784 Turkish Films to Watch

Dot

2009 • 70 min

A man is deeply troubled by a crime he committed and desperately seeks to escape the consequences of his actions.

6.2

6.5

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Dayı: Bir Adamın Hikâyesi 2

2025 • 108 min

A cold and calculating gangster delivers his own brand of justice, guided by a strict personal moral code.

7.0

5.7

Chasing the Wind

2025 • 96 min

A driven city employee and a relaxed surfer, both set to inherit the family business, discover unexpected common ground as they work together in the company's leadership.

6.1

5.9

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A Long Story

2012 • 137 min

Drama, Romance

The story unfolds entirely within the confines of a train station.

6.9

7.5

Windfall

1980 • 79 min

Comedy

This tragicomic film highlights the remarkable talent of Kemal Sunal, a celebrated actor known for his blend of serious and comedic roles in Turkish cinema. The movie is set in Turkey during the 1970s and 1980s, offering both entertainment and…

6.5

6.8

Mr. Chief

1990 • 80 min

A stern judge delivers a fatal error, condemning an innocent man. Haunted by his mistake, he re-evaluates his understanding of justice and undergoes a profound transformation.

7.9

7.6

Çanakkale 1915

2012

The film recounts the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I, which took place in 1915 on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. It follows the Turkish people's resurgence after the Balkan War, focusing on Sergeant Mehmet Ali from Biga, Corporal Seyit,…

6.2

Geranium

2020 • 82 min

On the verge of her final exams, 19-year-old Defne returns to her hometown when her father suffers a stroke. His recovery offers them both an opportunity to mend their strained relationship in a picturesque Mediterranean setting.

5.4

6.4

Elegy

1972 • 76 min

In the remote, unforgiving mountains, Coban and his four companions are smugglers. They are ruthless men, shaped by the harsh landscape they inhabit, where greed, danger, betrayal, and violence are commonplace in their daily lives.

5.9

6.9

Friend

1974 • 99 min

Ahmed left his peasant village behind to build a successful life as a businessman among the wealthy. His childhood friend, Azem, chose a different path, staying connected to his humble origins and dedicating himself to helping the country's rural communities.…

7.0

40

2009 • 89 min

A bag of money appears unexpectedly. Is it good fortune? A response to hope? Or part of a larger plan? "40," set in the bustling streets of Istanbul, follows three strangers navigating the city's vibrant chaos, each seeking the same…

5.5

6.5

3 Apples Fell from the Sky

2008 • 119 min

Following the death of his wife, Recep, a retired soldier, finds himself isolated, living a predictable daily life. He clashes with his upstairs neighbor, Nilgün, a sex worker, and attempts to evict her from their apartment as the building manager.…

8.6

6.4

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You Me Lenin

2021 • 86 min

A wooden statue of Lenin washes ashore in a small Black Sea town, and the local government installs it in the town square to boost tourism. When a grand opening ceremony with the Prime Minister and a Russian delegation is…

6.1

6.5

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Polizei

1988 • 88 min

This film explores the lives of Turkish people living in Germany. It examines their daily experiences and the way they navigate life in a new country.

6.5

Anatolian Eagles

2011 • 120 min

Onur, Ayşe, Mustafa, Tunç and Fatih are young aviators dreaming of dominating the skies. Their aspirations are high, but the numerous challenges they face on their path to achieving them – family, longing for loved ones, friendships, sacrifices made for…

6.3

6.2

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Zübük

1980 • 88 min

Comedy

This drama tells the story of Zübük, a shrewd politician ousted from his party after corruption allegations surface. Journalist Yaşar sees a chance to expose Zübük's actions with a powerful news story as public attention grows. As Yaşar investigates, he…

8.5

Zehir Hafiye

1989 • 92 min

A young man with a passion for crime novels crosses paths with the daughter of a powerful mafia boss.

5.6

6.3

Vay Arkadaş

2010 • 100 min

In the slums of Istanbul, three friends – Manik, Tik, and Dildo – find excitement in their own lives, even as others leave the neighborhood. Their days are filled with lively adventures, brimming with life and laughter.

