14 Best Abbas Kiarostami Films: Top Kiarostami Movies

Abbas Kiarostami was an Iranian film director, screenwriter, and producer. He was born in Tehran on June 22, 1940, and died in Paris on July 4, 2016.

He began with shorts and documentaries at Kanoon before his early feature The Traveler (1974). Close-Up (1990), often treated as a breakthrough, came much later—not in the 1970s, and not after a film called Boycott (that 1985 title is Mohsen Makhmalbaf’s).

Who Is Abbas Kiarostami?

He is known for his philosophical style of filmmaking and for his commitment to realist cinema.

His films often explore human relationships and personal interactions as well as the nature of truth, memory and time.

His work has been recognized with major festival honors, including the Palme d’Or at Cannes for Taste of Cherry (1997) and the Silver Lion (Jury Prize) at Venice for The Wind Will Carry Us (1999).

Best Abbas Kiarostami Films

Below are standout titles from across his career—from early features and the Koker trilogy to late international work—plus a few films he wrote or co-directed that sit close to his cinema.

Films at a glance

1. Taste of Cherry (1997)

Taste of Cherry is a haunting masterpiece that delves into the depths of the human psyche with an unparalleled level of nuance and sensitivity.

The film follows Mr. Badii, a middle-aged man who drives around Tehran in search of someone to assist him in his planned suicide.

Through a series of encounters with various individuals, including a soldier and a seminarian, Mr. Badii grapples with the weight of his decision and the complexities of life.

Director Abbas Kiarostami’s use of long takes and minimalistic storytelling creates a sense of intimacy with the characters, making their struggles all the more palpable.

The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the stark beauty of the Iranian landscape and the sense of isolation that permeates the film.

Taste of Cherry is a thought-provoking exploration of life, death, and the human condition.

It is a film that lingers long after the credits roll, leaving the viewer with a sense of introspection and contemplation.

If you like Abbas Kiarostami’s work, on our sister site AuteurGraph we have a profile page, a visual film timeline, and a ratings page that gives a tonne of info and data about their career in a visualized form.

2. Close-Up (1990)

Close-Up is a hauntingly beautiful film that blurs the line between reality and fiction.

Directed by Abbas Kiarostami, the film tells the story of a man who impersonates a famous filmmaker and ingratiates himself into the life of a middle-class family in Tehran.

As the story unfolds, we are drawn into a world that is both familiar and strange, as we become intimately acquainted with the characters and their struggles.

What makes Close-Up so compelling is its unique blend of documentary-style realism and fictional storytelling.

The film blurs the line between what is real and what is staged, creating a sense of uncertainty and tension that keeps the audience engaged throughout.

At the same time, the film is deeply human, exploring themes of identity, class, and the power of cinema to transport us to another world.

At its heart, Close-Up is a celebration of the power of storytelling. Through its masterful direction, stunning cinematography, and unforgettable performances, the film transports us to a world that is both familiar and strange, inviting us to explore the complex and often contradictory nature of human experience.

3. Crimson Gold (2003)

Crimson Gold is a haunting and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of society and the human psyche.

Directed by Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, the movie tells the story of a pizza delivery man named Hussein, who embarks on a crime spree with a wealthy friend after being denied access to a jewelry store due to his social status.

The film is beautifully shot and captures the gritty urban landscape of Tehran with stunning realism.

The performances are exceptional, particularly that of Hussein Emadeddin, who portrays the lead character with a sense of quiet desperation that is both heartbreaking and unsettling.

What sets Crimson Gold apart from other crime dramas is its nuanced exploration of the social and economic forces that drive people to commit desperate acts.

The film is a powerful commentary on the class divide in Iranian society and the ways in which poverty and inequality can lead to a sense of hopelessness and desperation.

4. Through the Olive Trees (1994)

Through the Olive Trees is a fascinating exploration of the complexities of love and the challenges of communication in a rural Iranian village.

Directed by the legendary Abbas Kiarostami, this film takes us on a journey through the lives of a group of villagers as they prepare for a local wedding.

The film’s central focus is on the relationship between a young man named Hossein and a woman named Tahereh, with whom he is hopelessly in love.

As Hossein tries to express his feelings to Tahereh, he faces a series of obstacles, from her disapproving father to her own reluctance to commit.

What makes Through the Olive Trees so compelling is the way it blends fiction and reality, using non-professional actors and real locations to create a sense of authenticity and immediacy.

Kiarostami’s use of long takes and naturalistic dialogue creates a powerful sense of intimacy, drawing us into the characters’ lives and the world they inhabit.

At its core, Through the Olive Trees is a meditation on the power of love and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.

