Movies like Paul Jannowski (2025)
The best movies like Paul Jannowski (2025) are Mephisto (1981), Night Crossing (1982) and 13 Minutes (2015). If Paul Jannowski hooked you, these 20 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe Lives of Others (2006)8.0/10 from 4,357 votes
- NewestJay Kelly (2025)Released 2025
- In GermanMephisto (1981)Also in German
Mephisto (1981)
A German stage actor finds unexpected success and mixed blessings in the popularity of his performance in a Faustian play as the Nazis take power in pre-WWII Germany. As his associates and friends flee or are ground under by the Nazi terror, the popularity of his character supercedes his own existence until he finds that his best performance is keeping up appearances for his Nazi patrons.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNight Crossing (1982)
Two men want to escape from East Germany (under Communist rule) but they will only go if they can take their families with them. Based on a true story.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like this13 Minutes (2015)
The breathtaking story of a man who nearly would have changed the world. In 1939, when Hitler tricked millions of people at the height of his power, radical Georg Elser — disparaged as an assassin — is one of the greatest resistance fighters.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Monuments Men (2014)
Based on the true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history, The Monuments Men is an action drama focusing on seven over-the-hill, out-of-shape museum directors, artists, architects, curators, and art historians who went to the front lines of WWII to rescue the world’s artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and return them to their rightful owners. With the art hidden behind enemy lines, how could these guys hope to succeed?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDownfall (2004)
In April of 1945, Germany stands at the brink of defeat with the Russian Army closing in from the east and the Allied Expeditionary Force attacking from the west. In Berlin, capital of the Third Reich, Adolf Hitler proclaims that Germany will still achieve victory and orders his generals and advisers to fight to the last man. When the end finally does come, and Hitler lies dead by his own hand, what is left of his military must find a way to end the killing that is the Battle of Berlin, and lay down their arms in surrender.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Lives of Others (2006)
In 1984 East Berlin, dedicated Stasi officer Gerd Wiesler begins spying on a famous playwright and his actress-lover Christa-Maria. Wiesler becomes unexpectedly sympathetic to the couple, and faces conflicting loyalties when his superior takes a liking to Christa-Maria.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe People vs. Fritz Bauer (2015)
It is the late 1950s. Flourishing under the economic miracle, Germany grows increasingly apathetic about confronting the horrors of its recent past. Nevertheless, Fritz Bauer doggedly devotes his energies to bringing the Third Reich to justice. One day Bauer receives a letter from Argentina, written by a man who is certain that his daughter is dating the son of Adolph Eichmann. Excited by the promising lead, and mistrustful of a corrupt judiciary system where Nazis still lurk, Bauer journeys to Jerusalem to seek alliance with Mossad, the Israeli secret service. To do so is treason — yet committing treason is the only way Bauer can serve his country.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLola (1981)
Germany in the autumn of 1957: Lola, a seductive cabaret singer-prostitute exults in her power as a temptress of men, but she wants out—she wants money, property, and love. Pitting a corrupt building contractor against the new straight-arrow building commissioner, Lola launches an outrageous plan to elevate herself in a world where everything, and everyone, is for sale. Shot in childlike candy colors, Fassbinder’s homage to Josef von Sternberg’s classic The Blue Angel stands as a satiric tribute to capitalism.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisEichmann (2007)
Based upon the final confession of Adolf Eichmann, made before his execution in Israel, of his role in Hitler's plan for the final solution.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJay Kelly (2025)
Famous movie actor Jay Kelly embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting both his past and present, accompanied by his devoted manager, Ron.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStella. A Life. (2024)
Stella, grows up in Berlin during the rule of the Nazi regime. She dreams of a career as a jazz singer, despite all the repressive measures she is forced to go into hiding with her parents in 1944, her life turns into a culpable tragedy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
SnoozefestMovies like thisPuppet Master III: Toulon's Revenge (1992)
After hearing that mystical toymaker Andre Toulon has managed to create a troupe of sentient, living puppets, Nazi underling Dr. Hess sets his sights on exploiting Toulon's powers for the glory of the Reich.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFriendship! (2010)
A young man from East Germany travels to San Francisco to search for his father, who fled 12 years ago. Together with his best friend, he starts the journey from New York with no money and the only word they ever learned in english-lessons: "friendship".
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOpen the Wall (2014)
A lighthearted look at the opening of the border crossing of Bornholmer Straße in Berlin from the point of view of the confused border guards.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Tin Drum (1979)
In 1924, Oskar Matzerath is born in the Free City of Danzig. At age three, he falls down a flight of stairs and stops growing. In 1939, World War II breaks out.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe One That Got Away (1957)
Based on the true story of Oberleutnant Franz von Werra, the only German prisoner of war captured in Britain to escape back to Germany during the Second World War.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSchizopolis (1997)
A man works for the unpleasant guru of a Scientology-like movement.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisVon Ryan's Express (1965)
Von Ryan's Express stars Frank Sinatra as a POW colonel who leads a daring escape from WWII Italy by taking over a freight train, but he has to win over the British soldiers he finds himself commanding.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBarry Lyndon (1975)
An Irish rogue uses his cunning and wit to work his way up the social classes of 18th century England, transforming himself from the humble Redmond Barry into the noble Barry Lyndon.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Death of Stalin (2017)
When dictator Joseph Stalin dies, his parasitic cronies square off in a frantic power struggle to become the next Soviet leader. As they bumble, brawl and back-stab their way to the top, the question remains — just who is running the government?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like this
Like Paul Jannowski and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Paul Jannowski?
The closest matches to Paul Jannowski are Mephisto (1981), Night Crossing (1982) and 13 Minutes (2015). Below are 17 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Paul Jannowski?
Start with Mephisto (1981), the closest match to Paul Jannowski.
What is the highest-rated movie like Paul Jannowski?
The Lives of Others (2006), rated 8.0/10 by 4,357 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Paul Jannowski?
Jay Kelly (2025) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there German movies like Paul Jannowski?
Yes: Mephisto (1981), 13 Minutes (2015) and Downfall (2004).
How are movies similar to Paul Jannowski chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Paul Jannowski, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.