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?

13.06.2025 18:30

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?

Didi - alles im Eimer

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):

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!

What factors contributed to The Beatles' bitterness?

Nackt

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.

Es geschah am helllichten Tag

Trump says U.S. will get rare earth minerals from China and tariffs on Chinese goods will total 55% under new trade framework - PBS

Lola rennt

Man spricht Deutsh

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.

Can you share a story of someone who had a lucky experience while hitchhiking?

In jenen Tagen

Berlin - Sinfonie einer Großstadt

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

What is the belief about the existence of past lives and memories? Do we have knowledge of our past lives at birth or does it come back to us gradually?

Die Feuerzangenbowle

Metropolis

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

What happens when your partner doesn't see the value in you and continuously hurts you by searching for something in others knowing it hurts you?

Zur Sache, Schätzchen (and its sequel)

Es war eine rauschende Ballnacht

Das Haus in Montevideo

I feel like my boyfriend doesn't love me. Why?