The 10 Best Danish Movies of All Time
Denmark may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of cinema, but it has a rich cinematic tradition and has produced some of the most intriguing movies of the last decade. From psychological dramas to experimental documentaries, Danish cinema has something to offer. Here are the top 10 best Danish movies of all time, as ranked by IMDb users:
1. The Hunt (2012) - A moral horror about a kindergarten teacher whose life is shattered after one of his pupils falsely accuses him of sexual abuse, triggering a chain reaction of suspicion and hostility from the community.
2. Ordet (1955) - A philosophical drama that examines the struggles of a rural family with faith, featuring striking cinematography and extensive long takes.
3. Day of Wrath (1943) - A classic drama set in 17th-century Denmark during the witch trials, exploring themes of guilt, repression, and religious zealotry.
4. The Celebration (1998) - A black comedy that explores the fallout of a family gathering when the eldest son accuses his father of sexually abusing him and his sister as children.
5. Dogville (2003) - An epic project that unfolds in a minimalist and stage-like setting, depicting the fictional town of Dogville in the Rocky Mountains during the Great Depression.
6. Dancer in the Dark (2000) - A bleak drama about a Czech immigrant who is gradually going blind and works tirelessly to provide a better life for her son, while escaping her harsh reality through vivid musical daydreams.
7. Flee (2021) - An animated documentary that tells the story of an Afghan man living in Denmark who recounts his experiences as a child fleeing his home country during the Soviet-Afghan War.
8. The Day Will Come (2016) - A drama based on a true story about two brothers sent to a bleak orphanage in 1960s Denmark, where they use their vivid imaginations to cope with their situation and begin plotting a daring escape.
9. Land of Mine (2015) - A WWII drama that explores the complexities of post-war reconciliation through the story of a group of young German POWs tasked with clearing landmines from the Danish coastline.
10. Breaking the Waves (1996) - A psychological drama about a woman who embarks on a series of self-destructive acts to heal her paralyzed husband, guided by what she believes is the will of God.
These movies showcase the best of Danish cinema, with themes ranging from psychological drama to moral horror, and featuring some of the country's most acclaimed directors, including Lars von Trier, Thomas Vinterberg, and Carl Theodor Dreyer.