20 Best Latvian Movies: A Celebration of Cinema From Latvia

Latvia has a rich cinematic history that dates back to the early 20th century. Despite being a small country, Latvian filmmakers have produced many notable films that have gained recognition both nationally and internationally.

Here are some of the best Latvian movies that have made a significant impact on the country’s cinema.

Best Latvian Movies

These are just a few examples of the best Latvian movies that showcase the country’s unique cultural identity and cinematic talent.

All picks in one table

1. Mother, I Love You (2013)

Mother, I Love You is a Latvian movie released in 2013, directed by Janis Nords. The film tells the story of Raimonds, a 12-year-old boy who lives with his mother in a modest apartment in Riga, Latvia.

Raimonds is an intelligent but mischievous boy who frequently gets into trouble at school and at home. When he steals his mother’s precious necklace to pay for a train ticket, Raimonds finds himself caught in a web of lies and deceit.

The movie is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of family, trust, and growing up.

The film features outstanding performances by the cast, particularly by the young actor Kristofers Konovalovs, who plays Raimonds.

Mother, I Love You received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Grand Prix at the Berlin International Film Festival and the Best Film Award at the Latvian National Film Festival.

2. The Chronicles of Melanie (2016)

The Chronicles of Melanie is a Latvian war drama film directed by Viesturs Kairišs and released in 2016.

The movie is based on the memoirs of a Latvian woman named Melānija Vanaga, who wrote about her experiences during World War II and the Soviet occupation of Latvia.

The film follows Melānija, a schoolteacher and mother, as she is forced to flee her home with her young son when the Soviet army invades Latvia in 1940.

Along with other refugees, Melānija is sent to a labor camp in Siberia, where she is subjected to harsh living conditions and forced to work in the freezing cold.

Despite the hardships she faces, Melānija remains determined to survive and return to Latvia to reunite with her family. Along the way, she befriends other prisoners and finds hope in their shared struggle for survival.

The movie is a powerful portrayal of the human cost of war and political conflict, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

It received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Audience Award at the Warsaw Film Festival and the Best Feature Film Award at the Latvian National Film Festival.

3. Foam at the Mouth (2017)

Foam at the Mouth is a 2017 Latvian drama film directed by Jānis Nords. The movie tells the story of Raimonds (Mārtiņš Vilsons), a 12-year-old boy who is struggling to come to terms with his parents’ recent divorce.

He feels disconnected from his mother (Rēzija Kalniņa) and tries to find solace in his friendship with a neighborhood girl (Krista Dzelme).

For more about Latvia cinema, you can check out our overview of the best films from Latvia and our country-by-country exploration of global cinema.

As Raimonds navigates his complicated emotions, he becomes increasingly drawn to his father’s (Oskars Jenkšs) dangerous world of crime and violence.

The film explores themes of family, masculinity, and the challenges of growing up in a society that is still grappling with the aftermath of Soviet rule.

Foam at the Mouth received critical acclaim and won several awards at international film festivals, including the Best Film award at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.

The movie is notable for its raw and emotionally charged performances, as well as its exploration of the complexities of childhood and adolescence.

4. Mans draugs – nenopietns cilveks (1976)

“Mans draugs – nenopietns cilvēks” is a Latvian film directed by Rolands Kalniņš, released in 1976. The title translates to My Friend – The Unserious Person in English.

The film is a comedy-drama that follows the story of a man named Jāzeps, who is struggling with his life and relationships.

Jāzeps is a carefree and irresponsible person who often avoids his responsibilities, but he also has a kind heart and loyal friends who support him.

The film is notable for its portrayal of everyday life in Soviet-era Latvia and the struggles faced by ordinary people.

It also explores themes such as friendship, love, and the search for meaning in life. The film was well-received by audiences and critics, and is considered a classic of Latvian cinema.

5. Firstborn (2017)

Firstborn (Pirmdzimtais) is a 2017 Latvian psychological thriller written and directed by Aik Karapetian. Kaspars Znotiņš plays Francis, a middle-aged architect trying to restore his standing in his wife’s eyes after failing to intervene during a street robbery.

Francis becomes entangled in events that leave another man dead. He then begins to see disturbing connections among the death, his wife’s unexpected pregnancy, and a blackmailer forcing him to act against his will.

