15 Best German Movies with English Subtitles
Watching German movies will expose you to authentic German language, culture and history. It will also train your ear to use vocabulary the way native speakers really do—all while entertaining you!
But if you’re not an advanced speaker yet, you may need some support from English subtitles. In this post, you’ll learn about 15 excellent German movies with English subtitles so you can be entertained without getting overwhelmed.
Contents
- 1. “Der Untergang” (“Downfall”)
- 2. “Im Westen nichts Neues” (“All Quiet on the Western Front”)
- 3. “Systemsprenger” (“System Crasher”)
- 4. “Auf der anderen Seite” (“The Edge of Heaven”)
- 5. “Frantz”
- 6. “Die Fette Jahren sind Vorbei” (“The Edukators”)
- 7. “Der Baader Meinhof Komplex” (“The Baader Meinhof Complex”)
- 8. “Die Unsichtbaren” (“The Invisibles”)
- 9. “Final Account”
- 10. “Aus dem Nichts” (“In the Fade”)
- 11. “Lore”
- 12. “Die göttliche Ordnung” (“The Divine Order”)
- 13. “In den Gängen” (“In The Aisles”)
- 14. “Lommbock”
- 15. “Alles ist gut” (“All is well”)
- How to Learn German by Watching Subtitled Movies
- And One More Thing...
Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)
1. “Der Untergang” (“Downfall”)
Year Released: 2004
Genre: Historical War Drama
Directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, “Downfall” provides a chilling portrayal of the final days of Adolf Hitler’s life in the Führerbunker during World War II. The film is predominantly in German, and it depicts the collapse of Nazi Germany and the events leading to Hitler’s suicide.
“Downfall” is known for its powerful performances, particularly by Bruno Ganz as Adolf Hitler, and its intense and historically accurate portrayal of this dark period in history. It has been acclaimed for its realism and impact, offering a harrowing look at the end of an era.
Where to Watch: Prime Video | Peacock | Apple TV | Google Play | YouTube
2. “Im Westen nichts Neues” (“All Quiet on the Western Front”)
Year Released: 2022
Genre: War Drama
This impactful anti-war movie is an adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque’s 1929 novel with the same title. It’s set during World War I and provides a deep dive into the distressing ordeals of those who fought in this intense conflict. By following the perspectives of young soldiers, the film delves into the harsh truths of war, exploring both the physical and emotional toll it imposes.
The movie won four Oscars at the 95th Academy Awards for Best International Feature, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score and Best Production Design.
Where to Watch: Netflix
3. “Systemsprenger” (“System Crasher”)
Year Released: 2019
Genre: Drama
Directed by Nora Fingscheidt, this critically acclaimed film revolves around the life of a young girl named Benni. She’s deemed a “system crasher” due to her uncontrollable behavior, which leads her to frequently be expelled from various foster homes and institutions.
The film offers an intimate and intense exploration of Benni’s turbulent journey through the German child protection system. It’s an emotional portrayal of a young girl’s struggle for love, stability and a place where she truly belongs.
Where to Watch: YouTube
4. “Auf der anderen Seite” (“The Edge of Heaven”)
Year: 2007
Genre: Drama
Directed by Fatih Akin, this German-Turkish drama weaves together the lives of six characters across two countries, Germany and Turkey. The film explores themes of love, loss and reconciliation as it examines the intersecting destinies of its protagonists.
It’s a moving and beautifully crafted narrative about the complexities of human relationships and the search for belonging across cultural divides. It received critical acclaim and won the Best Screenplay award at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival.
The film is primarily in German and Turkish, with some scenes in English.
Where to Watch: Prime Video | Apple TV | Hoopla
5. “Frantz”
Year Released: 2016
Genre: Drama/History/Romance
“Frantz” is a poignant drama set in the aftermath of World War I. The film explores the impact of the war on a small German town and its inhabitants, focusing on the grieving fiancée of a fallen soldier, Anna and a mysterious Frenchman named Adrien who visits the soldier’s grave.
