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10 European Films You Need to Watch Right Now

Here’s 10 European films you need to watch!

You’ve probably seen a load of Hollywood movies, but how many European films have you seen? Here’s a countdown of 10 of the best European films ever made.

10. Ali: Fear Eats the Soul

Ali: Fear Eats the Soul is one of Fassbinder’s greats. It examines racism and prejudice in Germany 20 years after the fall of Hitler and the Nazis. The film is currently available to watch on YouTube (click on link).

9. Volver

Pedro Almodovar is the don of modern Spanish cinema and Volver is my pick for his best film. For more Almodovar make sure you check out All About my Mother and Talk to Her as well.

8. Leviathan

Leviathan is an epic. Zvyagintsev’s portrait of contemporary Russia draws on biblical stories and a small American business owner to emphasise the state’s disregard for it’s citizens.

7. Edvard Munch

Edvard Munch has style. It’s not like any documentary you’ve seen before as scenes from Munch’s life are reenacted by a full cast.

6. The Great Beauty

The Great Beauty is Sorrentino’s tribute to Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. So much so it feels like an update of the classic – a contemporary ode to the city of Rome.

5. Ex Machina

Yes! One of the best Sci-Fi movies of this century is European. If you’ve already seen this and are after something different check out Under the Skin.

4. Persona

Ingmar Bergman is a Top 5 European director of all time. And if you want to be a film expert Persona is your holy grail. It’s the Mount Everest of the film world. For more Bergman check out Wild Strawberries.

3. Trainspotting

This is Danny Boyle at his best. Who knew a film about heroin addicts in Scotland could be so entertaining.

2. La Haine

Over 20 years after it was made, La Haine is as relevant as ever. It brings social unrest to the big screen, showing us that Paris is not the romantic and happy city portrayed by Hollywood. La Haine gives a voice to the marginalised.

1. Divorce: Italian Style

This comedy is gold. I feel like Mastroianni’s performance influenced everything from Blackadder to Nanni Moretti in this film. It’s also one of Scorsese’s favourites.

 

Honourable Mentions:

Wild Strawberries, The Exterminating Angel, Aguirre: The Wrath of God, The Marriage of Maria Braun, Dear Diary, Insomnia, Toni Erdmann, Son of Saul

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10 of the Best Foreign Films on Netflix You Need to Watch Right Now

Watch the world with Netflix. Here’s 10 of the best foreign films on Netflix you need to watch right now!

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As you’ll know if you have Netflix, there’s a lot of content! So it takes a lot of browsing to find good foreign films. Plus, the other problem is the Netflix reviews. When Adam Sandler films are the highest rated films on the entire platform, you know Netflix reviews can’t be trusted. So when you think you’ve found a good foreign film to watch with 4.5 stars, you may have ended up with a cheesy comedy!

That’s where we come in, we’re here to help you find the best foreign films on Netflix. We’ll save you browsing time and make sure you end up with a gem. Here’s 10 of our favourite foreign films on Netflix UK (hopefully some of them will be available elsewhere as well).

10. Hunt for the Wilderpeople (New Zealand)

This feel good comedy from Taika Waititi is the perfect film for a family night in. It stars Sam Neill (from Jurassic Park fame) and newcomer Julian Dennison, playing a grumpy old man and a juvenile delinquent respectively. You’ll get a sense of the fun in the trailer below. For more fun from Taika Waititi check out What We Do in the Shadows.

9. The Square (Egypt)

If you’re up for a thrilling political documentary, check out The Square. It documents the Arab Spring movement from the Tahir Square in Cairo, Egypt. You’ll feel like you’re right there. Perfect if you’re up for learning a bit about contemporary history.

8. Elle (Netherlands)

Do you want to be thrilled? Then watch Elle. In the opening minutes, Michele is raped by a masked assailant. She decides not to report it. I’ve cut the trailer below, but feel free to click through to watch the full trailer if you don’t mind spoilers. Just watch it – you won’t be bored!

7. Ip Man (Hong Kong)

If you’re into martial arts films, you can’t go wrong with Ip Man. Firstly, the action is quality. Secondly, there’s actually a half decent story-line. Lastly, it’s got Donnie Yen.

6. Son of Saul (Hungary)

If you want a more gritty version of Schindler’s List, this might be just what you are after. It follows a day and a half in the life of a Hungarian member of the SonderKommando (prisoners that were forced to dispose the gas chamber victims). If you don’t like the sound of that, at least watch the trailer below to get a taster for the incredible cinematography. More analysis here.

5. Let the Right One In (Sweden)

Who said you can’t make romantic horror films? Director Tomas Alfredson obviously doesn’t see any problems in mixing genres. It’s clever and original. So check it out if you dare!

4. District 9 (South Africa)

One of my personal favourites. District 9 is another genre masher; a science fiction film shot like a documentary. It explores humanity, xenophobia, and social segregation in an alternate 1982. If you haven’t seen it, watch it. If you’ve already seen it and didn’t think much of it, trust me and watch it again. You’ll also notice the direct influence it had on Arrival.

3. Under the Shadow (Iran)

Who’s up for another psychological thriller? This beauty starts in 1980s war-torn Iran. Everyone is evacuating Tehran as Iraqi missiles start landing all across the city. All except for Shideh and her young daughter who have been left alone in a spooky tenement building as her husband is away fighting in the war. Being alone like that in the middle of a war will affect your mind!

2. The Great Beauty (Italy)

The Great Beauty is Sorrentino’s tribute to Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. So much so it feels like an update of the classic – a contemporary ode to the city of Rome. Let it’s stream of consciousness style carry you along. Perfect for a relaxed night in.

1. City of God (Brazil)

Can anyone really argue with City of God at number one? It’s entertaining, brutal, and brilliantly shot. It’s also probably the most gripping film about drug-wars in the Rio de Janeiro favelas ever made. Also, the perfect film to watch if you’ve already finished watching Narcos. (For more post-Narcos suggestions check out this list). It also has one of the worst trailers out there (you can blame the early 00s for that).

If you think we’re missing some of the best foreign films on Netflix, leave us a comment!

Also if you’ve got Amazon Prime, check out 10 of the Best World Films you can watch right now on Amazon Prime!