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30 Best Arthouse Movies of all time

The term "arthouse," when applied to the filmmaking world, is a fairly loose one that encompasses a wide range of styles, themes, and narrative techniques. However, if we consider it as a distinct genre, it undeniably stands out as one of the most intriguing and multifaceted genres in cinema, boasting a plethora of unique films that qualify as arthouse in nature, making it difficult to even begin to count them all. Broadly speaking, an arthouse film is characterized by its willingness to embrace experimental elements, often pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling and visual presentation.


'Three Colours: Blue' (1993)

Directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski


These films typically represent the artistic vision of a singular auteur director, whose personal style and creative impulses shape the narrative and aesthetic choices throughout the film. Additionally, arthouse films are often defined by their limited commercial appeal, as they tend to prioritize artistic expression over mainstream marketability, which can result in a more niche audience.


That's all to say that arthouse movies aren't likely to resonate with everyone, as their unconventional approaches and thematic explorations can be polarizing. However, such potentially divisive qualities are fundamentally woven into the DNA of this type of film, contributing to its distinct voice and vision. The following movies all contain strong arthouse elements, with some feeling a bit more approachable than others, catering to varying tastes and sensibilities.


'The Seventh Seal' (1957)

Directed by Ingmar Bergman


Each of these films delivers powerful and/or thought-provoking viewing experiences, which is ultimately the most significant aspect of arthouse cinema. With that in mind, we present these high-quality arthouse classics, thoughtfully ranked below, starting with the great and culminating with the greatest, showcasing the remarkable diversity and depth that this genre has to offer. These films not only challenge viewers to engage with complex narratives and artistic choices but also invite them to explore the very essence of what cinema can achieve as a medium of expression and reflection.


The Collider recently ranked its top thirty arthouse films of all time according to Collider.




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