As secrets and emotions unravel, “Frantz” delves into themes of grief, reconciliation and the power of human connection. With its beautiful black-and-white cinematography and nuanced storytelling, the film offers a touching and evocative examination of post-war Europe and personal healing.
Where to Watch: Prime Video | Apple TV | Google Play | Vudu
6. “Die Fette Jahren sind Vorbei” (“The Edukators”)
Year Released: 2004
Genre: Drama/Romance
This German-Austrian drama centers around three young activists who break into wealthy homes, rearrange furniture and leave messages challenging the materialistic society. Their lives take an unexpected turn when they kidnap a wealthy businessman and are forced to confront their ideals and the consequences of their actions.
“The Edukators” is a thought-provoking exploration of political activism, personal ethics and the blurred lines between rebellion and criminality. The film raises questions about social justice and the price of idealism in a complex world.
Where to Watch: Prime Video
7. “Der Baader Meinhof Komplex” (“The Baader Meinhof Complex”)
Year Released: 2008
Genre: Historical Drama
Directed by Uli Edel, this film is based on real events and follows the rise and fall of the Red Army Faction (RAF), a far-left militant group in West Germany during the 1970s. The film explores the radicalization of its core members, their acts of terrorism and the government’s efforts to suppress them.
“The Baader Meinhof Complex” offers a gripping and intense portrayal of a turbulent period in German history, examining the ideological motivations and violent actions of the RAF and the societal responses to their activities.
Where to Watch: Prime Video | Tubi | Plex | Roku
8. “Die Unsichtbaren” (“The Invisibles”)
Year Released: 2017
Genre: Docudrama/History
“The Invisibles” tells the remarkable true story of four Jewish survivors in Berlin during World War II. The film interweaves documentary-style interviews with dramatic reenactments to portray the struggles and resilience of these individuals as they evade capture by the Nazis, hiding in plain sight within the city.
“The Invisibles” sheds light on the courage and resourcefulness of those who managed to survive amidst the chaos and danger of wartime Berlin. It’s a poignant tribute to the human spirit and the will to endure in the face of adversity.
Where to Watch: Prime Video | Apple TV | Vudu | Tubi
9. “Final Account”
Year Released: 2020
Genre: Documentary
“Final Account” is a sobering documentary film directed by Luke Holland. The film provides an unsettling and eye-opening glimpse into the lives of individuals who were members of the Nazi Party during World War II.
Through candid interviews and testimonies, it delves into their experiences, beliefs, and roles within the Third Reich. The documentary offers a chilling exploration of guilt, responsibility and the enduring impact of the Holocaust, shedding light on the complexities of confronting a dark and haunting chapter in history.
Where to Watch: Apple TV | Google Play
10. “Aus dem Nichts” (“In the Fade”)
Year Released: 2017
Genre: Drama/Thriller
Directed by Fatih Akin, “In the Fade” follows Katja, a woman whose life is shattered when her husband and son are killed in a terrorist bombing. As the investigation unfolds, Katja seeks justice and closure.
The film explores themes of grief and vengeance and offers an emotionally charged critique of the legal system. Diane Kruger’s powerful performance as Katja earned her the Best Actress award at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, adding to the film’s acclaim for its portrayal of personal tragedy and societal tensions.
Where to Watch: Prime Video | Hulu | Apple TV | Google Play | Vudu
11. “Lore”
Year: 2012
Genre: Drama/Romance/War
“Lore” is a haunting and evocative drama set in the aftermath of World War II. The film follows Lore, the teenage daughter of a high-ranking Nazi officer, as she embarks on a perilous journey through a devastated Germany with her siblings.
Along the way, they encounter a young Jewish refugee, and Lore’s worldview is challenged. The film explores innocence, guilt and the moral complexities of a post-Nazi world. Saskia Rosendahl’s powerful performance as Lore anchors this gripping narrative, offering a unique perspective on the legacy of war.
