19 Best Dutch Movies: A Celebration of The Cinema of The Netherlands

Dutch cinema has a rich history and a distinctive style, characterized by a focus on realism, humanism, and social commentary.

Dutch filmmakers have produced a wide range of films, from art-house classics to blockbuster hits, that have gained international recognition and acclaim. Here are some of the best Dutch movies that showcase the country’s unique cinematic tradition.

Best Dutch Movies

These films are just a few examples of the many outstanding works of Dutch cinema. From classic art-house films to contemporary blockbusters, Dutch movies offer a unique and captivating perspective on the country’s history, culture, and people.

1. Soldier of Orange (1977)

“Soldier of Orange” is a Dutch war drama film released in 1977. The film was directed by Paul Verhoeven and stars Rutger Hauer, Jeroen Krabbé, and Derek de Lint.

It is based on the autobiography of Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema, who was a Dutch resistance fighter during World War II.

The story follows a group of Dutch university students who become involved in the resistance movement against the Nazi occupation during World War II.

The film explores themes of loyalty, courage, and sacrifice as the characters are forced to make difficult choices in the face of danger and uncertainty.

“Soldier of Orange” was a critical and commercial success, both in the Netherlands and internationally. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and won several other awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film.

The film is considered a landmark in Dutch cinema and is widely regarded as one of the best war movies ever made.

2. Character (1997)

“Character” is a Dutch-Belgian drama film directed by Mike van Diem, released in 1997. The film tells the story of a young man named Katadreuffe, who is determined to succeed in life despite being born out of wedlock to a single mother.

He clashes with his domineering and abusive father, Dreverhaven, who is a wealthy and powerful attorney.

The film explores themes of class, power, and the struggle for identity. It is based on the novel “Karakter” by Ferdinand Bordewijk and is set in Rotterdam in the early 20th century.

“Character” won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1998, as well as numerous other awards at international film festivals. It is widely regarded as one of the best Dutch films ever made.

3. Black Book (2006)

Black Book is a 2006 Dutch war drama film directed by Paul Verhoeven.

The film is set during World War II in the Netherlands and tells the story of a Jewish woman named Rachel Stein who joins the Dutch resistance after her family is killed by the Nazis.

As Rachel becomes more involved in the resistance, she takes on a new identity as a non-Jewish woman named Ellis de Vries and works as a spy for the Dutch resistance.

However, her undercover work becomes increasingly dangerous and complicated when she falls in love with a high-ranking Nazi officer.

The film explores themes of love, betrayal, and the moral complexities of war. It also offers a unique perspective on the Dutch resistance during World War II and the experiences of Jews living under Nazi occupation.

Black Book was a critical and commercial success and was nominated for several awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.

The film is considered a powerful and gripping portrayal of life during wartime and the struggle for survival and redemption in the face of unimaginable cruelty and violence.

4. The Assault (1986)

“The Assault” is a Dutch drama film directed by Fons Rademakers. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Harry Mulisch and tells the story of Anton Steenwijk, a young boy who witnesses the murder of his family by German soldiers during World War II.

The film follows Anton’s life in the aftermath of the tragedy, as he struggles to come to terms with his loss and the trauma of the war.

As an adult, Anton, played by Derek de Lint, becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about his family’s murder, and his quest for justice takes him down a dangerous path.

The film explores themes of guilt, trauma, and the lasting impact of war on individuals and society.

It was a critical and commercial success, winning the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1987 and receiving widespread acclaim for its powerful storytelling and poignant performances.

5. Winter in Wartime (2008)

Winter in Wartime” (Dutch title: “Oorlogswinter”) is a 2008 Dutch-language war drama film directed by Martin Koolhoven. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Dutch author Jan Terlouw and is set in the winter of 1944-45 in Nazi-occupied Netherlands.

The story follows a teenage boy named Michiel, who becomes involved with the Dutch resistance after helping a wounded British soldier.

The film was notable for its gripping storytelling and its realistic portrayal of life under Nazi occupation.

It was praised for its strong performances, particularly from lead actor Martijn Lakemeier, and its depiction of the difficult choices that people had to make during wartime.

“Winter in Wartime” was the Netherlands’ submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2009, but it was not nominated.

The film was a critical and commercial success in the Netherlands and has since become a beloved classic in Dutch cinema.

