There is a commonly used negative stereotype that German people lack a sense of humour. However, one look at their contributions in the world of cinema proves that stereotype is completely wrong.
Despite a long and complicated history, the German media is well versed in taking even the direst concepts and turning them into something that’s more jovial and light-hearted. They have also been known to produce some of the most interesting and unique concepts when it comes to comedy movies. Here are 10 best German comedy movies you must watch:
1. Ich bin dein Mensch (I’m Your Man)
Available on: Prime Video
Cast: Maren Eggert, Dan Stevens, Sandra Hüller, Hans Löw, Wolfgang Hübsch, Annika Meier
Alma (Eggert) is an archaeologist who agrees to be part of an extraordinary experiment in exchange for funds for her next expedition. She has to spend 3 weeks living with a humanoid robot made based on her deepest desires. Being a woman of science, she ridicules the whole concept but the more she gets to know this robot, the more she realizes that love may transcend all boundaries.
A clever concept with many humorous moments, this film is held up by the comedic timing and chemistry of its two main leads. It was also Germany’s entry to the 94th Annual Academy Awards.
2. Mann Im Spagat: Pace, Cowboy, Pace
Available on: Prime Video
Cast: Timo Jacobs, Clemens Schick, Natalia Belitski, Dorothea Hagena, Werner Daehn, David Bredin
Cowboy (Jacobs) is a visionary man who believes that his idea can truly save the world. When he applies for funding from the Central Agency, they send over a beautiful young woman to assess the authenticity of his project. He also devises a plan to have a charity bike race to raise funds. Coupled with his hateful neighbours who want to see him fail, Cowboy has to face so many hurdles before his dreams are realized.
This film is German indies through and through and has some bizarre humour and a wealth of colourful characters that will have you clutching at the seams by the end.
3. One Night Off
Available on: Prime Video
Cast: Emilio Sakraya, Helgi Schmid, Carol Schuler, Milena Tscharntke, Samirah Breuer, Leopold Enderer
Noah (Sakraya) has recently become a father but he’s in no way ready for it. When his girlfriend has to head out of town for a night, he gets a chance to prove that he can take care of the baby on his own as any father should. However, what he doesn’t account for is his best friend forcing him to step out with the baby for a wild night out.
A fun comedy with adorable moments as we get to see some truly outlandish scenarios thanks in part to the addition of a baby in their midst. The actors have done a wonderful job making this film an enjoyable watch.
4. So Was Von Da (Right Here Right Now)
Available on: Netflix
Cast: Bela B., Esther Blankenhagel, Mathias Bloech, Niklas Bruhn, Lana Cooper, Tinka Fürst
Oscar (Bruhn) is a club owner that hopes to throw one last major mash before the club is torn down on the last day of the year. He aims to accomplish this while he has an eclectic mix of characters all gunning for him for a variety of reasons. What follows is a wacky night of partying and letting loose so that Oscar can go out with a bang.
‘So Was Von Da’ is an extremely cool film that explores the chaotic nightlife in one party setting, throwing caution to the wind as the characters indulge in every possible vice.
5. Go With Le Flo
Available on: Prime Video
Cast: Denis Aubert, Marina Senckel, Leslie Dubreuil, Roberta Bianchini, Luisa Wietzorek, Mathieu Charriére
Florian (Aubert) owns a French delicatessen in Berlin called ‘Le Flo’. He falls in love with Camille (Debreuil) and wants to marry her. But what he doesn’t know is that Camille is already engaged to a famous actor. What complicates the situation, even more, is the fact that his best friend, Jenny (Senckel), is in love with him.
This complicated love story comes with a barrel of laughs as the characters vie for each other’s affection even if it may not be reciprocated. It has you rooting for love so that the people destined for each other end up together.
6. Meine teuflisch gute Freundin (How to Be Really Bad)
Available on: Netflix
Cast: Emma Bading, Janina Fautz, Ludwig Simon, Samuel Finzi, Emilio Sakraya, Oliver Korittke
When the devil’s daughter seeks a change in scenery, her father gives her a chance to prove that she can live her own life. He tasks her with living on Earth for a week and converting as many good people to evil as she can. If she fails, she has to move back to hell and work in the bookkeeping department. What starts as an easy task get’s more and more complicated thanks to the enigma that is human emotions.
A simple German story of good and evil and how there is always hope for the worst of the worst. This is a fun German teenage comedy that viewers can give a casual watch to have fun.
7. Isi & Ossi
Available on: Netflix
Cast: Lisa Vicari, Dennis Mojen, Pegah Ferydoni, Christina Hecke, Langston Uibel, Hans-Jochen Wagner, Lisa Hagmeister
A rich girl who aspires to be a chef makes a deal with a poor boy who has the designs of being a boxer. The two of them decide to have a mutually beneficial pretend relationship so that they can both achieve their dreams. But what starts as fiction slowly turns into a very real thing as the two of them begin to develop feelings for each other.
With a trope as old as time, this German romantic comedy delivers on the tried and tested premise with some great chemistry and charm exhibited by its young lead actors.
8. Wolkenbruchs wunderliche Reise in die Arme einer Schickse (The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch)
Available on: Netflix
Cast: Joel Basman, Noémie Schmidt, Udo Samel, Sunnyi Melles, Inge Maux, Lena Kalisch
A young Jewish man has lived his whole life the orthodox way which also happens to be his mother’s way, but when he meets a wonderful girl in university his eyes are opened and he begins to broaden his horizons and explore new avenues much to the dismay of his conservative family.
A cheerful story of breaking out of one’s shell and trying out new things, this film has tons of moments that will make you laugh out loud with joy.
9. Lommbock
Available on: Netflix
Cast: Moritz Bleibtreu, Lucas Gregorowicz, Louis Hofmann, Mavie Hörbiger, Wotan Wilke Möhring, Kailas Mahadevan
When Stefan (Gregorowicz) returns to Germany to collect some official documents, he is greeted by his old friend, Kai (Bleibtreu). Kai ends up getting Stefan in trouble with the police and then drags him into his problems as he tries to reconnect with his stepson who is involved with some dangerous drug dealers.
A crazy German comedy involving a lot of drugs and also the classic tale of friendship and how it stands the test of time and other problems that are thrown its way.
10. Village of Swimming Cows
Available on: Prime Video
Cast: Raig Ballinger, Anna i Stanislaw Bielenia, Bronislawa Bielenia, Kasia i Szymon Bielenia, Ellen Ebert, Sahin Gokan
Three ecologically conscious people from Berlin, head out in search of a place where people live harmoniously with nature. They find a small village in eastern Poland and decide to stay there for a while. They spend their days learning about the locals and their customs as they fathom what it’s like to live such an austere life.
This documentary strays from the usual formula as it relies on its humorous presentation of the subjects on display. An amusing portrayal of the simple village life devoid of most modern influences makes this a very intriguing watch.
Also Read: 10 best German comedy series on Netflix, Prime Video & more