Discovering Romanian Cinema: A Decade Of Compelling Stories

Diego Santillán
Diego SantillánSeptember 13, 2025
Romanian cinema has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with a new wave of filmmakers producing thought-provoking and emotionally charged movies. From dramas that explore the complexities of human relationships to comedies that poke fun at everyday life, Romanian films have something to offer for every kind of viewer.

One of the defining characteristics of Romanian cinema is its ability to balance light-hearted moments with deeper, more profound themes. This is evident in films like Aferim! and Police, Adjective, which use humor to tackle serious issues like social inequality and crime. At the same time, movies like Child's Pose and Tuesday, After Christmas offer nuanced portrayals of family dynamics and romantic relationships.

The films selected for this list represent some of the best of Romanian cinema from 2010 to 2019. They showcase the country's rich cultural heritage and its people's resilience in the face of adversity. Whether you're interested in history, comedy, or drama, there's something on this list that's sure to captivate and inspire you.

As you explore these movies, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Romania's complex history, its people's values and traditions, and the challenges they face in their daily lives. You'll also discover a new generation of talented filmmakers who are pushing the boundaries of storytelling and cinematic technique. So sit back, relax, and get ready to experience the best of Romanian cinema from the past decade.
Aferim!
View Movie

Aferim!

#1

Set in early 19th century Wallachia, Romania, a policeman, Costandin, is hired by a nobleman to find a Gypsy slave who has run away from his estate after having an affair with his wife.

2015108 min
DramaHistory
7.4
109 votes
Two Lottery Tickets
View Movie

Two Lottery Tickets

#2

3 men from a provincial town who are in an urgent need for money so they decide to buy a lottery ticket. They win the lottery, but very soon, the ticket gets stolen.

201686 min
ComedyAdventure
7.0
72 votes
Child's Pose
View Movie

Child's Pose

#3

Child's Pose is a contemporary drama focusing on the relationship between a mother and her 32-year-old son. After the accidental killing of a boy in a car crash, the mother tries to prevent her son being charged for the death, and she refuses to accept that her son is a grown-up man.

2013104 min
Drama
6.8
136 votes
Police, Adjective
View Movie

Police, Adjective

#4

A cop named Cristi must go undercover to trail teen Victor who is suspected of selling pot in the north-eastern city of Vasliu.

2010115 min
DramaComedyCrime
6.4
56 votes
Tuesday, After Christmas
View Movie

Tuesday, After Christmas

#5

Paul Hanganu loves two women. Adriana his wife and the mother of their daughter, the woman with whom he's shared the thrills of the past ten years, and Raluca the woman who has made him redefine himself. He has to leave one of them before Christmas.

201099 min
DramaRomance
6.4
65 votes
If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle
View Movie

If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle

#6

A teenager prisoner awaits his release when two weeks before that happens he's told that his mother is returned home. Meanwhile, he finds himself in love with a Sociology student, Ana, working in the penitentiary as an intern.

201094 min
Drama
6.3
58 votes

Recent Reviews

If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle

If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle

Sep 13, 2025

"If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle" is a poignant and contemplative drama that delves into the complex...

Tuesday, After Christmas

Tuesday, After Christmas

Sep 13, 2025

"Tuesday, After Christmas" is a poignant and introspective drama that delves into the complexities o...

Police, Adjective

Police, Adjective

Sep 13, 2025

"Police, Adjective" is a thought-provoking and understated drama that delves into the mundane life o...

Child's Pose

Child's Pose

Sep 13, 2025

"Child's Pose" is a gripping and thought-provoking drama that delves into the intricate dynamics of ...

Two Lottery Tickets

Two Lottery Tickets

Sep 13, 2025

"Two Lottery Tickets" is a charming and entertaining film that brings together the perfect blend of ...

Aferim!

Aferim!

Sep 13, 2025

"Aferim!" is a cinematic masterpiece that delves into the darker aspects of 19th century Wallachia, ...

Kayara

Kayara

Sep 12, 2025

Kayara, the latest animated adventure film, has taken the world by storm with its inspiring tale of ...

The Rose of Versailles

The Rose of Versailles

Sep 12, 2025

The Rose of Versailles, released in 2025, is a captivating animated film that delves into the intric...

The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep

The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep

Sep 12, 2025

The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep is the latest installment in the beloved franchise, and it dives hea...

Plankton: The Movie

Plankton: The Movie

Sep 12, 2025

Plankton: The Movie, the latest animated adventure to hit theaters, promises a wildly entertaining r...

Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League

Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League

Sep 12, 2025

The latest installment in the Batman Ninja series, Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League, promises an excit...

Lost in Starlight

Lost in Starlight

Sep 12, 2025

"Lost in Starlight" is the latest animated romance to captivate audiences with its breathtaking visu...