Movies about Swiss
Movies are the perfect way to immerse yourself in a culture, be it if you are looking to learn a new language or just get a glimpse of life through a country’s perspective. We have listed below some of the best Swiss films that are worth watching to get a feel not only of Switzerland but also of some interesting universal themes and issues that they address.
Heidi – 2015
Johanna Spyri’s Heidi is a popular and unique character in Swiss culture, so it is to no surprise that she appears in many film adaptations that visualize her beautiful story. However, this 2015 adaptation by the Swiss director Alain Gsponer is particularly special due to its authentic yet contemporary portrayal. The movie is in Swiss German and follows the novel’s original plotline of the orphaned Swiss girl, full of character and life, who eventually finds happiness in the Alpine regions of Switzerland. With its combination of vivid characters and the majestic scenery of the Alps, Heidi is the perfect feel-good movie.
Die Schweizermacher (The Swissmakers) – 1978
Filmed in 1978, this Rolf Lussy comedy remains one of the most successful Swiss movies. The story satirizes the lives of foreigners in Switzerland, their struggles, and the bureaucracy behind the tedious process of obtaining Swiss citizenship. The Swiss-German film perfectly depicts Swiss stereotypes, culture, and the country’s strengths and weaknesses, all tied together with humorous exaggeration and situational comedy.
Uli der Knecht (Uli the Farmhand) – 1954
Uli der Knecht is a 1954 Swiss romantic comedy directed by Franz Schnyder, adapted from the 1841 novel with the same title. The film is a story of the reformation of the main character, Uli, who is a careless and headstrong farmhand with a bad reputation. Uli der Knecht is in Swiss German, a perfect chance to spruce up your language skills.
Grounding – The Last Days of Swissair – 2006
In October of 2001, the Swiss airline company Swissair collapsed with a debt of 17 billion Swiss francs, forcing the grounding of all their flights worldwide. The informative and emotional film portrays this event’s debacle and the consequences after the failure of what was considered one of Switzerland’s national emblems.
Fögi Is a Bastard (F. Est un Salaud) – 1998
Fögi Is a Bastard is a 1998 French/Swiss drama filmed in Zürich. The movie is about a dysfunctional love story of fifteen-year-old Beni, with rock band singer Fögi. Fögi’s drug use pulls Beni into a dark web of the intense and depressing life of addiction, making such for a film well-titled. This movie’s portrayal of the 70’s punk rock scene, addiction, and teenage love is an emotional and unique narrative that is a worthwhile watch.
Journey of Hope – 1990
Switzerland’s postcard views and immigrants’ economic success convince Turkish couple Haydar and Meryem to sell their livestock and land towards moving illegally to the promising country. Journey of Hope is a film by Swiss director Xavier Koller and tells the moving story of the hardships these characters encounter on their journey towards Istanbul, Milan, and Switzerland, along with their children. Among other spectacular movies filmed in Switzerland, this 1990 film is distinguished by its winning title as the Best Foreign Language Film in the 1991 Oscars.
Vitus – 2006
This charming film was the official Swiss entry for the 2006 Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award. Vitus is a gifted 12-year-old boy, a piano prodigy, burdened with the parental pressure of excelling in his talent. The 2006 Fredi M. Murer film is an inspiring film on the boy’s journey to pursue his own dreams and new talents with the aid of his grandfather.
Domů — 2008
The Swiss-French movie by director Ursula Meier follows Marthe and her family’s rural lives near the edge of a deserted highway. A renewed construction on the highway disrupts their sheltered, simplistic lifestyle, and they have to deal with the anxiety it causes. The narration incorporates comedic elements, drama, and an environmental statement, all joined together for an incredible artistic experience.
Sister (L’Enfant d’en Haut) – 2012
Ursula Meier made another great appearance with Sister, a 2012 film that was Switzerland’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Oscar at the 85th Academy Awards. The drama was based on the director’s memories of growing up near a ski resort in Geneva and follows the lives of the twelve-year-old Simon and his older sister Louise. The boy, despite his age, supports himself and his sister by stealing from the foreigners at the ski resort. This critically acclaimed film exploring the complicated familial relationship between the two siblings, as well as two different social classes, is definitely worth watching.