The film received eleven nominations at Latvia’s 2017 Lielais Kristaps National Film Festival, winning awards for actor Kaspars Znotiņš, composer Andris Dzenītis, and makeup artist Maija Gundare.

6. Ezera Sonate (1977)

Ezera Sonate is a Latvian movie released in 1977, directed by Aivars Freimanis.

The film is based on the novel Lake Sonata by the Latvian writer Vilis Lacis and tells the story of a young woman named Mara, who returns to her childhood home by the lake after spending several years living in the city.

As Mara reconnects with her family and friends, she is forced to confront the unresolved issues of her past. She finds herself torn between two men, her childhood sweetheart Andris and a wealthy businessman named Juris.

The film explores themes of love, loyalty, and the search for identity.

Ezera Sonate is widely regarded as one of the best Latvian movies ever made and has won numerous awards, including the Silver Hugo award at the Chicago International Film Festival.

The film features stunning cinematography that captures the beauty of the Latvian landscape and a memorable soundtrack by the Latvian composer Raimonds Pauls.

7. Four White Shirts (1967)

Four White Shirts (Latvian: Četri balti krekli / Elpojiet dziļi) is a 1967 Latvian romantic drama directed by Rolands Kalniņš, from Gunārs Priede’s play. Uldis Pūcītis plays telephone repairman Cēzars, who writes pointed songs for a rock band until culture worker Anita reports the lyrics — shelved by censors for decades, later a Latvian cultural-canon classic (Cannes Classics 2018).

8. Is It Easy to Be Young? (1986)

“Is It Easy to Be Young?” is a 1986 Soviet-Latvian drama film directed by Juris Podnieks.

The movie portrays the lives of young people in Latvia during the 1980s, as they navigate the complexities of coming of age in a society that is undergoing significant political and cultural changes.

The film’s main protagonist is a young man named Mārtiņš (Ivars Kalniņš), who dreams of becoming a rock star and struggles to find his place in the world.

Along the way, he falls in love with a girl named Līga (Baiba Indriksone) and becomes involved in a youth protest movement that challenges the Soviet government’s policies in Latvia.

“Is It Easy to Be Young?” was a groundbreaking film for its time, as it tackled controversial topics such as youth culture, political dissent, and the struggle for national identity in the Soviet Union.

The movie was also notable for its use of popular music, including songs by Latvian rock bands such as Prāta Vētra and Dzelzs Vilks.

The film was well received both in Latvia and abroad, and is considered a classic of Latvian cinema. It remains relevant today as a snapshot of a generation and a society in transition.

9. Dream Team 1935 (2012)

Dream Team 1935 (Latvian: Sapņu komanda 1935) is a 2012 Latvian sports drama directed by Aigars Grauba. It follows coach Valdemārs Baumanis and Latvia’s national basketball side as they claim the first EuroBasket title in 1935 — period sports epic from Cinevilla, not a Russian football yarn.

10. Dolgaya doroga v dyunakh (1982)

Dolgaya doroga v dyunakh (Latvian: Ilgais ceļš kāpās / Long Road in the Dunes) is a 1981 Soviet-Latvian TV epic directed by Aloizs Brenčs for Riga Film Studio. Lilita Ozoliņa’s Marta survives war, exile, and return across the Courland dunes — seven-part melodrama with Raimonds Pauls’s score, not a desert WWII combat picture.

11. The Foundation of Criminal Excellence (2018)

The Foundation of Criminal Excellence (Latvian: Kriminālās ekselences fonds) is a 2018 Latvian crime comedy directed by Oskars Rupenheits. Lauris Kļaviņš’s Imants researches a con-artist series with pal Harijs — then gets so deep into the scams he wants to become a real underworld authority.

12. Varnu ielas republika (1970)

“Vārnu ielas republika” (Republic of Crows Street) is a Latvian movie directed by Jānis Streičs and released in 1970. The film tells the story of a group of children who create their own republic on Crows Street, a rundown and neglected area of their town.

The children, led by a boy named Jēkabs, decide to take matters into their own hands and create a new society with its own laws, currency, and government.

They set up a system of mutual support and cooperation and work together to clean up and revitalize their neighborhood.

However, their utopian vision is threatened by the outside world, including corrupt officials and a gang of local bullies who want to take control of the area for their own purposes. The children must fight to defend their republic and protect their way of life.

