A DANIEL BRÜHL FILM FOR EVERY MOOD
Welcome to Daniel Brühl’s Cinematic Universe. If you’re new here, this is a list of film recommendations curated around the question: “What are you in the mood for?”
I've only added those I thought were worth checking out. Thanks to this incredible fandom, I've seen most of them: 54 movies, 3 TV shows, 2 music videos, and 2 documentaries. Some picks are mid, but he plays a fun role regardless; some are awful, but he looks way too damn good; and a few, though solid, didn’t make the cut because he’s barely in them.
I try to be objective, but at the end of the day, this list is subject to my taste, so please don't come at me.
THE STARTER KIT
For when you've seen Daniel in something and want to see what else he can do. This selection showcases his best work and his range well. The last one serves as a final initiation into the fandom.
Rush (2013)
Good Bye, Lenin! (2003)
Inglorious Basterds (2009)
Die fetten Jahre sind vorbei / The Edukators (2004)
The Alienist (2018 - 2020)
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)
The Face of an Angel (2014)
POPCORN FLICKS
For those days you just want an easy blockbuster watch. The first is a pre-requisite to TFATWS. The other two are flops, but they're entertaining enough.
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)
The King's Man (2021)
DARK COMEDIES
Daniel's secret forte: playing smarmy, egotistical assholes. Nebenan, his directorial debut, is self-referential. So only watch it if you're familiar with his public persona and have seen his most popular works (see 'The Starter Kit').
The Franchise (2024)
Ich und Kaminski / Me and Kaminski (2015)
Nebenan / Next Door (2021)
Dinosaurier (2009)
LIGHT COMEDIES
You could watch any one of these over and over. I would maybe avoid the last one if you're prone to feeling second-hand embarrassment. But then again, it's just 21 minutes and you see ALL of Daniel at one point.
Lila, Lila (2009)
Vaya Con Dios (2002)
Honolulu (2001)
HALLMARK COMFORT CLASSICS
Set in a small, picturesque community: everyone knows everyone, the characters are quirky, the stakes are low, the ending is happy. When you're sick, the predictability of these movies is like a cozy blanket.
Ladies in Lavender (2004)
Un Poco de Chocolate (2008)
Et si on vivait tous ensemble? / All Together (2011)
THE SUNDAY AFTERNOON WATCH
Easy-to-follow midbudget dramas with an inspirational slant. HBO would have played these on repeat on 90s cable TV .
Der ganz große Traum / Lessons of a Dream (2011)
La Contadora de Películas / The Movie Teller (2023)
Race for Glory: Audi vs. Lancia (2024)
Burnt (2015)
THE COMING-OF-AGE JOURNEY
For when you want to feel nostalgia for the years your problems seemed bigger than they actually were.
Nichts Bereuen / No Regrets (2001)
Schule / No More School (2000)
Ein Freund Von Mir / A Friend of Mine (2006)
A BOTTLE OF BITTERSWEET ANGST
For when you want to feel the feels. Tissues required.
Love in Thoughts (2004)
Becoming Karl Lagerfeld (2024)
Die Kommenden Tage / The Coming Days (2010)
Eva (2011)
EARLY HEAVY HITTERS
I'd only suggest these for fans doing a deep dive into Daniel's filmography, as they showcase what he was capable of at such a young age. Contains possibly triggering themes so watch with discretion. Expect the quality of a 90s TV movie.
Der Pakt - Wenn Kinder Töten (1996)
Schlaraffenland / Paradise Mall (1999)
Das Weiße Rauschen / The White Sound (2001)
WARTIME RESISTANCE THRILLERS
For when you want to see quiet acts of bravery against the backdrop of major historical conflicts.
Woman in Gold (2015)
The Zookeeper's Wife (2017)
Alone in Berlin (2016)
SURVIVAL THRILLER
This sole entry falls between the two genres that flank it. Based on real events, the protagonists' actions are spurred by the aftermath of WWI. Campy but watchable.
Eden (2024)
POLITICAL THRILLERS
For gripping stories based on actual events where political conflicts drive the plot.
Colonia (2015)
Entebbe (2018)
Salvador (2006)
The Fifth Estate (2013)
HISTORICAL WAR EPICS
Cinematic masterpieces you never want to watch again.
All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
Joyeux Noël / Merry Christmas (2005)
John Rabe (2009)
OTHER RELATED BLOGS:
In search of Daniel Brühl movies?
5 Types of Daniel Brühl Characters
The Best of Daniel Brühl
A Guide Through Daniel Brühl's Filmography