6.6

6.3

Peace with Life

2024

This is the story of Barış Telli. A childhood accident left him with significant challenges, but through immense effort and perseverance, he became a member of Turkey's National Amputee Football Team. His journey has made him an incredibly inspiring figure…

6.3

The Herd

1979 • 117 min

Drama

A family in a remote village is forced to sell their beloved sheep in Ankara to ensure their future, embarking on a challenging train journey filled with both hope and anxiety. The long trip tests their strength as they encounter…

7.5

8.1

Fractured

2020 • 82 min

Fatih Ayhan, a migrant worker in the UK, is burdened with significant debt to support his family in Turkey. This debt becomes a point of contention when Ayhan visits them, even after the Ottoman conquest of Turkey. His family, already…

6.7

7.1

Toss-Up

2004 • 102 min

Drama

Two soldiers come home from serving in southeastern Turkey, both with disabilities.

6.9

7.6

Mold

2013 • 94 min

Basri, a 55-year-old railroad watchman, walks miles daily along the tracks, consumed by a single thought: finding his son. Eighteen years ago, his son was arrested by the police in Istanbul for protesting the government while studying at university, and…

6.5

6.4

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A Strange Collector

1991 • 94 min

Beşir is a cemetery keeper with a peculiar habit: he collects things from the deceased. Each person buried in the cemetery becomes a part of his collection.

8.0

7.3

Not What You Think

2025 • 105 min

Drama

Following their father's sudden death, siblings Tahsin, Yasin, and Remziye reunite in Tokat. As they navigate shared memories and new experiences, they realize their different life paths stem from contrasting perspectives. Their time together reveals the complexities of their sibling…

—

6.5

Lemonade

2015 • 110 min

Drama, Comedy

This is a lively road trip story about two brothers from different cultures who are unaware of each other's existence. As they connect, their similarities, differences, and conflicts become apparent.

6.8

7.3

Two Types of People

2021 • 97 min

Duygu and Bahadır are employees of a firm that collects debts from banks. Their job involves using psychological tactics to pressure debtors into paying as much as possible. Ceren, a young woman struggling with debt, becomes their latest target.

6.6

6.9

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Red Snow

2020 • 97 min

After serving nine years for a crime he didn't commit, Yusuf returns to find his wife has left. He begins searching for her and their child in a snowy town, while also trying to understand what happened to him during…

4.5

6.5

Revenge of the Snakes

1962 • 108 min

The film centers on Irazca, an elderly woman living in poverty who challenges the village's established order. She lives with her son Kara Bayram, daughter-in-law Hatice, and three grandchildren. The village headman repeatedly sells communal land to Haceli. Irazca’s family…

7.6

7.7

The Guilty Are Among Us

1964 • 102 min

A priceless necklace vanishes from the Istanbul mansion of a wealthy family. Believing the culprit is someone within their household, the family begins to view their staff through a lens of class bias and prejudice. Meanwhile, the actual thieves discover…

7.4

7.3

I Feel in Love

1985 • 97 min

Şakir is immediately drawn to Sibel, a captivating woman he encounters in the parking lot of his workplace. He becomes determined to win her affection, but is married. Undeterred, Şakir resolves to pursue Sibel, employing various strategies to achieve his…

5.9

6.9

Eyyvah Eyvah 2

2011 • 109 min

Comedy

A clarinetist from a Turkish village in Thrace journeys to see his fiancée, a nurse working in a village near Çanakkale. He hopes to present her with a ring and rekindle their romance.

5.9

6.6

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Acı Hayat

1962 • 96 min

Mehmet, a welder, and Nermin, a manicurist at an upscale salon, find love. Their simple romance is threatened when Nermin becomes the obsessive target of a wealthy, entitled man.

