20 Best Lithuanian Movies: A Spotlight On Lithuanian Cinema

Lithuanian cinema has a long and rich history, dating back to the early 20th century. Despite periods of political upheaval and censorship, Lithuanian filmmakers have continued to produce compelling and thought-provoking works that reflect the country’s cultural heritage and social issues.

Some of the best Lithuanian movies have explored a wide range of themes, including history, politics, family dynamics, and personal identity.

These films showcase the country’s artistic talent and cultural diversity, and provide a unique window into the lives and experiences of the Lithuanian people.

Some of the most notable Lithuanian filmmakers include Jonas Mekas, Šarūnas Bartas, and Alantė Kavaitė, who have all made significant contributions to Lithuanian cinema.

Best Lithuanian Movies

Whether you are a film enthusiast or simply curious about Lithuanian culture, these films are definitely worth watching.

Every film in this guide

1. Vaikai is Amerikos viesbucio (1990)

“Vaikai iš Amerikos viešbučio” is a Lithuanian comedy film that was released in 1990. The film was directed by Raimondas Banionis and is based on the screenplay by Saulius Šaltenis.

The story revolves around a group of Lithuanian children who are staying at an American hotel, where they have to navigate cultural differences and language barriers.

The film explores themes of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. “Vaikai iš Amerikos viešbučio” is considered a classic of Lithuanian cinema and has been popular with audiences both in Lithuania and abroad.

2. Adam Wants to Be a Man (1959)

Adam Wants to Be a Man (Lithuanian: Adomas nori būti žmogumi) is a 1959 Lithuanian drama directed by Vytautas Žalakevičius, from Vytautas Sirijos Gira’s story. Vytautas Puodžiukaitis’s Adomas drifts through interwar Kaunas, landing a messenger job at a crooked emigration bureau while dreaming of escape with Liucė — until the scam collapses and he’s left back at the docks.

3. Nobody Wanted to Die (1965)

Nobody Wanted to Die (Lithuanian: Niekas nenorėjo mirti) is a 1965 Lithuanian postwar drama directed by Vytautas Žalakevičius. In a partisan-torn village, Donatas Banionis’s Vaitkus and his brothers confront revenge, collaboration, and Soviet power — a landmark that put Lithuanian cinema on the international map.

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

4. Feelings (1968)

Feelings (Lithuanian: Jausmai) is a 1968 Lithuanian drama directed by Algirdas Dausa and Almantas Grikevičius, from a Vytautas Žalakevičius screenplay. Regimantas Adomaitis’s fisherman Kasparas, newly widowed with twin babies, crosses the Curonian Lagoon to brother Andrius (Juozas Budraitis) as war ends and loyalty, love, and collaboration collide — later voted Lithuania’s greatest film.

5. Devil’s Bride (1974)

Devil’s Bride (Lithuanian: Velnio nuotaka) is a 1974 Lithuanian musical directed by Arūnas Žebriūnas, from Kazys Boruta’s Baltaragis’s Mill, with score by Viačeslavas Ganelinas. Devil Pinčiukas bargains with miller Baltaragis for help and a wife — then claims their daughter Jurga (Vaiva Mainelytė) from suitor Girdvainis (Regimantas Adomaitis). First Lithuanian screen musical, Soviet-era cult favorite.

6. A Small Confession (1971)

A Small Confession is a 1971 Lithuanian drama film directed by Algimantas Puipa. The film tells the story of a young man named Vincas (Donatas Banionis), who returns to his hometown after a long absence.

While there, he confronts the traumatic events of his past and must come to terms with the guilt he feels over his involvement in a tragic accident.

The film is a poignant and powerful exploration of guilt, redemption, and personal responsibility. It examines the psychological toll of past events on the human psyche, and the difficult process of facing one’s mistakes and seeking forgiveness.

A Small Confession is widely regarded as one of the most significant Lithuanian films of the 20th century. It won several awards at the Moscow International Film Festival, including the FIPRESCI prize for best film.