6. Antonia’s Line (1995)

“Antonia’s Line” is a 1995 Dutch film directed by Marleen Gorris, which tells the story of Antonia (Willeke van Ammelrooy), a strong and independent woman who returns to her hometown in rural Netherlands after World War II with her daughter Danielle (Els Dottermans).

Antonia and Danielle establish their own unique community, which includes a diverse group of women with their own stories and struggles.

The film explores themes of feminism, sexuality, family, and community, and is known for its powerful and uplifting message of resilience and hope.

“Antonia’s Line” was a critical and commercial success, both in the Netherlands and abroad. The film won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1996, making it the first Dutch film to win this prestigious award.

The film is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Dutch cinema and is considered one of the most important feminist films ever made.

The film’s director, Marleen Gorris, is one of the most influential and celebrated filmmakers in the Netherlands.

“Antonia’s Line” is a touching and inspiring film that offers a unique and powerful perspective on the lives of women in rural Netherlands, as well as a message of hope and resilience that resonates with audiences around the world.

7. All Stars (1997)

“All Stars” is a Dutch comedy-drama film released in 1997. The film was directed by Jean van de Velde and stars Danny de Munk, Antonie Kamerling, and Daniël Boissevain. It is based on the popular Dutch television series of the same name.

The story follows a group of friends who play on a recreational soccer team in a working-class neighborhood in Amsterdam.

The film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the struggles of everyday life as the characters deal with personal and professional challenges both on and off the soccer field.

“All Stars” was a critical and commercial success in the Netherlands and helped to launch the careers of several of its young actors. It won several awards, including the Golden Calf for Best Film at the Netherlands Film Festival.

The film’s popularity led to a sequel and a television series spin-off, which further cemented its place in Dutch pop culture.

8. Flodder (1986)

“Flodder” is a Dutch comedy film directed by Dick Maas, released in 1986. The film tells the story of the Flodder family, a dysfunctional and socially inept family who are relocated from their rundown neighborhood to an affluent area as part of a government social experiment.

The film explores themes of class, prejudice, and cultural clash through its satirical portrayal of the Flodder family’s outrageous behavior and their interactions with their new neighbors.

“Flodder” was a commercial success in the Netherlands and spawned several sequels and a television series.

Despite being criticized by some for its crude humor and negative portrayal of working-class people, “Flodder” remains a beloved cult classic in Dutch cinema.

9. Turkish Delight (1973)

Turkish Delight is a 1973 Dutch romantic drama film directed by Paul Verhoeven. The film tells the story of a young sculptor named Eric, who falls in love with a woman named Olga.

Their passionate relationship is filled with tumultuous highs and lows, as they navigate their own personal demons and the challenges of their relationship.

The film explores themes of love, sex, and addiction, and is known for its graphic depictions of sex and violence.

It also touches on the social and cultural changes taking place in the Netherlands during the 1970s, including the rise of the counterculture movement and the changing role of women in society.

Turkish Delight was a critical and commercial success and won several awards, including the Golden Calf for Best Dutch Film. The film is considered a groundbreaking work of Dutch cinema and is noted for its frank portrayal of sexuality and its impact on relationships.

10. Godforsaken (2003)

“Godforsaken” is a Canadian drama film directed by Jamie Thraves. The film follows the story of a troubled young man named Jake, played by Karel Roden, who is released from prison and returns to his hometown in Canada.

There, he reunites with his estranged mother and tries to start a new life, but finds himself drawn back into a life of crime.

As Jake struggles to make sense of his past and present, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous criminal underworld and must navigate a web of deceit and betrayal in order to survive. The film also explores themes of addiction, family dysfunction, and the search for redemption.

“Godforsaken” received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the film’s performances and gritty realism, while others criticized its uneven pacing and lack of originality.

Despite its mixed reception, the film has gained a cult following among fans of independent cinema.

11. The Dark Room of Damocles (1963)

“The Dark Room of Damocles” (Dutch title: “De donkere kamer van Damokles”) is a 1963 Dutch war drama film directed by Fons Rademakers.

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Dutch author Willem Frederik Hermans and is set during World War II in the Netherlands.

The story follows the life of a black marketeer named Henri Osewoudt, who is approached by a man claiming to be a member of the Dutch resistance and is recruited to undertake secret operations.

The film was notable for its stark portrayal of the Dutch resistance movement and its exploration of themes related to identity, loyalty, and betrayal.

It was praised for its strong performances, particularly from lead actor Cox Habbema, and its hauntingly atmospheric cinematography.

