7 Best Andrei Tarkovsky Films: Top Andrei Tarkovsky Movies

Andrei Tarkovsky is a Russian director who made seven feature films across a career cut short by his death at 54.

Andrei Tarkovsky was born on April 4, 1932, in Zavrazhye, in what was then the Ivanovo Industrial Oblast of the Soviet Union.

His father, Arseny Tarkovsky, was a noted poet whose verses are read aloud in Mirror; Andrei studied music and Arabic in Moscow before enrolling at the state film school VGIK, graduating in 1960.

Andrei Tarkovsky has been called one of the greatest filmmakers in cinema history by many critics, though he never won a competitive Academy Award; his films were instead recognized with prizes at Cannes, Venice, and other European festivals.

Andrei Tarkovsky’s cinema is very different from other directors’ work because it relies less on dialogue or action and more on extended visual images to tell stories, often through long, meditative takes.

Andrei Tarkovsky is one of the greatest directors of all time.

His films are known for their profound visual language and deep philosophical themes.

His films often tell a story in a single take, and they use long takes to create a sense of meditative calm.

Tarkovsky’s films are rich with philosophical meaning and spiritual insight.

His films are often slow to begin, but they end up with powerful imagery that stays with you long after the film has ended.

Many critics consider Andrei Tarkovsky one of the greatest arthouse directors of all time, and he ranks among the best European directors in history, along with Ingmar Bergman, Federico Fellini, and Michelangelo Antonioni.

The first Andrei Tarkovsky feature film was called Ivan’s Childhood (1962), an adaptation of Vladimir Bogomolov’s short story “Ivan.”

The film follows Ivan, a 12-year-old orphan whose family was killed by German soldiers, as he serves as a scout for the Soviet army during World War II.

Ivan’s wartime reality is repeatedly interrupted by dreamlike flashbacks to his lost, peaceful prewar childhood with his mother.

Best Andrei Tarkovsky Films

Andrei Tarkovsky’s films are among the most widely discussed, lauded and imitated in world cinema.

If you like Andrei Tarkovsky’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.

Ivan’s Childhood (Ivanovo detstvo) won the Golden Lion at the 1962 Venice Film Festival and brought Tarkovsky international acclaim; it is considered one of the greatest Soviet films ever made.

Tarkovsky followed this with Andrei Rublev (1966), Solaris (1972), Mirror (1975), Stalker (1979), and Nostalghia (1983).

Tarkovsky’s last film, The Sacrifice, was made in Sweden in 1986, shortly before his death from cancer that December.

Films at a glance

1. Stalker (1979)

Stalker is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking film that will leave you pondering its themes for days.

Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, this science fiction masterpiece takes a deep dive into the human psyche, using a surreal journey through a post-apocalyptic landscape to explore the nature of faith, hope, and desire.

The film follows a writer, a scientist, and a guide as they travel through a mysterious area known only as The Zone, in search of a place called The Room, which is said to grant wishes to those who enter it.

As they journey deeper into The Zone, they are confronted with obstacles and challenges that force them to confront their innermost fears and desires.

The cinematography in Stalker is stunning, with the use of long, uninterrupted shots and a muted color palette creating a haunting and otherworldly atmosphere.

The performances by the cast are also exceptional, with each actor bringing a depth and complexity to their respective roles.

But what really sets Stalker apart is its exploration of existential themes.

The film asks us to consider the nature of reality, the power of belief, and the limits of human understanding.

It’s a film that will challenge you, provoke you, and leave you with more questions than answers.

2. Andrei Rublev (1966)

Andrei Rublev is a cinematic masterpiece that immerses viewers in the tumultuous world of medieval Russia.

Directed by the legendary filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky, this epic film follows the life and work of the titular character, a 15th-century icon painter.

The film is a visual feast, with stunningly shot scenes that capture the beauty and brutality of medieval Russia.

The cinematography is breathtaking, and the use of black and white film adds to the film’s overall sense of bleakness and despair.

At times, the film can be challenging to watch, as it explores themes of violence, suffering, and the struggle for artistic expression.

But the payoff is worth it, as viewers are rewarded with a profound meditation on the nature of art, faith, and human existence.

The performances in Andrei Rublev are uniformly excellent, with Anatoly Solonitsyn delivering a standout turn as the brooding and tortured artist.

The film is also notable for its use of non-professional actors, which gives it a sense of authenticity and realism.

3. Mirror (1975)

Mirror is a hauntingly beautiful film that blurs the lines between reality and memory.

Directed by the legendary Russian filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky, this film explores the life of a dying poet who reflects on his past through a series of dreamlike sequences.

Tarkovsky’s use of imagery is simply mesmerizing, with stunning shots of nature and the surrounding environment that are both breathtaking and evocative.

The film’s meandering narrative can be challenging to follow at times, but it’s all part of the experience, as Tarkovsky invites the viewer to lose themselves in the film’s dreamlike world.

The performances are uniformly excellent, particularly that of Margarita Terekhova, who plays the poet’s ex-wife.

Her emotional range is simply stunning, and she brings a depth of feeling to her character that is truly remarkable.

4. The Sacrifice (1986)

The Sacrifice is a haunting and philosophical masterpiece that explores themes of faith, sacrifice, and the end of the world.

Directed by the legendary filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky, this film is a slow burn that requires patience and contemplation.