Jonah Who Will Be 25 in the Year 2000 – 1976
Jonah Who Will Be 25 in the Year 2000 is a Swiss film by director Alain Tanner released in 1976. The drama inspects the lives of several characters in their 30s as they face the life approaching the social and political tumult brought by the demonstrations and strikes of May 1968 in France. The movie depicts the post-revolutionary confusion of that year and is a masterful critique of the pressures that come with living in capitalistic societies.
My Life As a Courgette (Ma Vie de Courgette) – 2016
My Life As a Courgette is a magnificent 2016 stop motion animation film directed by Claude Barras, which was nominated for the Best Animated Feature Film at the 89th Academy Awards. The film is a story of a nine-year-old boy nicknamed Courgette and his path to gaining trust in the people around him after his mother’s disappearance. The film treats the struggles of abandonment and abuse, yet the spirited characters pull through to transmit the universal calling for solidarity through empathy.
Les Petites Fugues – 1979
After 65 years of living a solitary life as a farmhand, Pipe reaches the age of retirement and decides to buy a motorcycle to tour the Swiss countryside. Despite difficult setbacks, he discovers a life he had never known before in his mundane reality. This 1979 Swiss-French comedy of the director Yves Yersin is an uplifting watch that takes you on the characters’ journey and adventures along the way.
These were some of the greatest films produced from the small but culturally rich Switzerland. So, grab your popcorn and enjoy!
0 Vlera Haxhiavdyli April 14, 2021
12 Best Swiss Movies Of All Time (Captivating & Insightful)
Like theatre in Greek and Roman times, movies not only entertain but reflect a society’s culture, themes, and issues. These best Swiss movies produced through the years give movie-goers insight into life in this tiny Alpine country.
With glimpses of the gorgeous Swiss countryside, they spotlight this European country’s unique history, heritage, and people.
Vitus (2006)
Directed by Fredi M. Murer, Vitus is the story of a 12-year-old genius and piano-playing prodigy played by the real-life musical mastermind Teo Gheorghiu. After Vito’s parents, Leo and Helen von Holzen, become aware of their son’s rare and extraordinary talent, their minds begin ticking. They lay out the plans for Vito (and themselves) to become rich and famous.
Along with his amazing musical skill, Vito displays an emotional maturity well beyond his years. He is chilly and distant to his peers and is constantly proving that he’s smarter than his teachers. When he develops a crush on his older babysitter Isabelle, he comes up with the boy-genius theory that women should marry men younger than women by at least six years since a girl’s libido develops faster than a boy’s. Isabelle makes it clear that she is only interested in older boys.
The pressure from his parents to excel places such a burden on Vito, he becomes extremely withdrawn. Eventually, he warms up to his grandfather who helps him on his path to pursuing his own dreams.
The Boat is Full (1981)
The Boat is Full is a thought-provoking story about refugees seeking entry into Switzerland during World War II. “Our boat is full” refers to what Swiss authorities would say to deny those seeking asylum in the country.
The story begins when Germans briefly halt a train in a remote corner of Switzerland. Four Jews, a German soldier, and a French child jump off the train to seek asylum. Posing as a family, they find temporary refuge at a quaint Swiss village inn run by a man and his wife.
The deserting German soldier pretends to be the father. A young Jewish girl, Judith, poses as his wife, and her teenage brother pretends to be a soldier. An old man from Vienna portrays himself as Judith’s father. The French child is sworn to secrecy.
A combination of chance and the investigating local constable unravels their fabrication, and decisions have to be made. Will they get to stay or get deported?
The Swissmakers (1978)
This Rolf Lyssy film is a satirical comedy about the difficulty foreigners have in establishing life and obtaining citizenship in Switzerland. It tells the story of two conformist German doctors, politically troublesome Italian immigrants, and an Eastern European dancer who go so far as to shoot themselves in the foot to get the coveted red passport with a white cross.
Using situational comedy and colorful native characters, the film derides and criticizes the Swiss bureaucracy and the community’s lack of hospitality.
The Swissmakers is one of the country’s most successful domestic releases and a must-see for anyone wanting to learn more about the people and culture of Switzerland.
War Photographer (2001)
War Photographer is a documentary by Christian Frei that focuses on the life and work of war photographer and journalist James Nachtwey.