“The Dark Room of Damocles” was the Netherlands’ submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1964, but it was not nominated. The film was a critical and commercial success in the Netherlands and has since become a classic of Dutch cinema.

12. Ciske the Rat (1984)

“Ciske the Rat” is a 1984 Dutch film directed by Guido Pieters, based on the popular novel by Piet Bakker. The film tells the story of Ciske (Danny de Munk), a young boy growing up in Amsterdam during the 1930s.

Ciske lives with his abusive mother (Willeke van Ammelrooy) and becomes involved with a local gang of delinquent boys. Despite his tough exterior, Ciske is a sensitive and intelligent boy who struggles to find his place in the world.

The film explores themes of poverty, abuse, and the importance of education and mentorship. It is known for its powerful performances, particularly by Danny de Munk, who was only 12 years old at the time of filming.

The film was a commercial and critical success, becoming one of the highest-grossing Dutch films of all time.

“Ciske the Rat” has since become a beloved classic of Dutch cinema and has been adapted into a stage musical and a television series.

The film has been praised for its honest portrayal of the struggles of working-class families in Amsterdam and its timeless message of hope and redemption.

13. The Preacher (2004)

“The Preacher” is a Danish crime-thriller film released in 2004. The film was directed by Carl Th. Dreyer and stars Jakob Cedergren, Lars Brygmann, and Joachim Fjelstrup. It is based on the novel “The Preacher” by Danish author Søren Sveistrup.

The story follows a police detective who is investigating a series of murders that appear to be connected to a charismatic and enigmatic preacher.

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As the detective delves deeper into the case, he begins to uncover a complex web of lies, secrets, and corruption that threatens to destroy him and those around him.

“The Preacher” was a critical and commercial success in Denmark and won several awards, including the Bodil Award for Best Danish Film.

The film is known for its tense and atmospheric storytelling, as well as its exploration of complex themes such as faith, morality, and human nature. It is widely regarded as one of the best Danish films of the 21st century.

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14. Oeroeg (1993)

“Oeroeg” is a Dutch drama film directed by Hans Hylkema, released in 1993.

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Hella S. Haasse and tells the story of a Dutch boy named Johan who grows up in the Dutch East Indies (present-day Indonesia) and befriends a native boy named Oeroeg.

As they grow older, their friendship is tested by the political and social upheavals of the time, including the Indonesian struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule.

The film explores themes of colonialism, identity, and cultural conflict through its poignant portrayal of Johan and Oeroeg’s relationship and the historical events that shaped their lives.

“Oeroeg” received critical acclaim for its sensitive treatment of complex issues and its nuanced performances by its cast.

It won several awards, including the Dutch Film Critics Award for Best Dutch Film, and is now considered a classic of Dutch cinema.

15. Darlings! (1984)

“Darlings!” is a British comedy film directed by Martin Curland. The film tells the story of a group of eccentric characters who are brought together when they all inherit a dilapidated mansion in the English countryside.

As the group sets about renovating the mansion, they encounter a series of comic mishaps and misadventures, and their relationships with each other become increasingly complicated. The film features a star-studded cast, including Julie Walters, Pete Postlethwaite, and Ian Dury.

“Darlings!” received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, with some praising the film’s humor and performances, while others found it to be overly contrived and lacking in substance.

Despite its mixed reception, the film has become something of a cult classic in the years since its release, and is remembered fondly by fans of British comedy.

16. The Little Blonde Dead (1993)

“The Little Blonde Dead” (Dutch title: “De kleine blonde dood”) is a 1993 Dutch drama film directed by Jean van de Velde. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Dutch author Boudewijn Büch and tells the story of a man named Mickey who reflects on his relationship with his son, who died young.

The film was notable for its emotional depth and its exploration of themes related to grief, love, and forgiveness. It was praised for its strong performances, particularly from lead actor Antonie Kamerling, and its evocative cinematography.

“The Little Blonde Dead” was not submitted for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, as the Netherlands did not select a film for the category that year.

However, the film was a critical and commercial success in the Netherlands and has since become a beloved classic of Dutch cinema.

17. Spetters (1980)

“Spetters” is a 1980 Dutch film directed by Paul Verhoeven, known for his provocative and boundary-pushing films.

The film tells the story of three young men who dream of becoming successful motorbike racers, and their encounters with a diverse cast of characters in a small Dutch town.

The film explores themes of sexuality, violence, and ambition, and is known for its graphic and controversial content.

