25 Best European Movies: A Cinematic Journey Across The Continent

European cinema has a rich history of producing critically acclaimed and thought-provoking films. From the classic works of filmmakers like Federico Fellini and Ingmar Bergman to the contemporary works of directors like Pedro Almodovar and Lars von Trier, European cinema has made a significant impact on the global film industry.

One of the defining characteristics of European cinema is its diversity. Films from different European countries often explore distinct themes and subject matters, drawing on unique cultural and historical contexts. From the gritty realism of Italian neorealist cinema to the surrealism of French New Wave, European cinema offers a wide range of styles and genres.

Best European Movies

In this article, we will take a look at some of the best European movies of all time, exploring the cultural, historical, and artistic significance of each film. From the timeless classics to the contemporary masterpieces, we will delve into the rich and diverse world of European cinema.

1. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

“Lawrence of Arabia” is a British epic historical drama film released in 1962. Directed by David Lean and produced by Sam Spiegel, the film stars Peter O’Toole in the title role, with Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, and Omar Sharif in supporting roles.

The film tells the story of T. E. Lawrence, a British army officer who played a key role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

“Lawrence of Arabia” was a critical and commercial success, winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, particularly for its cinematography, score, and performances.

The film is known for its sweeping desert landscapes, large-scale battle scenes, and its exploration of themes such as identity, leadership, and the human cost of war.

2. M (1931)

“M” is a classic German thriller film directed by Fritz Lang and released in 1931. The film follows the investigation of a serial killer who preys on young children in Berlin. The killer is tracked down by both the police and the criminal underworld, leading to a dramatic showdown in an abandoned factory.

The film is notable for its innovative use of sound, including the use of a whistled tune that becomes the signature motif of the killer. The film’s themes of justice, guilt, and social responsibility continue to resonate with audiences to this day, and it is widely regarded as a landmark in the history of cinema.

“M” has been highly influential on subsequent films and filmmakers, including Alfred Hitchcock, who cited the film as a major influence on his work. The film has also been the subject of numerous adaptations and homages in popular culture, including a 2019 television series of the same name.

3. La strada (1954)

“La strada” is a 1954 Italian film directed by Federico Fellini. The film follows the story of a young woman named Gelsomina, who is sold by her mother to a brutish strongman named Zampanò, to be his assistant and travel with him to perform in shows across Italy.

Gelsomina’s simple and innocent nature clashes with Zampanò’s violent and callous behavior, leading to a tragic and emotional finale.

“La strada” is considered one of Fellini’s greatest works, and is often cited as a masterpiece of Italian neorealism. The film explores themes of poverty, exploitation, love, and redemption, through its powerful storytelling and performances.

The film is also known for its beautiful black and white cinematography and its haunting score, composed by Nino Rota.

“La strada” has been highly influential in the world of cinema and has inspired countless filmmakers over the years. It has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1957. Today, it remains a classic of Italian cinema and a must-watch for film enthusiasts.

4. The Wages of Fear (1953)

“The Wages of Fear” is a French-Italian film directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot and released in 1953. It is based on a novel by Georges Arnaud and stars Yves Montand, Charles Vanel, and Peter van Eyck.

The film follows the perilous journey of four men who are hired to transport a shipment of nitroglycerin across rough terrain in order to extinguish an oil well fire in a remote South American town.

One of the key themes of the film is the struggle of the working class against oppression and exploitation. The four main characters are all struggling to make ends meet and are desperate for work, leading them to take on this incredibly dangerous mission for a chance at a better life.

The film also explores the psychological toll of this kind of work, as the constant stress and danger lead to tensions and breakdowns between the men.

“The Wages of Fear” is considered a masterpiece of French cinema and is known for its tense and suspenseful storytelling, stunning cinematography, and powerful performances from the cast. The film has influenced numerous filmmakers and has been remade several times, including as the 1977 William Friedkin film “Sorcerer.”