It is a beautiful and moving film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

5. The Wind Will Carry Us (1999)

The Wind Will Carry Us is a beautiful and thought-provoking film by the renowned Iranian director, Abbas Kiarostami.

The movie follows an engineer who travels to a remote village in Iran to document a traditional mourning ritual.

As he waits for the event to take place, he interacts with the local people and becomes immersed in their daily lives.

The cinematography is stunning, with breathtaking shots of the rugged landscape and the simple yet elegant village architecture.

The film’s pace is deliberate, allowing the viewer to savor every moment and appreciate the nuances of each interaction.

What struck me most about The Wind Will Carry Us was its exploration of the human condition.

The film is a meditation on the fleeting nature of life, the bonds we form with others, and the inevitability of death.

The engineer’s journey serves as a metaphor for our own search for meaning and connection in a world that is often indifferent to our existence.

6. Where Is the Friend’s House? (1987)

Where Is the Friend’s House? is a beautifully crafted film that showcases the simplicity and innocence of childhood.

Directed by Abbas Kiarostami, this Iranian film follows the journey of a schoolboy named Ahmed, who sets out to return his classmate’s notebook after accidentally taking it home.

What begins as a simple task turns into a poignant exploration of compassion and empathy, as Ahmed faces numerous obstacles on his journey to find his friend’s house.

The film’s slow pacing and minimalist approach give the audience time to appreciate the stunning landscapes and observe the characters’ actions and emotions.

Kiarostami’s use of non-professional actors adds to the film’s authenticity, making the characters feel like real people rather than just performers.

The young actor playing Ahmed delivers a moving performance, capturing the confusion and determination of a child trying to do the right thing.

7. Certified Copy (2010)

Certified Copy is a masterpiece of modern filmmaking that will leave you questioning the very nature of reality and relationships.

Director Abbas Kiarostami weaves a complex narrative that blurs the lines between truth and fiction, as a man and a woman (played brilliantly by William Shimell and Juliette Binoche) explore the themes of art, love, and authenticity during a day trip in Tuscany.

The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beautiful landscapes of Italy with an intimate and poetic touch.

The performances are outstanding, with Binoche delivering a nuanced and emotional portrayal of a woman struggling with her identity and relationships.

The film’s themes are explored through a series of conversations and encounters, each one building on the last to create a rich tapestry of ideas and emotions.

Certified Copy is a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating film that will challenge your perceptions of reality and the nature of human connection.

8. Like Someone in Love (2012)

Like Someone in Love is a masterful exploration of themes of identity, loneliness, and connection.

Director Abbas Kiarostami weaves a captivating narrative that follows the unlikely relationship between a young escort named Akiko and an elderly professor named Takashi.

The film is set against the backdrop of Tokyo’s bustling streets and colorful nightlife, highlighting the stark contrast between the isolation of the characters and the vibrant energy of the city.

The performances in this film are nothing short of exceptional, with Rin Takanashi delivering a nuanced portrayal of Akiko’s conflicting emotions and Tadashi Okuno bringing a quiet dignity to the role of Takashi.

Kiarostami’s direction is equally impressive, with his use of long takes and minimalist style adding to the film’s understated beauty.

Like Someone in Love is a slow-burning masterpiece that requires patience and attention, but rewards the viewer with a deeply resonant exploration of human connection.

A must-watch for fans of arthouse cinema and anyone who appreciates storytelling at its finest.

9. And Life Goes On (1992)

And Life Goes On is a heart-wrenching masterpiece that takes the audience on a journey of grief, loss, and acceptance.

Directed by Abbas Kiarostami, this Iranian film is a part of his Koker trilogy and follows a filmmaker’s search for the actors of his previous film after an earthquake has hit the region.

The film’s beauty lies in its simplicity and the way it captures the essence of life in a devastated region.

The director’s use of non-professional actors and documentary-style filmmaking adds to the authenticity of the story.

It’s a film that shows us the power of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.

The cinematography of the film is stunning, capturing the beauty of the Iranian countryside and its people.

The way Kiarostami has used the natural landscapes to depict the aftermath of the earthquake is commendable.

And Life Goes On is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit.

It’s a film that will stay with you long after the end credits roll.

10. Ten (2002)

Ten is a powerful portrayal of the complexities of modern Iranian society, told through a series of ten conversations between a female driver and her various passengers.

Directed by Abbas Kiarostami, this film is a masterclass in subtle storytelling and nuanced character development.

Shot entirely within the confines of a moving car, Ten is a visually stunning film that captures the bustling streets of Tehran with incredible realism.

The performances are exceptional, with Mania Akbari delivering a standout performance as the driver who must navigate the diverse perspectives and opinions of her passengers.

