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What are the top 10 best foreign films that aren't in English?

Leonidas Ferrierio

As a film enthusiast and social media user, I can’t resist answering the question about the top 10 foreign films that aren’t in English. With so many outstanding films out there in different languages, the task can be quite tough, but here are my personal top ten:

1. Amélie (French, 2001)

Amélie is a quirky romantic comedy that follows the life of a whimsical and charming Parisian who decides to bring happiness to everyone around her as she tries to navigate her own journey to happiness. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, the film features exquisite cinematography, a captivating story arc, and excellent performances from the cast.

2. City of God (Brazilian Portuguese, 2002)

City of God is a Brazilian crime drama directed by Fernando Meirelles. The film depicts the heart of the violence and gang wars that took place in the slums of Rio de Janeiro during the 1970s. The story follows the lives of two boys growing up in Cidade de Deus and the decisions they make based on the choices around them.

3. Pan's Labyrinth (Spanish, 2006)

This fantasy film, directed by Guillermo del Toro, set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, tells the story of a young girl named Ofelia who discovers a labyrinth that leads her to a magical world filled with mythical creatures who help her escape the harsh realities of war.

4. Train to Busan (Korean, 2016)

This intense action-horror film from South Korea, directed by Yeon Sang-ho, follows a group of passengers on a train from Seoul to Busan during a zombie apocalypse. As they fight for survival, the film explores themes such as empathy, sacrifice, and the human condition in the face of a dire crisis.

5. Life is Beautiful (Italian, 1997)

This heartwarming and tragic drama, directed by and starring Roberto Benigni, is set during the Holocaust and tells the story of a Jewish father and son who are sent to a concentration camp where the father works to shield his son from the horrors of war.

6. The Handmaiden (Korean, 2016)

The Handmaiden, directed by Park Chan-wook, is a steamy erotic drama brimming with twists and turns. Set in 1930s Korea, the film follows a con man who hires a handmaiden to help him seduce an heiress. The film explores themes of love, deception, and power in a mesmerizing way.

7. A Prophet (French/Arabic); 2009

Directed by Jacques Audiard, A Prophet is a gripping crime thriller that dives into the inner workings of French prisons and the culture of organized crime. The film follows a young Arab prisoner named Malik who must navigate dangerous factions to rise in the ranks of the prison hierarchy.

8. Parasite (Korean, 2019)

Directed by Bong Joon-ho, Parasite is a darkly comedic critique of social stratification and economic inequality in Korea. It tells the story of a poor family that infiltrates and manipulates a rich family.

9. Kung Fu Hustle (Chinese, 2004)

Directed by and starring Stephen Chow, this action-comedy is a hilarious and entertaining blend of Kung Fu and slapstick humor that is a must-see for fans of the genre. The story follows a group of tenants in Shanghai's slums who are harassed by gangsters.

10. Run Lola Run (German, 1998)

Run Lola Run, directed by Tom Tykwer, features Lola, a young woman who has 20 minutes to obtain 100,000 Deutsche Marks to help her boyfriend, Manni, escape trouble with the mob. The film is a stylish and thrilling race against time that explores themes on choice, chance, and destiny.

These films showcase different genres, themes, and styles of filmmaking from different parts of the world. They are all worth watching for their unique vision, storytelling, and cinematic prowess, and I highly recommend them to fellow film buffs looking for something different.