Despite its controversial reputation, “Spetters” was a commercial success in the Netherlands and gained international recognition, particularly for its striking cinematography and dynamic visual style.

The film also features a memorable soundtrack, including songs by Golden Earring, a popular Dutch rock band.

“Spetters” has since become a cult classic of Dutch cinema and is considered one of Verhoeven’s most important early works.

The film has been praised for its raw and honest portrayal of youth culture and its exploration of the darker aspects of human nature. It is a challenging and thought-provoking film that remains relevant and impactful to this day.

18. De schippers van de Kameleon (2003)

“De schippers van de Kameleon” is a Dutch family adventure film released in 2003.

The film was directed by Steven de Jong and stars Koen van der Donk, Jos van der Donk, and Maarten Spanjer. It is based on the children’s book series of the same name by Dutch author Hotze de Roos.

The story follows the adventures of two twin brothers, Hielke and Sietse, who live in a small village in the Netherlands. They own a boat named the “Kameleon” and use it to help their friends and neighbors in various escapades.

The film explores themes of friendship, family, and the joys of childhood as the characters embark on a series of mischievous and fun-filled adventures.

“De schippers van de Kameleon” was a box office success in the Netherlands and was praised for its faithful adaptation of the popular book series.

It spawned several sequels and a television series, which further cemented its place in Dutch pop culture. The film is a beloved family classic in the Netherlands and is often watched by children and adults alike.

19. Simon (2004)

Simon” is a Dutch comedy-drama film directed by Eddy Terstall, released in 2004. The film tells the story of a gay dentist named Simon who is diagnosed with a terminal illness and decides to live life to the fullest in his remaining days.

He embarks on a journey of self-discovery and forms an unlikely friendship with a young Moroccan-Dutch rapper named Kamal.

The film explores themes of identity, mortality, and friendship through its humorous and touching portrayal of Simon’s life and relationships.

It features strong performances by its cast, including Cees Geel as Simon and Nadja Hüpscher as his best friend. “Simon” was a critical and commercial success in the Netherlands and won several awards, including the Golden Calf for Best Film at the Netherlands Film Festival.

3 Characteristics of Dutch Movies

Realism: Dutch cinema is known for its realism and authenticity, often depicting everyday life in a straightforward and unvarnished manner. This can be seen in films such as “Turkish Delight” and “Simon.”

Social Commentary: Dutch films often offer social commentary on contemporary issues, such as immigration, multiculturalism, and the changing role of women in society. Examples of this include “Alles is Liefde” and “Hoe Duur was de Suiker.”

Dark Humor: Many Dutch films incorporate a dark sense of humor, often used to highlight the absurdity of life and society. This is evident in films such as “New Kids Turbo” and “Borgman.”

3 Reasons To Watch Dutch Movies

Unique storytelling: Dutch films often have a distinctive style and approach to storytelling, with an emphasis on realism and social commentary. Many Dutch filmmakers explore complex themes and issues, such as identity, immigration, and cultural conflict, in a nuanced and thought-provoking way.

Talented filmmakers and actors: The Netherlands has a vibrant and innovative film industry, with many talented directors, writers, and actors who are pushing boundaries and experimenting with new forms and styles.

From award-winning auteurs like Paul Verhoeven to rising stars like Sam de Jong, Dutch filmmakers are making their mark on the international scene.

Exposure to Dutch culture: Watching Dutch movies can also be a great way to learn about Dutch culture and society. Many Dutch films offer a window into the country’s history, politics, and social issues, and can help viewers gain a deeper understanding of Dutch life and values.

Plus, they can be a fun and entertaining way to brush up on your Dutch language skills!

Best Dutch Movies – Wrap Up

The Dutch film industry has produced a wide variety of acclaimed movies over the years, ranging from powerful war dramas to intimate character studies to cutting-edge experimental works. Some of the best Dutch movies include:

“Turkish Delight” (1973) directed by Paul Verhoeven

“The Vanishing” (1988) directed by George Sluizer

“Soldier of Orange” (1977) directed by Paul Verhoeven

“Black Book” (2006) directed by Paul Verhoeven

“The Dark Room of Damocles” (1963) directed by Fons Rademakers

“The Little Blonde Dead” (1993) directed by Jean van de Velde

“Winter in Wartime” (2008) directed by Martin Koolhoven

“The Assault” (1986) directed by Fons Rademakers

These movies and many others showcase the talents of Dutch filmmakers and actors and have made significant contributions to world cinema.