15 Best Lars von Trier Films: Controversial and Provocative

Lars von Trier is a Danish film director, screenwriter, and producer who is widely regarded as one of the most important and controversial figures in contemporary cinema.

He is best known for his challenging and often controversial films, which frequently address taboo and divisive themes such as sexuality, religion, and the human condition.

Over the course of his career, von Trier has established a distinctive and recognizable style that is characterized by his use of unconventional narrative structures, unconventional cinematography, and an often bleak and pessimistic outlook on life.

Best Lars von Trier Films

Despite the controversy that surrounds many of his works, von Trier is widely regarded as a visionary filmmaker who has made a significant contribution to the world of cinema.

1. Breaking the Waves (1996)

Breaking the Waves is a powerful and deeply moving film by Lars von Trier that explores the themes of love, sacrifice, and faith. The film follows the story of Bess, a young woman who is deeply in love with her husband Jan, a worker on an offshore oil rig.

When Jan is paralyzed in an accident, Bess is forced to make a series of difficult choices in order to care for him. Despite opposition from her community, Bess remains devoted to Jan and begins to question her own beliefs and values in the face of immense adversity.

Visually, Breaking the Waves is a stunning film that uses unconventional cinematography and editing techniques to create a dreamlike and often surreal atmosphere.

The performances of the film’s lead actors, particularly Emily Watson in the role of Bess, are truly remarkable and help to bring the film’s complex and challenging themes to life.

Overall, Breaking the Waves is a must-see film for fans of contemporary cinema, and a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of love, sacrifice, and faith.

Von Trier’s unique and distinctive style is on full display in this film, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.

2. Dancer in the Dark (2000)

Dancer in the Dark is a musical drama film directed by Lars von Trier and starring Björk in the lead role.

The film follows the story of Selma, a Czech immigrant living in rural America who is struggling to make ends meet while also trying to save up for a life-saving operation for her son.

Selma works in a factory and finds solace in the musical numbers she imagines in her mind, but when she is betrayed and loses everything, she must make a devastating choice in order to protect her son.

Visually, Dancer in the Dark is a striking film that combines elements of musicals, drama, and horror to create a unique and unforgettable experience.

Björk delivers a powerful performance as Selma, and the musical numbers in the film are inventive, haunting, and emotionally charged.

Overall, Dancer in the Dark is a challenging and rewarding film that explores themes of hope, sacrifice, and the power of the human spirit.

While not for everyone, the film is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who are willing to engage with its unconventional and often difficult subject matter.

3. Dogville (2003)

Dogville is a dark, thought-provoking film by Lars von Trier that explores the nature of morality and justice.

Set in a small, isolated American town during the Great Depression, the film follows the story of Grace, a mysterious woman who arrives in Dogville seeking refuge from gangsters.

Despite initial suspicion from the residents of Dogville, Grace is welcomed into the community and begins to work and help out in various ways.

However, as her presence continues to disrupt the status quo, the town’s residents begin to turn on her and demand more and more in return for their hospitality.

Visually, Dogville is a minimalist film that uses a sparse set and a limited number of characters to create a haunting and intense atmosphere.

The performances of the film’s talented cast, particularly Nicole Kidman in the lead role of Grace, are outstanding and help to bring the film’s complex themes to life.

Overall, Dogville is a thought-provoking and challenging film that explores the dark side of human nature and the consequences of cruelty and exploitation.

While not for everyone, the film is a powerful and important work that is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who are willing to engage with its difficult and often unsettling subject matter.

4. Melancholia (2011)

Melancholia is a science fiction drama film directed by Lars von Trier. The film takes place on two sisters, Justine and Claire, and their families as they struggle to come to terms with the fact that the planet Melancholia is on a collision course with Earth.

Justine is suffering from depression and her wedding day is ruined as a result. As the two sisters, their families, and the world around them falls apart, they must find a way to face the end of the world and come to terms with their own mortality.

Visually, Melancholia is a stunning film that combines elements of science fiction and drama to create a haunting and beautiful portrait of the end of the world.