5. Wild Strawberries (1957)

“Wild Strawberries” is a Swedish drama film released in 1957. Directed by Ingmar Bergman, the film stars Victor Sjöström, Bibi Andersson, Ingrid Thulin, and Gunnar Björnstrand. The film tells the story of an elderly professor, Isak Borg, who embarks on a road trip from Stockholm to Lund to receive an honorary degree.

During the journey, he reflects on his life and confronts his past, while experiencing a series of surreal and symbolic encounters.

“Wild Strawberries” is considered one of Bergman’s masterpieces and is regarded as a landmark in European cinema. It is known for its introspective and poetic portrayal of the human condition, as well as its innovative use of dream sequences and flashbacks.

The film explores themes such as memory, mortality, and the search for meaning in life. It has been praised for its cinematography, art direction, and the powerful performance of Victor Sjöström as Isak Borg.

6. Barry Lyndon (1975)

“Barry Lyndon” is a period drama film directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1975. The film is based on the 1844 novel “The Luck of Barry Lyndon” by William Makepeace Thackeray and follows the rise and fall of an Irishman named Redmond Barry, who becomes a gambler, soldier, and ultimately a nobleman in 18th century Europe.

The film is known for its stunning cinematography, which was achieved through the use of natural light and extensive period-accurate costumes and sets. The film also features a classical score that complements the story’s elegant setting.

While the film was not a commercial success upon its release, it has since been recognized as a masterpiece of cinema, with its themes of ambition, love, and betrayal resonating with audiences. “Barry Lyndon” has also been praised for its historical accuracy, with Kubrick’s attention to detail being noted by many critics.

“Barry Lyndon” has been influential on subsequent films and filmmakers, particularly in its use of natural light and attention to historical detail. It has also been the subject of numerous homages and references in popular culture.

7. The Grand Illusion (1937)

“The Grand Illusion” (French: “La Grande Illusion”) is a 1937 French film directed by Jean Renoir. The film follows a group of French soldiers during World War I who are captured by the Germans and imprisoned in a castle. The film explores the relationships that develop between the French prisoners and their German captors, highlighting the common humanity that binds them despite their national differences.

The film is known for its powerful anti-war message and its exploration of class and social status. It is often regarded as a masterpiece of French cinema and has been influential in shaping the course of film history. The film features a stellar cast, including Jean Gabin, Pierre Fresnay, and Erich von Stroheim.

“The Grand Illusion” was widely acclaimed upon its release and won the Best Foreign Language Film award at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards. It has been ranked as one of the greatest films ever made by numerous critics and filmmakers, and has been preserved by the National Film Registry in the United States for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.

8. The Lives of Others (2006)

“The Lives of Others” is a German drama film directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck and released in 2006. Set in East Berlin in 1984, the film follows the story of Gerd Wiesler, a Stasi officer who is assigned to spy on a popular playwright named Georg Dreyman and his actress girlfriend Christa-Maria Sieland.

The film explores themes of political oppression and the effects of surveillance on individuals and society. Through the eyes of Wiesler, the audience witnesses the Stasi’s ruthless tactics and the devastating impact they have on the lives of those they target.

The film also portrays the emotional toll of living in a surveillance state, as characters are forced to confront the consequences of their actions and the compromises they make in order to survive.

“The Lives of Others” received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It is regarded as a powerful and thought-provoking examination of the human cost of authoritarianism and is considered one of the best German films of all time.

9. The Red Shoes (1948)

“The Red Shoes” is a British drama film released in 1948. Directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, the film stars Moira Shearer, Anton Walbrook, and Marius Goring. The film tells the story of a young ballerina named Victoria Page, who joins a prestigious ballet company and becomes the lead in a new production of the classic fairy tale “The Red Shoes.”

However, her intense dedication to her art threatens to consume her personal life, as she finds herself torn between her love for the company’s composer and her duty to her demanding and controlling ballet director.

“The Red Shoes” is known for its breathtaking cinematography, vivid colors, and surrealistic sequences. It is considered a masterpiece of British cinema and is often cited as one of the greatest dance films ever made.

