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Cristina Cianci
We're big fans of foreign films, so we've compiled a list of movies we think will inspire almost anyone to queue up a feature with subtitles. No matter your taste in movies—whether you're a fan of laugh-out-loud comedies, harrowing coming-of-age stories, or epic romances—you'll want to add one of these foreign films to your watch list, stat. With everything from a thought-provoking film about two women navigating their culture's complex traditions, to a romantic movie centered around two strangers who are reunited by chance on a plane 10 years after meeting on a train, these are hands down the best foreign films on Netflix right now. Trust us—you're actually going to want to stay in tonight and stream a movie with subtitles.
Here are our picks for the best foreign films to watch on Netflix.
Us and Them (2018)
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IMDb
The Country: China
The Language: Mandarin
The Premise: Two strangers who met on a train 10 years ago reunite by chance when they wind up sitting next to each other on a plane. Directed by Rene Liu, this decade-spanning love story will pull on your heartstrings. If you're looking for a heart-warming romance to watch, add Us and Them to your Netflix queue immediately.
Available on: Netflix
Sand Storm (2016)
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Kino Lorber
The Country: Israel, Germany, and France
The Language: Arabic
The Premise: Set in a Bedouin village in southern Israel, Sand Storm tells the story of two women, a mother and a daughter, who are forced to confront the complex traditions that define their lives. In the end, they must learn to see the world from the other's perspective in order to survive. If you're looking to broaden your view of the world, add this hidden gem to your watch list.
Available on: Netflix
Sunday's Illness (2017)
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Zeta Cinema
The Country: Spain
The Language: Spanish, French
The Premise: In this thought-provoking film directed by Ramón Salazar, a middle-aged adult woman reunites with her mother after being abandoned by her 35 years ago. Can 10 short days bring the estranged mother and daughter closer together? Or will it only drive them farther apart after the daughter's true motives for pursuing the reunion are revealed?
Available on: Netflix
Y Tu Mamá También (2001)
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The Country: Mexico
The Language: Spanish
The Premise: Two teenage boys embark on a cross-country road trip with an unexpected passenger—a gorgeous older woman. While Y Tu Mamá También is undeniably fun and sexy, director Alfonso Cuarón's film is more than just a summer flick. As the boys make their way from city to city, they're forced to confront the complexities of male friendship in this coming-of-age film.
Available on: Netflix
Palm Trees in the Snow (2015)
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Warner Bros.
The Country: Spain
The Language: Spanish, Kriolu, and Aragonese
The Premise: Told in flashbacks, this romantic Spanish drama follows a young woman as she travels from Spain to her family's tropical plantation in Guinea and uncovers a shocking secret. Set in the late-20th century Guinea and early-21st century Spain, this film is as visually stunning as it is thought-provoking.
Available on: Netflix
To Each Her Own (2018)
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Netflix
The Country: France
The Language: French
The Premise: No one is more surprised than Simone when, in the midst of coming out as a lesbian to her conservative Jewish family, she discovers that she's attracted to a man. As you'd expect, tension-filled hilarity ensues. This French film, directed by Myriam Aziza, expertly infuses a bit of comedy into a heartwarming, eye-opening plot.
Available on: Netflix
Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013)
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The Country: France
The Language: French
The Premise: Abdellatif Kechiche's provocative film focuses its sights on first love—and all the passion and devastation that come with it. While a three-hour runtime may seem a bit daunting, it's worth setting aside the time to watch this intimate character portrait.
Available on: Netflix
Aquarius (2016)
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The Country: Brazil
The Language: Portuguese
The Premise: A 65-year-old widow vows to live in her seaside apartment until she dies after her landlord reveals a plan to sell all the units to a developer who has other plans for the property. The standoff spurs bittersweet memories that reveal why she's so reluctant to leave the building.
Available on: Netflix
Everybody Knows (2019)
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Focus Features
The Country: Spain
The Language: Spanish
The Premise: Husband and wife Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem team up in this Spanish flick about lingering love. When a woman and her children travel from Argentina to Spain to attend her sister's wedding, her daughter gets kidnapped. A dark web of secrets then unfolds.
Available on: Netflix
On Body on Soul (2017)
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IMDb
The Country: Budapest
The Language: Hungarian
The Premise: A man and woman meet at work, discover they have the same dreams at night, and decide to make them come true. Their mysterious connection bonds the shy and socially awkward pair.
Available on: Netflix
Berlin, I Love You (2019)
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Saban Capital Group
The Country: Germany
The Language: German
The Premise: Starring some of your favorite actors like Keira Knightley and Helen Mirren, this German film deals with break-ups, same-sex relationships, and vignettes of passion that unify the city. If you saw and loved Paris, Je T'aime or New York, I Love You, this is your new favorite.
Available on: Netflix