The film examines combat journalism and the psychological problems it can cause. It raises questions about how deeply a journalist should get involved in witnessing and documenting war and the destruction it causes. In the end, they are committed to bringing the world information about what’s going on and the tragedy of war. They are willing to put themselves in the middle of a war to bring the truth to the rest of the world, which is why the perpetrators of war don’t want photographers on the scene.
Documentaries are cheaper for the struggling European film industry. This result is determined and gifted documentary makers. War Photographer is well-researched and put together with insightful and moving material.
The Lacemaker (1977)
The Lacemaker is the story of Pomme, a quiet, reserved 19-year hairdresser who lives with her overprotective mother and works in a Parisian beauty salon. Her best friend and polar opposite, Marylene, is a sensual and experienced beautician. When Marylene takes Pomme along on a vacation to Cabourg, Normany to an exclusive seaside resort, the virginal Pomme meets Francois, a sophisticated literature student.
Marylene falls head-over-heels for Francois. He becomes her first lover and goes back with her to Paris where they move into an apartment. But bliss turns to unhappiness as their cultural differences cause complications. One of the impassioned lovers has a change of heart.
Based on Pascal Laine’s novel la Dentelliére, this story is a tale of class prejudice and a romance that turned sour. The result is a tear-jerker movie with a bitter ending.
Heidi (2015)
Based on the classic children’s story by Johanna Spyri, Heidi is the tale of a young orphaned girl who is scuttled off to stay with her crusty old grandfather who lives secluded high in the Swiss Alps after his murder charge.
Heidi adapts to the wild country and takes to Peter, a young and adventurous goat herder. Her grandfather refuses to send Heidi to town to attend school. Heidi’s Aunt Detie, a wealthy, chic lady from Frankfurt, intervenes and takes Heidi home with her. Heidi must spend her after-school hours as a companion for her aunt’s daughter Klara who is crippled and confined to a wheelchair.
Heidi misses her adventurous life with her Grandfather and Peter but tries to make the best of the situation. Will she find her way back to happiness?
Heidi is an iconic character in Switzerland, and several versions of the movie have been produced. This one is especially captivating thanks to its authentic portrayal, vivid characters, and majestic scenery.
Fögi Is a Bastard (1998)
When fifteen-year-old Beni falls in love with a singer in a Rock band named Fögi, he becomes willing to follow him everywhere. Fögi, a drug addict pulls Beni into his addiction. His life becomes a dark web of addiction and life becomes a rollercoaster of happiness and despair.
Dependent on Fögi, Beni finds himself traveling down a path of destruction and addiction.
The punk rock scene of the 1970s, addiction and teenage love are all prominent themes of Fögi Is a Bastard.
Journey of Hope (1990)
Journey of Hope tells the story of a struggling Turkish family who, drawn to the country’s beauty and economic success, try to illegally emigrate to Switzerland. After Haydar convinces his wife Meryem they should leave Turkey, he gets passage for two in exchange for selling his small plot of land and livestock. He wants to leave their children with his parents except for his eldest son.
However, Haydar’s father convinces him to send his son to Europe for education in order to make sure that he has a brighter future.
The three become stowaways on a ship and set off for Istanbul, Milan, and finally Switzerland. They give the rest of their money to n’er do-gooders who abandon them at Lake Como before a blizzard. Haydar and his son get separated from Meryem. Will they make it to the promised land?
The Swiss movie Journey of Hope won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. There is a lot of heart in the story, and the cinematography captures Switzerland’s stunning landscapes beautifully.
Home (2008)
Life for an isolated rural family is upended when a major highway next to their property, constructed 10 years before but apparently abandoned, is finally opened back up.
The family in Home leads a carefree and unconventional lifestyle, even using bath time as a communal experience. That all ends when the whoosh of traffic, the honking of horns, and the odor of fossil fuels and exhaust fumes penetrate their daily lives. Even crossing the highway to get to work or school becomes a dangerous game of chicken. The vehicles have no intention of slowing down for pedestrians.
When the outside world encroaches on the family’s peace and tranquility, the family members become neurotic, paranoid, and violent.
Filmed primarily in Bulgaria, the film captures the rural Swiss lifestyle. As a parable, it shows how modern life creates chaos in rural areas.
