German films about existentialism

List of the best German films about existentialism according to the audience: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring, Holy Motors, Sweet Bean, Toni Erdmann, Hector and the Search for Happiness, Labyrinth of Lies, Western, Anywhere Else, I Am Here, Im Netz.

In the top there are new films of 2021, a plot description and trailers for films that have already been released.

Country
Markimdb: 8
Genremelodrama, drama
CountrySouth Korea, Germany
Duration01:43

This South Korean film takes place on an isolated lake, where an old monk lives in a small floating temple. The monk has a young boy living with him, learning to become a monk. We watch as seasons and years pass by.

Markimdb: 7
Genrefantasy, drama
CountryFrance, Germany, Belgium
Duration01:55

We follow 24 hours in the life of a being moving from life to life like a cold and solitary assassin moving from hit to hit. In each of these interwoven lives, the being possesses an entirely distinct identity: sometimes a man, sometimes a woman, sometimes youthful, sometimes old. By turns murderer, beggar, company chairman, monstrous creature, worker, family man.

Markimdb: 7.4
Genredrama
CountryJapan, France, Germany
Duration01:41

Sentaro runs a small bakery that serves dorayaki pastries filled with sweet red bean paste (“an”). When an old lady, Tokue, offers to help in the kitchen he reluctantly accepts. She will soon prove to have magic in her hands…

Markimdb: 7.4
Genrecomedy, drama
CountryGermany, Austria
Duration02:15

Without warning a father comes to visit his daughter abroad. He believes that she lost her humor and therefore surprises her with a rampage of jokes.

Markimdb: 7
Genrecomedy, drama, adventure
CountryUnited Kingdom, Germany, Canada, South Africa, USA
Duration01:54

Hector is a quirky psychiatrist who has become increasingly tired of his humdrum life. As he tells his girlfriend, Clara, he feels like a fraud: he hasn’t really tasted life, and yet he’s offering advice to patients who are just not getting any happier. So Hector decides to break out of his deluded and routine driven life. Armed with buckets of courage and child-like curiosity, he embarks on a global quest in hopes of uncovering the elusive secret formula for true happiness. And so begins a larger than life adventure with riotously funny results.

Markimdb: 7.3
Genredrama, history
CountryGermany
Duration02:03

A young prosecutor in postwar West Germany investigates a massive conspiracy to cover up the Nazi pasts of prominent public figures.

Markimdb: 7
Genredrama
CountryGermany, Bulgaria, Austria
Duration02:22

A group of German construction workers set out for a foreign construction site in the Bulgarian province. The strange country awakens adventure feelings among the men. At the same time, they are confronted with their prejudices and mistrust. For two of the men, a nearby village becomes the stage for a competition for the recognition and favor of the village.

Markimdb: 6.7
CountryGermany
Duration01:24

You left your home to move far away. You were struck by a wind of change and were unfaithful to yourself. You reinvented yourself and you are now feeling free. But suddenly pressure arises in you.

Markimdb: 4.9
Genrethriller, drama
CountryGermany, Denmark

Successful businesswoman Maria has achieved everything except what she wants the most - a baby of her own. She decides to deal with the matter by herself and embarks on a desperate and dangerous journey in order to make her dream come true.

Markimdb: 6.1
Genrecrime
CountryGermany
Duration01:29

In the middle of the night, a special police force storms the bedroom of management consultant Juliane Schubert. Just returned from a business trip to the Middle East, Juliane is questioned after her arrest by the commissioners Theissen and Hindrichs: They should have rented apartments and cars that should serve to prepare a terrorist attack. The evidence is overwhelming. Has anyone gained access to the businesswoman's computer, stolen her virtual identity and used it for criminal purposes?

Markimdb: 5.7
Genredrama, adventure
CountryGermany, Austria
Duration01:59

Germany in the early 19th century. "Die Vermessung der Welt" follows the two brilliant and eccentric scientists Alexander von Humboldt and Carl Friedrich Gauss on their life paths.

Markimdb: 4.1
Genreaction, thriller, crime
CountryGermany, Turkey
Duration02:26

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Markimdb: 7.1
Genredrama
CountryNorway, Germany, Iraq
Duration01:45

Before Snowfall starts with a dramatic escape: Eighteen year-old Nermin runs away from her wedding in a village in Iraqi Kurdistan. Being the elder of the family, her younger brother Siyar becomes responsible for finding her and restoring the family reputation. The mission proves a dangerous one for the inexperienced Siyar. First stop is Istanbul, where he meets Elvin, a young girl who becomes his travel companion. On the way from east to west, through Europe and all the way to Norway, Siyar comes to realize his own need for respect, and for love.

