German cinema has a rich history of producing exceptional films that captivate audiences with their unique storytelling and cinematic prowess. For United States residents eager to explore the world of German movies, a variety of options are available, ranging from streaming services to specialized cinemas. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the best avenues for watching German movies, whether you’re looking to stream them from the comfort of your home or experience them on the big screen.

Streaming Services

Angelika Anywhere

Angelika Film Center’s streaming platform, Angelika Anywhere, provides a curated selection of German movies for cinephiles. This platform allows viewers to enjoy a cinematic experience at home, with a focus on independent and foreign films.

Here are some of the German films featured on Angelika Anywhere:

Never Look Away (2019)

A sweeping romantic historical drama, Germany’s Official submission to the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film, Director/Writer Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck (THE TOURIST, THE LIVES OF OTHERS) brings audiences an epic journey that centers on artist Kurt Barnert, who escaped from East to West Germany, but continues to be tormented by his childhood under the Nazis and the DDR-regime. This Oscar and Golden Globe nominated film stars Tom Schilling (WOMAN IN GOLD), Paula Beer (FRANTZ, TRANSIT) and Sebastian Koch (THE LIVES OF OTHERS). Watch now: https://www.angelikaanywhere.com/film/never-look-away/

The Lives of Others (2007)

At once a political thriller and human drama, Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s 2006 directorial debut (THE TOURIST, NEVER LOOK AWAY) is “a powerful but quiet film, constructed of hidden thoughts and secret desires” (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times). Taking home Audience Awards at several festivals and the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, it also received a nod for Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globes, and took home Best Film at both the German Film Awards and European Film Awards. Watch now: https://www.angelikaanywhere.com/film/the-lives-of-others/

Lore (2012)

Deemed by Indiewire as “extraordinary,” Director Cate Shortland’s 94% fresh rated (Rotten Tomatoes) film won the Audience Award at the 2012 Locarno International Film Festival. Both delicate and ominous, this World War II drama is anchored by a groundbreaking performance by Saskia Rosendahl in the title role. As Allied forces sweep across Germany, five children embark on a journey that challenges their notions of family, love and friendship. Watch now: https://www.angelikaanywhere.com/film/lore/

Usedom: A Clear View of the Sea (2021)

Filmmaker Heinz Brinkmann also asks audiences to consider conservation and change in this Berlin International Film Festival selection. We hear from the mayor infuriated by the architectural eyesores of recent years, a farmer who bought an island in the Achterwasser lagoon for his organic cattle, a Polish hotel manageress and other bridge-builders between the two countries. Brinkmann also quotes from his own 1992 USEDOM film and compares the plans of his former protagonists with today’s reality. A discursive tour through a fractured paradise. Watch now: https://www.angelikaanywhere.com/film/usedom-a-clear-view-of-the-sea/

3 (Three) (2010)

Director/Writer Tom Tykwer (RUN LOLA RUN, CLOUD ATLAS) delivers “a playfully pieced-together, beautifully shot, and secretly ridiculous drama about a triangular relationship” (Entertainment Weekly). Set in Berlin, a loveless 40-something couple separately fall in love with the same man. Watch now: https://www.angelikaanywhere.com/film/3-three/

Wetlands (2014)

Winner of Swiss Critics Boccalino Award for Best Actress at the Locarno International Film Festival, WETLANDS is a NSFW romp that follows a young, rebellious teen (Carla Juri) who bonds with a male nurse (Christoph Letkowski) and schemes to reunite her divorced parents. Going beyond the typical confines of shock value, David Wnendt’s film – now rated an impressive 91% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes – serves up a cinematic treat that the Philadelphia Inquirer describes as “daring, visually arresting, innovative, and imaginative.” Watch now: https://www.angelikaanywhere.com/film/wetlands/

Run Lola Run (1998)

Sundance Film Festival Audience Award winner RUN LOLA RUN premiered at the Venice Film Festival, and is rated 93% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. It is a breathtaking race against the clock that straps Director/Writer Tom Tykwers’ (CLOUD ATLAS) playfully hip sensibilities to a fun-filled mix of romance, thrills, and action as his tireless heroine pounds the pavement and racks her brain to save her lover from danger. A sure-fire hit with audiences that resulted in a huge cultural impact, RUN LOLA RUN brings to the screen two actors of immeasurable charisma: Franka Potente as the heroic, flame-haired Lola, and Moritz Bleibtreu as her doltish but devoted lover. Scoring his delirious staccato mix of animation, still photographs, and live action to a pounding techno beat, Tykwer reveals himself a virtuoso of the medium and, at the same time, a passionate believer in destiny and the transcendent power of love. Its innovative style can even be seen replicated in such works as Bon Jovi’s It’s My Life music video! Watch now: https://www.angelikaanywhere.com/film/run-lola-run/

Netflix

Netflix offers a diverse selection of German movies and TV shows, including original productions and critically acclaimed films. Subscribers can explore a range of genres, from gripping dramas to captivating documentaries, with the option to watch with English subtitles.

Amazon Prime Video

With a growing library of German films and TV series, Amazon Prime Video provides a convenient platform for streaming German content. Users can choose between German dubbing or original language with subtitles. Plus, on Amazon, you can purchase the DVD of your favorite German films to watch whenever you’d like.

Hulu

Hulu’s international catalog includes a selection of German movies and shows, allowing viewers to explore German cinema with the convenience of streaming. The platform offers options for both German audio and subtitles.

YouTube

YouTube offers numerous films and television episodes available for purchase or rental, as well as several offerings available to watch for free on the site.

Kanopy

Accessible through participating libraries and educational institutions, Kanopy offers a curated collection of German cinema, focusing on independent and classic films. It’s an excellent resource for those interested in exploring diverse German storytelling.

Cinemas:

Angelika Film Center

Renowned for its dedication to independent and international cinema, Angelika Film Center, with locations in various U.S. cities, regularly features German movies in its programming. You can visit our website to view 

Local Arthouse Cinemas

Many arthouse cinemas across the United States showcase international films, including German productions. Keep an eye on the schedules of your local independent theaters for screenings of German movies.

Language Learning Platforms:

Learning a new language takes time, but watching movies in foreign languages with subtitles is a fantastic way to work on your grammar and vocabulary. For those interested in learning German while watching movies, some platforms offer language learning options:

Duolingo

This language learning app provides an interactive way to learn German while watching movies with built-in quizzes and exercises.

FluentU

FluentU incorporates German movies and TV shows into language lessons, allowing learners to improve their language skills through immersive content.

Whether you prefer the convenience of streaming services, the cinematic experience of theaters, or the added benefit of language learning platforms, there are numerous avenues for United States residents to watch German movies. From timeless classics to contemporary gems, exploring German cinema offers a cultural journey that transcends borders. Visit Angelika Film Center or Angelika Anywhere for a curated selection of German films that will enrich your cinematic experience. Dive into the world of German storytelling and discover the diverse narratives waiting to be explored.