Les Petites Fugues (1979)
Les Petites Fugues is a Swiss-French comedy by director Yves Yersin that tells the story of Pipe, a farmhand for 30 years. Bored with his mundane reality, he uses his old-age insurance benefits to buy a moped. After admiring i,t and pampering it, his friend Luigi gives him advice on how the moped functions.
After a difficult start, Pipe takes off to tour the Swiss countryside. The result is the hilarious antics and experiences of an aging nomad as he revels in his freedom. But his new lease on life eventually creates to new problems for Pipe to solve.
Les Petites Fugues is a heart-warming story about a man trying to regain his lost sense of youth. The scenes shot in the Swiss countryside add lots of intrigue to this feel-good film with somber undertones.
Disney movies set in Switzerland
There are a few Disney movies that are set in Switzerland, including animation movies.
Často kladené otázky
What movie is based in Switzerland?
The 2015 movie Heidi, based on the book by Johanna Spyri, is based in Switzerland. More modern movies like various James Bond movies have been set in Switzerland too
Does Switzerland have a film industry?
Yes, Switzerland has had a film industry since the 1930s, however, it is far smaller than its international counterparts. It is mostly supported by the government and local tv stations. However, there is a hope that Netflix could help rejuvenate it.
Written by Ashley Faulkes
As a twenty-year resident of Switzerland, I am passionate about exploring every nook and cranny of this beautiful country, I spend my days deep in the great Swiss outdoors, and love to share these experiences and insights with fellow travel enthusiasts.
Napsat komentář Zrušit odpověď
Oblíbené destinace
Vyhledávání
Důležité stránky
Na sociálních médiích
Plánování cest
We offer travel planning advice and customised intineraries for visitors to Switzerland using our 22 years of experience of living here. Learn More Here
10 movies from Switzerland you have to see
Has it been a hard day at work and you just want to spend the evening cosied up at home with the world shut out? It sounds like a great time to get comfortable on your couch, grab some popcorn or your favourite Swiss chocolate and watch some movies from Switzerland that are both entertaining and enlightening!
Must-see Swiss movies
If you want to learn more about Swiss culture, its various languages or even just the country itself, Swiss movies are the perfect way to get an inside look at the country. Here are some of our favourites.
Heidi (2015)
Based on the well-known children’s book by Swiss author Johanna Spyri, this must-see movie follows an orphaned Swiss girl called Heidi who is taken to the Swiss Alps to live with her recluse grandfather. With a happy-go-lucky attitude, the sweet Heidi quickly makes friends and helps others find joy in their lives. Heidi is so popular that there is even a village in Switzerland called Heididorf that recreates the mountain world in the book.
While the popular novel has been made into many different movies over the years, this 2015 adaptation directed by Alain Gsopner was well-received with its authentic yet contemporary take on the classic. This Swiss film is available in German, English, Afrikaans and Romansch, so almost everyone can enjoy watching it.
Švýcaři (Die Schweizermacher) (1978)
If you’re currently going through the arduous task of getting your Swiss citizenship, then Švýcaři, one of the most successful Swiss films of all time, will help you make light of the situation. Švýcaři is a comedy that pokes fun at the way authorities treated expats who were trying to naturalise in Switzerland during the 1970s — something that many could still empathise with.
The movie follows two immigration officers as they investigate the lives of foreigners who have applied for citizenship. Produced and directed by Rolf Lyssy, the satirical movie uses situational comedy with colourful native Swiss characters and gives watchers a view into the country’s hospitality.
Sestra (L’Enfant d’en Haut) (2012)
Starring Léa Seydoux, Kacey Mottet Klein and Gillian Anderson, this award-winning Swiss movie is one you can’t miss. From the brilliant director Ursula Meier, Sestra won the Silver Bear at the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival and was the Swiss entry for the Best Foreign Language Oscar at the 85th Academy Awards.
Centred around a 12-year-old boy called Simon, and his unemployed older sister, the plot follows their lives near a ski resort in the Swiss Alps. Simon supports himself and his sister by selling ski equipment that he has stolen from tourists at the ski resort. With many twists and turns, this critically acclaimed Swiss drama will keep you hooked until the very end.