6.2

6.8

Naked Citizen

1985 • 82 min

Comedy, Drama

This drama follows a father struggling with mounting financial problems while trying to support his family. At his lowest point, he is discovered naked on the streets. Instead of scorn, he unexpectedly gains national attention through his raw vulnerability. He…

7.3

7.5

Kafes

2015 • 117 min

7.3

7.0

The Handsome

1987 • 86 min

Selim, a paperboy who delivers the morning news in his truck, acquires a walkie-talkie hoping to connect with a friend. He adopts the moniker "The Handsome." He eventually meets a girl, and they begin a relationship. However, their path to…

5.4

6.1

The Poor

1975 • 72 min

This semi-melodramatic story follows three impoverished friends who bond while serving time in prison for various crimes. Upon release, they find themselves reluctant to re-enter society and uncertain of their future. What will Abuzer, Haci, and Arap do now that…

6.0

7.0

Ara

2008 • 89 min

Ara explores the lives of four people inhabiting an empty house. They grapple with their past and troubled relationships, caught between Istanbul and the homes they've lost, their hidden truths and the lies they tell, and the divide between East…

5.8

6.5

The Hopeless Ones

1971 • 87 min

Firat and Çigdem develop a romantic relationship.

6.9

6.8

Bir Nefes Yeter

2017

This is a love story for fans of romantic movies. It follows Yaman, a man who has lost all hope, and Nefes, a woman struggling to keep going. Their paths cross, and a deep love blossoms between them, as they…

8.0

6.2

Squad

2017 • 95 min

This film portrays the moving journey of soldiers navigating a winter landscape. Men from diverse backgrounds are challenged to adapt to military life. Facing dreams, aspirations, anxieties, and ambitions, they must forge their identities through rigorous service and confront their…

7.3

7.1

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My Travel Buddy

2017 • 115 min • Box office $6M

Comedy

A salesman, recently fired, is on his way to meet his girlfriend's family just before Eid. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn thanks to a quirky travel companion.

5.9

6.0

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Araf/Somewhere in Between

2012 • 124 min

"Araf" follows Zehra and Olgun, whose lives feel adrift in a rapidly changing world defined by disposability. Both yearn for an opportunity to break free from their unfulfilling routines and create a different future.

4.5

6.2

It Was Cold and Raining

1990 • 94 min

Leyla, a celebrated Turkish classical music soloist, is deeply affected by the death of Cemal Bey, a fellow musician from the instrumental ensemble. Visiting Cemal's family, Leyla begins to understand the depth of his feelings for her.

8.7

6.9

Kabuslar Evi: Hayal-i Cihan

2006 • 75 min

Cihan, searching for a peaceful home away from the city, discovers the mansion he wants through Sema Emlak, a respected village real estate agent. After a brief stay, he realizes the mansion is haunted. He confronts and captures the ghost,…

7.3

6.5

Fate

2024 • 90 min

Widowed and longing for companionship, Sultan decides to remarry. Ignoring her son's disapproval and her daughter's concern that it's too soon, she is resolute. To support herself as a single woman, she challenges societal expectations by establishing a boarding house,…

6.2

6.9

Zenne Dancer

2012 • 107 min

German photographer Daniel Bert travels to Istanbul for work and encounters Can, a male dancer at a nightclub, and Ahmet, a man from a traditional family in eastern Turkey.

5.9

7.1

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Üç Günlük Dünya

2024

Muhittin, who controls the alcohol trade in a hidden Istanbul neighborhood, aims to solve his financial problems by brewing his own alcohol. He assembles a team with a resourceful taxi driver named Kısmet and a chemistry student, Furkan, and together…

10.0

4.5

Fork in the Road

2017 • 150 min

He's a driven businessman who built his family's textile empire through relentless ambition. After a serious car accident, he reconsiders his life.

6.2

6.6

The List of Those Who Love Me

2022 • 89 min

Yılmaz is a drug dealer and trusted friend to many prominent filmmakers and actors. As drug operations in Istanbul expand, Yılmaz becomes increasingly paranoid about losing their affection. This paranoia drives him to take greater risks, ultimately leading to his…

6.2

6.7

Journey to the Sun

1999 • 109 min

Mehmet, a recent migrant from Tire, finds work locating water leaks in Istanbul's underground infrastructure. A series of unfortunate misunderstandings leads to him being wrongly identified as Kurdish, imprisoned, and severely beaten. After his release, he is ostracized and permanently…

5.8

6.9

Pamuk Prenses 2

2005 • 24 min

This film offers a dark reimagining of classic children's stories, set against the backdrop of a clandestine operation targeting a drug dealer.

