10 International Movies You’ve Probably Never Heard Of But Should Watch Immediately

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In everyday speech, we frequently overlook the abundance of English media available to us; often, the world measures achievement by America’s popularity. This can lead to spending our lives watching only movies and TV shows in English or easily dubbed versions. However, neglecting subtitles and foreign productions means missing out on many excellent films if you don’t explore beyond those that make it big in mainstream success.

These internationally produced movies are little gems, but they’ve frequently gone unnoticed due to language or distribution hurdles. However, no matter if you’re in search of drama, terror, romance, or humor, these films are definitely worth seeking out because for many people, this will be their first encounter with them.

Here are 10 great international movies not enough people in America are aware of.

10
‘Blue Spring’ (2001)

At a neglected high school in Tokyo, indifference and brutality rule, shaping who ascends in the school’s power structure. When the head of the strongest student gang, Kujo, chooses to prioritize his studies, his former confidant, Aoki, seizes control. Hurt by his friend’s apparent betrayal, Aoki intensifies the violence. The lives of numerous students are impacted by this shift, with many finding themselves caught in a system that has long since abandoned them.

The Kids Are Not Alright

In the aftermath of Japan’s economic collapse, many young people were left grappling with an uncertain future. The Blue Spring is a poignant tale of adolescence, portraying the heartbreaking descent of several teenagers. Although it offers a unique critique of Japanese society, the narrative of disillusioned youth and their unfortunate choices when lacking guidance resonates universally. The film features powerful acting, an energetic soundtrack, and visually striking imagery that echoes its rebellious student characters.

9
‘Soul’ (2019)

Under its original Malay name Roh, the film Soul portrays a solitary mother and her children residing in a jungle. Their tranquility is shattered when a mysterious girl, who foretells their impending demise before taking her own life in front of them, arrives. As they encounter additional characters, the ambiguity of their future intensifies as they struggle to decipher the curse that seems to haunt them.

Finely Crafted Folk Horror From Malaysia

In the 93rd Academy Awards, Soul was chosen as Malaysia’s entry for Best International Feature Film, showcasing its exceptional quality from the less explored realms of Malaysian cinema. Remarkably, this film employs a chilling slow-burn horror style deeply rooted in Malay folklore, featuring intense violence and ambiguity that would seamlessly complement the A24 horror collection. Indeed, it challenges movies like ‘The Witch’ and ‘The Blackcoat’s Daughter,’ and should be on everyone’s watchlist if they enjoyed those A24 productions.

8
‘The Samurai’ (2014)

In a tiny German town where a wolf appears to be terrorizing the community by slaughtering dogs and damaging property, the shy police officer Jakob is tasked with capturing it. As his probe takes him to an empty house where a man resides, dressed in a kimono and wielding a samurai sword, Jakob grows suspicious of this individual’s involvement. The investigation leads Jakob and the samurai man to cross paths, fostering a growing bond between them. As the samurai guides Jakob, he seems to aid him in overcoming his timidity by confronting those who belittle him through violent means.

A Samurai Stalks the Residents of a Small German Town

The movie, often referred to as “Der Samurai,” offers a bizarre exploration of self-realization cloaked within a horror genre. It masterfully combines scenes of chilling terror with dramatic elements, creating an otherworldly experience through its stunning visuals and sound design. Comparing it to something more recognizable, it’s like watching a dream-like nightmare akin to the works of Nicolas Winding Refn. However, Till Kleinert’s unique directorial style makes it hard to draw direct comparisons. Moreover, Pit Bukowski’s portrayal of the samurai leaves a lasting impact on viewers even after the movie ends.

7
‘Birdboy: The Forgotten Children’ (2015)

On a once thriving island, a bomb has left its scarce survivors in dire straits. Among them dwells the reclusive Birdboy, an outcast who instills fear in many of the locals due to rumors of him smuggling drugs into the area. Meanwhile, a young mouse named Dinky harbors dreams of leaving her home and embarking on an adventure with Birdboy, hoping to provide the drug-ridden bird a chance at redemption.

A Tragic Yet Cute Animated Film About Mental Health Struggles and Substance Abuse from Spain

This adult-oriented Spanish animated film, titled “Birdboy: The Forgotten Children,” delves into a world shrouded in sorrow, discrimination, violence, destitution, and mental instability. The protagonist, Birdboy, remains silent yet grapples with his inner turmoil through drug use. Simultaneously, Dinky and her companions venture into the most desolate regions of the island where rats engage in deadly combat over a meager piece of copper to survive; despite its adorable appearance, this film is not suitable for children. The cinematic direction is breathtaking, and the narrative is profoundly thought-provoking and atmospheric. Although I won’t give away the ending, there is hope to be found in this story as well.

6
‘Helter Skelter’

Helter Skelter opens by depicting the ascension and eventual downfall of a fictional celebrity named Lilico. At the peak of her success, she conceals the fact that she’s being sustained by experimental medical procedures. As her physical condition deteriorates, she grows increasingly frantic and orchestrates intrigues to undermine her rivals.

Doom and Gloom Never Looked This Fashionable

In a stunning blend of surrealism, mental and physical deterioration, and captivating visuals enhanced by exquisite fashion, Helter Skelter remains largely overlooked in the Western world. However, this film shares themes similar to beloved titles like The Substance, and it’s high time it received comparable recognition. Nearly every scene in the movie serves as a standalone work of art. The acting by Erika Sawajiri is flawless. The script delivers a thought-provoking critique of the fashion industry, while the violence provides a thrill for horror enthusiasts; there’s much to appreciate here.

