Best Films by Country List

Best Films by Country List

(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)

Last Updated: 3/24/25
Note: It's simple and straightforward: the best film by country in cinema history. In order to be considered, the film must represent the country very well. If there are at least two films listed, they are ranked in order from left to right.

Multiple parts (i.e. duology, trilogy, etc.) can be put together as one if there's a continuation in the narrative. Miniseries, telefilms, and documentaries are fair game.

These films have made the cut because they have shown brilliance in most, if not all, aspects: acting, characters, screenplay, plot, direction, editing, cinematography, and so on. They must also be "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." Then, I think about cultural phenomenon, uniqueness, famous movie moments, iconic scenes and/or lines, cinematic power, and timelessness.

This list is based on what I have seen so far. Countries with no representative at all won't be listed as there are too many of them. Technically not a country, Antarctica will be included.