Víta (2006)
A feel-good drama that was the 2006 Swiss Film Awards’ top release, Víta was written and directed by Fredi M. Murer, and stars real-life piano prodigy Teo Gheorghiu as the main character.
Filmed mainly in Zurich, the movie revolves around Vitus, a gifted 12-year-old boy whose parents want him to become a famous pianist. Burdened by the pressure, one day Vitus rebels and seeks refuge with his grandfather, who encourages him to choose his own path in life.
Fögi is a Bastard (F. est un salaud) (1998)
Set in the city of Zurich, this French / Swiss movie portrays the dark side of the rock scene in the 1970s, exploring topics such as alcohol and drug abuse, addiction and prostitution.
The story is centred around a 15-year-old boy, Beni, who becomes romantically involved with a rock musician called Fögi. As you might have guessed from the title, it isn’t a happy love story — Fögi’s rock-and-roll life and all it entails takes Beni down a life-altering path that destroys his innocence.
Uli farmář (Uli der Knecht) (1954)
In the mood for a rom-com? Why not brush up on your Swiss German at the same time with this black-and-white classic? After its box office success, there was even a sequel, which means you can spend the day binge-watching old movies!
Directed by Franz Schnyder, the Swiss film tells the story of Uli the farmhand, who is a drunken philanderer. After a talk with his boss, Uli sees the light and starts to improve his reputation by drinking less and working hard. This in turn gets him a job on a farm, where he meets the beautiful daughter of his new employer and a kind maid that works at the farm. Uli must then choose between these two love interests.
Můj život jako cuketou (Ma Vie de cuketa) (2016)
This stop-motion animation is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Můj život jako cuketou has won multiple awards, receiving plenty of praise for the film’s appealing aesthetic, emotional depth and endearing characters.
In a magnificent story set in Switzerland, a young boy nicknamed Courgette is brought to an orphanage after his single mother dies. Throughout the film, you see Courgette’s sad yet hopeful journey of learning how to trust and build friendships after many hardships.
Little Escapes (Les Petites Fugues) (1979)
A view into typical Swiss comedy, Les Petites Fugues, or Little Escapes in English, remains one of the best movies from Switzerland to this day. The endearing film takes viewers on an adventure through the eyes of an elderly farmhand, Pipe, who retires after 65 years of solitary labour.
Pipe eventually gets himself a moped and decides to tour the Swiss countryside, discovering a new type of freedom. Giving viewers a heartwarming look at Pipe’s attempt at regaining his lost youth, his journey of self-discovery leads to some comedic incidents.
Jonah who will be 25 in the year 2000 (Jonas qui aura 25 ans en l’an 2000) (1976)
Mostly filmed in the city of Geneva, Alain Tanner’s award-winning Jonáš follows the lives of eight individuals as they attempt to live an idealistic life during the social and political tumult of May 1968 in neighbouring France.
The Swiss drama reminds viewers about the struggles of trying to create a better world while also bringing perfectly timed comedic relief that reflects the realities of life.
Grounding — The Last Days of Swissair (Grounding — Die letzten Tage der Swissair) (2006)
If you want to learn about a part of Switzerland’s history, this is a movie you should watch. An informative and emotional film, Základy is set during the last days of the airline Swissair.
The demise of the Swiss airline in 2001 was a huge blow to Switzerland’s economy and the country’s morale. The film portrays the story of the airline’s CEO as well as many other individuals who lost almost everything during the fall of Swissair.
Learn about Switzerland with movies
There are many movies about Switzerland and life in the alpine nation to provide you with hours of entertainment. You’ll be surprised by just how much you can learn about the Swiss culture and language while thoroughly enjoying yourself at the same time. If you’re looking for more movies filmed in Switzerland, check out our article on blockbusters.
Simone Jacobsová
Simone is originally from South Africa, where she studied Genetics and Zoology. She enjoys reading, hiking and animal training.
PŘIPOJTE SE DO KONVERZACE (0)
We collect Movies about Swiss rating based on ratings and reviews on popular services. To collect Movies about Swiss we analyze rendition, popular services, comments, people reviews, forum comments and make our own rating. If you think there is a movie missing in the selection, you can leave a comment with the name of the movie that should be included in the selection. Let’s make a rating Movies about Swiss together!