Markimdb: 4
Genreaction, comedy
CountryGermany
Duration02:25

A pair of Tactical Units Police Officers from different walks of life come together to rescue an ambassador's daughter.

Markimdb: 6.7
Genremelodrama, drama
CountryUSA, China, Brazil, Germany
Duration02:23

In 1951, Marcus Messner, a working-class Jewish student from New Jersey, attends a small Ohio college, where he struggles with anti-Semitism, sexual repression, and the ongoing Korean War.

Markimdb: 7.1
Genrecomedy, drama, sport
CountryGermany
Duration01:54

A former Olympic champion wants to compete in the Berlin Marathon one last time.

Markimdb: 7.3
Genrethriller, drama, military, history
CountryGermany, France, Poland, China, Portugal
Duration01:51

Germany, 1945. Soldier Willi Herold, a deserter of the German army, stumbles into a uniform of Nazi captain abandoned during the last and desperate weeks of the Third Reich. Newly emboldened by the allure of a suit that he has stolen only to stay warm, Willi discovers that many Germans will follow the leader, whoever he is.

Markimdb: 6.7
Genreaction, thriller
CountryUSA, Germany, Sweden, Hungary
Duration02:32

    An undercover MI6 agent is sent to Berlin during the Cold War to investigate the murder of a fellow agent and recover a missing list of double agents.

    Markimdb: 5.2
    Genrecomedy
    CountryGermany
    Duration02:38

    Two girls from very different social backgrounds discover, at the age of 25, that they had been switched at birth.

    Markimdb: 6.7
    Genredrama
    CountryGermany
    Duration02:27

    The story of Anne Frank, the Jewish girl who went into hiding with her family in Amsterdam and became a victim of the Holocaust.

    Markimdb: 4.5
    Genrehorror, fantastic, drama
    CountryGermany
    Duration01:50

    A Retrovirus, which was conceived as a tool for industrial genetic engineering, has gotten out of control and is spreading rapidly. While it crosses all organisms within our ecological system completely indiscriminately (mixing plant with animal and humans) most plants prove more resistant because of their complex DNA. However, the simple genes of the plants lead humans to become grotesque mutations, in most cases even to death. Within one week, 90% of mankind are either extinct or no longer human. However, a small fraction of the earth?s population remains immune to the virus and must survive in this new and constantly changing ecological system. Tom cellar is one the survivors and on an old military base in the Eifel he has entrenched himself. Further survivors come together and succeed in carving out a life in this new world. But the GMOs - the ?genetically modified organisms? - constantly develop themselves further, and soon the fence of the base offers no more protection.

    Markimdb: 6.5
    Genremelodrama, drama
    CountryGermany
    Duration01:24

    Breathtaking in its subtle beauty, Harvest is an achingly romantic tale of an innocent but ever increasingly passionate affair that develops between two simple farmhands. Life on a farm is all that sullen teen Marco knows- leading a perfunctory and quiet life of working, going to school and avoiding the advances of girls. However, his self-imposed solitude ends when curly-haired Jakob, rejecting the banking world for farming, arrives to train on the farm. Although initially cautious and tentative with each other, it is soon obvious that the unspoken sexual tension is becoming increasingly hard to resist - something a spontaneous trip to Berlin. Proving that true love can blossom in even the most unlikely of places, Harvest is as rich and rewarding as it is heart-warming.

    Markimdb: 5.7
    Genreaction, drama
    CountryGermany
    Duration02:13

    15-year-old Nina witnesses a terrible crime that puts her life in danger. Being an orphan, she has nobody she can trust. When corrupt businessman Thomas Backer sends five killers after Nina, witness protection officer, Max, a former special-forces soldier, is responsible for her safety. They soon overcome their initial distance to find common ground. While on the run from the ruthless Backer, Rudi, one of Max’s former comrades, comes to their rescue – and continues to help the two out of some precarious situations. Even Max’s ex-girlfriend Sara is not just there to help him as a federal prosecutor. Nevertheless, Nina and Max face ever-increasing danger, and soon the teenager is not the only one in need of a guardian angel – Max could use one too.

    Markimdb: 6.3
    Genremelodrama, drama
    CountryBrazil, Germany
    Duration01:46

    Donato fails in his attempt to save a drowning man, and meets one of the man's friends. He decides to start his life over, but pieces of his past keep coming after him.

    Markimdb: 6.8
    Genremelodrama, drama, adventure, family
    CountryGermany
    Duration01:46

    While spending the summer at her grandmother's farm, a girl (Hanna Höppner) discovers a talent for communicating with horses and tries to tame a fierce stallion.

