25 Best Foreign Language Films on Netflix Right Now

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Foreign language films bring stories from across the globe, offering fresh perspectives and emotional depth that hit differently. Netflix’s lineup of international movies is a goldmine, packed with everything from heart-wrenching dramas to pulse-pounding thrillers.

These films prove that great storytelling knows no borders, with subtitles opening doors to new cultures and ideas. Here are the 25 best foreign language films streaming on Netflix right now, ranked from great to phenomenal.

‘Society of the Snow’ (2023)

‘Society of the Snow’ (2023) Poster
El Arriero Films

This Spanish survival drama recounts the true story of a 1972 plane crash in the Andes. Survivors face brutal conditions, making tough choices to stay alive.

J.A. Bayona directs with raw intensity, and the ensemble cast captures the group’s desperation and hope. It’s a gripping tale of human endurance.

‘The Guilty’ (2021)

‘The Guilty’ (2021) Poster
Nine Stories Productions

A Danish thriller follows a demoted cop working a 911 desk, racing to save a kidnapped woman over the phone. The single-location setup keeps you on edge.

Jakob Cedergren’s taut performance drives the suspense. Fans love how it builds tension with minimal visuals, proving less can be more.

‘Toni Erdmann’ (2016)

‘Toni Erdmann’ (2016) Poster
Komplizen Film

This German comedy-drama tracks a quirky father trying to reconnect with his workaholic daughter through absurd pranks. It’s hilarious yet deeply moving.

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Maren Ade crafts a unique blend of humor and heart, with Peter Simonischek stealing scenes. The awkward moments make it painfully relatable.

‘Shoplifters’ (2018)

‘Shoplifters’ (2018) Poster
Fuji Television Network

A Japanese family of petty thieves takes in a neglected girl, revealing their complex bonds. This quiet drama explores what makes a family.

Hirokazu Kore-eda directs with warmth, and Lily Franky leads a tender cast. Fans praise its subtle emotional punch and moral questions.

‘The Handmaiden’ (2016)

‘The Handmaiden’ (2016) Poster
Moho Film

This South Korean erotic thriller follows a conman and a pickpocket plotting against a wealthy heiress. Twists and steamy romance keep you hooked.

Park Chan-wook’s lush visuals and Kim Min-hee’s layered performance dazzle. It’s a seductive, unpredictable ride fans can’t stop talking about.

‘The Raid’ (2011)

‘The Raid’ (2011) Poster
Grand Army Entertainment

An Indonesian action flick follows a SWAT team trapped in a crime lord’s tower. The relentless fights showcase the martial art pencak silat.

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Gareth Evans directs with brutal energy, and Iko Uwais shines as the agile hero. It’s a nonstop adrenaline rush for action lovers.

‘Wild Tales’ (2014)

‘Wild Tales’ (2014) Poster
El Deseo

This Argentine anthology weaves six darkly funny stories of revenge and chaos. Each tale escalates with wild, unpredictable energy.

Damián Szifron balances humor and tension, with Ricardo Darín among the stellar cast. Fans love its biting take on human nature.

‘The Call’ (2020)

‘The Call’ (2020) Poster
The Call

A South Korean sci-fi thriller connects two women across time via a mysterious phone. Their choices spiral into a chilling game of consequences.

Lee Chung-hyun keeps the pace tight, with Park Shin-hye leading. Fans rave about the clever twists that mess with your head.

‘I Lost My Body’ (2019)

‘I Lost My Body’ (2019) Poster
Studio Xilam

This French animated film follows a severed hand searching for its owner, a young man reflecting on love and loss. It’s weirdly poetic.

Jérémy Clapin blends stunning visuals with heart, voiced by Hakim Faris. Fans call it a unique tearjerker that lingers.

‘Miracle in Cell No. 7’ (2019)

‘Miracle in Cell No. 7’ (2019) Poster
Lanistar Media

A Turkish drama about a mentally challenged father wrongfully imprisoned, bonding with his daughter and inmates. It’s an emotional rollercoaster.

Mehmet Ada Öztekin directs with heart, and Aras Bulut Iynemli shines. Fans weep over the father-daughter love story.

‘The Platform’ (2019)

‘The Platform’ (2019) Poster
Basque Films

This Spanish sci-fi horror shows a vertical prison where food descends from top to bottom, exposing greed and inequality. It’s grim and gripping.

Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia crafts a stark allegory, with Iván Massagué leading. Fans debate its brutal social commentary.

