sense of hopelessness.

‘The Handmaiden’ (2016)

A con man hires a pickpocket to become the maid of a Japanese heiress in occupied Korea. The plan involves defrauding the heiress of her inheritance but complications arise when emotions get involved. The narrative shifts perspectives to reveal layers of deception and intricate plotting. This erotic thriller is visually sumptuous and filled with unexpected twists.

‘Another Round’ (2020)

Four high school teachers decide to test a theory that maintaining a constant level of alcohol in their blood will improve their lives. They initially find success in their work and social interactions but the experiment soon spirals out of control. The film balances humor and tragedy while exploring midlife crises and friendship. Mads Mikkelsen performs a memorable dance sequence that caps off this exploration of escapism.

‘Train to Busan’ (2016)

Passengers on a high-speed train from Seoul to Busan must survive a sudden zombie outbreak. A workaholic father fights to protect his daughter as the infection spreads rapidly through the carriages. The film combines intense action sequences with emotional character arcs. It revitalized the zombie genre by focusing on class dynamics and altruism in the face of disaster.

‘Infernal Affairs’ (2002)

A police officer goes undercover in a triad while a triad member infiltrates the police force. Both moles race to uncover the identity of the other before they are exposed. The film creates immense tension as the two men live parallel lives of deception. This Hong Kong thriller was the direct inspiration for the Academy Award winner ‘The Departed’.

‘Mustang’ (2015)

Five orphaned sisters in a Turkish village are confined to their home after playing innocently with boys. Their family begins to arrange marriages for them as the house transforms into a prison. The girls find ways to resist their conservative upbringing and fight for their freedom. It is a spirited and emotional drama about female empowerment and sisterhood.

‘Raw’ (2016)

A strict vegetarian student undergoes a disturbing transformation after being forced to eat rabbit kidneys during a hazing ritual. She develops an uncontrollable craving for meat that escalates into cannibalism. The film uses body horror to explore themes of awakening sexuality and conformity. It is a visceral coming-of-age story that is not for the faint of heart.

‘Dogtooth’ (2009)

Three teenagers are kept isolated from the world by their controlling parents who teach them the wrong words for everyday objects. The siblings create their own twisted games to pass the time within the confines of their garden. The arrival of an outsider threatens to disrupt the carefully constructed reality of the household. This Greek film is a disturbing and surreal satire on overprotective parenting.

‘La Haine’ (1995)

Three friends from an immigrant neighborhood in Paris wander the city in the aftermath of a riot. The film captures twenty-four hours in their lives as they encounter police brutality and systemic racism. It is shot in stark black and white to emphasize the gritty reality of the banlieues. The narrative builds tension steadily until its shocking and abrupt conclusion.

‘In the Mood for Love’ (2000)

Two neighbors in 1960s Hong Kong suspect their spouses are having an affair with each other. They bond over their shared betrayal and enact the romance they imagine their partners are having. The film relies on visual storytelling and atmosphere rather than explicit dialogue. It is widely considered one of the most romantic and visually beautiful films ever made.

‘Battle Royale’ (2000)

A class of Japanese high school students is forced by the government to fight to the death on a deserted island. The students are given random weapons and must kill their friends to be the lone survivor. The film is a violent satire on youth culture and generational conflict. It remains a cult classic that influenced the entire survival game genre.

‘Good Bye, Lenin!’ (2003)

A devoted son tries to hide the fall of the Berlin Wall from his fragile mother after she wakes from a coma. He reconstructs East Germany within their apartment to prevent the shock from killing her. The film balances humor with the complex emotions surrounding the reunification of Germany. It offers a unique perspective on political change through a personal lens.

‘Amour’ (2012)

An elderly couple faces the harsh realities of aging when the wife suffers a stroke. The husband cares for her as her condition deteriorates and tests the limits of their love. The film takes place almost entirely within their apartment to create an intimate and claustrophobic atmosphere. It is an unflinching look at mortality and devotion.

‘I Saw the Devil’ (2010)

A secret agent pursues a serial killer who murdered his fiancée in a brutal game of cat and mouse. He captures and releases the killer repeatedly to inflict pain and prolong the suffering. The film questions the morality of vengeance and who truly becomes the monster. It is an extremely violent thriller that pushes the boundaries of the genre.

‘The Secret in Their Eyes’ (2009)

A retired legal counselor writes a novel about an unresolved homicide case from his past and his unrequited love for his superior. The narrative alternates between the 1970s investigation and the present day. The film blends a gripping mystery with a touching romance and political commentary. It features a spectacular continuous shot in a football stadium that is technically marveling.