7.8

6.7

Istanbul Trilogy: Meze

2024 • 22 min

After a devastating blow on her wedding day, a woman finds solace in sharing a meal of tasty appetizers with her family and friends.

6.5

6.6

Iron Woman: Neslican

2023

"Iron Woman" Neslican Tay's life story is told by Demir Kadın Neslican, focusing on her fight for survival during cancer treatment. The film details the challenging treatment process following her diagnosis, revealing her experiences and her determination to live.

6.0

6.6

Istanbul Trilogy: Muhabbet

2024 • 22 min

After leaving his hometown, a man reconnects with loved ones through heartfelt conversations shared during celebrations of life – toasts, meals, and joyful moments.

8.4

6.9

I Was, I Am, I Will Be

2019 • 122 min

Kurdish escort Baran wants to move to Europe, while German pilot Marion is dealing with a cancer diagnosis. They meet in Marmaris, Turkey, and agree to a fake marriage. At first, they think they can build a life together, but…

6.1

7.0

Istanbul Trilogy: Music

2024 • 16 min

Struggling with his business, a man is given the opportunity to understand the lasting impact of a seemingly insignificant childhood incident on another person's life.

7.0

7.1

Antidote

2014 • 124 min

In Istanbul's criminal underworld, powerful families and ruthless assassins reign supreme. Kadir Korkut, known as "The Demon," is the most feared of them all. He seeks to retire for a blind German pianist, but this decision ignites a deadly series…

6.0

6.9

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Şaka ile Karışık

1965 • 100 min

Osman's story shifts when a bet is made: one million [currency unspecified] on whether two rivals and a wealthy family can produce a worthy singer.

7.8

7.9

In the Family

2017 • 124 min

Comedy

Neurotic Fikret and tavern singer Solmaz, both coming out of 21-year relationships on the same day, have a comical encounter. When Solmaz's daughter Zeynep plans to marry her boyfriend from Adana, the anxious Fikret is unexpectedly thrust into a pivotal…

6.7

7.6

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Autumn

2008 • 99 min

Drama

Yusuf is released from prison after serving a ten-year sentence while still a student. He returns home to his ailing mother, who is elderly and unwell. He soon encounters Eka, a beautiful Georgian woman working as a sex worker, and…

7.3

7.6

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The Other

2017 • 104 min

A successful man enjoys a happy life with his new lover, Ece. However, his ambitious former lover, Sara, re-enters his life with an irresistible job offer. The man, who moved cities with Ece for his career, is soon devastated by…

6.6

6.0

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The Market: A Tale of Trade

2008 • 93 min

A low-level black market dealer in Turkey aims to break into the cell phone trade. To raise the necessary capital, he makes a deal with a local doctor: he will procure medicine for ailing children.

6.4

6.9

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About Dry Grasses

2023 • 197 min • Budget $3M

Drama

A young art teacher dreams of a transfer to Istanbul after finishing his required service in a rural Anatolian school. But when allegations of inappropriate conduct with a student arise, his plans are ruined, and he spirals into a deep…

7.6

7.7

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Five Cities

2009 • 95 min

Aydın, a newly transferred police officer in Istanbul, finds himself drawn to Mehtap, a young woman working at a candy shop in Beyoğlu. He struggles to get her attention. Meanwhile, Şevket, a former law student now selling toy trains on…

6.6

6.9

Kuma: The Second Wife

2012 • 93 min

Fatma, a 50-year-old housewife with six children living in Vienna, fiercely holds onto her Turkish traditions. The film opens with her 19-year-old daughter Ayse's wedding in Turkey to Fatma’s son Hasan. However, the family's trip to Vienna reveals a deception:…

6.9

6.7

Snow Pirates

2015 • 83 min

In 1981, Kars struggles with the aftermath of a military coup. Months of snow have compounded the difficulties, and coal – essential for heating – is scarce, accessible only to the wealthy and government entities. During a report card holiday,…