5
‘Wetlands’ (2013)

In a daring defiance of societal conventions, unconventional and spirited Helen possesses an unusual perspective regarding her personal identity, encompassing both sexuality and hygiene. After being admitted to the hospital following an unfortunate shaving mishap, she employs this incident as a means to rekindle the relationship between her fastidious, emotionally detached mother and her awkward, distant father who have grown apart over time. Simultaneously, Helen finds herself drawn towards Robin, her nurse, leading to an unexpected romantic entanglement. Throughout her hospitalization, Helen is compelled to scrutinize the experiences in her life that molded her into the individual she has become.

One Raunchy Dramedy

The movie Wetlands might be one of the most surprising journeys of self-exploration ever put on screen. Initially, viewers must endure some rather uncomfortable tales of sexual experiences before reaching its more profound moments. Wetlands is a compelling character study initially and an audacious comedy secondly, with both aspects crucial to its effectiveness. Although it gained some notoriety, Wetlands strays far from the moral standards of Western societies, leading the lewd dramedy into relative obscurity; it was unrated but would likely have been branded as NC-17.

4
‘3-Iron’ (2004)

Tae-suk, a quiet individual, dwells on society’s outskirts, subsisting by temporarily inhabiting vacation homes and performing chores in return. Simultaneously, he makes amends for his actions by fixing and tidying up these homes. However, when Sun-hwa, a woman confined in an abusive marriage, encounters him, she develops an intense fascination with the man, leading them to form a romantic bond. Upon discovering their relationship, Sun-hwa’s husband exploits his power to incarcerate Tae-suk. However, the resourceful squatter swiftly breaks free from confinement.

A Love That Blossoms in the Shadows

Instead of focusing on the narrative, the movie “3-iron” delves into its ambiance, presenting a leisurely South Korean romance story that emphasizes mood and atmosphere. However, what truly shines in this film is the unique concept where the character Tae-suk learns to mimic others by subtly following them and mirroring their actions. Although it might seem odd when read, in practice, it proves to be delightfully whimsical and endearing.

This movie was created before mainstream South Korean romances became popular, making it potentially too unusual for casual viewers. Additionally, the controversial director Kim Ki-Duk, who made this film, probably won’t see a revival of its initial modest fan base. However, let me clarify that 3-Iron is one of the most unique and contemplative romance stories ever produced.

3
‘Alleluia’ (2014)

In Belgium, Gloria – a solitary single mother who works at the morgue – decides to venture into online dating, hoping to find a connection. This journey eventually brings her across Michel, an engaging shoe salesman whom she develops feelings for. After spending a night with him, Gloria discovers that she has been swindled of her money and that Michel is actually a deceitful charlatan. Rather than feeling angered, Gloria becomes fixated on Michel, pursuing him to assist him. As their partnership in fraudulent activities unfolds, Gloria’s jealousy gradually transforms into something darker and more violent.

The Couple That Kills Together, Stays Together

In reference to the chilling crimes committed by the “Lonely Hearts Killers,” a duo that preyed upon victims via personal ads in lonely hearts columns, the film “Alleluia” offers a gripping portrayal of this dark tale with undertones of true crime. Belgian Director Fabrice Du Welz has earned a reputation among his dedicated followers for creating films that delve into the more unsettling aspects of human nature. If you appreciate intense, emotionally charged crime dramas with occasional disturbing scenes, then “Alleluia” is a lesser-known gem worth discovering.

2
‘Alpha Male’ (2022)

In this adaptation, ordinary fellow named Piotr is persuaded by his wife to attend a men’s support group due to his heavy smoking habit causing tension in their relationship. At the gathering, he encounters an influential figure called “The Leader,” who guides a circle of other men grappling with similar issues. Undergoing peculiar routines, Piotr gradually undergoes a transformation, being compelled to alter his perspective on life, shifting towards a male-dominated worldview that paints women as adversaries.

Alpha Male Con Artists Thrive in Poland

People have shown they thrive when led by others, and an Alpha Male excels at recognizing the significance of these bonds while simultaneously warning about those who exploit others through this requirement. However, this can lead to a seemingly ordinary individual being drawn into the influence of a charismatic cult leader via a sequence of peculiar mental routines designed to enhance masculinity.

Although it may seem a bit awkward, the script in this film is witty, and it manages to avoid becoming over-the-top, allowing the audience to grasp the somber truth underlying the intricate mind games portrayed. Had Alpha Male been produced in English instead of Polish, it could easily have become a cult classic; its message is both insightful and humorously presented.

1
‘Mermaid Legend’ (1984)

In a coastal Japanese village, Migiwa earns a simple living as a pearl diver, with her spouse working on the mainland. However, their tranquil life is shattered when her husband is brutally killed by crooked authorities. This tragic event plunges Migiwa into a profound sorrow. Despite this, driven by a desire for retribution, she carefully devises a plan to exact her revenge.

Beauty and Violence in a Japanese Seaside Village

The Mermaid Legend has experienced renewed interest among Japanese cinema enthusiasts, largely due to its increased accessibility. However, if one isn’t intentionally searching for ’80s Japanese thrillers, it might remain an unfamiliar title. Notably, the Mermaid Legend stands out with a prolonged action scene that is as intense and violent as the hammer scene from Old Boy.

In a striking contrast, the movie becomes increasingly violent as Migiwa resorts to various means for blood-red vengeance. Yet, the film’s brutality is softened by its tranquil landscapes and underwater scenes, which introduce moments of enchanting serenity – almost like idyllic beauty floating on the screen. The same director who brought us the more notorious Evil Dead Trap presents Mermaid Legend to us. Interestingly, those who have witnessed the peculiar gorefest that was Evil Dead Trap will find that director Toshiharu Ikeda is a versatile and subtle Japanese filmmaker, as revealed through Mermaid Legend.

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2025-07-05 18:04