The film’s cinematography is breathtaking, and the performances of the talented cast, particularly Kirsten Dunst in the lead role of Justine, are outstanding.

Overall, Melancholia is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the nature of existence, mortality, and the human experience.

While not for everyone, the film is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who are willing to engage with its unconventional and often difficult subject matter.

5. Europa (1991)

Europa, also known as Zentropa, is a mystery drama film directed by Lars von Trier. Set in post-World War II Germany, the film follows an American young man named Leo who takes a job as a conductor on the Zentropa train line.

He quickly finds himself drawn into a world of mystery, intrigue, and conspiracy as he becomes involved with a mysterious woman and encounters a number of strange characters along the way.

Europa is a visually stunning film that showcases von Trier’s distinctive style and unique vision. The film’s cinematography is gorgeous, and the use of dreamlike, surreal imagery adds to the film’s sense of unease and otherworldliness.

The film also features strong performances from its talented cast, including Jean-Marc Barr in the lead role of Leo.

Overall, Europa is a thought-provoking and often challenging film that rewards repeated viewing and close analysis.

While not for everyone, the film is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who are willing to engage with its unconventional and often difficult subject matter.

If you are a fan of von Trier’s work or appreciate thought-provoking, experimental cinema, Europa is definitely worth checking out.

6. Nymphomaniac Vols. I and II (2013)

Nymphomaniac Vols. I and II is a two-part erotic art film directed by Lars von Trier. The film follows the journey of a self-diagnosed nymphomaniac named Joe, as she recounts her sexual experiences to a curious stranger over the course of several days.

Through a series of flashbacks and provocative encounters, Joe recounts her experiences of sexual addiction and the challenges she faced as a result of her behavior.

Nymphomaniac is a highly controversial and sexually explicit film that is not for the faint of heart.

Von Trier’s bold and unapologetic approach to the subject matter is sure to challenge and disturb many viewers, while at the same time captivating and inspiring others.

The film’s cinematography is excellent, and the use of unconventional storytelling techniques adds to its impact.

Additionally, the film features standout performances from its talented cast, including Charlotte Gainsbourg in the lead role of Joe.

The film’s themes of addiction, sexuality, and self-discovery are thought-provoking and thought-provoking, and are sure to generate discussion and debate among audiences.

Overall, Nymphomaniac is a challenging and often disturbing film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who are willing to engage with its bold and unconventional subject matter.

While not for everyone, the film is sure to be a defining work in the career of Lars von Trier and is a must-see for fans of his work or those who appreciate bold and challenging cinema.

7. Antichrist (2009)

Antichrist is a horror and psychological thriller film directed by Lars von Trier. The film follows a couple, named only as “He” and “She,” who retreat to a cabin in the woods following the sudden death of their young son.

While there, the couple’s relationship becomes increasingly strained and violent as they attempt to come to terms with their grief and the guilt they feel about their son’s death.

Antichrist is a dark, disturbing, and graphic film that is not for the faint of heart. Von Trier’s bold and unapologetic approach to the subject matter is sure to challenge and disturb many viewers.

The film’s cinematography is excellent, and the use of unconventional storytelling techniques adds to its impact.

Additionally, the film features standout performances from its lead actors, Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg.

The film’s themes of grief, guilt, and the breakdown of relationships are thought-provoking and thought-provoking, and are sure to generate discussion and debate among audiences.

Overall, Antichrist is a challenging and often disturbing film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who are willing to engage with its bold and unconventional subject matter.

While not for everyone, the film is sure to be a defining work in the career of Lars von Trier and is a must-see for fans of his work or those who appreciate bold and challenging cinema.

8. The Five Obstructions (2003)

The Five Obstructions is a documentary film directed by Lars von Trier and Jørgen Leth.

The film follows the two filmmakers as they embark on a creative experiment in which von Trier challenges Leth to re-create his 1967 short film, “The Perfect Human,” five times, each time with a different obstruction or constraint imposed by von Trier.

