Streaming recommendations

We have compiled a fantastic selection of German films and series for you to enjoy that are currently available in the media libraries of the public broadcasters and on various streaming services in Germany. And best of all, they can be streamed for free,without registration or geoblocking.

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A selection of films, series, and documentaries

2025, drama, 180 min, OV with German subtitles

Sturm kommt auf

After World War I, political divisions deepen in a Bavarian village, and cobbler Julius Kraus finds himself caught increasingly between the fronts. Starring Josef Hader, Sigi Zimmerschied (directed by Matti Geschonneck).
Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 2.11.2026.

© ZDF/Mathias Bothor © ZDF/Mathias Bothor
2023, short, 20 min, OV with German subtitles

Briefe aus dem Inneren

Short film about youth, repression, and quiet resistance: Drawing on the memories of three teenagers who were arrested in 1961 for an anti-state slogan, Ahmad Mesgarha reads poems by political prisoners from GDR prisons.
Watch on ARD Mediathek until 18.10.2026.

© MDR/Greenhouse Production © MDR/Greenhouse Production
2025, drama, 90 min, OV with German subtitles

Verschollen

While searching for his son, who has gone missing in South America, Klemens Stadler uncovers a web of corruption and crime committed in the name of climate protection. Starring Axel Milberg, Julia Koschitz (directed by Daniel Harrich).
Watch on ARD Mediathek until 10.11.2026.

© SWR/Diwafilm © SWR/Diwafilm
2024, comedy, 89 min, OV with German subtitles

Tiefwassertaucher unterm Dach

The residents of an apartment block in Vienna join forces to support an overwhelmed mother in her custody battle with her ex-husband, helping to keep her small family together. Starring Martina Ebm, Hanno Koffler (directed by Rupert Henning).
Watch on ARD Mediathek until 19.11.2026.

© MDR/ORF/Fabio Eppensteiner © MDR/ORF/Fabio Eppensteiner
2025, documentary, 75 min, OV with German subtitles

Crunch – Traum und Albtraum in der Gaming-Industrie

This documentary provides an in-depth look at the toxic work culture in the gaming industry and shows how high the price can be for a dream job in this field.
Watch on ARD Mediathek until 20.11.2026.

© SWR/Max Kuwertz/Jan Kapitän © SWR/Max Kuwertz/Jan Kapitän
2017, documentary, 89 min, OV with German subtitles

Deutschland bei Nacht - Im Zauber der Dunkelheit

A documentary showcasing Germany at night in stunning images – from Lake Constance to the Wadden Sea, from rural areas to the bustling metropolises of the country.
Watch on ARD Mediathek until 24.11.2026.

© SWR/Ricardo Garzon Mesa © SWR/Ricardo Garzon Mesa