20 Best Foreign Language Films That Won Oscars

Foreign language films bring stories from around the world, blending unique voices with universal emotions. The Oscars have honored these gems since 1947, showcasing dramas, comedies, and thrillers that transcend borders. From heartbreaking tales to bold experiments, these winners stand out for their craft and impact.

I’ve picked the 20 best foreign language films that won the Oscar for Best International Feature (or its earlier names), each a must-watch for its storytelling and vision. Here they are, in no particular order, celebrating their global brilliance.

Shoeshine (1946)

Vittorio De Sica’s Italian drama follows two boys shining shoes in post-WWII Rome, caught in a tragic scam. The raw emotion and neorealist style hit hard. It was the first film to win the Oscar’s honorary foreign award.

Its gritty look at poverty and friendship feels timeless. The heartbreaking performances make it an early indie gem.

Bicycle Thieves (1948)

De Sica’s Italian classic tracks a father and son searching for a stolen bike needed for work. The simple story and real Rome streets grip you. It won an honorary Oscar and shaped neorealism.

Its quiet despair and human focus shine. It’s a moving portrait of struggle that still resonates.

Rashomon (1950)

Akira Kurosawa’s Japanese masterpiece weaves a crime story through conflicting accounts. Toshiro Mifune’s bandit and the innovative narrative stun. It won an honorary Oscar and inspired countless films.

The bold structure and moral questions stand out. It’s a timeless exploration of truth and perspective.

La Strada (1954)

Federico Fellini’s Italian drama stars Giulietta Masina as a naive woman sold to a brutal circus performer. The poetic visuals and emotional depth won the first competitive foreign Oscar. It grossed modestly but left a mark.

Its tender heart and tragic beauty shine. It’s a soulful indie classic.

Nights of Cabiria (1957)

Fellini’s Italian tale follows Giulietta Masina’s hopeful pr*stit*te seeking love. The vibrant Rome backdrop and her charm captivate. It won the Oscar and inspired musicals like ‘Sweet Charity.’

Its mix of grit and optimism stands out. Masina’s performance makes it an indie treasure.

The Virgin Spring (1960)

Ingmar Bergman’s Swedish drama stars Max von Sydow in a medieval tale of revenge and faith. The stark visuals and heavy themes grip. It won the Oscar and influenced later horror.

Its raw emotion and bold questions shine. It’s a haunting indie milestone.

8½ (1963)

Fellini’s Italian masterpiece follows Marcello Mastroianni as a director lost in creative chaos. The surreal visuals and introspective story dazzle. It won the Oscar and became a filmmaking touchstone.

Its wild imagination and personal depth stand out. It’s a dazzling indie gem.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (1963)

Vittorio De Sica’s Italian comedy stars Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni in three romantic tales. The playful tone and chemistry pop. It won the Oscar and charmed audiences.

Its lighthearted charm and vibrant cast shine. It’s a fun, stylish indie hit.

A Man and a Woman (1966)

Claude Lelouch’s French romance follows Jean-Louis Trintignant and Anouk Aimée as lovers with pasts. The lush visuals and iconic score captivate. It won the Oscar and grossed $14 million.

Its tender story and dreamy style stand out. It’s a romantic indie classic.

Z (1969)

Costa-Gavras’ French-Algerian thriller stars Yves Montand in a political murder mystery. The fast pace and sharp commentary grip. It won the Oscar and was a critical hit.

Its bold politics and tense energy shine. It’s a thrilling indie standout.

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972)

Luis Buñuel’s French surreal comedy follows friends, including Fernando Rey, stuck in absurd situations. The dreamlike humor and satire pop. It won the Oscar and baffled audiences.

Its wild creativity and sharp wit stand out. It’s a quirky indie gem.

Amarcord (1973)

Fellini’s Italian comedy recalls a colorful 1930s town through a boy’s eyes. The vibrant characters and nostalgic visuals charm. It won the Oscar and grossed $1 million.

Its warm heart and playful energy shine. It’s a joyful indie classic.

Cinema Paradiso (1988)

Giuseppe Tornatore’s Italian drama follows a boy, played by Salvatore Cascio, bonded to a projectionist. The love for movies and heartfelt story won the Oscar. It grossed $12 million.

Its nostalgic beauty and emotional core stand out. It’s a timeless indie love letter.

Journey of Hope (1990)

Xavier Koller’s Swiss drama tracks a Turkish family’s dangerous migration. The raw emotion and stark journey move you. It won the Oscar and was a festival hit.

Its human focus and gripping story shine. It’s a poignant indie drama.

Life Is Beautiful (1997)

Roberto Benigni’s Italian tragicomedy stars Benigni as a father shielding his son in a Nazi camp. The blend of humor and heartbreak won two Oscars. It grossed $230 million.

Its bold tone and tender heart stand out. It’s an indie masterpiece that balances joy and sorrow.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Ang Lee’s Chinese wuxia epic stars Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun-fat in a soaring love story. The stunning fight scenes and visuals won four Oscars. It grossed $213 million.

Its poetic action and emotional depth shine. It’s a breathtaking indie classic.

