20 Best European Movies Everyone Should See
European cinema has a knack for weaving stories that hit you right in the heart or make you think long after the credits roll. From gritty dramas to whimsical comedies, the continent’s filmmakers have a way of turning human experiences into something universal yet deeply personal.
I’ve put together a list of 20 European movies that stand out for their storytelling, style, and impact. These films span decades and countries, offering a mix of classics and modern gems that every movie lover should see.
The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972)
This French surrealist comedy, directed by Luis Buñuel, follows a group of wealthy friends who keep trying—and failing—to have a simple dinner together. Their plans get derailed by bizarre events, from dream sequences to unexpected interruptions, poking fun at high society’s absurdities.
It’s a sharp satire that blends humor with a critique of class and manners. The film’s dreamlike vibe and clever dialogue make it a timeless piece of European cinema that’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.
The Tribe (2014)
This Ukrainian drama, directed by Myroslav Slaboshpytskiy, is told entirely in sign language with no subtitles, plunging you into the world of a deaf boarding school. It follows a new student navigating a brutal hierarchy of crime and power among his peers.
The film’s raw intensity and unique approach to storytelling hit hard. Its silence forces you to focus on every gesture and expression, making the emotions and tension feel almost overwhelming.
Ida (2013)
Directed by Paweł Pawlikowski, this Polish drama follows a young nun in 1960s Poland who discovers a family secret before taking her vows. Shot in stark black-and-white, it’s a quiet but powerful exploration of faith, identity, and loss.
The film’s simplicity is its strength, with every frame carefully crafted to convey deep emotion. It’s a moving look at personal and historical wounds, anchored by stunning performances from Agata Kulesza and Agata Trzebuchowska.
La Haine (1995)
Mathieu Kassovitz’s French drama tracks a day in the lives of three friends from Paris’s rough suburbs, grappling with poverty, violence, and police tension. It’s a raw, unflinching look at social inequality and the anger it breeds.
Shot in gritty black-and-white, the film’s energy and realism still feel urgent today. Its bold take on youth and marginalization makes it a must-watch for understanding urban struggles in Europe.
Dogtooth (2009)
Yorgos Lanthimos’s Greek psychological drama is unsettling and unforgettable, showing a family where parents keep their adult children isolated from the world through bizarre rules. It’s a dark exploration of control and human behavior.
The film’s cold, detached style amplifies its disturbing premise, making you question family dynamics and freedom. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s a daring piece of cinema that lingers.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Wes Anderson’s whimsical comedy, set in a fictional Eastern European country, follows concierge Gustave H and his lobby boy Zero as they navigate a quirky caper involving a stolen painting. The film’s vibrant visuals and fast-paced humor are pure delight.
It’s a love letter to European storytelling, inspired by writers like Stefan Zweig, with a stellar cast led by Ralph Fiennes. The mix of charm and dark undertones makes it endlessly rewatchable.
Amélie (2001)
Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s French romantic comedy follows Amélie, a shy waitress who decides to spread joy in Paris through small, secret acts of kindness. Its colorful visuals and playful tone create a magical world.
Audrey Tautou’s performance is heartwarming, and the film’s quirky charm captures the beauty of everyday life. It’s a feel-good movie with a touch of whimsy that’s hard to resist.
The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006)
Ken Loach’s Irish historical drama follows two brothers caught in the Irish War of Independence, facing tough choices between loyalty and freedom. It’s a gripping look at conflict and sacrifice.
Cillian Murphy and Pádraic Delaney deliver powerful performances, grounded by Loach’s realistic style. The film’s emotional depth and historical insight make it a standout in political cinema.
Nights of Cabiria (1957)
Federico Fellini’s Italian drama follows Cabiria, a kind-hearted prostitute in Rome searching for love amidst heartbreak. Giulietta Masina’s performance is raw and captivating, bringing warmth to a tough story.
