Poland has a rich and diverse cinematic history, with a number of acclaimed directors, actors, and films that have gained recognition both domestically and internationally. Polish cinema has been shaped by historical events and social issues, as well as artistic and cultural movements.
Some of the most prominent Polish filmmakers include Andrzej Wajda, Krzysztof Kieślowski, Roman Polanski, and Agnieszka Holland. Their works range from social realism and political commentary to philosophical and existential explorations, and have tackled issues such as war, identity, memory, and human relationships.
Polish cinema has also been shaped by a number of international co-productions, collaborations, and influences, and has contributed to global cinema with its own unique voice and perspective.
Best Polish Movies
We’ll explore some of the best Polish movies that have left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike, and continue to be celebrated for their artistic merit, cultural significance, and relevance to contemporary issues.
1. Eroica (1957)
No poster available
“Eroica” is a 1957 Polish film directed by Andrzej Munk. The film is a black comedy set during World War II and follows two parallel stories: the first is about a group of Polish soldiers who are cut off from their unit and forced to fend for themselves in the countryside, while the second is about a group of aristocrats who are trying to escape the German occupation of Warsaw.
The film’s title, “Eroica,” refers to Beethoven’s Third Symphony, which features prominently in the film’s soundtrack. The use of the symphony is meant to underscore the film’s themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the struggle for freedom during wartime.
“Eroica” is considered a classic of Polish cinema and is praised for its dark humor, biting satire, and its exploration of the human experience during times of war and conflict. Despite its serious subject matter, the film is also noted for its light-hearted and irreverent tone, which creates a unique blend of comedy and tragedy.
2. Ashes and Diamonds (1958)
Ashes and Diamonds
Touched with the fire and rebellion of a new generation of Polish film makers
1958 • 1h 43min • ★ 7.4/10 • Poland
Directed by: Andrzej Wajda
Cast: Zbigniew Cybulski, Ewa Krzyżewska, Wacław Zastrzeżynski, Adam Pawlikowski, Bogumił Kobiela
A young academy soldier, Maciek Chelmicki, is ordered to shoot the secretary of the KW PPR. A coincidence causes him to kill someone else. Meeting face to face with his victim, he gets a shock. He faces the necessity of repeating the assassination. He meets Krystyna, a girl working as a barmaid in the restaurant of the "Monopol" hotel. His affection for her makes him even more aware of the senselessness of killing at the end of the war. Loyalty to the oath he took, and thus the obligation to obey the order, tips the scales.
Ashes and Diamonds is a classic Polish film directed by Andrzej Wajda, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films in the history of Polish cinema. The film is set in the aftermath of World War II, and explores the themes of political upheaval, betrayal, and redemption.
The story follows a young resistance fighter named Maciek, who is tasked with assassinating a Communist official on the last day of World War II. After carrying out the assassination, Maciek becomes disillusioned with the chaos and violence of post-war Poland, and begins to question the values and beliefs that led him to become a fighter.
The film is notable for its complex and nuanced characters, as well as its powerful and evocative visual style. It captures the sense of disillusionment and uncertainty that characterized post-war Poland, and offers a powerful commentary on the human cost of political change.
Ashes and Diamonds has been widely praised for its artistic and technical achievements, and is considered a masterpiece of Polish cinema. It has won numerous awards, including the International Critics’ Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, and continues to be celebrated as a classic of world cinema.
3. Knife in the Water (1962)
Knife in the Water
Acclaimed by all! Roman Polanski's tense, ironic Drama!
1962 • 1h 34min • ★ 7.3/10 • Poland
Directed by: Roman Polanski
Cast: Leon Niemczyk, Jolanta Umecka, Zygmunt Malanowicz, Roman Polanski, Anna Ciepielewska
On their way to an afternoon on the lake, husband and wife Andrzej and Krystyna nearly run over a young hitchhiker. Inviting the young man onto the boat with them, Andrzej begins to subtly torment him; the hitchhiker responds by making overtures toward Krystyna. When the hitchhiker is accidentally knocked overboard, the husband's panic results in unexpected consequences.
“Knife in the Water” is a Polish psychological thriller film directed by Roman Polanski, and released in 1962. The movie stars Leon Niemczyk, Jolanta Umecka, and Zygmunt Malanowicz in lead roles.
