Movies About Germany

Updated May 1, 2024

For Movies About Germany, there are many movies exploring this idea. Here are 13 of the best ones.

The Lives of Others (2006)

★★★★

3.4 out of 4 stars

From Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, starring Ulrich Mühe, Martina Gedeck, Sebastian Koch, Ulrich Tukur
Rated R

The Lives of Others is a 2006 German drama film directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck. The film follows the story of a Stasi agent, Gerd Wiesler, who is assigned to spy on an acclaimed East German playwright, Georg Dreyman, and his partner, Christa-Maria Sieland. As Wiesler listens in on the couple's private conversations, he finds himself gradually becoming more sympathetic to them, and soon begins to question the morality of the regime he is serving. This leads to a moral conflict as he must decide between his duty as a Stasi agent and his own conscience. Ultimately, he makes a selfless decision and risks his own career in order to save the lives of the couple he has been assigned to monitor. The film is a powerful exploration of the effects of surveillance on the lives of individuals, and how the choices we make can ultimately define our legacy.

Wings of Desire (1987)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From Wim Wenders, starring Bruno Ganz, Solveig Dommartin, Otto Sander, Curt Bois
Rated PG-13

Wings of Desire is a critically acclaimed fantasy-drama directed by the legendary Wim Wenders. Set in Berlin, the film follows Damiel (Bruno Ganz), an angel who has come to earth and made the human realm his home. Damiel meets a beautiful trapeze artist, Marion (Solveig Dommartin), and soon falls in love. However, being an angel, Damiel is unable to experience love or touch her, so he makes the difficult decision to renounce his immortality and become human. As he struggles with this transition, the angel Cassiel (Otto Sander), his friend and mentor, continues to watch over him. Through their interactions, Wenders explores the power of love and the beauty of mortality.

The White Ribbon (2009)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Michael Haneke, starring Christian Friedel, Ernst Jacobi, Leonie Benesch, Ulrich Tukur
Rated R

The White Ribbon is a German-language drama film directed by Michael Haneke. It tells of a series of mysterious and disturbing events in a small Protestant village in Germany on the eve of World War I. The story follows a young schoolteacher and his investigation into the strange occurrences. These events, including the torturing of animals, arson and child abuse, lead to a shocking conclusion. Through the story, the film examines the psychological effects of authoritarianism and the consequences of extreme religious and social conformity. The film won the Palme d'Or at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, as well as Academy Award nominations for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Cinematography. It is a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of the darkness inside human nature.

Victoria (2015)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Sebastian Schipper, starring Laia Costa, Frederick Lau, Franz Rogowski, Burak Yigit
Rated Not Rated

Victoria (2015) is a German drama directed by Sebastian Schipper. It stars Laia Costa as Victoria, a Spanish woman living in Berlin who meets four young men outside a nightclub. After forming an unexpected bond with them, Victoria joins them on a wild, early morning mission that quickly spirals out of control. With no script and all improvised dialogue, the film follows their journey as they face many unexpected twists and turns, some life-threatening. The film is a gripping,real-time adventure that brings the audience on a thrilling and chaotic ride through the streets of Berlin.