No Man’s Land (2001)

Danis Tanović’s Bosnian war satire follows soldiers, including Branko Đurić, trapped in a trench. The sharp humor and tension grip. It won the Oscar and made $4 million.

Its clever commentary and tight story stand out. It’s a bold indie gem.

The Barbarian Invasions (2003)

Denys Arcand’s Canadian drama follows Rémy Girard’s dying man reuniting with family. The witty dialogue and heart move you. It won the Oscar and grossed $26 million.

Its warm humor and deep bonds shine. It’s a touching indie drama.

The Lives of Others (2006)

Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s German thriller tracks a Stasi agent, played by Ulrich Mühe, spying on a playwright. The tense story and moral weight won the Oscar. It made $77 million.

Its gripping plot and human focus stand out. It’s a powerful indie classic.

The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)

Juan José Campanella’s Argentine thriller stars Ricardo Darín in a murder mystery spanning decades. The twisty plot and emotional core grip. It won the Oscar and grossed $35 million.

Its sharp storytelling and deep heart shine. It’s a thrilling indie gem.

A Separation (2011)

Asghar Farhadi’s Iranian drama follows a couple, played by Leila Hatami and Peyman Moaadi, facing divorce and moral dilemmas. The raw tension and human story won the Oscar. It made $24 million.

Its authentic emotion and tight script stand out. It’s an indie masterpiece.

Amour (2012)

Michael Haneke’s French drama stars Jean-Louis Trintignant and Emmanuelle Riva as an aging couple facing illness. The stark emotion and quiet visuals move you. It won the Oscar and grossed $19 million.

Its raw intimacy and powerful performances shine. It’s a heartbreaking indie classic.

The Great Beauty (2013)

Paolo Sorrentino’s Italian drama follows Toni Servillo’s writer roaming Rome. The lush visuals and existential tone dazzle. It won the Oscar and grossed $24 million.

Its poetic style and vibrant energy stand out. It’s a stunning indie gem.

Ida (2014)

Paweł Pawlikowski’s Polish drama stars Agata Kulesza as a nun uncovering family secrets. The black-and-white visuals and quiet emotion grip. It won the Oscar and made $15 million.

Its subtle beauty and deep heart shine. It’s a haunting indie treasure.

Son of Saul (2015)

László Nemes’ Hungarian Holocaust drama follows Géza Röhrig’s prisoner in Auschwitz. The immersive visuals and raw intensity stun. It won the Oscar and grossed $9 million.

Its bold approach and emotional weight stand out. It’s a gut-punch indie classic.

The Salesman (2016)

Asghar Farhadi’s Iranian drama stars Shahab Hosseini and Taraneh Alidoosti in a tense tale of revenge and marriage. The gripping story won the Oscar. It made $7 million.

Its sharp drama and human focus shine. It’s a powerful indie thriller.

A Fantastic Woman (2017)

Sebastián Lelio’s Chilean drama stars Daniela Vega as a trans woman facing loss and prejudice. The vibrant visuals and emotional core move you. It won the Oscar and grossed $3 million.

Its bold voice and tender heart stand out. It’s an indie triumph.

Roma (2018)

Alfonso Cuarón’s Mexican drama follows Yalitza Aparicio’s maid in 1970s Mexico City. The lush black-and-white visuals and personal story won three Oscars. It was a Netflix hit.

Its intimate craft and emotional depth shine. It’s a gorgeous indie masterpiece.

Parasite (2019)

Bong Joon-ho’s Korean thriller follows a poor family conning a rich one. The sharp twists and class commentary won four Oscars, including Best Picture. It grossed $258 million.

Its flawless script and universal appeal stand out. It’s an indie game-changer.

Another Round (2020)

Thomas Vinterberg’s Danish drama stars Mads Mikkelsen as a teacher experimenting with drinking. The lively tone and deep emotion grip. It won the Oscar and made $21 million.

Mikkelsen’s charm and heartfelt story shine. It’s a vibrant indie gem.

Drive My Car (2021)

Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Japanese drama follows Yusuke Kafuku as an actor processing grief through theater. The quiet emotion and long runtime move you. It won the Oscar and grossed $15 million.

Its subtle power and deep heart stand out. It’s a meditative indie classic.

All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

Edward Berger’s German war epic follows Paul Bäumer in WWI trenches. The brutal visuals and anti-war message stun. It won four Oscars and was a Netflix hit.

Its raw intensity and bold craft shine. It’s a gripping indie remake.

The Zone of Interest (2023)

Jonathan Glazer’s German drama tracks a Nazi family near Auschwitz. The chilling sound design and cold visuals haunt. It won two Oscars and grossed $52 million.

Its bold approach and unsettling power stand out. It’s an indie masterpiece.

Emilia Pérez (2024)

Jacques Audiard’s French-Spanish musical stars Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón in a bold tale of a trans drug lord. The vibrant songs and daring story won the Oscar. It grossed $15 million.

Its wild energy and emotional core shine. It’s a groundbreaking indie hit.

Which of these Oscar-winning foreign films is your favorite, or did I miss one you love? Share your thoughts in the comments!