The Five Obstructions is a fascinating and entertaining look at the creative process, as well as a meditation on the nature of artistic inspiration and the limitations of artistic expression.

The film’s structure, in which von Trier and Leth engage in a dialogue about their work, is engaging and insightful, and provides a unique window into the minds of two talented filmmakers.

Additionally, the film’s visual style is stunning, and the use of different obstructions and constraints in each iteration of “The Perfect Human” allows for a variety of unique and visually stunning interpretations of the original film.

Overall, The Five Obstructions is a must-see for fans of Lars von Trier or those interested in the creative process.

The film’s combination of insightful commentary, stunning visuals, and creative experimentation makes it a standout work in von Trier’s filmography and a must-see for anyone interested in the art of filmmaking.

9. The Idiots (1998)

The Idiots is a film directed by Lars von Trier and was released in 1998. The film follows a group of people who form a commune, where they pretend to be mentally handicapped in order to escape the demands of modern society and express their true emotions.

The Idiots is a controversial film that is both highly praised and highly criticized.

On one hand, the film’s exploration of the relationship between societal norms and individual freedom is thought-provoking and relevant, and the film’s casting of non-professional actors adds an authenticity and raw energy to the film.

On the other hand, some viewers may find the film’s portrayal of mental disability to be insensitive and offensive, and the film’s graphic sexual content may be disturbing to some.

Overall, The Idiots is a challenging and divisive film that is not for everyone. However, for those who are open to its unconventional style and bold themes, it is a powerful and thought-provoking film that demands to be seen.

10. Manderlay (2005)

Manderlay is a film directed by Lars von Trier, released in 2005. It is the second installment in von Trier’s “USA” trilogy, following Dogville.

The film takes place in the 1930s and follows a young woman named Grace, who, along with her father and a group of gangsters, stumble upon a plantation called Manderlay, where slavery still exists.

Grace takes it upon herself to try and change the community and abolish slavery, but her efforts are met with resistance from the plantation’s residents and her own father.

Manderlay is a thought-provoking film that explores themes of power, race, and oppression.

The film’s minimalist style, with its use of sparse sets and highly stylized performances, adds to the film’s power, creating a haunting atmosphere that amplifies the film’s powerful themes.

However, some viewers may find the film’s slow pace and repetitive narrative structure to be a challenge, and the film’s graphic depiction of violence and racism may be difficult for some to watch.

Overall, Manderlay is a powerful and thought-provoking film that is not for everyone.

But for those who are open to its unconventional style and bold themes, it is a memorable and important film that deserves to be seen.

11. Epidemic (1987)

“Epidemic” (1987) is a horror film by Danish director Lars von Trier.

The film is a fictionalized portrayal of a film crew working on a science-fiction movie, who find themselves drawn into the outbreak of a deadly plague in the city.

The film is known for its minimalist style and its strong political and social commentary.

The film’s themes of disease and death are handled with a level of intellectual detachment that creates a sense of unease, while its exploration of the artistic process provides a unique perspective on the creative process.

“Epidemic” is a challenging and thought-provoking film that requires a certain level of patience and openness from its audience.

It is not for everyone, but for those who appreciate von Trier’s unique approach to filmmaking, it is a must-see.

12. The Boss of It All (2006)

“The Boss of It All” (2006) is a comedy film by Danish director Lars von Trier.

The film follows the owner of a tech company who hires an actor to play the role of the company’s CEO in order to sell the company without facing any backlash from employees.

The film is known for its witty and clever commentary on the world of business, and for its unique take on the theme of truth and deception.

The acting is strong, particularly in the lead performance by Jens Albinus, who effectively conveys the character’s increasing frustration and desperation.

The film’s minimalist aesthetic also adds to its humor and wit, with the film’s offbeat humor and deadpan delivery keeping audiences engaged throughout.

“The Boss of It All” is a refreshing change of pace from von Trier’s more serious work, and a must-see for fans of his unique brand of storytelling.

13. The Element of Crime (1984)

“The Element of Crime” is a surrealist neo-noir film directed by Lars von Trier. It tells the story of a detective who goes to Cairo to investigate a series of brutal murders.