It follows the story of Alexander, a retired actor who learns of an impending nuclear apocalypse and decides to make a sacrificial offering in order to save the world.

The film is visually stunning, with Tarkovsky’s signature long takes and use of natural landscapes.

The performances are also incredible, particularly by Erland Josephson who plays Alexander with a quiet intensity.

The dialogue is thought-provoking and poetic, with themes of love, family, and the meaning of life woven throughout.

At times, The Sacrifice can be challenging to follow and may not appeal to those who prefer fast-paced action.

However, for those who are willing to engage with its themes and take the time to appreciate its beauty, this film is a truly unforgettable experience.

It is a testament to Tarkovsky’s genius and a must-see for anyone interested in the art of cinema.

5. Nostalghia (1983)

Nostalghia is a hauntingly beautiful film that explores themes of nostalgia, memory, and cultural identity.

Directed by the legendary filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky, the movie tells the story of a Russian poet named Andrei who travels to Italy to research the life of an18th-century composer.

As he wanders through the Italian countryside, Andrei becomes increasingly disillusioned with modern society and begins to yearn for a sense of spiritual meaning in his life.

The film is visually stunning, with Tarkovsky’s signature long takes and gorgeous cinematography capturing the lush Italian landscapes in breathtaking detail.

The movie’s pacing is deliberate and contemplative, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in Andrei’s emotional journey.

The performances in Nostalghia are also superb, with lead actor Oleg Yankovsky delivering a nuanced and deeply affecting portrayal of a man struggling to find his place in the world.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, adding depth and complexity to the film’s themes.

6. Solaris (1972)

Solaris is a masterpiece of science fiction cinema that explores the innermost depths of human nature.

Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, this film is a haunting and thought-provoking journey into the unknown.

The story follows Kris Kelvin, a psychologist who is sent to a space station orbiting the planet Solaris to investigate strange occurrences among the crew members.

As Kelvin delves deeper into the mystery, he is confronted with his own past and the ghosts that haunt him.

The cinematography in Solaris is breathtaking, with long takes and a slow pace that creates a sense of introspection and contemplation.

The use of color and light is stunning, and the film’s sound design is haunting and ethereal.

The performances are outstanding, particularly that of lead actor Donatas Banionis, who captures the inner turmoil of Kris Kelvin with subtlety and depth.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with each actor bringing a unique perspective to the story.

Solaris is a film that will leave you pondering the mysteries of the universe long after the credits roll.

It is a true masterpiece of science fiction, and a must-watch for anyone interested in the genre.

7. Ivan’s Childhood (1962)

Ivan’s Childhood is a haunting and deeply moving film that explores the devastating effects of war on a young boy.

Director Andrei Tarkovsky showcases his masterful storytelling skills with a beautifully crafted narrative that is both gripping and emotionally charged.

The film follows the story of Ivan, a 12-year-old orphan who has been recruited as a spy by the Soviet army during World War II.

As he navigates through the treacherous landscape of war, Ivan’s childhood innocence is shattered as he witnesses the horrors of death and destruction.

Tarkovsky’s visual style is nothing short of mesmerizing.

The cinematography is breathtaking, with stunning imagery that captures the bleakness and despair of war.

The film is filled with powerful scenes that leave a lasting impression on the viewer, such as the haunting dream sequences that Ivan experiences throughout the film.

The performances in Ivan’s Childhood are exceptional, particularly that of Nikolay Burlyaev who plays Ivan.

His portrayal of a young boy forced to grow up too quickly is heart-wrenching, and he delivers a performance that is both nuanced and powerful.

Characteristics Of Andrei Tarkovsky Films

Andrei Tarkovsky’s films are often described as “slow cinema” because he wanted to create a world of his own.

His films are not meant to be watched quickly, but with patience and attention.

The first characteristic of Andrei Tarkovsky’s work is that it is characterized by long takes.

This means that the camera stays on one place, or moves slowly in a certain direction, for a long time.

The viewer can then see everything that happens in the frame and all details of the environment.

The second characteristic of Andrei Tarkovsky’s work is that it features long periods of silence, or music that is slightly dissonant.

This creates an impression of eeriness and melancholy in some of his films (for example, Solaris).

The third characteristic of Andrei Tarkovsky’s work is that it features slow movements or gestures by characters.

For example, in The Mirror, when Alexey walks through the empty house with his mother and father, he walks slowly and pauses for moments at each step without saying anything; this creates a feeling of loneliness and sadness in him.

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Andrei Tarkovsky Films – Wrapping Up

After you’ve watched a Tarkovsky film, it’s hard to look at other movies the same way.

The characters are so real, the settings so vivid and the story so powerful that you’ll start to see all films as mere shadows of their true selves.

The films of Andrei Tarkovsky are all about human beings trapped in time and space.

A man struggles with his place in the world and his relationship with God.

A woman struggles to find meaning in life and love. A child struggles to understand his place in the world, but also his sense of self and who he is.

Tarkovsky was a Russian director who made fewer than 10 films during his lifetime (he died at age 52), but they’re considered some of the greatest films ever made.

His style was very different from Hollywood or even Soviet-era filmmaking, which can be difficult for audiences used to thinking in terms of genres (romance or horror).

But for those willing to give them time, these films can change your life; they’ll make you think about what it means to be alive and what we’re each responsible for doing with our lives.

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