The Best Foreign Films on Netflix Right Now
The biggest obstacle to creating a list of the best foreign films on Netflix is knowing that a lot of Netflix viewers don't like Netflix subtitles. I personally have no problem watching a movie with subtitles, but I've had plenty of complaints at jamilslist.com about how I list too many movies with subtitles. I don't really know what to say about that because I don't plan on stopping that anytime soon. Netflix foreign films are some of my favorite movies on Netflix and dealing with Netflix subtitles doesn't bother me at all. To be honest, if you can't stand movies with subtitles, this list isn't going to be helpful to you. But if you don't mind Netflix subtitles and you like Netflix foreign films, then this is the list for you! These are truly some of the best foreign films on Netflix.
The Look of Silence
A man confronts the killer of his brother who was killed in the Indonesian genocide of the 1960's. For those of you that didn't know, there was a horrific genocide that took place in Indonesia during the 1960's. I don't know how I have lived thirty plus years on this planet without ever hearing about this in the history books, but it is a truly dark time in Indonesian history. Netflix foreign films do not get more disturbing that The Look of Silence. It's crazy to me how seemingly normal people can be turned into ruthless murderers. The most chilling part of this documentary is when he is interviewing people he knows has murdered people. There was no punishment for their murders and they have apparently become excepted members of society in the village. The Look of Silence is a raw, painful, documentary and that is why it's one of the best foreign films on Netflix.
13 Assassins
Not only is 13 Assassins one of the best foreign films on Netflix, it's probably the best action movie on Netflix ever. I can't say enough about the cinematography or the acting or the perfectly done outfits of the time period. 13 Assassins is one of those Netflix foreign films that only comes around once a decade. If you haven't seen 13 Assassins yet, this is a must watch tonight. 13 Assassins is the historical story of a group of samurai who set out to end a feudal lord's reign of terror. In a way, it's a classic villain story, but 13 Assassins has an ingenious plot with so much intense action and swordplay that it's impossible to look away from. As far as Netflix foreign films go, none of them can compete with a finale like the one in 13 Assassins.
The Fury of a Patient Man
The Fury of a Patient Man is one of the less known Netflix foreign films. It's the story of a man who plots revenge against a band of robbers. What's interesting about this movie and what makes it one of the best foreign films on Netflix is that you don't really see a lot of things coming. There are plenty of revenge films out there but The Fury of a Patient Man takes an unoriginal plot and adds a new twist to it. If you're looking for a dark thriller on Netflix than this is the one for you. It was recently added to Netflix instant so make sure to check it out before it's gone.
Raw
I have a feeling that this is one of those Netflix new releases that you have never even heard of before. Raw is the story of a girl who discovers a grisly family secret while attending veterinary school. The title of this movie is a very good statement of what's to follow. I thought Raw was sort of a coming of age story, just with a lot more blood. I didn't plan on Raw being so dark and that was a very pleasant surprise. If you look them up, there are a lot of mixed reviews about Raw. If you aren't into gruesome bloody scenes then this is not one of the Netflix foreign films for you. But if you are willing to take a chance on a French movie that has a very intriguing story, great acting, and a little bit of gore, then you will have a great time watching Raw on Netflix instant tonight.
When Animals Dream
When Animals Dream is a very interesting Danish movie about a girl discovering she has a dark, primal, family secret. I have found that some of the best foreign films on Netflix are about the supernatural and When Animals Dream doesn't disappoint. You will always win points with me if you provide us with an interesting and original story. Even though When Animals Dream is based on a myth we all know, it still manages to keep your attention the whole time. I was surprised at the fact that there aren't many gratuitous scenes of bloody violence, yet the director managed to do a lot without actually needing all the gore that some directors rely on. When Animals Dream isn't exactly one of the Netflix new releases but that doesn't make it any less appealing. Sometimes the best foreign films on Netflix are the ones that have been on there for a few years and you just didn't know it.
Father's Chair
Father's Chair is a laid-back Brazilian movie about a yuppy dad going in search of his son who runs away from home. It's a classic story of an overworked man neglecting his family and the effects that it can have on his relationships. I thought this was one of the most interesting Netflix foreign films I had seen that showed the countryside of Brazil. Most of the Netflix movies coming out of Brazil are great but they are normally the stories about drugs and crime. Wagner Moura might just be the best Brazilian actor we have today. If you don't know what I mean, check out this post and watch Narcos. Father's Chair is ultimately a story of a man searching for himself and coming to terms with his past while realizing the disconnect he has created with his own son. My favorite part of Father's Chair and what makes it one of the best foreign films on Netflix is that you get to see a part of Brazil that I bet you've never seen before.
If you are looking for the best foreign films on Netflix, the movies above are all great options. Some people just can't stand movies with Netflix subtitles but I've never had an issue with it. I really hope that having subtitles doesn't prevent you from watching any of these Netflix foreign films. I love to see life in other countries and experience other languages. If you want to have true originality in a Netflix film, watching a movie that's not in your native language will always do the trick. So enjoy this list of Netflix foreign films and as always, you can find all my weekly updates here.