What sets Ten apart from other films is its ability to tackle complex social issues with such a deft touch.

Through conversations about divorce, sexuality, religion, and politics, Kiarostami presents a multifaceted portrait of a society in flux.

It’s a film that will challenge your preconceptions and leave you with much to ponder long after the credits roll.

11. Homework (1989)

Homework (Mashq-e Shab, 1989) is Abbas Kiarostami’s documentary about Iranian schoolchildren—not an American teen romance.

Kiarostami interviews kids about homework, punishment, and what school asks of them, then lets their answers expose adult anxiety, class pressure, and the gap between official education and lived childhood. Simple framing and patient listening do the work; there is no Winona Ryder subplot and no Hollywood coming-of-age formula.

It sits with Where Is the Friend’s House? as essential Kiarostami on how children navigate an adult-made world.

12. The Traveler (1974)

The Traveler (Mossafer, 1974) is Abbas Kiarostami’s early feature about a football-obsessed boy in Malayer—not a European stranger-in-a-village thriller.

Qassem (Hassan Darabi) will do almost anything to reach a big match in Tehran: skip school, steal, and scam classmates by “photographing” them with an empty camera to raise bus fare. He finally makes the stadium—only for exhaustion and waiting to steal the game from him.

Shot in stark black-and-white with non-professional kids, the film is already pure Kiarostami: childhood desire, adult indifference, and an ending that withholds easy payoff.

13. The White Balloon (1995)

The White Balloon is a masterpiece of Iranian cinema that captures the essence of childhood innocence and curiosity.

Directed by Jafar Panahi, the film follows the story of a young girl named Razieh who is determined to buy a goldfish for the Iranian New Year.

As she navigates the bustling streets of Tehran, she encounters a series of obstacles that threaten to derail her plans.

The film is a captivating exploration of the human spirit and the universal desire for connection and belonging.

Razieh’s journey is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, as she experiences moments of joy and despair in equal measure.

The performances are superb, particularly that of the young actress who plays Razieh, who brings a naturalistic and authentic energy to the role.

The cinematography is also a standout feature of the film, with Panahi using a handheld camera to capture the raw energy and vibrancy of Tehran’s streets.

The use of natural light and earthy tones creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that draws the audience in and invites them to experience the world through Razieh’s eyes.

14. Tickets (2005)

Tickets is a beautifully crafted film that seamlessly weaves together three distinct stories told in three different languages.

Set on a train journey from Austria to Rome, the film explores themes of love, loss, and human connection through the eyes of an eclectic cast of characters.

Each story is unique and engaging, with its own set of complex relationships and emotional stakes.

The performances are top-notch, particularly from the Italian ensemble cast, who bring a raw, authentic energy to their roles.

Co-directed by Ermanno Olmi, Abbas Kiarostami, and Ken Loach, the film’s use of sound and visual storytelling creates an immersive experience for the audience, making us feel like we are right there on the train with these characters.

Characteristics of Abbas Kiarostami Films

The most distinctive feature of Kiarostami’s films is their rootedness in the real world.

They are not surrealistic or fantastic, but rather depict ordinary people, who are usually shown interacting with each other in a realistic way.

His characters are drawn from everyday life: they work, go to school, have children and suffer losses.

They are not stereotypically “good” or “bad”; they are just human beings like us.

In this way his films can be described as socially engaged, since they critique social problems while also showing us how to resolve them.

His films often contain a sense of humor that is sometimes misread by critics as patronizing or condescending; in fact it is just one more way for him to put us in touch with his characters’ humanity by using humor as an effective tool for empathy.

He often makes use of arresting visual compositions which serve as a kind of visual shorthand for what is going on (for example the vanishing point motif).

The camera position itself becomes a character in its own right and serves as an instrument for conveying the filmmaker’s point of view about reality (for example when we see everything from a child’s perspective).

Best Abbas Kiarostami Films – Wrapping Up

I’ve been a fan of Abbas Kiarostami for years, and I’m not going to pretend I don’t have some bias here. But it’s not like I can pick my favorite films from his repertoire; they’re all too good for that.

So instead of picking one, I’ll just list out my favorites in order of how much I like them (and if any of them are new to you, click on the title):

Close-Up (1990) – This is an odd one because it feels like it could be an independent film. It looks like a documentary of sorts, but there are no interviews or voiceover narration.

The lighting and cinematography are very simple, which makes it feel more real than most documentaries do.

It also has this great sense of playfulness throughout where he just keeps pushing the camera forward while two people dance around him.

The Wind Will Carry Us (1999) – This film might seem like a stretch from Kiarostami’s previous films, but it manages to retain some of his signature themes while still being new and different at the same time.

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