Hollywood

Top 4 Iranian Movies That Were Celebrated by World Cinema

Ansgar
June 23, 2025
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Iranian cinema has become very popular in world cinema over the past few decades. Even though Iran has strict rules on filmmaking, its directors have created powerful and emotional movies that have touched the hearts of people across the globe.

These films often show real-life struggles, family issues, social problems, and deep human emotions. Many Iranian films have won international awards and are respected for their simple yet powerful storytelling. Here are four Iranian movies that were loved and celebrated by world cinema.

A Separation (2011)

A Separation is one of the most famous Iranian movies ever made. It tells the story of a couple going through a divorce and how it affects their child. The movie also shows the struggles between two families from different classes in Iran.

What makes this film special is its deep honesty. It doesn’t try to show who is right or wrong but instead focuses on how every character has their own problems and reasons.

This film was highly praised across the world. It won the Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Foreign Language Film in 2012. It also won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. Many critics called it one of the best films of the decade. The acting, direction, and realistic story made it a global success.

Children of Heaven (1997)

This heartwarming film tells the story of a young boy who loses his sister’s only pair of shoes. The siblings come up with a plan to share one pair of shoes so their parents don’t find out.

The story is simple, but it is told with so much love and care that it connects with audiences of all ages. Children of Heaven was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1998.

It was the first Iranian film to receive such an honor. The movie’s innocence and emotional power touched audiences everywhere. It is still remembered as one of the best family films from Iran.

Taste of Cherry (1997)

This film follows a man who drives around the city looking for someone to help bury him after he takes his own life. The movie is slow, quiet, and thoughtful. It talks about life, death, and the value of living.

It doesn’t give easy answers but instead leaves viewers thinking deeply. Taste of Cherry won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival – one of the most respected awards in world cinema.

Abbas Kiarostami became known as one of the great masters of modern filmmaking. His simple way of telling deep stories made this film a favorite among film lovers around the world.

The Salesman (2016)

Another masterpiece by Asghar Farhadi, The Salesman is a story about a couple who are actors in a theatre play. Their life changes after a shocking event at home, and the husband goes on a search for justice.

The movie explores themes like revenge, pride, and human behavior. Just like A Separation, this film also won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2017.

It was also screened and awarded at the Cannes Film Festival. Critics praised the movie for its acting and emotional depth. It proved again that Iranian cinema could create world-class films.