Top 10 Iranian Movies

Top 10 Iranian Movies, A Journey Through the Best of Iranian Cinema

Iranian cinema has been one of the most artistic, reflective, and influential film industries in the world from the past until now. Known for its poetic storytelling, social commentary, and deep exploration of human emotions, Iranian filmmakers have captivated audiences both domestically and internationally. Over the years, directors like Abbas Kiarostami, Asghar Farhadi, and Majid Majidi have garnered global honors, earning prestigious awards at international film festivals. We will explore the top 10 Iranian movies that have left an indelible mark on global cinema, celebrating the beauty and complexity of Iranian storytelling.

1- A Separation (2011) 

Director: Asghar Farhadi 

Genre: Drama 

Awards: Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film (2012), Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film (2012)

Undoubtedly, one of the most well-known Iranian films, Separation, is a masterful exploration of family dynamics, morality, and the complexities of Iranian society. The film centers on a married couple, Nader and Simin, on the brink of divorce. Simin wants to leave Iran to provide a better future for their daughter, and Nader refuses to abandon his ailing father. This moral dilemma sets off a chain of events that spirals into a legal and personal crisis for both families involved. What makes A Separation so powerful is its ability to portray the human condition with subtle depth and complexity. Farhadi’s direction allows each character to express their motivations and emotions authentically, creating a film that resonates with audiences worldwide. Its universal themes of love, guilt, and sacrifice make it a must-watch for anyone interested in Iranian cinema.

2- Taste of Cherry (1997)

 

Director: Abbas Kiarostami 

Genre: Drama 

Awards: Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival (1997)

Abbas Kiarostami’s, Taste of Cherry, is an existential meditation on life, death, and human connection. The film follows a man named Mr. Badii, who is driving around Tehran looking for someone to help him commit suicide. Along the way, he encounters various individuals who offer different perspectives on life, ultimately forcing him to confront his desires and decisions. “The film’s minimalist approach, along with Kiarostami’s extended takes and realistic dialogue, establishes a reflective atmosphere that prompts viewers to think about their own lives. Taste of Cherry is frequently regarded as one of the best examples of Iranian cinema, presenting deep philosophical insights within a straightforward storyline.

3- Children of Heaven (1997)

 

Director: Majid Majidi 

Genre: Family/Drama 

Awards: Academy Award Nomination for Best Foreign Language Film (1999)

Children of Heaven is a heartwarming and emotionally uplifting film about a young boy named Ali who accidentally loses his sister Zahra’s shoes. Too poor to buy her a new pair, Ali plans to share his shoes with her, leading to challenges and adventures. Majid Majidi’s direction shines through in this film as he captures the innocence and resilience of children while also portraying the harsh realities of poverty. The film’s simplicity and emotional depth have made it a favorite among audiences worldwide, especially for its depiction of familial love and sacrifice.

4- The Cow (1969) 

Director: Dariush Mehrjui 

Genre: Drama 

Awards: International Critics Prize at Venice Film Festival (1971)

The Cow is regarded as a pioneering film in Iranian cinema. It marks the beginning of the Iranian New Wave. The film tells the story of Masht Hassan, a farmer whose beloved cow dies while he is away. Consumed by grief, Hassan begins to believe that he is the cow, leading to his mental deterioration. This film is a powerful allegory about identity, loss, and the fragile nature of reality. The Cow also sheds light on the psychological impact of rural poverty, with a storyline that is both symbolic and deeply rooted in Iranian culture. The film’s stark cinematography and haunting performances make it an unforgettable cinematic experience.