    Markimdb: 4.6
    Genrecomedy, melodrama, drama
    CountryFrance, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg
    Duration02:15

    An anthology feature of 10 stories of romance set in the German capital.

    Markimdb: 7.1
    Genredrama
    CountryGermany
    Duration01:33

    Öllers and Niederländer have everything under control. For the past six years, the two successful business consultants have been traveling through some of the seediest countries around the world in order to satisfy their clients greed. They have achieved almost everything, but there is one career move left: to finally become a partner in the company! When they find out that their team colleague Hellinger made the cut, they are at their wits end. Up or Out is the name of the game. The fact that Hellinger falls from an office window for no explainable reason doesnt seem to help the situation. Of all people, the young and ambitious Bianca steps in for Hellinger. Öllers and Niederländer are irritated, sarcasm spreads, neuroses break out. The fight for survival within the company takes its toll the AGE OF CANNIBALS dawns.

    Markimdb: 5.2
    Genrehorror, fantastic, thriller, drama, detective
    CountryGermany, USA
    Duration01:41

    Canadian scientist, Dr Geoff Burton takes up a position at a new institute in wintry Dresden in order to contribute to their most important project—a human regeneration gene—that also has the potential to make something miraculous out of a personal tragedy that has haunted him for years.

    Markimdb: 6.9
    Genrecrime
    CountryGermany
    Duration01:20

    We don't have an overview translated in English. Help us expand our database by adding one.

    Markimdb: 7.3
    Genrecomedy, drama
    CountryGermany
    Duration01:26

    A fateful day pushes an aimless college dropout (Tom Schilling) to stop wasting his time and finally engage with life.

    Markimdb: 7.2
    Genredrama, military, biography, history
    CountryGermany

    Four young Jews survive the Third Reich in the middle of Berlin by living so recklessly that they become "invisible."

    Markimdb: 7.5
    Genremelodrama
    CountryGermany
    Duration02:26

    Two university students gain insight into life and love as they get to know each other during a road trip across Europe.

    Markimdb: 3.4
    Genreaction
    CountryGermany

    The "Bloods" are the most intimidating and violent gang in the city. A lawless city... where gangs rule the streets... The vicious and blood thirsty murderer Slater is their leader. The city is his domain... he rules! There are those who are not members of gangs such as Mikey and his friends. Mikey lives on the edge, he is daring and always in trouble and fights. His brother Mathis and his friends try to avoid trouble at any cost. Revenge becomes the motive to Mikey when his brother Mathis goes missing and is killed..... Written by Generation X Group GmbH

    Markimdb: 5.4
    Genrecomedy
    CountryGermany
    Duration01:40

    A girl who always tends to fall in love with the wrong guy meets one who believes the world is coming to an end next Tuesday.

    Markimdb: 5.8
    Genrecomedy, melodrama, drama
    CountryGermany
    Duration01:45

    A young man goes on a road trip with an old lady he saves from a hospital.

    Markimdb: 5.1
    Genrecomedy
    CountryGermany
    Duration01:28

    Toni and Marc want to divorce, because the great passion seems to be extinguished after 15 years of marriage. It should be a consensual separation, but the new beginning is not so easy: Both have just the chance of a job abroad.

    Markimdb: 6.3
    Genrecomedy, music
    CountryGermany
    Duration01:38

    The ambitious punk rocker Max and the eco-activist Inge cannot stand each other, ever since Max publicly exposed her by singing the offensive song "When Inge is Dancing" in front of the whole school. But for Max and his classmates Fabio, Joscha and Lukas this song in particular has become a real hit at school as well as in the regional music scene: Their band called Systemfehler is on the verge of a breakthrough. But just before the important gig, which could get them a record deal, guitarist Josha is injured and can't play. Inge happens to be an excellent guitarist, and the only person who can fill in at such short notice. But when Max asks for her help, she imposes one non-negotiable condition: If she decides to play with the band, they will not perform the song "Wenn Inge tanzt".

    Markimdb: 5
    Genrecomedy, drama
    CountryGermany
    Duration01:37

    Quotas for women, parking spaces for women, online shopping, small talk and gossip. Software developer Erol, porta-potty rep Lars, and commercial pilot Helmut are licking the wounds of their masculinity – a female-free zone is what’s needed! In the boiler room of their recently built housing complex, the three stressed husbands create a secret refuge where they can watch football, eat fast-food, drink beer and curse the opposite sex undisturbed. When Aykut, the complex’s facility manager, discovers their last bastion of masculinity, he threatens to close it down. One thing is for sure, the men are not going to give up their little slice of paradise without a fight. Based on the stage play bearing the same name, director Franziska Meyer Price allows men to return to rebellious ladhood.