The film’s nuanced and sensitive treatment of its themes makes it a timeless and thought-provoking work of art.

7. Skrydis per Atlanta (1983)

Skrydis per Atlantą is a Lithuanian drama film that was released in 1983. The film was directed by Romas Lileikis and is based on the novel Skrydis per Atlantą by Juozas Grušas.

The story follows a Lithuanian immigrant named Marius who has settled in the United States but still longs for his homeland.

When his father becomes seriously ill, Marius travels back to Lithuania to be with him, but he finds that things have changed since he left. The film explores themes of identity, family, and the immigrant experience.

Skrydis per Atlantą is considered a classic of Lithuanian cinema and has won numerous awards, including the Lithuanian National Prize for Culture and Art.

8. Northern Crusades (1972)

Northern Crusades (Lithuanian: Herkus Mantas) is a 1972 Lithuanian historical epic directed by Marijonas Giedrys, from Saulius Šaltenis. Antanas Šurna plays Old Prussian leader Herkus Mantas rallying tribes against the Teutonic Knights — medieval Baltic resistance costume drama rather than an Eisenstein montage.

9. Saduto tuto (1974)

Saduto tuto (Lithuanian: Sadūto tūto) is a 1974/75 Lithuanian drama directed by Almantas Grikevičius, from Vytautas Žalakevičius. Failed sculptor Petras teaches art and carves tombstones, sharing outsider angst with painter friend Povilas — reality and imagination blur as they try to live with the world (and with children who still get them).

10. The Beauty (1969)

The Beauty (Gražuolė) is a 1969 Lithuanian drama film directed by Arūnas Žebriūnas. The film tells the story of a young girl named Jolanta (Rasa Tamulionytė), who dreams of becoming a model and escaping her small town life.

Jolanta’s beauty catches the attention of a photographer, who encourages her to pursue her dreams and move to the big city.

The film explores themes of beauty, youth, and ambition, as well as the challenges and sacrifices that come with pursuing one’s dreams. Jolanta’s journey is a poignant and relatable portrayal of the struggles and joys of adolescence and early adulthood.

The Beauty is considered a classic of Lithuanian cinema and is one of the most acclaimed Lithuanian films of all time.

It won several awards at international film festivals, including the Golden Shell at the San Sebastian International Film Festival.

The film’s striking black-and-white cinematography and powerful performances make it a timeless work of art.

11. Kolekcioniere (2008)

Kolekcionierė is a Lithuanian drama film that was released in 2008. The film was directed by Kristina Buožytė and is based on the screenplay by Eglė Vertelytė.

The story follows a young woman named Ada who works as a taxidermist and is also a collector of rare and unusual specimens.

When Ada meets a man named Saulius, she becomes obsessed with him and begins to collect pieces of his life, including his hair and other personal items. As Ada’s obsession with Saulius grows, she becomes increasingly isolated and disconnected from the outside world.

The film explores themes of love, obsession, and identity, and has been praised for its strong performances and visual style. Kolekcionierė has won numerous awards, including the Best Director award at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.

12. Low Lights (2009)

Low Lights is a 2009 American independent drama film directed by Ignacio Rinza. The film tells the story of two estranged sisters, Amber and Jade, who reunite after their mother dies.

The sisters must confront the unresolved issues from their past and learn to reconnect with each other.

Low Lights explores themes of family, loss, and redemption. The film received positive reviews for its raw and honest portrayal of sisterhood and the struggles of dealing with grief and emotional trauma.

Despite its limited release, Low Lights was well-received on the festival circuit and won several awards, including Best Feature at the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival.

13. Eastern Drift (2010)

Eastern Drift is a 2010 crime drama film directed by Sharunas Bartas. The film is set in Lithuania and follows the story of a Frenchman named Gena who gets caught up in the criminal underworld of the city.

Gena arrives in Lithuania to meet his girlfriend, but finds that she has disappeared.

He is soon drawn into the world of organized crime and becomes involved with a group of criminals who are planning a major heist. As Gena becomes more deeply involved in their activities, he begins to question his own morals and motivations.

