Why are German films often so formulaic even though Germany is a European culture? I love them but they follow formula very closely like Hollywood. What are the best German films?

Es war eine rauschende Ballnacht

Besides these, there are some really good children's movies: More recently, the Bibi und Tina series as just one example. Looking back into the 80s and 70s, as well as into the present, I would even say that movies for children are what the German Film industry excels at. There is much less screaming and cake throwing and slimy monsters and much more discussing of matters that affect children in real life (even in phantasy plots) than in most US children's movies as far als I know them. The GDR was particularly well known for excellent children's movies but the west was and is good at it, too.

In jenen Tagen

Queens of the Stone Age Playing 11 Historic Theaters on 2025 North American Tour - Loudwire

Es geschah am helllichten Tag

Here is a list of some (by no means all) German movies that are considered Classics (and a few that should be, in my opinion):

Zur Sache, Schätzchen (and its sequel)

Matted Dog Lived Alone On A Rooftop For Years — Then Hope Arrived - The Dodo - For Animal People

Didi - alles im Eimer

In Wirtschaftswunder times, most Western German movies were junk but the GDR produced some very good ones, e.g. Western movies and Spur der Steine; in the 70s Paul und Paula. I definitely recommend both!

Nackt

How do I change a truck’s engine oil?

Das Haus in Montevideo

Die Feuerzangenbowle

And many I can't think of at the moment.

What factors contributed to Taiwan's economic success compared to Mainland China, despite their close proximity?

Man spricht Deutsh

What is of absolutely horrible quality is the “movies” that are produced for TV. They are famously bad.

Berlin - Sinfonie einer Großstadt

Healthy Returns: Ozempic, Wegovy linked to rare cases of serious eye condition - CNBC

Lola rennt

Metropolis

I have seen some very good German movies. It is not that they don't exist, but they hardly ever achieve much fame. Especially since people have been accustomed to the dominance of US popular culture.

Do you feel uncomfortable when you come across cross dressers?