The story of the film revolves around a middle-aged couple who decide to go sailing for the weekend. However, they come across a hitchhiking student, who they invite aboard their boat. As the weekend progresses, tensions rise between the three of them, leading to a dangerous power struggle that threatens to spiral out of control.
“Knife in the Water” is a masterful debut film by Roman Polanski, which showcases his keen eye for tension, suspense, and psychological drama. The movie features beautiful black and white cinematography, a haunting musical score, and exceptional performances by its lead actors. It was well-received by audiences and critics, and has become a classic of Polish cinema.
4. The Saragossa Manuscript (1965)
The Saragossa Manuscript
1965 • 3h 3min • ★ 7.9/10 • Poland
Directed by: Wojciech Jerzy Has
Cast: Zbigniew Cybulski, Iga Cembrzyńska, Elżbieta Czyżewska, Gustaw Holoubek, Stanisław Igar
During the Napoleonic wars, a Spanish officer and an opposing officer find a book written by the former's grandfather.
“The Saragossa Manuscript” (Rękopis znaleziony w Saragossie) is a Polish film directed by Wojciech Jerzy Has, released in 1965. The film is based on the novel “The Manuscript Found in Saragossa” by Count Jan Potocki and follows the story of Alphonse van Worden, a Walloon officer in the Spanish army who becomes lost in the Sierra Morena mountains and stumbles upon a mysterious manuscript that leads him on a surreal and fantastical journey.
The film is known for its intricate and non-linear narrative structure, as well as its use of a variety of visual and narrative styles, including dream sequences, flashbacks, and meta-fictional elements. It explores themes of identity, memory, and the nature of reality, as well as the influence of culture and history on individual and collective consciousness.
“The Saragossa Manuscript” was a critical and commercial success upon its release and is recognized as a landmark of Polish cinema and world cinema in general. It has been praised for its innovative storytelling, stunning cinematography, and its ability to blend genres and traditions from different cultural contexts. The film has also been influential in the development of cinematic surrealism and has inspired a number of filmmakers and artists around the world.
5. Illumination (1973)
Illumination
1973 • 1h 27min • ★ 7/10 • Poland
Directed by: Krzysztof Zanussi
Cast: Stanisław Latałło, Monika Dzienisiewicz-Olbrychska, Małgorzata Pritulak, Jan Skotnicki, Edward Żebrowski
Krzysztof Zanussi's groundbreaking film chronicles a decade in the life of a young physics student whose absolute faith in the primacy of rationality and science is shaken by tragedy and affairs of the heart.
“Illumination” (Polish title: “Iluminacja”) is a 1973 Polish film directed by Krzysztof Zanussi. The film follows the life of Franciszek Retman, a physics student who struggles with questions of faith, morality, and the meaning of life.
The film is known for its philosophical themes, exploring existential questions through Retman’s experiences and interactions with other characters. It also features a non-linear narrative structure, with the story jumping between different points in Retman’s life and interspersed with dream sequences and surreal imagery.
“Illumination” is considered a classic of Polish cinema and is noted for its artistic and intellectual depth. The film won several awards, including the Jury Prize at the 1973 Cannes Film Festival, and is regarded as a masterpiece of European cinema.
For more about Poland cinema, you can check out our overview of the best films from Poland and our country-by-country exploration of global cinema.
6. Man of Marble (1977)
Man of Marble
1977 • 2h 33min • ★ 7/10 • Poland
Directed by: Andrzej Wajda
Cast: Krystyna Janda, Jerzy Radziwiłowicz, Tadeusz Łomnicki, Jacek Lomnicki, Michał Tarkowski
A young Polish filmmaker sets out to find out what happened to Mateusz Birkut, a bricklayer who became a propaganda hero in the 1950s but later fell out of favor and disappeared.
Man of Marble is a classic Polish film directed by Andrzej Wajda, and is widely regarded as one of the most important films in the history of Polish cinema. The film is a political drama that explores the themes of propaganda, censorship, and the power of the state.
The story follows a young filmmaker named Agnieszka, who is tasked with making a documentary about a legendary bricklayer named Mateusz Birkut, who had become a symbol of the working-class struggle during the early years of the Communist regime in Poland. As Agnieszka investigates Birkut’s story, she begins to uncover the truth about his life and the circumstances that led to his downfall.
