The 19 Best German Movies on Amazon Prime

Now that we’ve got options like Amazon Prime Video, you can watch whatever you want, whenever you want, and German movies are no exception.

If you’re learning German and looking for fun new ways to boost your language skills, these German films offer excellent lessons. In this post, you’ll get 19 of the best German movies on Amazon Prime from a variety of genres, so you can find a few that suit your interests.

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1. “Der Untergang” (Downfall)

Year: 2004
Genre: Historical Drama

This film depicts the final days of Adolf Hitler’s regime in the Führerbunker during World War II. Directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, it provides a harrowing and intimate portrayal of the dictator’s last moments, as seen through the eyes of his secretary Traudl Junge.

Bruno Ganz delivers a powerful performance as Hitler, capturing the complexity of his character. The film explores the psychological and emotional unraveling of the Nazi leadership, offering a chilling glimpse into a dark chapter of history. This authentic film is a significant work in German cinema.

2. “Gegen die Wand” (Head-On)

Year: 2004
Genre: Romantic Drama

This German-Turkish drama tells the passionate yet tumultuous love story between a self-destructive man and a young woman seeking to escape her conservative family. Their impulsive decision to get married sets the stage for a complex exploration of identity, cultural clashes and the search for meaning.

The film received critical acclaim for its raw intensity, cultural authenticity and director Fatih Akin’s skillful storytelling. It won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.

3. “Bis Gleich” (Till Then)

Year: 2014
Genre: Short/Romantic Drama

At only 20 minutes, “Bis Gleich” is perfect for when you don’t have time for a feature-length movie. This sweet film tells the tale of an elderly couple who live across the street from each other in Berlin. Though they share a daily routine, they’ve never met face-to-face, until a twist of fate brings them together.

The dialogue is sparse and the storyline isn’t complicated. Through its simplicity, the film beautifully captures the ephemeral nature of human connections and the profound impact a chance meeting can have. 

4. “Good Bye, Lenin!”

Year: 2003 
Genre: Comedy/Drama

“Good Bye, Lenin!” is a critically acclaimed German tragicomedy directed by Wolfgang Becker. Set against the backdrop of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the film follows Alex, who strives to shield his ailing mother from the reality of East Germany’s political transformation.

When she awakens from a long coma, Alex orchestrates an elaborate ruse to maintain the illusion of the German Democratic Republic. Seamlessly blending humor with poignant moments, the film explores themes of nostalgia, family and the impact of historical upheavals.

5. “Auf der anderen Seite” (The Edge of Heaven)

Year: 2007 
Genre: Drama

This is another great German-Turkish film directed by Fatih Akin. The film interweaves the lives of six characters across Germany and Turkey, exploring themes of family, loss and redemption. The narrative unfolds through intersecting stories, revealing connections forged by fate.

Akin skillfully navigates cultural and generational clashes, offering a poignant reflection on identity and human connection. The film won the Best Screenplay Award at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival and has received acclaim for its exploration of complex relationships and how lives intertwine across borders.

6. “Victoria”

Year: 2015
Genre: Crime Drama/Romance

This remarkable film unfolds in a single, continuous and real-time shot, adding an immersive intensity to its narrative. The story follows a young Spanish woman, Victoria, who becomes entangled in a Berlin night with a group of locals

“Victoria” captivates audiences with its technical prowess, dynamic characters and evocative exploration of the choices we make in the heat of the moment, offering a unique and gripping cinematic experience. It also features four different languages: German, English, Spanish and Turkish. 

7. “Frantz”

Year: 2016
Genre: Historic Drama/Romance

Directed by François Ozon, this French-German drama is set in the aftermath of World War I. A mysterious Frenchman, Adrien, visits the grave of a German soldier, Frantz, in a small German town. The film follows the connection he forms with Frantz’s widowed wife.

With exquisite black-and-white cinematography and nuanced performances, “Frantz” is a poignant tale that delves into the complexities of human connections, national identity and the healing power of empathy in the aftermath of one of history’s most devastating conflicts.

8. “Heidi”

Year: 2015
Genre: Family/Drama

Written in 1881 by the Swiss author Johanna Spyri, “Heidi” is one of the most famous works of literature to come out of Switzerland. This popular Swiss tale is about the eponymous character, who’s raised in the Alps by her grandfather. However, Heidi is then sent to live with an upper-class family in Frankfurt.

The story then shows how she struggles in her new home and eventually starts to adjust to her new surroundings. This is a classic children’s story that has enchanted kids for well over a century. You can also read the book before or after you watch the movie.

9. “Kästner und der kleine Dienstag” (Kästner and Little Tuesday)

Year: 2016
Genre: Biographical Drama

This touching film explores the heartwarming friendship between the renowned German author Erich Kästner and a young, fatherless child actor named Hans Albrecht Löhr. Set in the 1920s and 1930s, the story navigates through the challenges of the Weimar Republic and the rise of the Nazi regime.

The narrative is driven by Kästner’s determination to protect Hans, highlighting the power of literature and compassion during tumultuous times. The film pays tribute to the resilience of the human spirit amidst historical adversity.

10. “Toni Erdmann”

Year: 2016
Genre: Comedy/Drama

This film revolves around the strained relationship between a practical joker Winfried Conradi and his ambitious corporate consultant daughter, Ines. When Winfried adopts the eccentric persona of Toni Erdmann, a life coach with a penchant for outrageous pranks, he infiltrates Ines’s professional world.

The critically acclaimed German-Austrian film brilliantly explores themes of familial bonds, identity and the absurdities of corporate culture. With its originality and insightful commentary, “Toni Erdmann” has earned its place among the most celebrated films of its time. 