The film is known for its stylistic approach, which incorporates elements of classic noir films, while also exploring the subconscious and the darker side of the human psyche.

The cinematography is visually stunning, with the use of vibrant colors and dreamlike landscapes.

The film’s score is haunting, adding to the atmosphere of dread and unease. The film’s slow pace and unconventional narrative may not be to everyone’s taste, but it is a visually stunning and thought-provoking work that demonstrates von Trier’s mastery of the craft of filmmaking.

14. The House That Jack Built (2018)

“The House That Jack Built” is a 2018 psychological horror film directed by Lars von Trier. The film follows the story of Jack, a highly intelligent and articulate serial killer, who recounts his brutal and bloody crimes to an unseen character over the course of five distinct incidents.

The film has been met with both critical and commercial success, with many critics praising von Trier’s masterful use of suspense and disturbing imagery to create a haunting and disturbing portrait of a serial killer’s mind.

Some also praised the film’s intricate narrative structure and the powerful performances by its lead actors, particularly Matt Dillon as Jack.

However, the film has also been criticized for its graphic violence and disturbing content, with some calling it a gratuitous exploitation of violence.

Nevertheless, “The House That Jack Built” remains a powerful and thought-provoking film that showcases von Trier’s unique style and artistic vision.

15. Medea (1988)

Medea is a 1988 film directed by Lars von Trier. The film is a modern interpretation of the ancient Greek tragedy Medea and is considered one of von Trier’s earliest works.

The film explores themes of revenge, motherhood, and passion, and features a powerful performance by lead actress Barbara Sukowa as Medea.

The cinematography, with its rich and expressive use of color and lighting, adds to the film’s visual impact.

Medea received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising the film’s boldness and visual style, while others criticized its slow pacing and unconventional approach to the source material.

Nevertheless, it remains an important and influential work in von Trier’s filmography.

Overall, Medea is a visually striking film that challenges audiences with its powerful themes and unconventional take on a classic story. Fans of von Trier’s work and those interested in classical Greek tragedies will find much to admire in this film.

3 Characteristics of Lars von Trier Films

Lars von Trier is known for incorporating the following elements in his films:

Controversial subject matter: Many of von Trier’s films explore taboo and controversial themes, such as violence, sexual deviancy, and mental illness.

Avant-garde storytelling: von Trier often employs experimental techniques in his filmmaking, such as non-linear narrative structures, jump cuts, and stylized visual effects.

Provocative style: Von Trier’s films are known for being bold, confrontational, and intentionally provocative, often leaving a lasting impact on audiences. He pushes the boundaries of conventional filmmaking and does not shy away from tackling difficult and challenging subjects.

3 Reasons Why You Should Watch Lars von Trier Films

Challenging and Controversial Content: Lars von Trier is known for making films that push the boundaries and tackle difficult and controversial subjects.

He is not afraid to tackle subjects such as violence, sexuality, and mental health, making his films thought-provoking and often challenging to watch.

Experimentation: Von Trier is always experimenting with new techniques, styles, and approaches to filmmaking, making his films visually distinctive and innovative.

From his use of the Dogme 95 style to his more recent films that employ digital technology, von Trier is constantly exploring new ways to tell stories through film.

Intense Performances: Von Trier is known for getting intense and powerful performances from his actors, often drawing on their personal experiences and emotions to bring depth and realism to their characters.

His films feature memorable and impactful performances from some of the best actors in the industry.

Best Lars von Trier Films – Wrapping Up

Lars von Trier is known for pushing boundaries and creating films that are both challenging and thought-provoking.

If you’re looking for unique, sometimes controversial, and always memorable cinema experiences, von Trier’s films are definitely worth checking out.

He’s a filmmaker who doesn’t shy away from difficult themes and often explores them in a highly stylized manner that makes his work both visually and intellectually engaging.

Whether you’re a fan of his movies or not, there’s no denying the impact they’ve had on the world of film.