‘Blue Is the Warmest Colour’ (2013)

A teenager discovers desire and freedom when she meets an aspiring painter with blue hair. The film follows their intense relationship over several years as they navigate adulthood and changing ambitions. It is known for its raw emotional honesty and naturalistic performances. The story captures the euphoria of first love and the pain of heartbreak.

‘Mommy’ (2014)

A widowed mother struggles to raise her violent and unpredictable teenage son alone. A mysterious neighbor inserts herself into their chaotic lives and brings a temporary sense of balance. The film utilizes a 1:1 aspect ratio that expands only during moments of freedom and hope. It is an energetic and emotional portrait of a dysfunctional family dynamic.

‘Holy Motors’ (2012)

A mysterious man travels around Paris in a limousine to inhabit various bizarre characters and lives. He transforms into a beggar and a motion capture artist and a monstrous creature throughout the day. The film is a surreal tribute to the history of cinema and the act of performance. It defies traditional narrative logic in favor of pure visual imagination.

‘Tumbbad’ (2018)

A man builds a shrine for a cursed deity in hopes of stealing an ancient treasure of gold coins. His greed brings ruin upon his family as the consequences of his actions span generations. The film blends Hindu mythology with atmospheric horror and stunning practical effects. It is a unique cautionary tale about the corrupting nature of avarice.

‘The Raid’ (2011)

A SWAT team becomes trapped in a tenement building run by a ruthless crime lord and his army of killers. The surviving officers must fight their way to the top floor using martial arts and firearms. The film is relentless in its pacing and features some of the best fight choreography in modern cinema. It strips away plot complexities to focus purely on adrenaline and survival.

‘Titane’ (2021)

A woman with a titanium plate in her head embarks on a violent killing spree before posing as a missing boy. She forms a bizarre bond with the boy’s father who is a steroid-injecting firefighter. The film explores themes of gender fluidity and the need for unconditional love through shocking imagery. It is a provocative and challenging work that defies easy categorization.

‘Audition’ (1999)

A widower holds a fake audition to find a new wife and becomes enamored with a quiet young woman. He ignores the warning signs about her past until it is far too late to escape. The film starts as a romantic drama before taking a sharp turn into gruesome horror. It culminates in a torture sequence that is infamous among horror fans.

‘Gomorrah’ (2008)

Five interwoven stories depict the influence of the Camorra crime syndicate in Naples and Caserta. The film avoids glamorizing the mafia and instead focuses on the clumsy and unglamorous reality of low-level criminals. It is based on a non-fiction book that exposed the pervasive corruption in the region. The result is a bleak and authentic portrayal of institutionalized crime.

‘Force Majeure’ (2014)

A family vacation in the French Alps is disrupted when an avalanche threatens their outdoor lunch. The father instinctively runs away to save himself while leaving his wife and children behind. The aftermath of his cowardice causes a rift in the marriage that grows increasingly uncomfortable. It is a sharp satire on masculinity and the fragility of the nuclear family.

‘A Prophet’ (2009)

A young Arab man is sent to a French prison where he falls under the sway of a powerful Corsican mob boss. He learns to navigate the prison hierarchy and eventually builds his own criminal network. The film is a gritty crime saga that focuses on survival and intelligence within a brutal system. It details the making of a criminal mastermind with realism and intensity.

‘Waltz with Bashir’ (2008)

An Israeli filmmaker interviews fellow veterans to reconstruct his missing memories of the 1982 Lebanon War. The documentary uses animation to depict surreal hallucinations and the stark reality of combat. It grapples with collective amnesia and moral responsibility regarding the Sabra and Shatila massacre. The unique visual style makes the traumatic subject matter both accessible and haunting.

‘Persepolis’ (2007)

A precocious young girl comes of age during the Islamic Revolution in Iran. She rebels against the strict religious rules before being sent to Europe for her safety. The animated film is based on a graphic novel and retains the distinctive black and white artistic style. It balances humor with the tragic history of a nation in turmoil.

‘4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days’ (2007)

Two university students in communist Romania arrange an illegal abortion in a hotel room. They face intimidation and exploitation from the abortionist in a society where the procedure is strictly banned. The film unfolds in long takes that create an unbearable sense of anxiety and dread. It is a powerful critique of authoritarianism and the suppression of women.

Share your favorite foreign film discoveries in the comments.