11. “Die Unsichtbaren” (The Invisibles)

Year: 2017
Genre: Docudrama 

Directed by Claus Räfle, this film tells the true stories of four Jewish individuals who managed to survive in Berlin during World War II by hiding in plain sight. Through a combination of luck, resourcefulness and the kindness of strangers, they evade Nazi persecution.

Interspersed with documentary elements, the film provides a gripping portrayal of resilience and courage in the face of one of history’s darkest periods. “Die Unsichtbaren” sheds light on lesser-known tales of survival and the indomitable spirit of those who resisted oppression.

12. “Aus dem Nichts” (In the Fade)

Year: 2017
Genre: Crime/Drama/Thriller

Director Fatih Akin makes another appearance on the list with this dramatic, gripping film. The story revolves around Katja, played by Diane Kruger, whose life shatters when her husband and son die in a terrorist bombing.

As she navigates grief, the film unfolds as a tense courtroom drama when the legal system fails to bring the perpetrators to justice. Kruger’s powerful performance earned her the Best Actress award at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival. 

13. “Die göttliche Ordnung” (The Divine Order)

Year: 2017
Genre: Comedy/Drama

Set in 1971, this Swiss drama follows Nora, a housewife in a small Swiss village, as she becomes an unlikely feminist activist fighting for women’s right to vote. Inspired by the global women’s liberation movement, Nora challenges societal norms and confronts the conservative attitudes of her community.

The film skillfully blends humor and drama to highlight the struggle for gender equality, offering a poignant exploration of female empowerment. Its engaging portrayal of a pivotal moment in Swiss history won it the Audience Award for Best Feature at the 2017 Tribeca International Film Festival.

14. “Schweigeminute” (A Minute’s Silence)

Year: 2016 
Genre: Romantic Drama

This film explores the relationship between an 18-year-old boy and his new English teacher, who grow close during the end of the summer in a small fishing port on the Baltic Sea. When the school year begins, their secret relationship threatens to cause a scandal in their small conservative town.

The actors offer convincing performances and the film is beautifully directed, creating a simple yet touching piece of cinematic work. It’s a provocative portrayal of a forbidden love story that is sure to grasp your attention. 

15. “In den Gängen” (In the Aisles)

Year: 2018
Genre: Romantic Drama

This film is set within the quiet confines of a wholesale market. It follows Christian, a reserved new employee played by Franz Rogowski, as he navigates the mundane yet intricate world of retail. Through the aisles and storerooms, Christian forms an unexpected connection with his coworker, Marion.

The film delicately explores loneliness, human connection and the beauty found in everyday moments. Its subtle storytelling, combined with strong performances, crafts a poignant narrative that celebrates the dignity in seemingly ordinary lives.

16. “Kleine große Stimme” (Little Big Voice)

Year: 2015
Genre: Drama

Directed by Wolfgang Murnberger, this heartwarming TV movie tells the story of a young boy named Benedict and the search for his father, who was a soldier in the American occupying forces. When Benedict hears that the Vienna Boys’ Choir is going to tour America, he decides to join the choir.

There, he’s met with discrimination and more obstacles. The Jewish conductor takes Benedict under his wing and teaches the other boys the power of kindness and acceptance. 

17. “Datsche” (Dacha)

Year: 2018
Genre: Comedy

In this touching and humorous film, an unsuccessful actor from New York named Valentine travels to East Germany to spend the summer in the ‘dacha’ he inherited after the passing of his grandfather. There, he finds a refugee hiding in the attic.

Valentine promises not to turn him in, but some unexpected guests and a nosy neighbor threaten their shared secret. The film tells the story of overcoming prejudices, extending compassion and forging friendships across borders.

18. “Willkommen bei den Hartmanns” (Welcome to Germany)

Year: 2016
Genre: Comedy/Drama

Like the previous film, this one involves a refugee and offers social commentary with lighthearted humor. The film revolves around the Hartmann family, who decide to help a Nigerian refugee, leading to a series of comedic and heartfelt events.

As the family grapples with cultural differences and societal stereotypes, the film addresses timely issues of immigration and tolerance with humor and sensitivity. Through its ensemble cast, the movie showcases both the challenges and unexpected connections that arise when diverse worlds collide. 

19. “Edelweisspiraten” (Edelweiss Pirates)

Year: 2004
Genre: Historical War Drama

The Edelweisspiraten were a group of young Germans who helped with the Nazi resistance during World War II. The movie tells their story and shows how they took on the Hitler Youth and Gestapo.

During the movie, the group of young friends befriends an escaped convict who helps them sabotage the German war effort further. You might recognize the convict if you’re an avid fan of German music, as he’s played by Bela B, the drummer from the pop-punk band Die Ärzte.

Why Use Amazon Prime to Watch German Movies 

Movies are a great tool when it comes to learning a language, and you’ll find plenty of German options to choose from on Amazon’s Prime Video streaming service.

Amazon frequently updates its Prime Video selection, so there’s a good chance that there’ll always be something new to watch whenever you log in.

You’ll also see that there are a few recent releases on Amazon Prime—you won’t have to wait around for months for a movie to come out like you’d have to on the mainstream TV channels.

If you’re interested in learning German with movies but can’t commit to two or more hours at a time, check out FluentU, where you can watch short movie clips complete with interactive subtitles and other useful learning tools.

 

Now all that’s left to do is binge your way through this list!

And if you run out of options on Amazon Prime, check out the best German movies on Netflix!

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)