10 German Intermediate Movies on Netflix

Are you a language enthusiast looking to immerse yourself in German culture while improving your language skills?

Watching German language movies on Netflix can be an enjoyable and effective way to achieve this. With a plethora of options available, it can be overwhelming to choose where to start.

To assist you in your selection, here's a curated list of the best German movies for intermediate learners on Netflix that offer not only entertainment but also valuable insights into German history, culture, and society.

Table of Contents

• "Lola Rennt" (Run Lola Run)
• "Good Bye Lenin!"
• "Das Leben der Anderen" (The Lives of Others)
• "Die Bitteren Tränen der Petra von Kant" (The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant)
• "Soul Kitchen"
• “Sissi”
• "Der Untergang" (The Downfall)
• “Paradies: Liebe” (Paradise: Love)
• “Das weiße Band" (The White Ribbon)
• “Die Welle” (The Wave)

1. "Lola Rennt" ("Run Lola Run")

Released in 1998, "Lola Rennt" is a German classic that offers an exhilarating cinematic experience while providing a glimpse into the Berlinerisch dialect.

This German film follows Lola, who embarks on a frantic quest to find 100,000 German marks within twenty minutes to save her boyfriend's life.

With her boyfriend's fate hanging in the balance, Lola navigates through the streets of Berlin in three different "runs," each with its unique twists and turns.

This innovative narrative structure not only keeps viewers engaged but also offers insights into contemporary German society and urban life.

2. "Goodbye Lenin!"

For those in the mood for a comedy intertwined with historical drama, "Goodbye Lenin!" is a must-watch. Set in 1989 in East Germany, the film revolves around Alex, whose mother falls into a coma shortly before the fall of the Berlin Wall.

When she awakens months later, right after the Berlin Wall falls, Alex goes to great lengths to shield her from the shocking changes occurring in East Germany, including the proliferation of Western brands and the collapse of socialist ideals.

Through absurd yet endearing tactics, Alex endeavors to recreate a semblance of the old East Germany for his mother, leading to humorous and heartwarming moments that offer poignant reflections on German reunification.

This is often voted one of the best German movies for learners and those interested in German history.

3. "Das Leben der Anderen" ("The Lives of Others")

Delving into the complexities of life in East Germany under the watchful eye of the Stasi, "Das Leben der Anderen" is a gripping drama and political thriller released in 2006.

This German film follows Stasi Captain Gerd Wiesler as he is tasked with spying on playwright Georg Dreyman and his associates.

However, as Wiesler becomes emotionally entangled in the lives of those he surveils, he begins to question the morality of his actions and the oppressive nature of the East German regime.

Through its compelling narrative and nuanced character portrayals, this German movie offers profound insights into the human cost of state surveillance and the quest for personal freedom and is one of the best German movies to watch for anyone, although for learners English subtitles might be a good idea here.

4. "Die Bitteren Tränen der Petra von Kant" ("The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant")

Rainer Werner Fassbinder's "Die Bitteren Tränen der Petra von Kant," released in 1972, is one of the memorable German movies of its decade, offering a captivating exploration of jealousy, madness, and domination.

This film serves as an excellent introduction to the works of Fassbinder, a prominent figure in the New German Cinema movement. Set within the confines of Petra von Kant's home, the film immerses viewers in the world of a fashion designer where psychological tension simmers beneath the surface.

Through its intimate setting and intense character dynamics, "Die Bitteren Tränen der Petra von Kant" offers a profound exploration of human relationships and the depths of desire and obsession.

5. "Soul Kitchen"

Set in the vibrant city of Hamburg, "Soul Kitchen" is a delightful comedy released in 2009 that centers around a local restaurant and its Greek-German owner, Zinos.

From financial woes to health issues, Zinos finds himself juggling multiple dilemmas, including a slipped disc and the return of his brother from prison.

Despite the seemingly disparate threads of the plot, "Soul Kitchen" masterfully integrates them into a cohesive and entertaining narrative, buoyed by a stellar cast and sharp humor.

The film also serves as a valuable resource for language acquisition, providing contextually relevant vocabulary in an engaging and relatable manner. Moreover, themes such as relationships and food offer accessible entry points for those learning German, enhancing comprehension and enjoyment of the film.

6. "Sissi"

Transitioning to a different genre, "Sissi" represents a classic Heimatfilm from 1955 that holds a special place in the hearts of many Germans.