‘Atlantics’ (2019)

‘Atlantics’ (2019) Poster
Cinekap

A Senegalese romantic drama with a supernatural twist follows Ada, whose lover vanishes at sea. It blends love, loss, and ghostly mystery.

Mati Diop’s debut is haunting, with Mame Bineta Sane shining. Fans love its poetic take on migration and heartbreak.

‘Happy as Lazzaro’ (2018)

‘Happy as Lazzaro’ (2018) Poster
Ad Vitam Production

This Italian fable follows a kind-hearted peasant caught in a surreal journey through time. It’s a quiet critique of exploitation and class.

Alice Rohrwacher directs with dreamlike beauty, and Adriano Tardiolo is unforgettable. Fans praise its strange, moving charm.

‘Burning’ (2018)

‘Burning’ (2018) Poster
Sarvamangala

A South Korean mystery about a love triangle spiraling into obsession and violence. It’s slow, unsettling, and impossible to shake.

Lee Chang-dong crafts ambiguity masterfully, with Yoo Ah-in leading. Fans still argue over its cryptic ending.

‘The Wailing’ (2016)

‘The Wailing’ (2016) Poster
20th Century Fox Korea

This South Korean horror follows a village cop investigating gruesome murders tied to a mysterious stranger. It’s creepy and chaotic.

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Na Hong-jin blends scares with folklore, and Kwak Do-won grounds it. Fans love its mix of dread and dark humor.

‘Divines’ (2016)

‘Divines’ (2016) Poster
France 2 Cinéma

A French coming-of-age drama about two teens chasing dreams in a tough Paris suburb. Their reckless choices lead to tragedy.

Houda Benyamina directs with grit, and Oulaya Amamra shines. Fans admire its raw energy and emotional depth.

‘Kingdom’ (2019)

‘Kingdom’ (2019) Poster
Kingdom

A Japanese historical epic set in ancient China, following an orphan’s rise during a war. Stunning battles and costumes drive the action.

Shinsuke Sato delivers spectacle, with Kento Yamazaki leading. Fans call it a thrilling manga adaptation.

‘Okja’ (2017)

‘Okja’ (2017) Poster
Kate Street Picture Company

A South Korean eco-thriller about a girl saving her genetically engineered super-pig from a corporation. It’s quirky yet heartfelt.

Bong Joon-ho balances satire and emotion, with Ahn Seo-hyun stealing scenes. Fans love its bold take on greed.

‘The Nightingale’ (2018)

‘The Nightingale’ (2018) Poster
Causeway Films

An Australian revenge drama set in 1825, following an Irish convict hunting a brutal soldier. It’s harrowing and unflinching.

Jennifer Kent directs with raw power, and Aisling Franciosi is riveting. Fans warn it’s intense but unforgettable.

‘Lagaan’ (2001)

Aamir Khan Productions

This Indian epic blends sports and history as villagers challenge British colonizers to a cricket match. It’s rousing and vibrant.

Ashutosh Gowariker directs with flair, and Aamir Khan leads. Fans cheer its mix of music, drama, and defiance.

‘Ip Man’ (2008)

‘Ip Man’ (2008) Poster
Mandarin Films

A Chinese martial arts film about a Wing Chun master during Japan’s occupation. The fights are mesmerizing, grounded by real history.

Wilson Yip directs, with Donnie Yen as the iconic hero. Fans love its blend of action and quiet strength.

‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ (2022)

‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ (2022) Poster
Bhansali Productions

An Indian drama about a woman rising from a brothel to power in Mumbai’s red-light district. It’s gritty yet empowering.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali crafts a vivid world, with Alia Bhatt shining. Fans praise its bold take on resilience.

‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ (2022)

‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ (2022) Poster
Amusement Park Films

This German war film follows a young soldier in World War I’s brutal trenches. It’s a stark, emotional anti-war statement.

Edward Berger directs with grit, and Felix Kammerer anchors it. Fans call it a devastating must-watch.

‘Roma’ (2018)

‘Roma’ (2018) Poster
Participant

A Mexican drama about a housekeeper navigating life with an affluent family in 1970s Mexico City. It’s intimate and visually stunning.

Alfonso Cuarón’s black-and-white masterpiece stars Yalitza Aparicio. Fans love its quiet beauty and emotional depth.

‘Parasite’ (2019)

This South Korean thriller about class warfare follows a poor family infiltrating a rich household. Its twists are jaw-dropping.

Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning masterpiece stars Song Kang-ho. Fans still rave about its sharp satire and perfect pacing.

Which foreign language film on Netflix blew you away, or did I miss a hidden gem? Drop your favorites in the comments!

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