20 Foreign-Language Films Everyone Should Watch at Least Once
Cinema from beyond English-speaking borders opens doors to new worlds, packed with raw emotion, bold storytelling, and unique perspectives. These films, crafted in languages from Japanese to Spanish, have shaped global filmmaking and left lasting marks on our hearts.
We’ve curated a list of 20 must-see foreign-language films, each a masterpiece that transcends subtitles. From timeless classics to modern gems, here’s why these stories deserve your attention.
20. Y Tu Mamá También – Spanish (2001)
Two Mexican teens and an older woman embark on a road trip full of lust and life lessons. Alfonso Cuarón’s raw, vibrant film explores youth and desire.
Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal’s chemistry grounds its bold energy. It’s a journey we feel in our bones.
19. Cinema Paradiso – Italian (1988)
A boy in post-WWII Sicily falls in love with movies through his bond with a projectionist. Giuseppe Tornatore’s nostalgic tale is a love letter to cinema.
Its heartfelt story and Ennio Morricone’s score bring tears every time. We cherish its celebration of storytelling’s magic.
18. In the Mood for Love – Cantonese (2000)
Wong Kar-wai’s lush romance tracks two neighbors in 1960s Hong Kong drawn together by betrayal. Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung’s chemistry simmers.
Its dreamy visuals and haunting score capture unspoken love. We ache for what’s left unsaid in every frame.
17. Tokyo Story – Japanese (1953)
Yasujiro Ozu’s quiet drama follows aging parents visiting their distant children. Its simple camera work hides deep emotional weight.
Chishu Ryu and Setsuko Hara’s subtle acting devastates us. We reflect on family and time with every viewing.
16. Persona – Swedish (1966)
A mute actress and her nurse blur identities in Ingmar Bergman’s psychological puzzle. Liv Ullmann and Bibi Andersson’s performances are electric.
Its minimalist style and eerie themes challenge us. We’re captivated by its haunting dive into the self.
15. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon – Mandarin (2000)
Ang Lee’s martial arts epic follows warriors chasing a stolen sword. Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh dazzle with graceful fight choreography.
Its blend of romance and action soars across rooftops. We’re swept away by its beauty and heart.
14. La Haine – French (1995)
Three friends navigate racial tensions in Paris’ suburbs over one explosive day. Mathieu Kassovitz’s black-and-white drama crackles with urgency.
Vincent Cassel’s raw performance and the film’s social bite hit hard. We’re gripped by its timeless call for justice.
13. Parasite – Korean (2019)
Bong Joon-ho’s masterpiece follows a poor family infiltrating a rich one, with shocking twists. Its sharp class commentary earned a historic Best Picture Oscar.
The ensemble’s flawless acting and sleek direction stun us. We’re hooked by its wit and devastating turns.
12. Pan’s Labyrinth – Spanish (2006)
Guillermo del Toro weaves a dark fairy tale set in Franco’s Spain, where a girl escapes war through a mythical labyrinth. Ivana Baquero shines amid haunting visuals.
Its blend of fantasy and horror is both beautiful and brutal. We’re drawn to its magic, even as it breaks our hearts.
11. Amélie – French (2001)
Audrey Tautou’s Amélie is a shy waitress spreading joy in Paris with quirky, secret acts of kindness. Her whimsical journey to find love glows with magical realism and vibrant visuals.
Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s playful direction and Yann Tiersen’s iconic score make it a feel-good triumph. It’s a charming escape we return to time and again.
10. The Lives of Others – German (2006)
A Stasi officer spies on a playwright in East Germany, only to question his loyalty. Ulrich Mühe’s subtle performance anchors this tense, moral thriller.
Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s debut won an Oscar for its gripping look at surveillance and redemption. It’s a haunting reminder of humanity’s power to change.
9. City of God – Portuguese (2002)
This Brazilian crime epic follows two boys in Rio’s violent slums, one a photographer, the other a drug dealer. Fernando Meirelles’ kinetic style captures chaos and hope.
The raw performances and unflinching realism hit hard. It’s a gut-punch story of survival that’s impossible to shake.
8. Oldboy – Korean (2003)
A man, imprisoned for 15 years, seeks brutal revenge in Park Chan-wook’s cult classic. Choi Min-sik’s raw intensity drives this twisted, unforgettable tale.
Its shocking plot and stylish violence redefined Korean cinema. We’re still reeling from that corridor fight and its jaw-dropping ending.
7. La Strada – Italian (1954)
Federico Fellini’s tale of a gentle woman and a brutal strongman on the road is heartbreaking. Giulietta Masina’s soulful performance anchors it.
Its poetic imagery and tragic arc move us deeply. We’re enchanted by its raw, mythical power.
6. The Bicycle Thieves – Italian (1948)
A desperate father searches for his stolen bicycle in post-war Rome. Vittorio De Sica’s neorealist gem captures poverty’s toll with raw honesty.
Lamberto Maggiorani’s non-actor performance breaks us. It’s a simple story with universal pain we can’t forget.
5. The Rules of the Game – French (1939)
Jean Renoir’s satire of French elites before WWII is sharp and chaotic. Its ensemble cast navigates love and class with biting wit.
Its fluid camera work and social commentary feel modern. We marvel at its fearless take on human flaws.
4. Come and See – Russian (1985)
Elem Klimov’s harrowing anti-war film follows a Belarusian boy amid Nazi atrocities. Aleksei Kravchenko’s raw performance captures unimaginable horror.
Its visceral imagery and sound design sear into us. We’re shattered by its unflinching look at war’s toll.
3. Seven Samurai – Japanese (1954)
Kurosawa’s epic follows samurai defending a village from bandits. Its ensemble, led by Toshiro Mifune, delivers heart and heroic action.
Its influence on films like The Magnificent Seven is undeniable. We’re thrilled by its blend of strategy and soul.
2. The Seventh Seal – Swedish (1957)
A knight plays chess with Death in Ingmar Bergman’s existential masterpiece. Max von Sydow’s search for meaning in a plague-ravaged world is timeless.
Its stark imagery and deep questions linger long after. We wrestle with its themes of faith and mortality every time.
1. Rashomon – Japanese (1950)
Akira Kurosawa’s groundbreaking film tells a crime story from conflicting perspectives. Toshiro Mifune’s wild energy and innovative narrative reshaped cinema.
Its exploration of truth and human nature still feels fresh. We’re hooked by its puzzle-like brilliance and moral depth.
Which foreign-language film is your must-watch, or did we miss a gem? Share your picks in the comments