Heimatfilms emerged in post-World War II Germany, romanticizing rural life and presenting simplistic narratives often revolving around themes of love and morality. "Sissi" epitomizes the quintessential Heimatfilm, offering a tale of romance, familial duty, and royal intrigue.

The film follows Princess Elisabeth, affectionately known as Sissi, alongside her sister Néné and the young Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I, as they navigate the complexities of betrothals and love amidst familial obligations.

7. "Der Untergang" (The Downfall)

Downfall, also known as "Der Untergang," released in 2004, unfolds in the closing moments of Hitler's regime within Berlin's Führerbunker. This highly praised drama earned a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards.

Its controversial but fascinating portrayal of Adolf Hitler can make for uncomfortable viewing, as the film focuses its attention on the dictator as a complex, multilayered character. This makes it a great film to watch with fellow language learners.

8. “Paradies: Liebe” (Paradise: Love)

This unique film by Ulrich Seidl, released in 2013, offers a captivating narrative that follows a German woman embarking on a journey to Africa for sex tourism.

As she navigates her experiences in a Kenyan beach resort, the tourist encounters and falls for an African man. However, her perception shatters when she discovers that the affection she believed was genuine was, in fact, a ploy for financial gain.

As an Austrian production, "Paradise: Love" provides viewers with exposure to the Austrian dialect and delves into culturally-relevant themes.

The film explores the complexities of human relationships and sheds light on societal issues surrounding sex tourism in a way that is both thought-provoking and eye-opening.

"Paradise: Love" presents an opportunity for German learners to enhance their understanding of spoken language with native and non-native speakers, making it one of the best foreign films to watch for German learners.

9. Das weiße Band" ("The White Ribbon")

"Das weiße Band" ("The White Ribbon"), crafted by the acclaimed director Michael Haneke, presents a somber depiction of religion, authority, and violence unfolding in a small northern German town during the early 1910s.

Haneke's film offers a profound exploration of societal and familial dynamics, albeit through a dark lens that may prove challenging for some viewers. Nevertheless, for those seeking cinematic depth and emotional impact, "The White Ribbon" (2009) stands as a compelling choice.

The narrative navigates through a perplexing series of events that unsettle the tranquility of this small Protestant village, unraveling layers of tension and intrigue.

Moreover, "The White Ribbon" proves to be an invaluable resource for German students, as the actors deliver their lines with deliberate clarity and at a measured pace, making it one of the great German films to enjoy for those starting to learn German.

10. Die Welle ("The Wave")

"The Wave" (Die Welle) is a German film based on true events, delving into the perils of groupthink and conformity.

Following a high school teacher's experiment on totalitarianism, the narrative unfolds as students increasingly embrace the movement, spiraling out of control. Provocative and intense, it prompts reflection on authority, peer influence, and individuality in society.

Offering an immersive dive into the German language, "Die Welle" presents authentic dialogue and cultural nuances, facilitating deeper comprehension.

With its clear plot, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, the film fosters discussion and German language listening practice, making it one of the best German movies for learners of all levels.

FAQs about Watching German Movies on Netflix

Here, we provide answers to some of the most questions that people ask about German films and TV shows on Netflix as a way to learn German.

Are there any German films on Netflix?

Yes, Netflix offers a wide selection of German movies across various genres, providing ample opportunities for viewers to explore German language cinema and dialogue at their own pace.

This makes it a great platform for those who want to learn German in a fun and engaging way.

What series should I watch on Netflix Germany?

Some popular series on Netflix Germany include "Dark," a mind-bending sci-fi thriller, "Babylon Berlin," a gripping crime drama set in the 1920s, and "How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)," a dark comedy centered around a teen entrepreneur.

What can I learn about German culture and German cinema by watching a German movie?

Watching German movies offers insights into various aspects of German-speaking countries and their culture, including social norms, historical events, and regional dialects.

Watching movies can reveal the country's rich cultural heritage and explores universal themes such as love, identity, and societal issues, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of German society and its cinematic tradition.

Summing Up: Intermediate German Movies on Netflix

Watching movies on platforms like Netflix provides an enriching experience for language learners. From enhancing listening comprehension to exposing viewers to regional dialects, these films offer invaluable cultural insights.

Learning German as you watch German films and discuss them with fellow learners can make the whole experience a great introduction to both language and foreign cinema.

With the help of German subtitles, learners can further improve their language skills while enjoying some of the best German movies available.

To continue this immersive journey, sign up for 7 days with Lingopie, an excellent resource for watching German movies on Netflix and honing your language proficiency.