7 critically acclaimed Iranian films to watch on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube and more, representing a perfect blend of popular genres

Known for their masterful storytelling, understated performances and deep cultural insights, Iranian films have enchanted audiences around the world with their rich narratives and thought-provoking themes. Despite working under limitations, Iranian directors have created cinematic gems (Iranian films) that reflect the struggles of everyday life, social problems and moral dilemmas with subtlety and grace. Whether you’re interested in powerful dramas, heartwarming stories, or films that challenge societal norms, this beginner’s guide to Iranian films will introduce you to some of the most accessible and critically acclaimed films from this remarkable film industry.

7 critically acclaimed Iranian films to watch on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube and more, representing a perfect blend of popular genres

1. Children of Heaven – Amazon Prime Video

Directed by Majid Majidi, this heartwarming Iranian film is about a little boy, Ali, and his sister Zahra, who come from a poor family in Tehran. One day, Ali accidentally loses Zahra’s only pair of shoes and, fearing their parents’ reaction, the siblings decide to keep the incident a secret. They have a plan to share Ali’s sneakers – Zahra wears them to school in the morning and Ali wears them in the afternoon. As the plot progresses, their struggles become greater. When Ali finds out about a school race where new shoes are being offered as a prize, he takes part in the hope of winning them for Zahra. The film beautifully captures the bond between the siblings and their determination to help their family. With its simple yet moving story, the film is a tender portrait of innocence, resilience and the struggles of childhood in a world marked by poverty.

2. The Seller – Amazon Prime Video

This directorial work by Asghar Farhadi is a gripping psychological revenge thriller. The plot focuses on a married couple, Emad and Rana, who are actors in a production of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. After their home becomes structurally unsafe, they are forced to move to a new location, unaware of the previous tenant’s troubling history. One night, Rana is attacked at home by a mysterious stranger, causing problems between the couple. While Rana struggles with the trauma, Emad is determined to find her attacker and embarks on a dangerous journey fueled by revenge. As Emad’s obsession grows, he finds himself in a morally ambiguous zone. The film won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and is known for its powerful performances and the way it tackles themes of dignity, retribution and ethics.

3. Taxi Tehran – Amazon Prime Video

Jafar Panahi directs and stars in this unique and thought-provoking drama that combines documentary and fiction, offering a subtle critique of censorship and social problems in Iran. Panahi, who has been banned from making films by the Iranian government, cleverly circumvents this ban by filming in a taxi, where he acts as a driver. As he navigates the streets of Tehran, he encounters a variety of passengers, each representing different aspects of Iranian society. The passengers include a DVD salesman, a superstitious woman, two elderly passengers and a young boy. Through her conversations with Panahi, the film touches on themes such as freedom of expression, gender inequality, justice and the struggles of everyday life under a repressive regime. With its minimalist yet powerful approach, the film highlights Panahi’s creativity in overcoming the challenges imposed on him by the authorities.

4. About Elly – YouTube

The film begins with a group of middle-class friends taking a weekend trip to the Caspian Sea. One of the women in the group, Sepideh, invites Elly, her child’s kindergarten teacher, in hopes of pairing her with a divorced friend, Ahmad, who has returned from Germany. What starts as a carefree vacation soon turns exciting when Elly mysteriously disappears. The group frantically searches for Elly and uncovers secrets that Sepideh knew. The uncertainty surrounding Elly’s disappearance creates a gripping atmosphere that causes the characters to question their own actions. The film subtly illuminates the morals, social pressures and expectations in Iran. This is Asghar Farhadi’s fourth directorial, which earned him international recognition and the Silver Bear for Best Director at the Berlin International Film Festival.

5. The Dark Room (2018) – Plex

The young couple Farhad and Haleh move to a remote area with their son Amir. One day while Amir is playing outside, he disappears while his parents desperately search for him. However, he later returns but is apparently worried about his parents. Farhad fears that Amir may have been mistreated and sets out to find the truth. As they deal with their own fears and the possible danger Amir faced, the film explores the fragility of trust within a family and the challenges of raising a child in a world full of potential threats. The film is a subtle but powerful exploration of parental fear and societal pressure. The nuanced performances highlight the emotional complexity of his characters.

6. A Hero – Amazon Prime Video

Rahim is imprisoned for a debt he cannot repay. During a short two-day vacation from prison, Rahim finds a bag of gold coins that could help him pay off his debts. However, when he fails to sell the gold, he returns it to its rightful owner in the hope of gaining goodwill and securing an early release. Rahim’s act of honesty brings him public attention and he is celebrated as a local hero. But as the media and society take up his story, complications arise and questions arise about his true intentions. Rahim soon finds himself caught in a web of conflicting narratives and moral ambiguity, where the line between honesty and manipulation becomes blurred. With its layered narrative and powerful performances, the film received critical acclaim and the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021.

7. The White Balloon – YouTube

The seven-year-old girl Razieh, who on the eve of the Iranian New Year is determined to buy a goldfish for the family celebration. Despite her mother’s reluctance, Razieh convinces her to give her money to buy the fish at the market. As she travels with her brother Ali through the busy streets of Tehran, Razieh faces a series of small but significant challenges, including losing the money and relying on the kindness of strangers to get it back. Over the course of the film, she meets a variety of characters, each reflecting different aspects of Iranian society. The real-time storytelling and intimate focus on Razieh’s perspective provide an insightful look into everyday life in Iran.