    Markimdb: 5.6
    Genreaction, comedy, drama, adventure, family
    CountryGermany
    Duration01:21

    "The Crocodiles" are celebrating the birthday of Hannes and the beginning of the best summer vacation they have ever had. Although the boys have grown and developed different interests, the band remains united against all odds. During a wild karts race that ends in a terrible accident, Frank is taken to hospital by ambulance. His life is in danger: he needs a transplant from a close relative to save his life. The only possible donor is his brother, Dennis, who was put behind bars by the Crocodiles with their teammate Kevin. Time is running out, but true friends never give up! With the help of Jenny and Hannes' mother , the band surprises us with a bold plan

    Markimdb: 8.1
    Genrecomedy, adventure, crime, detective
    CountryUSA, Germany
    Duration01:40

    The Grand Budapest Hotel tells of a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars and his friendship with a young employee who becomes his trusted protégé. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting, the battle for an enormous family fortune and the slow and then sudden upheavals that transformed Europe during the first half of the 20th century.

    Markimdb: 3
    Genredrama, music, biography
    CountryGermany
    Duration01:34

    The life story of German gangsta rapper, Bushido.

    Markimdb: 6.9
    Genremelodrama, drama
    CountryGermany
    Duration02:04

    After losing his brick laying job, Christian begins to work at a supermarket.

    Markimdb: 4.6
    Genrefantasy, comedy, drama, adventure, family
    CountryGermany, Austria, Sweden
    Duration01:39

    Pia's life, a girl from a small German town, changes when surprisingly, finds in her garden a huge black monster. She soon discovers that the mysterious creature, which called Yoko, is actually a kind yeti spiritually protecting animals and children worldwide. Yoko is constantly showing his friends Pia and their unique qualities, but children are not the only ones who want the Yeti. Its great value calls attention to two hunters who want to take advantage of the yeti.

    Markimdb: 7
    Genredrama, crime, biography
    CountryFrance, Germany
    Duration01:40

    In 1982, André Bamberski learns about the death of his 14 year-old daughter, Kalinka, while she was on vacation with her mother and stepfather in Germany. Convinced that Kalinka’s death was not an accident, Bamberski begins to investigate. A botched autopsy report raises his suspicions and leads him to accuse Kalinka’s stepfather, Dr Dieter Krombach, as the murderer. Unable to indict Krombach in Germany, Bamberski attempts to take the trial to France, where he will dedicate his life to Kalinka’s justice and the imprisonment of Krombach.

    Markimdb: 7.5
    Genrefantastic, thriller, drama, crime, detective
    CountryGermany
    Duration01:42

    Benjamin, a young German computer whiz, is invited to join a subversive hacker group that wants to be noticed on the world's stage.

    Markimdb: 7.5
    Genrethriller, drama, family, history
    CountryGermany, France, USA

    Two families attempt a daredevil plan to escape the GDR with a homemade hot air balloon, but it crashes just before the border. The Stasi finds traces of this attempt to escape and immediately starts investigations, while the two families are forced to build a new escape balloon. With each passing day the Stasi is closer on their heels – a nerve-wracking race against time begins.

    Markimdb: 6.8
    Genremelodrama, drama, sport
    CountryHungary, Germany

    Szabolcs plays in a German football team, as does Bernard. They are roommates, best friends, inseparable. A lost match makes him reconsider his life and he goes back to Hungary in hope for more simplicity. Yet his solitude does not last long. Soon after his arrival he meets Áron and a mutual attraction between the two boys develops when suddenly Szabolcs receives an unexpected phone call from Bernard: he has arrived to Hungary...

    Markimdb: 6.9
    Genredrama, crime
    CountryGermany, Netherlands, France, Canada

    An adaptation of Doblin's text to 2015 Berlin to tell the story of 30-year-old refugee Francis, the sole survivor of a boat which crossed the Mediterranean illegally. Without citizenship papers, Francis is drawn into the underbelly of the city.

    Markimdb: 7.4
    Genredrama
    CountryGermany, France
    Duration01:50

    Maria finds herself caught between two worlds. At school this 14-year-old girl has all the typical teenage interests, but when she’s at home with her family she follows the teachings of the Society of St. Paul and their traditionalist interpretation of Catholicism. Everything that Maria thinks and does must be examined before God. And since the Lord is a strict shepherd, she lives in constant fear of committing some misconduct...

    Markimdb: 7.1
    Genredocumentary
    CountryGermany

    Using unpublished and newly digitalised archive footage and film material, Bettina Böhler has brilliantly assembled this film about the life and work of the exceptional artist Christoph Schlingensief, who died in 2010.




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