The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the human cost of criminal activity. It also features stunning cinematography that captures the bleak beauty of the Lithuanian landscape.

Eastern Drift was well-received by critics and won several awards, including the FIPRESCI Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. The film is considered a powerful and haunting exploration of the criminal underworld and the impact it has on those who are drawn into its orbit.

14. Back to Your Arms (2010)

Back to Your Arms (Lithuanian: Kai apkabinsiu tave) is a 2010 Lithuanian drama directed by Kristijonas Vildžiūnas. In 1961 Berlin, a father from Soviet Lithuania and his U.S.-raised daughter try to reunite before the Wall — until KGB handlers turn the meeting into a Cold War trap.

15. Mieganciu drugeliu tvirtove (2012)

“Mieganciu drugeliu tvirtove” is a 2012 Lithuanian drama film directed by Audrius Juzėnas, based on the novel of the same name by Juozas Grušas.

The film is set in the early 20th century and follows the story of a young man named Aidas who returns to his hometown in Lithuania after studying in Russia. Aidas becomes involved with a group of rebels who are fighting against the Russian Empire’s occupation of Lithuania.

The film was notable for its historical accuracy and its depiction of the Lithuanian resistance movement against Russian rule. It was also praised for its strong performances, particularly from lead actor Mantas Janciauskas.

“Mieganciu drugeliu tvirtove” was Lithuania’s submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2012, but it was not nominated.

The film was a critical and commercial success in Lithuania and has since become a beloved cultural touchstone in the country.

16. Vanishing Waves (II) (2012)

Vanishing Waves is a 2012 Lithuanian science-fiction film directed by Kristina Buozyte. The film tells the story of Lukas (Marius Jampolskis), a young neuroscientist who volunteers for an experimental project involving a sensory deprivation tank.

Lukas is paired with Aurora (Jurga Jutaite), a woman in a coma, and begins to experience a strange and intense connection with her in a virtual reality world created by their shared consciousness.

The film explores themes of love, desire, and the boundaries between reality and imagination. The visually stunning and surreal imagery creates a haunting and dreamlike atmosphere, while the complex characters and intricate plot keep the audience engaged.

Vanishing Waves has been praised for its innovative approach to science-fiction and its bold exploration of human relationships and consciousness.

It has won several awards at international film festivals and has been widely regarded as one of the best Lithuanian films of the past decade. If you are a fan of science-fiction or experimental cinema, Vanishing Waves is definitely worth watching.

17. The Gambler (2013)

The Gambler is a crime thriller film that was released in 2014. The film was directed by Rupert Wyatt and is a remake of the 1974 film of the same name.

The story follows a literature professor named Jim Bennett (played by Mark Wahlberg) who has a secret life as a high-stakes gambler.

When he borrows money from a gangster named Neville (played by Michael Kenneth Williams), Jim finds himself in over his head and must use all of his gambling skills to stay alive.

Along the way, Jim also becomes romantically involved with one of his students (played by Brie Larson). The film explores themes of addiction, risk-taking, and redemption. The Gambler received mixed reviews from critics, but was praised for Wahlberg’s performance and the film’s stylish direction.

18. The Summer of Sangaile (2015)

The Summer of Sangaile is a Lithuanian drama film directed by Alanté Kavaïté, released in 2015. The film tells the story of Sangaile, a 17-year-old girl who is fascinated by stunt flying and dreams of becoming a pilot.

During the summer, she meets Auste, a free-spirited girl who introduces her to new experiences and helps her confront her fears and insecurities.

The film explores themes of self-discovery, sexuality, and coming of age. It received critical acclaim for its visually stunning cinematography and sensitive portrayal of teenage emotions and relationships.

The Summer of Sangaile won several awards, including the World Cinema Directing Award at the Sundance Film Festival and the Best Film Award at the Vilnius International Film Festival.