6.3

6.6

The Eye of Istanbul

2016 • 61 min

THE EYE OF ISTANBUL follows Ara Guler, the renowned Armenian-Turkish photographer, as his retrospective exhibition in Istanbul prompts memories surrounding his most famous photographs. At 87, Ara is a sharp, witty, and philosophical figure. While celebrated for his black and…

6.0

7.6

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Menekşe Gözler

1969 • 94 min

Erol and Sadi are close friends who work together at a nightclub. Sadi develops feelings for Serap, a dancer at the club. Serap returns his affections, but leaves when she discovers Sadi has a girlfriend.

8.8

7.3

Intersection: Glad to Have You Eren

2022 • 98 min

This is the story of a teenage boy growing up in the Black Sea hills, facing hardship. His life becomes intertwined with that of Ferhat, a heroic soldier, and a mysterious newcomer who arrives unexpectedly.

6.1

7.3

The Swaying Waterlily

2016 • 108 min

Handan and Korhan are a middle-aged couple living comfortably in a desirable Istanbul neighborhood. To combat boredom, Handan starts inventing activities. Inspired by her friend Sermin, she begins writing. Initially a harmless pursuit, this newfound passion gradually fuels jealousy and…

5.9

6.6

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Güzel Adam Süreyya

2018

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7.9

Arif V 216

2018 • 125 min • Budget $1M • Box office $3M

Adventure, Comedy, Science Fiction

After eight years, Arif’s friend 216 from the planet GORA visits Earth. Together, they embark on a journey to experience the 1960s.

6.2

6.9

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Black Dogs Barking

2010 • 88 min

In the outskirts of Istanbul, restless young friends Selim and Çaça struggle to make ends meet. By day, they raise pigeons on the rooftop; by night, they cruise the streets with their friends in their customized car, "My Orange Angel."…

4.9

6.4

Burning Days

2022 • 131 min

Drama, Thriller

As the mayoral election nears, a newly appointed state prosecutor in a struggling town dealing with a water shortage finds himself increasingly troubled after a young local woman is raped.

6.8

7.4

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Remember us

2018 • 116 min

Kaan has achieved a successful career but struggles to advance further. Focused on his family – his wife, children, and work – he's unintentionally neglected his father. His life takes an unexpected turn when he's suddenly responsible for his father's…

7.9

7.3

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Yangın Var

2011

5.9

6.3

Milk

2009 • 102 min

Drama

Yusuf, a recent high school graduate, fails the university entrance exam. He finds solace in writing poetry, with some pieces appearing in small literary journals. However, his passion and the dwindling income from their milk business offer little comfort to…

6.0

6.6

Anxiety

1974 • 76 min

Cevher and his family face daily hardships as seasonal laborers in the cotton fields of Southern Turkey. Cevher relies on their earnings to pay blood money for a crime committed by a relative. On the fields, they also struggle against…

4.0

6.8

10 Days of a Good Man

2023 • 124 min

Crime, Drama

A lawyer working as a private investigator accepts a missing person case, which unexpectedly sets him on a transformative journey.

6.5

17+

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Crimean

2014

This film depicts the heartbreaking ordeal of Crimean Turks who were captured as prisoners of war by the Germans during World War II. It portrays their suffering and the profound human cost of their captivity in German prison camps.

6.3

7.2

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Elephant Steps

2024

Yaya, a cocoa farmer who has never tasted chocolate, dreams of becoming a hero like Drogba. He seeks to escape the dangerous cocoa mafia, finding refuge in Istanbul with the hope of eventually returning to his home in the Ivory…

—

6.9

The Unforgettable Director of Love Movies

1990 • 110 min

Comedy, Drama

Hasmet, a celebrated director of romantic films, takes on a new challenge: a project with a strong social message, exploring modern societal issues. He faces difficulties securing funding for this unconventional film, navigating the competitive and often profit-driven film industry.…

7.1

7.6

Eflatun

2023 • 103 min

Eflatun, blind since childhood, has found direction in her father's shadow and sound plays. She takes over his clock repair business and awaits a man she has fallen in love with, knowing him only by his voice. One day, a…