The film explores themes such as artistic obsession, the sacrifice of personal life for success, and the struggle between love and duty. It has been praised for its stunning dance sequences, powerful performances, and its influence on the aesthetics of modern cinema.

10. Brief Encounter (1945)

Brief Encounter is a 1945 British romantic drama film directed by David Lean and based on the one-act play Still Life by Noël Coward. It tells the story of a suburban housewife who meets a married doctor at a railway station and the two begin a passionate love affair.

However, they both realize that their relationship cannot continue as it is and must go back to their respective lives.

The film is known for its beautiful cinematography, powerful performances by the lead actors, and its haunting musical score. It is considered a classic of British cinema and has been highly influential in the romantic drama genre.

11. The Seventh Seal (1957)

“The Seventh Seal” is a 1957 Swedish film written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. The film follows a medieval knight, Antonius Block, who returns home from the Crusades to find his country ravaged by the plague. In a moment of crisis, he challenges Death to a game of chess to buy time to search for meaning in his life.

The film is known for its exploration of existential themes such as death, faith, and the meaning of life. It features iconic imagery, including the game of chess between the knight and Death, and has been highly influential in popular culture. The film stars Max von Sydow as the knight and Bengt Ekerot as Death.

“The Seventh Seal” received critical acclaim upon its release and has since been regarded as a masterpiece of cinema. It has been analyzed extensively by scholars and is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made. The film’s influence can be seen in numerous works of art, literature, and film.

12. Viridiana (1961)

“Viridiana” is a Spanish-Mexican film directed by Luis Buñuel and released in 1961. The film tells the story of Viridiana, a young nun who, before taking her final vows, visits her uncle Don Jaime, a wealthy landowner. After her visit, Viridiana is persuaded by Don Jaime to stay and help him with his charitable work.

However, when Don Jaime’s intentions toward Viridiana become clear, she attempts to leave, but is prevented from doing so by a series of events that culminate in a shocking finale.

The film is a satirical critique of the Catholic Church and its teachings, and it explores themes of sexuality, morality, and social inequality. It was highly controversial upon its release, and was even banned in Spain until 1977. However, it has since been recognized as a masterpiece of Spanish cinema, and is often cited as one of Buñuel’s greatest works.

“Viridiana” won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1961, and is widely regarded as a classic of world cinema.

13. Cinema Paradiso (1988)

“Cinema Paradiso” is a 1988 Italian drama film directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. The film tells the story of a young boy named Salvatore, who grows up in a small Sicilian village and develops a passion for movies thanks to the local cinema’s projectionist, Alfredo.

As Salvatore grows older, he becomes a successful filmmaker but is forced to confront his past when he returns to his hometown for Alfredo’s funeral. The film explores themes of love, loss, nostalgia, and the power of cinema to shape our lives. “Cinema Paradiso” won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1989.

14. La Dolce Vita (1960)

La Dolce Vita is a 1960 Italian drama film directed by Federico Fellini. The film stars Marcello Mastroianni, Anita Ekberg, and Anouk Aimée.

The film follows Marcello Rubini, a journalist in Rome who is searching for meaning and purpose in his life. He becomes caught up in the hedonistic lifestyle of the wealthy and famous, attending parties, indulging in excess, and pursuing beautiful women.

Along the way, he meets Sylvia, a famous American actress, and spends a night with her in the Trevi Fountain, which has become one of the most iconic scenes in cinema history.

The film is known for its exploration of themes such as celebrity culture, existentialism, and the search for meaning in a world that seems devoid of it. It also marked a turning point in Fellini’s career, moving away from the neorealist style of his earlier films and towards a more surreal and fantastical approach.

La Dolce Vita was a critical and commercial success, winning the Palme d’Or at the 1960 Cannes Film Festival and becoming one of the most iconic films of the Italian cinema.

15. The Third Man (1949)

“The Third Man” is a classic film noir movie released in 1949, directed by Carol Reed and written by Graham Greene. The film is set in post-World War II Vienna, where American writer Holly Martins (played by Joseph Cotten) arrives to meet his childhood friend, Harry Lime (played by Orson Welles). However, he soon learns that Lime has died in a car accident under suspicious circumstances.