19. Peace to Us in Our Dreams (2015)

Peace to Us in Our Dreams is a 2015 Lithuanian drama film directed by Sharunas Bartas. The film tells the story of a man named Nemunas and his daughter, along with their dog, who decide to spend a peaceful weekend in their summer house by the lake.

As they spend time together, Nemunas and his daughter begin to reconnect and rediscover their relationship. However, their idyllic weekend is interrupted by the arrival of a young woman named Vija, who is seeking refuge from her abusive husband.

The film explores themes of family, love, and the struggle for inner peace. It also features stunning cinematography that captures the beauty of the Lithuanian countryside and its lakes.

Peace to Us in Our Dreams was well-received by critics and was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.

The film is considered a powerful and contemplative exploration of the human experience and the search for personal fulfillment and contentment.

20. The Saint (2016)

The Saint (Lithuanian: Šventasis) is a 2016 Lithuanian drama directed by Andrius Blaževičius. Marius Repšys’s Vytas loses his job after the 2008 crash, drifts from wife and kids toward a hairdresser and beer-yard friends, then becomes obsessed with a YouTube clip of a man who claims to have seen Jesus.

3 Characteristics of Lithuanian Movies

Lithuania has a long history of cinema, dating back to the early 20th century. Here are three characteristics that are often associated with Lithuanian movies:

Historical themes: Many Lithuanian films explore the country’s history, including its periods of occupation and resistance against foreign rule. These films often reflect the country’s struggles for independence and highlight the resilience of the Lithuanian people.

Naturalistic style: Lithuanian cinema is known for its naturalistic and understated style, which often emphasizes the beauty of the country’s landscapes and its people.

The focus on realism and authenticity is evident in many Lithuanian films, which often feature long takes and a focus on character development.

Symbolism: Lithuanian cinema also frequently employs symbolism and metaphor to explore themes related to identity, memory, and cultural heritage. Many films use traditional Lithuanian folklore and mythology as a source of inspiration, and they often incorporate elements of magic realism and surrealism into their storytelling.

3 Reasons To Watch Lithuanian Movies

Cultural Exploration: Lithuanian movies provide a unique opportunity to explore the culture, history, and social issues of Lithuania.

They offer a window into the country’s rich and diverse heritage, as well as its complex political and social landscape. Watching Lithuanian movies can help you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the country’s people, traditions, and way of life.

Artistic Excellence: Lithuanian cinema is known for its artistic and creative talent. Many Lithuanian filmmakers have gained international recognition for their innovative and thought-provoking works.

Watching Lithuanian movies can expose you to a different style of filmmaking and storytelling, and introduce you to some of the most talented filmmakers in the region.

Diverse Themes and Genres: Lithuanian movies cover a wide range of themes and genres, from historical dramas to contemporary comedies.

They tackle sensitive and challenging issues, such as war, politics, and personal identity, offering unique and insightful perspectives on these topics. Whether you are interested in art films, genre cinema, or documentary, Lithuanian cinema has something to offer for everyone.

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Best Lithuanian Movies – Wrap Up

Lithuania has a rich film history and has produced several critically acclaimed movies over the years. Here are some of the best Lithuanian movies of all time:

The Beauty (1969) directed by Arūnas Žebriūnas

White Shroud (1963) directed by Algirdas Dausa

The Devil’s Bride (1974) directed by Arūnas Žebriūnas

Anarchy in Zirmunai (1980) directed by Raimundas Banionis

Flight Over Lithuania (2004) directed by Audrius Stonys

Redirected (2014) directed by Emilis Vėlyvis

The Collectress (2008) directed by Kristina Buožytė

The Summer of Sangaile (2015) directed by Alantė Kavaitė

The Excursionist (2013) directed by Audrius Juzėnas

Frost (2017) directed by Šarūnas Bartas

These movies represent different genres, from drama to comedy and even crime thriller, but they have one thing in common – they offer a glimpse into Lithuanian culture and identity.

They have also been recognized at international film festivals and won various awards, cementing their place as some of the best Lithuanian movies of all time.

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

Incendies: Context, Themes, and Style

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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