The film is notable for its innovative and provocative approach to storytelling, as well as its powerful and evocative visual style. It captures the sense of disillusionment and dissent that characterized Poland in the 1970s, and offers a powerful commentary on the nature of political power and its effects on individuals and society.
Man of Marble has been widely praised for its artistic and technical achievements, and is considered a landmark film in the history of Polish cinema. It won numerous awards, including the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and continues to be celebrated as a classic of world cinema.
7. Interrogation (1982)
No poster available
“Interrogation” is a Polish psychological drama film directed by Ryszard Bugajski and released in 1982. The movie stars Krystyna Janda, Adam Ferency, and Janusz Gajos in lead roles.
The story of the film follows an actress named Tonia, who is arrested by the secret police during the Stalinist era in Poland. She is subjected to a brutal interrogation and psychological torture in an attempt to force her to confess to being a spy. As the interrogation progresses, Tonia’s mental and emotional state deteriorates, leading to a powerful and devastating climax.
“Interrogation” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the themes of oppression, resistance, and the human psyche. The movie is a scathing indictment of the abuses of power and the tyranny of totalitarian regimes, and highlights the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of oppression. It was well-received by audiences and critics, and has become a classic of Polish cinema.
8. A Short Film about Love (1988)
A Short Film About Love
1988 • 1h 27min • ★ 7.8/10 • Poland
Directed by: Krzysztof Kieślowski
Cast: Grażyna Szapołowska, Olaf Lubaszenko, Stefania Iwińska, Piotr Machalica, Artur Barciś
19-year-old Tomek whiles away his lonely life by spying on his opposite neighbour Magda through binoculars. She's an artist in her mid-thirties, and appears to have everything - not least a constant stream of men at her beck and call. But when the two finally meet, they discover that they have a lot more in common than appeared at first sight...
“A Short Film About Love” (Krótki film o miłości) is a Polish film directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski, released in 1988. The film is a feature-length version of the sixth episode of Kieślowski’s acclaimed television series “Dekalog,” which explores ethical and moral dilemmas through the lives of residents in a modern Warsaw apartment complex.
The film follows Tomek, a lonely and voyeuristic teenage boy who becomes obsessed with a woman named Magda who lives in the apartment across from him. He begins to spy on her through a telescope and secretly watches her every move. When Magda catches him in the act, she confronts him and challenges him to truly experience love and intimacy.
The film is known for its sensitive portrayal of human relationships, as well as its exploration of themes such as love, desire, and loneliness. It is also recognized for its beautiful cinematography and its use of music to heighten emotional impact.
“A Short Film About Love” was a critical and commercial success both in Poland and internationally, and is considered one of Kieślowski’s finest works. It has been praised for its emotional depth and complexity, as well as its ability to capture the human condition in a poignant and unforgettable way.
9. Escape from the Liberty Cinema (1990)
Escape from the 'Liberty' Cinema
1990 • 1h 27min • ★ 6.1/10 • Poland
Directed by: Wojciech Marczewski
Cast: Janusz Gajos, Zbigniew Zamachowski, Teresa Marczewska, Piotr Fronczewski, Władysław Kowalski
The screening of a movie "Daybreak" at the "Liberty" Cinema is interrupted by an unusual event - actors come to life on the screen, start conversations among themselves, draw the audience into them. Crowds gather around the cinema, the relevant authorities and services wonder what to do in this complicated situation. Also arriving is the censor, a man reaching his fifties, a one-time literary critic and journalist. The line between fiction and reality begins to blur.
“Escape from the Liberty Cinema” (Polish title: “Ucieczka z kina ‘Wolność’”) is a 1990 Polish film directed by Wojciech Marczewski. The film is a satirical comedy that takes place in a small town in Poland during the late 1980s, shortly before the fall of communism.
The story centers on a group of characters who find themselves trapped inside a movie theater called the Liberty Cinema, which is playing a propaganda film that promotes the communist regime. The group decides to escape the theater and embark on a journey to find the truth and freedom outside.
The film is known for its dark humor and political satire, using the absurd situations faced by the characters to critique the repressive regime of the time. It also features a nonlinear narrative structure and surreal elements that add to the film’s overall sense of chaos and confusion.
