If you loved the haunting and atmospheric drama of 'Angela' (1977), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same eerie beauty, emotional depth, and cinematic artistry. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers, period dramas, or films with a dreamlike quality, this list will guide you to your next favorite watch.

The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant (1972)
Description: A deeply psychological drama exploring themes of power, control, and emotional manipulation within relationships, set almost entirely in one claustrophobic space.
Fact: The film was shot in just 10 days, and all dialogue was pre-recorded before filming began.


Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974)
Description: Examines societal prejudices and the complexities of love through an unconventional relationship, with a focus on emotional isolation and social alienation.
Fact: The film was inspired by Douglas Sirk's 1955 melodrama 'All That Heaven Allows' but transposed to contemporary Germany.


Fox and His Friends (1975)
Description: A tragic story of exploitation and class struggle, featuring a working-class protagonist destroyed by his relationships with more privileged individuals.
Fact: This was one of the first mainstream films to explicitly depict gay relationships without judgment or sensationalism.


In a Year with 13 Moons (1978)
Description: A deeply melancholic exploration of identity, transformation, and the search for love, featuring a protagonist undergoing profound personal crisis.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life suicide of the director's former lover.


The Marriage of Maria Braun (1979)
Description: A complex female protagonist navigating post-war Germany, using relationships as survival strategy while maintaining emotional detachment.
Fact: The film's famous final scene features a real explosion that destroyed the set completely.


Querelle (1982)
Description: A visually stylized exploration of sexuality, criminality, and existential despair set in a dreamlike, artificial port town.
Fact: The film's distinctive set design was inspired by both German expressionism and Mediterranean architecture.


Effi Briest (1974)
Description: A period drama about a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage, exploring themes of societal constraints and emotional suffocation.
Fact: The film's stark black-and-white cinematography was achieved by shooting on high-contrast film stock rarely used for features.


Lola (1981)
Description: A morally complex story about a nightclub singer navigating relationships in post-war Germany, blending romantic drama with social commentary.
Fact: The film's vibrant color palette was specifically designed to contrast with the director's previous black-and-white works.


Veronika Voss (1982)
Description: A haunting portrayal of a fading star's psychological unraveling, examining themes of addiction, manipulation, and the dark side of fame.
Fact: The black-and-white cinematography was achieved by shooting in color and then desaturating in post-production.