Where to Watch: Prime Video | Apple TV | Google Play | YouTube | Vudu
12. “Die göttliche Ordnung” (“The Divine Order”)
Year Released: 2017
Genre: Comedy/Drama
This Swiss film explores the fight for women’s suffrage in Switzerland in the 1970s. It follows the life of Nora, a housewife in a small Swiss village, who becomes a pivotal figure in the struggle for women’s right to vote.
Facing resistance from her community and even her own family, Nora embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. This inspirational story sheds light on the social and political dynamics surrounding women’s rights, highlighting the courage of those who challenged the status quo.
Where to Watch: Prime Video | Apple TV | Google Play | YouTube | Vudu
13. “In den Gängen” (“In The Aisles”)
Year Released: 2018
Genre: Drama/Romance
This film unfolds within the confines of a wholesale supermarket in a small town. It introduces viewers to the lives of its employees, particularly Christian, a reserved and introverted man who starts working in the store.
As he navigates the daily routines and encounters his colleagues, including the enigmatic Marion, a connection begins to blossom. “In The Aisles” is a beautifully crafted exploration of isolation, human connections and the unexpected bonds that can develop in the most mundane of settings.
Where to Watch: Prime Video | Apple TV | Google Play | YouTube | Vudu
14. “Lommbock”
Year Released: 2017
Genre: Comedy
“Lommbock” is the sequel to the 2001 movie “Lammbock.” The story follows the original film’s protagonists, Stefan and Kai, who have now grown older but remain entangled in comical misadventures involving marijuana and their unconventional careers.
The film humorously explores themes of friendship, nostalgia, and the passage of time. It offers a light-hearted and entertaining continuation of the antics that made the first film a cult classic, while also reflecting on the changes and challenges that come with adulthood.
Where to Watch: Netflix
15. “Alles ist gut” (“All is well”)
Year Released: 2018
Genre: Drama
This film follows a young woman named Janne who, after a night of partying, is sexually assaulted by a colleague. She attempts to go on with her life, causing her emotional turmoil to intensify.
“All is Well” is a thought-provoking exploration of the aftermath of sexual assault, focusing on the psychological toll it takes on survivors and the complexities of speaking out against perpetrators. The film tackles this important subject with nuance and sensitivity.
Where to Watch: Netflix
How to Learn German by Watching Subtitled Movies
Watching German movies with English subtitles is a great way to ease into the language. Many early beginner learners can start picking up German vocabulary this way—studies have indicated that vocabulary acquisition from movies is just as strong with native-language subtitles as with foreign subtitles.
So if you don’t have a big stockpile of German words yet, this can be a helpful tool to get acquainted with German and learn new vocabulary in natural contexts. And you can start with content that uses simple language like German cartoons.
Once you get more advanced, though, it’s more effective to watch German films with subtitles in German.
Watching German Movies with German Subtitles
By watching German movies with German subtitles, you can get a sense of how unfamiliar words are spelled and pronounced. You can also get more comfortable with that tricky German word order.
Repetition is the mother of skill. After you’ve watched it once, try watching the film as many times as you can stand to do so. Eventually, you’ll be able to understand a complicated German scene without needing to rewind.
After some practice with subtitles, turning subtitles off entirely is the final step to challenge your listening comprehension.
And if you want a little more guidance in your subtitle studies, you could try the language learning program FluentU.
FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.
You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.
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Watching these incredible German movies is sure to produce notable improvement in your language skills. Plus, your historical and cultural knowledge will benefit, too.
Be sure to try German movies with English subtitles and especially German subtitles to boost that word knowledge.
And once you’ve watched all of them and start itching for more, check out some excellent options on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and other streaming platforms.
Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)
And One More Thing...
Want to know the key to learning German effectively?
It's using the right content and tools, like FluentU has to offer! Browse hundreds of videos, take endless quizzes and master the German language faster than you've ever imagine!
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And FluentU isn't just for watching videos. It's a complete platform for learning. It's designed to effectively teach you all the vocabulary from any video. Swipe left or right to see more examples of the word you're on.
The best part is that FluentU keeps track of the vocabulary that you're learning, and gives you extra practice with difficult words. It'll even remind you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned.
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