30 best German movies: 2013 – 1997

While the label “Made in Germany” has always given products a high value, German cinema has not enjoyed the same fame for a long time. In the last century, representatives of the New Wave tried to change the situation by choosing a non-standard path outside of Hollywood commercial standards and focusing on independent artistic creativity. However, it was only in the twenty-first century that German directors managed to regain popularity among domestic audiences and gain worldwide recognition, as evidenced by the success of the best German films of recent years.

Suck Me Shakespeer (2013, 2015, 2017)

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This comedy German film about the adventures of an unusual teacher has gained popularity far beyond Europe. The protagonist, Zeki Müller, who used to commit robberies, hid his loot at a city construction site. During his next heist, he is arrested and imprisoned. After his release, Zeki decides to return for his money, but finds that the construction site is now a school gym. In an attempt to get a job at the school as a security guard, Mueller ends up as a teacher by a freak accident.

Windstorm (2013)

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Mika is not finishing the school year with the highest marks, and instead of a fun vacation with her friends, she will be spending time at her grandmother’s house. Her parents hope that in a relaxed atmosphere, their daughter will study hard and fill in the gaps in her knowledge. At the farm, Mika learns that her grandmother was a great horsewoman in the past and now breeds horses. At first glance, the girl is indifferent to the beautiful horses, but her friendship with a raven horse named Ostwind changes her attitude towards these amazing animals.

Guardians (Schutzengel) (2012)

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A film about corruption and one person fighting against the system is on the list of German films. The protagonist, an orphaned teenager, witnesses a crime, and her friend becomes a victim. The murder is accused of businessman Thomas Backer, who insists on the version of self-defense. However, Nina’s testimony suggests otherwise, and the businessman decides to eliminate her. The girl’s life turns into a struggle for survival, but the only defender on her side is the honest policeman Max.

Single by Contract (2010)

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Leela spent a year in America on a student exchange program and missed many events in German cultural life. At that time, an interesting youth band appeared and became famous throughout the country. However, the fame of the boy band had not yet reached the United States, and when Leela met the new star by chance, she was not particularly impressed. Christopher, a hit singer, was initially hurt by the girl’s indifference, but during the conversation he became sincerely interested in her. The lovers face considerable challenges, as the band’s contract prohibits members from having romantic relationships.

Kokowh (Kokowääh) (2011)

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Henry, a screenwriter, is going through a creative crisis and earns his living from odd jobs. He leads a bachelor’s lifestyle, surrounded by fleeting romances, but everything changes when an eight-year-old girl named Magdalena appears in his life. Surprisingly, Magdalena turns out to be Henry’s daughter, as he learns from a cover letter left by her mother. The time has come for Henry to give up his bad habits, start earning a steady income, and truly care for his child.

Rabbit Without Ears (2007, 2009)

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The plot of the popular German comedy centers on a journalist known to others for his love of fun and desire for sensations. In the pursuit of another compromising story, Ludo “overreaches” and is sentenced to several weeks of community service in a kindergarten. It was there that Ludo met Anna. The two of them used to go to school together, and in those days Ludo often insulted her. Not only does the journalist not remember this situation, but he doesn’t even recognize Anna herself. For him, the girl becomes just another object to take care of. But Anna remembers everything well, and her childhood resentment is still alive.

Barefoot (2005)

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After being fired again, Nick, a typical loser, decides to work as a janitor in a psychiatric hospital at least temporarily. On his first day, he witnesses a patient’s suicide attempt. Nick rescues Lila and finds out that she has never seen real life because she hasn’t left the house since birth due to her mother’s obsession. Left an orphan at the age of 19, the girl was institutionalized. This story surprises Nick, but she does not attach much importance to it. Soon the heroine of the film escapes from the hospital to find a savior and stay with him forever. She succeeds, and Lila resists her husband’s desire to return the fugitive to the hospital in every possible way.

The Experiment (2001)

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In this German psychological thriller, twelve people agree to become part of a seemingly innocent study. They find themselves in a prison, arbitrarily divided into two equal groups: guards and prisoners. The former have to keep order, while the latter have to follow all the rules that are set for them. Suddenly, the situation gets out of hand.

Run Lola Run (1998)

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The cult movie about the time loop was directed by German director Tom Tykwer. The fantastic thriller won 25 awards at prestigious competitions and received 13 more nominations. Lola’s boyfriend loses a bag with a huge amount of money to bandits. The girl has only 20 minutes to get the money and save their lives.

Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (1997)

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The most famous German film tells the story of Martin and Rudy, who find themselves in the same ward. Both patients are given a disappointing prognosis by the doctor. The men have very little time left, because medicine is powerless in the face of an inoperable form of cancer. Martin, the rebel, learns that Rudy has never seen the sea, and he intends to fulfill his new friend’s dream. The two friends steal a car belonging to a local gangster and get into a whirlwind of enchanting adventures.

Read more:

• 30 best German movies: 2023 – 2019
• 30 best German movies: 2018 – 2014