“Vārnu ielas republika” is a charming and nostalgic film that captures the innocence and optimism of childhood. It is also a powerful commentary on the importance of community and the need for people to work together to create a better future.

The movie was a critical and commercial success in Latvia and has become a beloved classic of Latvian cinema.

13. Three to Dance (2011)

Three to Dance is a 2011 Latvian drama film directed by Jānis Putniņš.

The movie tells the story of three women – Anna (Guna Zariņa), a ballet dancer; Olga (Baiba Broka), a contemporary dancer; and Milda (Lilita Ozoliņa), a folk dancer – who come from different dance backgrounds but share a common passion for their art.

The film explores the personal and professional struggles of each woman as they pursue their dreams and face the challenges of the competitive world of dance.

Anna faces pressure to maintain her physical appearance and deal with the demands of her choreographer, while Olga grapples with the loss of her partner and the need to find a new creative direction.

Milda, meanwhile, struggles with her identity as a traditional dancer in a world that values modernity.

Three to Dance received critical acclaim for its portrayal of the diverse world of dance and its exploration of themes such as identity, gender, and creativity.

The film also features stunning dance sequences that showcase the talents of the lead actresses and the beauty of Latvian dance traditions.

The movie was a commercial success in Latvia and went on to be screened at several international film festivals. It remains a celebrated example of Latvian cinema that highlights the country’s unique cultural heritage and artistic talent.

15. Purva bridejs (1966)

Purva Bridejs is a Latvian film directed by Aleksandrs Leimanis and released in 1966. The English translation of the title is The Bride of the East.

The film tells the story of a young woman named Zane who falls in love with a wealthy merchant named Robert, who is already engaged to another woman.

The story is set in the early 20th century and explores themes of love, loyalty, and social class.

The film was well-received in Latvia and is considered a classic of Latvian cinema. It was praised for its stunning cinematography and costume design, which captured the beauty of the Latvian countryside and the elegance of the era.

The film’s romantic plot and its depiction of Latvian traditions and culture have made it a beloved classic in the country.

16. Defenders of Riga (2007)

Defenders of Riga is a Latvian historical movie released in 2007, directed by Aigars Grauba. The film is set during the First World War and tells the story of the Latvian Riflemen, a group of soldiers who fought on the Eastern Front as part of the Russian Army.

The movie follows the experiences of several young Latvian men who join the Riflemen, including the idealistic Jānis and the hotheaded Oskars.

The Riflemen become known for their bravery and determination in battle and are eventually called upon to defend the city of Riga against German forces.

Defenders of Riga is a patriotic movie that celebrates the bravery and sacrifice of the Latvian Riflemen. The film features spectacular battle scenes and impressive production values, including elaborate sets and costumes.

The movie was a box office success in Latvia and received several awards, including the Best Picture Award at the Latvian National Film Festival.

17. Apple in the River (1974)

Apple in the River (Latvian: Ābols upē) is a 1974 Latvian poetic drama directed by Aivars Freimanis. Ivars Kalniņš’s harbor worker Jānis meets archaeology student Anita (Akvēlīna Līvmane) on Riga’s Zaķusala as the city modernizes — quasi-documentary love story later entered in Latvia’s Cultural Canon.

18. Pohádka o Malíckovi (1986)

Pohádka o Malíckovi is a Czechoslovakian fairy tale movie directed by Oldrich Lipský and released in 1986. The film tells the story of a small boy named Malíček, who embarks on a magical adventure to save his parents from an evil sorcerer.

Malíček is a mischievous boy who lives with his parents in a small village. One day, his parents are turned into stone by the evil sorcerer Zlobor, who lives in a nearby castle.

Malíček sets out to save them and enlists the help of various magical creatures, including a talking fish and a wise old owl.

As Malíček journeys through enchanted forests and treacherous mountains, he learns valuable lessons about courage, perseverance, and the power of friendship.

Along the way, he must overcome numerous obstacles and outsmart Zlobor’s minions, including a band of bumbling robbers.

Pohádka o Malíckovi is a beloved classic of Czechoslovakian cinema, renowned for its imaginative storytelling, charming characters, and stunning visuals. The movie was a critical and commercial success upon its release and has remained a popular family favorite in the years since.

