The Iranian cinema industry is flourishing well globally. The filmmakers have a tight budget, but their movies showing the everyday life stories of Iranian people in a very intriguing manner are a delight for everyone! Many wonderfully crafted films (especially in the drama genre) have found their way to international viewers and people love these films. They are premiered in many well-known international film festivals and getting a lot of recognition. Iranian makers have also found ways to express their liberal thoughts through this art. These films are available on many OTT platforms and even on YouTube. Here we have compiled a list of 10 such thought-provoking and some of the best Iranian movies.
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1. A Separation
Let’s start with a drama film that is rated 8.3 on IMDb— so, you can make a start with this one! The movie centers around a married couple who are torn between two choices— move to another country to give their child a better education, or stay in the same place to get treatment for their ailing parent who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. While it is a drama, the tension that it creates is no less than any thriller. One of the best films to start your Iranian cinema journey.
2. The Salesman
A 2016 gripping thriller drama movie that will shake you to the core. The tension that the story creates from the start is nail-biting and sometimes shocking. It is about a married couple who work in a theatre group. While practicing the play ‘Death of a Salesman’, Emad is assaulted while they are in their new home. This incident traumatizes Emad and her husband Ranaa is now determined to find the assualter and punish him so that she can move on with her life.
3. About Elly
A mystery thriller movie, because Iranian thriller films are as good as their drama movies! This one is a psychological thriller that will give your head a good spin. It revolves around the story of a kindergarten teacher who goes on a picnic in the North of Iran with her fellow teachers. But, midway, she disappears with no signs, messages, or anything. This brings a panic in the group followed by a lot of thrill and misadventurous for everyone who was on the trip.
4. The Song of Sparrows
It is a dramedy movie about an Ostrich farmer who works at an odd Ostrich ranch but he is fired when one of the Ostriches escapes the ranch. He shifts to Tehran to find new work, where he faces some new struggles, and attain some new cultural knowledge. But, when his daughter’s hearing aid turns faulty— he has a new task to do, which brings him closer to his independence in life. In a busy life, finding time to watch this heart-touching Iranian movie is a must!
5. Baran
A romance drama movie that is rated 7.8 on IMDb and has also won several awards including the ‘Best Picture Award’ at the Montreal Film Festival in 2001— the film is one of the best when it comes to showing true love. The movie shows a 17-year-old boy named Latif working at a construction site where he befriends Rahmat, only to later know his secret— this Afghani worker is a woman. As their bond grows— he falls for her and helps her in every way possible to give her some respite and show his fondness for her.
6. Hit The Road
A comedy-drama family film that shows the relationship and warmth that each member of a family shares. Their various sides are explored while they go on an adventurous road trip to unknown valleys and amidst the green meadows. They explore the beautiful world while also finding some beauty within! For all those who are looking for a perfect film to watch with the whole family— this one is the perfect t choice! It is a movie infused with love and joy.
7. The Willow Tree
A soulful and slow-paced drama film about a well-known blind University professor who is going on with his daily life when he is diagnosed with a terminal disease for which he needs to go to France to get treatment. While he is in France, he wonders whether he will ever get back, and if ever— will he get back to the same life that he left behind. A movie that will give you a lot of thoughts to ponder upon once it is finished, this 7.3 IMDb-rated film is like food for your heart and soul.
8. Inshallah A Boy
Jordan is still struggling under the highly patriarchal rules and judicial laws. This film explores the pitfalls and pains that these old and worn-out rules are creating among women. The movie shows the story of a single pregnant woman who pretends to have a baby boy in her womb so that she can save her home and her daughter from her highly patriarchal relatives. This movie opens eyes to various factors that are so partial to men that they should’ve been a thing of the past by now. It is a 2023 film and a highly recommended one which has won several international awards and premiered at various film festivals including the prestigious TIFF.
9. This is Not a Film
A documentary film that will give a direct peak inside the world of Iranian cinema and all the dangers it faces. The movie is about Jafar Panahi, a filmmaker who is stuck inside a jail and is waiting for a verdict for a long time. This documentary shows a day in his life— bringing out many truths, facts, and shocking revelations about life in general and filmmaking as a profession in Iran.
10. The Mirror
A film by acclaimed Iranian filmmaker, The Mirror is a 1997 drama movie about a little girl who lives in Tehran. While she is out of her school premises, she waits for her mom to fetch her. But, when a lot of time is gone— this little girl goes on her own little trip on the streets of Tehran. She does not remember her home address but is still trying to find her way back home by identifying the streets and places that feel similar to her. A tiny topic with a lot of interesting events happening— a treat for every cinephile!
Currently, this beautiful mountainous country with a lot of good cultures, food, films, and people is going through a war crisis. We hope that the country and its kind people soon find some peace and joy so that we can keep watching these movies without delay! Let’s wish and pray that the Iranian people get over the war effects and once again flourish as a peaceful nation. Do you have any more movies to add to our list of Best Iranian Movies? Recommend more names in the comments scetion.