The film blends gritty realism with Fellini’s signature poetic touch, creating a moving portrait of resilience. Its emotional honesty and vivid characters make it a classic worth revisiting.
The White Ribbon (2009)
Michael Haneke’s German-Austrian drama, set in a small village before World War I, explores strange events that hint at deeper societal issues. Its chilling tone and mystery keep you hooked.
Shot in haunting black-and-white, the film digs into themes of repression and cruelty with Haneke’s precise direction. It’s a slow burn that leaves a lasting impression.
In the Mood for Love (2000)
Though a Hong Kong production, Wong Kar-wai’s romantic drama, influenced by European cinema, feels like it belongs here. It follows two neighbors in 1960s Hong Kong forming a bond over their spouses’ affairs.
The film’s lush visuals and slow-burn romance, led by Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung, create a haunting sense of longing. Its emotional depth and cinematic beauty make it a masterpiece.
The Lives of Others (2006)
Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s German drama is set in East Berlin, where a Stasi officer spies on a playwright and his lover, only to question his own loyalties. It’s a tense, human story about surveillance and morality.
Ulrich Mühe’s subtle performance anchors the film, blending thriller elements with emotional weight. It’s a powerful look at life under oppression that resonates deeply.
Three Colors: Blue (1993)
Krzysztof Kieślowski’s French-Polish drama, the first in his Three Colors trilogy, follows a woman coping with grief after losing her family. Juliette Binoche’s performance is raw and heartbreaking.
The film’s use of color and music creates a meditative exploration of freedom and loss. It’s a beautifully crafted story that sets the tone for Kieślowski’s masterful trilogy.
A Man Escaped (1956)
Robert Bresson’s French drama tells the true story of a resistance fighter planning his escape from a Nazi prison. Its minimalist style heightens the tension of every moment.
The film’s focus on small details, like the sound of a spoon scraping, makes the stakes feel real. Bresson’s understated approach turns a simple story into a gripping classic.
Four Lions (2010)
Chris Morris’s British dark comedy follows a group of bumbling terrorists planning an attack. It’s a risky premise, but the sharp humor and humanized characters make it work.
The film balances satire with surprising empathy, thanks to standout performances like Riz Ahmed’s. It’s a bold take on a tough subject that’s both funny and thought-provoking.
Things to Come (2016)
Mia Hansen-Løve’s French drama follows a philosophy professor, played by Isabelle Huppert, navigating life after unexpected changes. It’s a quiet, introspective look at resilience and starting over.
Huppert’s nuanced performance carries the film, blending strength and vulnerability. Its grounded storytelling makes it a relatable gem about finding new paths in life.
The Worst Person in the World (2021)
Joachim Trier’s Norwegian coming-of-age film follows Julie, a young woman searching for her place in life through love and career choices. Renate Reinsve shines in the lead role.
The film’s episodic structure and honest take on modern relationships feel fresh and universal. It’s a heartfelt, funny story that captures the messiness of growing up.
Raw (2016)
Julia Ducournau’s French horror-drama follows a young vegetarian student whose life unravels after a hazing ritual at veterinary school. It’s a bold, visceral take on identity and desire.
The film’s intense imagery and Garance Marillier’s fearless performance make it unforgettable. It’s a standout in modern horror, blending gore with deep emotional layers.
La Dolce Vita (1960)
Federico Fellini’s Italian classic follows Marcello, a journalist chasing meaning in Rome’s glamorous but empty high society. Its iconic scenes, like the Trevi Fountain moment, are unforgettable.
The film’s black-and-white visuals and Marcello Mastroianni’s charm create a timeless critique of fame and excess. It’s a sprawling, stylish journey that still feels fresh.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Céline Sciamma’s French romance follows an artist and her subject falling in love on a remote island in the 18th century. The chemistry between Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel is electric.
Every frame feels like a painting, with quiet tension building to a powerful climax. It’s a stunning, sensual story of love and art that stays with you.
Which European film on this list speaks to you most, or is there a hidden gem I missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!