16 Non-English Language Films That Became Mainstream Hits in the U.S.

For years, foreign films have faced challenges gaining popularity in American theaters, largely because many viewers prefer not to read subtitles. However, some international movies have overcome this obstacle and become huge hits in the U.S. They succeeded by telling stories that everyone could connect with, and using stunning visuals that needed no translation. The films listed below are some of the most impactful foreign-language movies to ever break into American culture.

‘La Cage aux Folles’ (1978)

This charming French comedy tells the story of a gay couple in Saint Tropez who have to act straight when their son introduces them to his very traditional future in-laws. The film was a huge hit with American audiences and held the record as the top-grossing foreign film in the US for many years. It helped open doors for other LGBTQ+ comedies and was the inspiration behind the popular American movie, The Birdcage. Even today, it’s celebrated for its ability to find both humor and genuine emotion in a story about different cultures colliding.

‘Das Boot’ (1981)

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, this intense war film offers a realistic look inside a German U-boat during World War II. It powerfully captures both the monotony and the terrifying dangers faced by submariners. The film was a major success, receiving six Academy Award nominations – a remarkable achievement for a German movie at that time. It’s still considered the most authentic and compelling depiction of life underwater.

‘Cinema Paradiso’ (1988)

A celebrated director fondly remembers discovering the magic of movies as a child in his small Italian village. This classic film is a heartfelt tribute to cinema, beautifully capturing the feelings of nostalgia and the joys of youth. It earned the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and has remained a beloved favorite with American audiences ever since. Many consider its powerful ending to be one of the most emotionally resonant moments ever filmed.

‘Like Water for Chocolate’ (1992)

Like Water for Chocolate is a beautiful Mexican romance that blends fantasy with reality. The story centers on Tita, whose deep feelings are magically infused into the food she prepares, powerfully impacting those who taste it. When it came out, the film became the most successful Spanish-language movie ever released in the U.S., drawing in both fans of independent and mainstream cinema with its captivating visuals and original approach to storytelling.

‘Life Is Beautiful’ (1997)

Roberto Benigni’s moving film, set during World War II, tells the story of a Jewish father who uses his creativity and humor to protect his son while they are imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp. The film deeply resonated with American viewers and won Benigni an Oscar for his performance. It’s still cherished today for its powerful message of finding hope even in the most terrible times.

‘Run Lola Run’ (1998)

This fast-paced German thriller follows a woman with just twenty minutes to gather a large ransom and save her boyfriend from a dangerous gangster. The film cleverly explores three different outcomes, all stemming from small decisions and slight delays. Its energetic style and electronic music resonated with American viewers, particularly younger ones, and had a lasting impact on action movies. It unexpectedly became a popular film, often shown late at night.

‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ (2000)

Ang Lee’s film is a beautiful and exciting blend of martial arts and romance. The story centers on two warriors chasing a thief and a dangerous criminal. It was a huge success in the United States, becoming the highest-earning foreign-language film ever at the time and winning four Oscars. The film’s incredible action sequences, with their unique wire work and choreography, were a first look at the wuxia style for many Western audiences.

‘Amélie’ (2001)

Audrey Tautou stars as a quiet waitress who sets out to brighten the lives of people in her neighborhood in Montmartre, Paris. This delightful French film became popular around the world, gaining a strong fanbase in the United States. Its unique look and music, featuring the accordion, created a warm and inviting mood that both critics and viewers loved. It’s now considered a classic of modern French cinema.

‘City of God’ (2002)

This Brazilian film tells the story of how organized crime took hold in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro. It jumps between different points in time and uses fast-paced editing to follow the lives of two boys who end up taking very different paths. The film was highly praised by critics in the United States, earning four Academy Award nominations, and its realistic portrayal of violence and poverty resonated with viewers around the world.

‘The Passion of the Christ’ (2004)

Mel Gibson’s film portrays the last twelve hours of Jesus’ life. To ensure historical accuracy, all the dialogue is in recreated Aramaic and Latin. Despite being shown without English subtitles, it became one of the top-earning R-rated movies ever, drawing large crowds eager to see its powerful and often debated depiction of the Passion.

‘Kung Fu Hustle’ (2004)

Stephen Chow’s action comedy is a fun tribute to old-school martial arts movies. It’s about a small-time crook who unintentionally sparks a conflict between a powerful gang and a seemingly ordinary apartment building secretly filled with martial arts experts. With its over-the-top visuals and silly humor, the film became popular with audiences in both Asia and the West, achieving cult classic status and doing well in American cinemas.

‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006)

Guillermo del Toro’s film is a haunting fantasy story set during the Spanish Civil War. A young girl flees her cruel stepfather and finds herself completing challenges for a magical creature, a faun, within a mysterious, overgrown labyrinth. The movie successfully combines historical events with frightening and imaginative fantasy, appealing to a wide audience. It received three Oscars and established del Toro’s reputation as a truly innovative director.

‘Apocalypto’ (2006)

Mel Gibson’s film is a thrilling action movie set as the Maya civilization was falling apart. What makes it unique is that all the characters speak the Yucatec Maya language, and the film features a cast of indigenous actors. Audiences loved the fast-paced chases and the way the movie brought history to life. Despite being subtitled, its intense action and quick pace made it a hit in theaters.

‘Instructions Not Included’ (2013)

Eugenio Derbez’s comedy-drama tells the story of a carefree bachelor unexpectedly becoming a father. The film was a huge success in the US, becoming the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever at the box office. Viewers loved the touching story of a father and daughter forming a close relationship, and it demonstrated how much potential there is for films targeting the Hispanic audience in American theaters.

‘RRR’ (2022)

This epic Telugu-language film from India tells the story of two heroes who leave home to fight for their nation in the 1920s. Known for its exciting action and vibrant musical numbers, the movie became a huge cultural hit in the United States, gaining popularity through enthusiastic word-of-mouth. It’s especially famous for the award-winning song, “Naatu Naatu,” which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

‘Godzilla Minus One’ (2023)

After the war, Japan is threatened by the return of a famous giant monster, causing widespread destruction. This movie marks a return to the franchise’s more dramatic and serious origins, focusing on both the human stories and the spectacular monster action. Viewers in the United States were impressed by the visual effects and the characters’ emotional journeys. Despite being a foreign film with a limited budget, it performed exceptionally well at the box office.

Tell us which of these international hits is your favorite in the comments.

2025-11-26 07:16