5- Close-Up (1990) 

Director: Abbas Kiarostami 

Genre: Docudrama 

Awards: FIPRESCI Prize at Istanbul Film Festival (1992)

Close-Up blurs the line between documentary and fiction in a way only Abbas Kiarostami can achieve. The film tells the true story of a man named Hossayn Sabzian, who impersonates the famous Iranian filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf to gain the trust of a middle-class family. Here is a rephrased version of the sentence: The film recreates the circumstances surrounding Sabzian’s arrest and trial by blending actual footage with dramatized reenactments. Kiarostami’s Close-Up is a profound exploration of identity, deception, and the power of cinema itself. The film challenges viewers to question the nature of truth and illusion, making it one of the most intellectually engaging films in Iranian cinema.

6- The Salesman (2016)

Director: Asghar Farhadi 

Ggenre: Drama/Thriller 

Awards: Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film (2017), Best Screenplay Award at Cannes Film Festival (2016)

Asghar Farhadi’s film, The Salesman, is another masterpiece that delves into the complexities of relationships and social dynamics. The film follows a couple, Emad and Rana, who are forced to move to a new apartment after their previous home becomes unsafe. One night, an intruder attacks Rana in their new home, setting off a series of events that test the couple’s marriage and sense of justice. Farhadi masterfully builds tension throughout the film, turning what seems like a simple domestic drama into a gripping psychological thriller. The Salesman tackles themes of revenge, forgiveness, and the consequences of trauma, making it one of the standout films of recent Iranian cinema.

7- The Wind Will Carry Us (1999)

Director: Abbas Kiarostami 

Genre: Drama 

Awards: Grand Special Jury Prize at Venice Film Festival (1999)

The Wind Will Carry Us is another of Kiarostami’s deeply philosophical films. It centers on a journalist and his team who travel to a remote village in Iran to document a local ritual. As they wait for an elderly woman to die to complete their story, they become increasingly absorbed in the slow rhythms of village life. This film is a poetic meditation on life, death, and the human experience. The title is inspired by a poem by the famous Iranian poet Forough Farrokhzad, and the film reflects Kiarostami’s trademark style of blending everyday life with larger existential questions.

8- About Elly (2009)

Director: Asghar Farhadi 

Genre: Mystery/Drama 

Awards: Silver Bear for Best Director at Berlin International Film Festival (2009)

In About Elly, Farhadi creates a tense and suspenseful drama about a group of friends on a vacation by the Caspian Sea. When Elly, a young woman invited to the trip, mysteriously disappears, the group is forced to confront secrets and lies that threaten to unravel their relationships. The film is a compelling exploration of social norms, morality, and the role of truth in personal relationships. Farhadi’s tight direction and skillful storytelling keep viewers on edge throughout, making About Elly a standout in his work.

9- Where Is the Friend’s House? (1987)

Director: Abbas Kiarostami 

Genre: Drama 

Awards: Bronze Leopard at Locarno Film Festival (1989)

A simple yet poignant film, Where Is the Friend’s House? It tells the story of a young boy named Ahmed who sets out to return his classmate’s notebook after accidentally taking it home. The film follows Ahmed as he navigates the difficulties of finding his friend’s house in a nearby village. “Kiarostami’s direction shows the innocence and determination of children while also pointing out the problems of bureaucracy and adult neglect. The film’s beautiful storytelling and focus on a child’s moral choices have made it a beloved classic in Iranian cinema.”

10- Persepolis (2007)

Director: Marjane Satrapi 

Genre: Animation/Drama 

Awards: Jury Prize at Cannes Film Festival (2007)

Persepolis is an animated film based on Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novel of the same name. The film chronicles her coming-of-age during the Islamic Revolution, depicting her struggles as a young girl growing up in a politically and socially turbulent Iran. Satrapi’s unique storytelling style, combined with the film’s stark black-and-white animation, creates a powerful narrative about identity, freedom, and the immigrant experience. Persepolis is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that provides a unique perspective on Iranian history and culture. These ten films represent the best of Iranian cinema, offering viewers a rich tapestry of stories that explore universal themes of humanity, identity, and morality. Whether you’re new to Iranian films or a seasoned cinephile, these movies offer a window into the depth and beauty of Iran’s cinematic landscape.