As Martins begins to investigate his friend’s death, he uncovers a conspiracy involving Lime and a black market racket in diluted penicillin, which has caused many deaths among the poor Viennese. Martins is aided in his investigation by Lime’s former lover, Anna Schmidt (played by Alida Valli), and a British police officer, Major Calloway (played by Trevor Howard).

The film is noted for its atmospheric cinematography, particularly in the famous scene in the city’s sewers, and its iconic zither score by Anton Karas. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, and its themes of betrayal, moral ambiguity, and the corrupting influence of power have made it a classic of film noir.

16. Das Boot (1981)

Das Boot is a 1981 German war film directed by Wolfgang Petersen, based on the novel of the same name by Lothar-Günther Buchheim. The film tells the story of the crew of the German U-boat U-96 during World War II.

The film is known for its realistic portrayal of life aboard a submarine during the war, and for its portrayal of the psychological and emotional toll that the experience takes on the crew. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Screenplay.

The film was a critical and commercial success, and is widely regarded as one of the best war films ever made. It has been praised for its technical accuracy, its attention to detail, and its powerful performances, particularly by Jürgen Prochnow as the captain of the U-boat.

Das Boot was later released in a longer director’s cut, which includes over an hour of additional footage not seen in the original theatrical release.

17. The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)

“The Secret in Their Eyes” is a 2009 Argentine-Spanish crime drama film directed by Juan José Campanella. The film tells the story of a retired legal counselor who decides to write a novel about an unsolved case he worked on 25 years earlier, which still haunts him.

The film stars Ricardo Darín as Benjamin Esposito, a retired legal counselor, and Soledad Villamil as Irene Menéndez Hastings, a former colleague and the object of Esposito’s unrequited love.

The story is set in Buenos Aires and is divided between two timelines: the present day and the 1970s, when Esposito and his team were investigating the rape and murder of a young woman.

“The Secret in Their Eyes” received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2010. The film was praised for its acting, direction, cinematography, and storytelling. It has been described as a powerful and emotionally complex film that explores themes of love, loss, justice, and redemption.

18. Band of Outsiders (1964)

Band of Outsiders (Bande à part) is a 1964 French New Wave film directed by Jean-Luc Godard. The film stars Anna Karina, Sami Frey, and Claude Brasseur as three young people who plan a heist.

The film follows Odile, Arthur, and Franz, who meet in an English language class and soon become friends. They decide to rob a wealthy man’s house, and the rest of the film follows their planning and execution of the robbery. Along the way, they engage in playful banter, dance the Madison, and explore their own desires and motivations.

Band of Outsiders is known for its innovative use of jump cuts, its self-reflexivity, and its playful, irreverent tone. It has been praised for its influence on other films and filmmakers, particularly its influence on the French New Wave movement.

The film is also notable for its use of the “Madison” dance sequence, which has become one of the most iconic moments in cinema history.

19. Ordet (1955)

“Ordet” is a Danish film released in 1955, directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer and based on the play by Kaj Munk. The film tells the story of a family in rural Denmark, the Borgen family, who are torn apart by religious differences and personal conflicts.

The patriarch of the family, Morten Borgen (played by Henrik Malberg), is a devout Christian who believes that his daughter-in-law, Inger (played by Birgitte Federspiel), is possessed by the devil. His eldest son, Mikkel (played by Emil Hass Christensen), is an atheist who refuses to believe in God or the supernatural, and his youngest son, Johannes (played by Preben Lerdorff Rye), is a religious fanatic who believes he is Jesus Christ.

The film explores themes of faith, love, and redemption, and is noted for its philosophical and spiritual depth. It is also known for its use of long, static shots and minimalistic style, which create a sense of austerity and contemplation.

“Ordet” is considered one of the greatest films ever made, and is often cited as a masterpiece of world cinema. It won the Golden Lion at the 1955 Venice Film Festival, and has been praised for its powerful performances, stunning cinematography, and profound exploration of human spirituality.

20. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Pan’s Labyrinth is a 2006 Spanish dark fantasy film written and directed by Guillermo del Toro. Set in 1944 Spain, the film tells the story of a young girl named Ofelia who discovers a mysterious labyrinth and encounters a faun who tells her that she is the long-lost princess of a magical kingdom.

As Ofelia navigates her way through the labyrinth, she encounters a series of fantastical creatures and must complete a series of tasks in order to prove her worth and reclaim her rightful place in the kingdom. Meanwhile, her stepfather, a sadistic army captain, is hunting down rebels in the nearby forest.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2vdJiKI5vo

The film received critical acclaim for its stunning visuals, imaginative storytelling, and powerful performances, particularly by Ivana Baquero as Ofelia and Sergi López as the captain. It won three Academy Awards, including Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Makeup.

Pan’s Labyrinth is widely regarded as a modern classic, and is considered one of the best films of the 2000s. It has been praised for its blend of fantasy and reality, its exploration of themes such as innocence, violence, and the power of imagination, and its masterful direction by del Toro.

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21. Eyes Without a Face (1960)

“Eyes Without a Face” is a French horror film from 1960, directed by Georges Franju. The film tells the story of a brilliant but deranged surgeon, Dr. Génessier (played by Pierre Brasseur), who is responsible for a series of horrific experiments on young women in an attempt to restore the beauty of his daughter’s disfigured face.

The daughter, Christiane (played by Édith Scob), wears a mask to hide her face, which was destroyed in a car accident that her father caused. Dr. Génessier is obsessed with restoring her beauty and is willing to go to any lengths to achieve his goal, including kidnapping young women and using their faces to graft onto Christiane’s.

The film is a haunting exploration of the themes of beauty and identity, as well as the consequences of scientific and medical experimentation. It is notable for its striking imagery and the use of a haunting score composed by Maurice Jarre.

“Eyes Without a Face” has become a cult classic and is regarded as a masterpiece of horror cinema. It has been praised for its artistry and its ability to evoke both beauty and horror. The film has influenced many other horror movies, including “The Silence of the Lambs” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”.

22. Bicycle Thieves (1948)

Bicycle Thieves (Ladri di biciclette) is a 1948 Italian neorealist film directed by Vittorio De Sica. The film is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Italian cinema and one of the most important films in the neorealist movement.

The film tells the story of Antonio Ricci, an unemployed man in post-World War II Rome who finally finds a job putting up posters. However, the job requires him to have a bicycle, which he pawns to get the money he needs.

On his first day of work, his bicycle is stolen, and he and his young son Bruno embark on a desperate search through the streets of Rome to try to find it.

Bicycle Thieves is known for its stark depiction of poverty and the struggles of working-class people in post-war Italy. It is a powerful commentary on the human cost of economic hardship and the importance of family and community in times of crisis.

The film was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards, including an honorary Academy Award for “most outstanding foreign language film released in the United States” and the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Film. It has since become a classic of world cinema and a touchstone of neorealist filmmaking.

23. Trainspotting (1996)

“Trainspotting” is a British film released in 1996, directed by Danny Boyle and based on the novel by Irvine Welsh. The film follows a group of young heroin addicts living in Edinburgh, Scotland, and their experiences with addiction, poverty, and social alienation.

The film stars Ewan McGregor as Mark Renton, a young man who is trying to break free from his addiction and start a new life. He is joined by his friends, including the charismatic but dangerous Francis Begbie (played by Robert Carlyle), the emotionally unstable Spud (played by Ewen Bremner), and the drug-addicted couple, Tommy (played by Kevin McKidd) and Alison (played by Susan Vidler).

The film is noted for its raw, gritty realism and its portrayal of the drug culture in Edinburgh in the 1990s. It is also known for its unique style, which blends dark humor, surrealism, and a pulsating soundtrack of rock and electronic music.

“Trainspotting” was a critical and commercial success, and is considered a classic of British cinema. It has been praised for its honest portrayal of addiction and its impact on individuals and society, as well as its innovative filmmaking techniques and memorable performances. The film has since become a cult classic, and has influenced a generation of filmmakers and artists.