19. Laura un Vineta (2017)

Laura and Vineta is a 2017 Latvian drama film directed by Ināra Kolmane. The movie follows the story of two sisters, Laura (Madara Dišlere) and Vineta (Elīna Vāne), who grew up in a small Latvian town and have drifted apart in adulthood.

When their father passes away, Laura and Vineta must come together to settle his estate and confront the painful memories of their past. As they sift through their father’s belongings, they discover old family photographs and letters that reveal secrets and long-buried emotions.

The film explores themes of family, loss, and the search for identity, as the sisters grapple with the complexities of their relationships and the challenges of their own lives.

Through flashbacks and present-day interactions, the movie paints a poignant picture of two women trying to find their way back to each other.

Laura and Vineta was well received by audiences and critics alike and won several awards at Latvian film festivals. The film is notable for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of sisterhood and its evocative depiction of small-town life in Latvia.

20. Midsummer Madness (2007)

Midsummer Madness (Latvian: Jāņu nakts) is a 2007 Latvian co-production comedy-drama directed by Alexander Hahn. Six tangled stories collide during Jāņi midsummer — including Maria de Medeiros’s widow mistaking Latvia for Lithuania while scattering ashes — ensemble farce across Riga and the countryside.

3 Characteristics of Latvian Movies

Strong Cultural Identity: Latvian movies often reflect the country’s cultural identity, featuring themes such as the importance of family, love of nature, and the preservation of Latvian traditions.

Many Latvian films showcase the country’s stunning landscapes and historical landmarks, highlighting the unique beauty of the country.

Emphasis on Realism: Latvian movies often prioritize realism over fantasy or escapism. They focus on portraying realistic characters and situations, often dealing with difficult and serious topics such as social inequality, political oppression, and personal struggles.

Many Latvian films are introspective and character-driven, exploring the complex emotions and motivations of the people involved.

Experimental Approach: Many Latvian filmmakers have a bold and experimental approach to filmmaking, exploring unconventional narratives and visual styles.

Latvian movies often push the boundaries of traditional storytelling, with directors incorporating unique techniques and elements to create a truly distinct and unforgettable viewing experience.

3 Reasons To Watch Latvian Movies

Unique cultural perspective: Latvian movies offer a unique cultural perspective that is not often seen in mainstream cinema.

They explore the country’s history, traditions, and social issues, providing a window into Latvian life and culture that is both informative and entertaining.

High-quality productions: Despite their smaller budgets and limited distribution, Latvian movies are often well-made and feature impressive production values.

They are known for their stunning cinematography, strong performances, and creative storytelling.

Exposure to new voices: Watching Latvian movies is an opportunity to discover new voices in cinema. Many Latvian filmmakers are emerging talents who are making bold and innovative movies that challenge traditional storytelling conventions.

By watching Latvian movies, audiences can broaden their cinematic horizons and discover new and exciting filmmakers.

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Best Latvian Movies – Wrap Up

Latvian cinema has a rich and varied history, with a number of standout films that have garnered critical acclaim and won awards both locally and internationally. Here are some of the best Latvian movies:

Dream Team 1935 (2012) – a historical drama about the Latvian basketball team that competed in the 1935 European Championships.

The Spider (1991) – a psychological thriller about a woman who becomes obsessed with a spider living in her apartment.

The Child of Man (1991) – an adaptation of the classic Latvian novel by Jānis Rainis, which explores the themes of love and sacrifice.

Vārnu ielas republika (1970) – a charming and nostalgic film that captures the innocence and optimism of childhood.

The Chronicles of Melanie (2016) – a powerful war drama based on the memoirs of a Latvian woman who survived the Soviet occupation of Latvia during World War II.

These are just a few examples of the many great Latvian movies that have been produced over the years.

Latvian cinema continues to thrive today, with filmmakers exploring a wide range of genres and subjects and making their mark on the global film industry.

From Expressionism to New Wave — dive deeper into Film History.

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No Fear, No Die: Symbolism and Interpretation

Frances Ha: The Meaning Behind the Moments

Lola: A Guide to Its Meaning and Impact

A Bay of Blood: Visual Style, Ideas, and Impact

Once Upon a Time in Anatolia: A Modern Appreciation

Demon Seed: A Guide to Watching It Like a Critic

Lone Wolf and Cub: The Final Conflict: A Modern Appreciation

Ex Machina: What Makes It a Classic

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