“Escape from the Liberty Cinema” was well received by audiences and critics alike and is considered a classic of Polish cinema. The film is praised for its innovative approach to storytelling and its ability to blend humor with serious political commentary.
10. Ida (2013)
Ida
2013 • 1h 22min • ★ 7.2/10 • Denmark
Directed by: Paweł Pawlikowski
Cast: Agata Kulesza, Agata Trzebuchowska, Dawid Ogrodnik, Jerzy Trela, Adam Szyszkowski
Anna, a young novitiate in 1960s Poland, is on the verge of taking her vows when she discovers a family secret dating back to the years of the German occupation.
Ida is a critically acclaimed Polish film directed by Pawel Pawlikowski, and is widely regarded as one of the most important films to come out of Poland in recent years. The film is a powerful exploration of identity, memory, and the impact of the past on the present.
The story follows a young novitiate named Anna, who is on the verge of taking her vows to become a nun in Poland in the 1960s. Before she does, she is sent to visit her aunt, who reveals to her that she is Jewish and that her parents were killed during the Holocaust. Together, they set out on a journey to discover the truth about Anna’s past, and to come to terms with the legacy of the war and its impact on their lives.
Ida is notable for its striking visual style, which captures the austere beauty of Poland in the 1960s, as well as its powerful performances and evocative storytelling. It offers a nuanced and complex exploration of identity, memory, and the ways in which the past can continue to shape our lives in the present.
Ida has won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and continues to be celebrated as a masterpiece of Polish cinema. It is a powerful and moving work of art that speaks to the enduring legacy of the Holocaust and the need for us to confront and reckon with the past.
3 Characteristics of Polish Movies
Polish cinema has a rich history and has produced many critically acclaimed films over the years. While each film is unique and distinct, there are certain characteristics that are often associated with Polish movies. Here are three common characteristics of Polish movies:
Dark and brooding: Many Polish films are known for their dark and brooding tone. They often explore serious and weighty topics, such as war, oppression, and trauma. Polish filmmakers are not afraid to confront difficult subject matter and often approach it with an unflinching realism.
Strong visuals: Polish filmmakers often place a high emphasis on the visual aspects of their films. They use striking and innovative cinematography, lighting, and camera angles to create a distinct and memorable visual style. Polish cinema is often visually stunning and highly stylized, with a keen attention to detail and a willingness to experiment with different techniques.
Social commentary: Polish cinema is often marked by a strong social and political commentary. Many Polish films are deeply critical of the government, society, and the human condition. They often highlight the struggles of marginalized groups and the challenges faced by ordinary people. Polish filmmakers are not afraid to challenge the status quo and to use their art to spark debate and conversation about important issues.
3 Reasons To Watch Polish Movies
Unique storytelling: Polish movies are known for their unique and innovative storytelling techniques, often incorporating surrealism, symbolism, and non-linear narrative structures. This allows for a deeper exploration of complex themes and issues, making for a more engaging and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Cultural significance: Polish cinema has been shaped by historical events and social issues, such as World War II, communism, and the struggle for democracy. As such, Polish movies often reflect and comment on important cultural and political issues, providing a window into Polish history and culture.
Acclaimed filmmakers: Poland has produced a number of acclaimed filmmakers, such as Andrzej Wajda, Krzysztof Kieślowski, and Roman Polanski, whose works have been celebrated both domestically and internationally. These directors have left a lasting impact on world cinema and continue to inspire and influence new generations of filmmakers. Watching Polish movies allows viewers to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of these masterful directors.
Best Polish Movies – Wrap Up
In conclusion, Polish cinema has produced many exceptional films that have captivated audiences both in Poland and around the world. From the innovative storytelling techniques of directors like Krzysztof Kieślowski, to the social commentary and cultural significance of films like Andrzej Wajda’s “Man of Marble,” Polish cinema has left an indelible mark on world cinema. Other notable Polish films include “Ida,” “The Pianist,” “The Double Life of Veronique,” and “Ashes and Diamonds.” These films showcase the unique storytelling and cinematic vision of Polish directors, as well as the country’s rich cultural and historical context. Overall, Polish cinema is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the rich and diverse world of world cinema.