24. The 400 Blows (1959)

The 400 Blows is a 1959 French drama film directed by François Truffaut. The film tells the story of a young boy named Antoine Doinel, who is struggling to cope with the challenges of his life in Paris, including his dysfunctional family, his school, and his troubled relationships with his peers.

As Antoine’s situation worsens, he becomes increasingly rebellious, eventually leading to his being sent to a detention center. The film explores themes such as adolescence, rebellion, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world.

The 400 Blows is widely regarded as a masterpiece of French New Wave cinema, and is considered one of Truffaut’s greatest works. It was praised for its raw and honest portrayal of adolescence, its innovative use of filmmaking techniques such as jump cuts and freeze frames, and its powerful performances, particularly by Jean-Pierre Léaud as Antoine.

The film won several awards, including Best Director at the 1959 Cannes Film Festival, and has had a significant influence on generations of filmmakers.

25. Persona (1966)

“Persona” is a Swedish psychological drama film directed by Ingmar Bergman, released in 1966. The film is known for its unconventional narrative structure, experimental visual style, and exploration of complex themes such as identity, personal relationships, and the human psyche.

The film features two central characters: Elisabet Vogler (played by Liv Ullmann), an actress who has stopped speaking, and Alma (played by Bibi Andersson), a young nurse assigned to care for her.

As the two women spend time together on an isolated island, they begin to form a close and intense bond, blurring the lines between their individual identities.

Through their conversations and interactions, the film delves into themes of identity, the self, and the complex relationships between people. It is also known for its use of surreal imagery and dreamlike sequences, which create a sense of unease and disorientation for the viewer.

“Persona” has been widely acclaimed as one of Bergman’s most important and influential films, and is regarded as a classic of art cinema. It has been praised for its exploration of complex themes, its innovative visual style, and its powerful performances by Ullmann and Andersson. The film has influenced many other filmmakers and remains a landmark of Swedish and world cinema.

3 Characteristics of European Movies

European movies encompass a wide range of styles and genres, but there are a few characteristics that are commonly associated with European cinema:

Emphasis on character development: European movies often prioritize character development over plot, exploring the inner lives and emotional states of their protagonists in a nuanced and complex way.

Exploration of social and political issues: Many European movies use their narratives to comment on social and political issues, such as inequality, immigration, and identity. These films often offer insightful and critical perspectives on contemporary society.

Artistic and experimental approach: European cinema is known for its artistic and experimental approach to filmmaking, with many filmmakers using unconventional techniques and styles to create visually striking and thought-provoking films. This approach often prioritizes mood, tone, and atmosphere over traditional storytelling conventions.

3 Reasons To Watch European Movies

Diversity of Cultures and Perspectives: European cinema offers a wide range of cultures, languages, and perspectives that are often different from what we may be used to in mainstream Hollywood movies. European films can provide a unique window into the histories, cultures, and societies of various European countries, and help us understand and appreciate their differences.

High Quality Filmmaking: European films are known for their high quality of filmmaking, with many notable directors and actors that have made significant contributions to cinema. European cinema has a reputation for being innovative, experimental, and artistically-driven, often pushing the boundaries of what is considered mainstream.

Exposure to Different Styles and Genres: European cinema offers a diverse range of styles and genres, from the psychological dramas of Ingmar Bergman to the surrealism of Luis Buñuel to the social realism of Ken Loach. Watching European films can expose us to different storytelling techniques, visual styles, and thematic concerns that may broaden our understanding and appreciation of cinema as an art form.

Best European Movies – Wrap Up

There have been countless incredible European movies throughout history, spanning a range of genres and styles. From classic works of French New Wave cinema like The 400 Blows, to the dark fantasy world of Pan’s Labyrinth, to the gritty realism of Das Boot, European films have had a profound impact on the world of cinema.

These films and many others have left a lasting impression on audiences and filmmakers alike, and continue to inspire and challenge us with their creativity, innovation, and powerful storytelling.