8.0

6.5

Tell Me About Your Darkness

2022 • 84 min

Following his death from a heart attack, Veli Tanyeli is prepared for burial in the ghusl room, revealing long-simmering family tensions. Nermin, trapped in a loveless marriage for years, uses this space to confront the past after Veli's passing. Her…

6.0

6.3

Davacı

1986 • 79 min

Comedy

A lighthearted comedy unfolds in a peaceful village when a group of mischievous sheep eat some cabbages, sparking a seven-year legal battle for the townsfolk. The film follows their amusing journey through bureaucracy and courtroom antics, highlighting themes of stubbornness…

7.0

7.1

Brother in Love

2019 • 109 min • Box office $1M

Comedy, Family

A robbery leaves a man broke just before his wedding. He considers becoming a son-in-law to another family as a way to solve his financial problems.

6.9

7.0

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Bitirimler Sosyetede

1973

Two brothers, marked by distinct qualities, were separated at birth. They reconnect as each pursues entry into high society, driven by their individual ambitions.

6.2

Can

2012 • 106 min

Ayşe and Cemal's world feels incomplete without a child. Unable to conceive naturally, they make a desperate decision to illegally obtain a baby. This pursuit of a perfect life unravels their relationship, pushing them toward separate paths. The couple’s growing…

7.0

6.6

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Köroğlu

1968 • 90 min

This epic follows the life and heroic actions of Koroghlu, meaning "son of the blind man." He becomes a legendary figure, a champion of the people who fought against oppressive rulers to protect his clan and tribe.

6.9

7.0

Three Friends

1958 • 88 min

Three men share a dilapidated building, struggling to survive together. One night, they encounter a blind girl and offer her shelter, claiming to be wealthy. They discover that a sum of 800 lira can restore her sight. Driven by love,…

6.2

7.0

Emine, The Leaning One

1975 • 90 min

Ömer Kavur's debut film, Yatik Emine (Emine, The Leaning One), is set during World War I and tells the story of a prostitute who is exiled to a small town.

6.2

7.2

Kara Çarşaflı Gelin

1975 • 87 min

Süreyya Duru's 1975 film, "The Bride with the Black Veil," again examines social issues, highlighting the hardships faced by the peasantry and the dynamics of feudal relationships.

5.5

6.9

Fate

2001 • 119 min

Drama

Musa, a customs clerk, lives a quiet life with his mother. Unexpected tragedy and change disrupt their world, forcing Musa to examine his perspective on the inherent absurdity of life.

7.2

7.5

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Gecenin Nakaratı

2024

Bora is a street musician in Istanbul, playing every night to make ends meet. One evening, he meets Ilgaz as he walks home. Ilgaz is going through a divorce from her husband Teoman, who is older than her and involved…

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7.1

Bayrampaşa: Ben Fazla Kalmayacağım

2008 • 106 min

A man is wrongly arrested and spends years in prison, unable to prove his innocence or explain the injustice he faces.

6.0

The Last Schnitzel

2017 • 22 min

The world is ending, but the president of The Grand Turkish Republic is determined to get his hands on a chicken schnitzel first. A cheerfully absurd science fiction satire with pointed political commentary.

6.9

6.7

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Tarkan and the Blood of the Vikings

1971 • 86 min

Adventure, Fantasy, History

An adventurous story follows a peculiar Viking clan who worships an otherworldly octopus god. Their leader, a flamboyant villain with a mustache, plans dark rituals to stay in power. His current plan is to kidnap a beautiful young woman for…

5.4

6.4

Pir Sultan Abdal

1973 • 91 min

The film chronicles the life of Pir Sultan Abdal, a celebrated folk poet in Turkey. He faced criticism from Ottoman governors, notably Hizir Pasha, and was subsequently executed by the latter.

1.0

7.1

100

Destiny

2019 • 106 min

The film explores how the connection between Umut and Deniz alters the course of their lives, questioning the impact of individual choices on destiny. A seemingly small decision – Umut taking his dog for an evening walk – brings them…

5.5

6.1

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