Why are German films often so formulaic even though Germany is a European culture? I love them but they follow formula very closely like Hollywood. What are the best German films?

Last Updated: 02.07.2025 05:51

Why are German films often so formulaic even though Germany is a European culture? I love them but they follow formula very closely like Hollywood. What are the best German films?

In Wirtschaftswunder times, most Western German movies were junk but the GDR produced some very good ones, e.g. Western movies and Spur der Steine; in the 70s Paul und Paula. I definitely recommend both!

Besides these, there are some really good children's movies: More recently, the Bibi und Tina series as just one example. Looking back into the 80s and 70s, as well as into the present, I would even say that movies for children are what the German Film industry excels at. There is much less screaming and cake throwing and slimy monsters and much more discussing of matters that affect children in real life (even in phantasy plots) than in most US children's movies as far als I know them. The GDR was particularly well known for excellent children's movies but the west was and is good at it, too.

Berlin - Sinfonie einer Großstadt

Roman Anthony joining Red Sox on Monday; No. 1 prospect gets call to majors - MassLive

And many I can't think of at the moment.

Here is a list of some (by no means all) German movies that are considered Classics (and a few that should be, in my opinion):

Zur Sache, Schätzchen (and its sequel)

Dealership Worker Is Oh-So-Close To Closing Car Sale. Then a Receptionist Ruins It In 1 Minute - Motor1.com

Man spricht Deutsh

Metropolis

Die Feuerzangenbowle

How has your life changed for the past 10 years? Can you share your #10year challenge? Is your life better, worse, or still hopeful?

What is of absolutely horrible quality is the “movies” that are produced for TV. They are famously bad.

In jenen Tagen

Es war eine rauschende Ballnacht

Report: Broncos are signing running back J.K. Dobbins to a one-year deal - Mile High Report

Nackt

Das Haus in Montevideo

Didi - alles im Eimer

We Still Don’t Know How Tickling Works But a New ‘Tickle Lab’ at a University is Finding Out - Good News Network

Es geschah am helllichten Tag

I have seen some very good German movies. It is not that they don't exist, but they hardly ever achieve much fame. Especially since people have been accustomed to the dominance of US popular culture.

Lola rennt

Ducks GM Pat Verbeek Discusses the Trade and What's Ahead for Anaheim - NHL.com