15 Best Movies to Watch In Persian

Iranian star director Asghar Farhadi’s delicate drama deals with the complexity of human morals and serves as a perfect introduction to the rich film culture of Iran.

Another fascinating look at family dynamics in Iran from the director of A Separation .

A charming Swedish rendition of the quintessential grumpy-old-man-turns-into-loveable-neighbor tear-jerker trope .

A child tries to do right by his friend in this moving portrait of life in rural Iran.

Singular, moving, and surprising—a must-see documentary that reflects on craft, memoir, and the quiet roles we play in our own lives and beyond.

The unknown story of "Iran's Picasso" rescued moments away from his death.

Horror movies have always been creepier to me when they play on our fear of the “unknown” rather than gore. Under The Shadow does exactly that. The story is based around the relationship of a woman, Shideh, and her daughter, Dorsa, under the backdrop of the Iran-Iraq war. As widespread bombings shake the ground beneath their feet, the two grapple with a more insidious evil that is faceless and traceless, coming and going only with the wind. The movie’s dread-effect plays strongly on feelings of isolation and helplessness. The scares are slow and it’s obvious the director takes great care in making every single second count and in raising the unpredictableness of the action. Like the bombs, the audience never knows when or how the next apparition will materialize. The former is always on the edge of fear, wondering what is no doubt there, but is yet to be shown on the frame. In terms of significance, Under The Shadow features too many symbolisms to count and will most likely resonate with each person differently. But one thing remains relatively unarguable: this is a wonderful movie.

Born in Iran's worst prison, a filmmaker's quest for truth.

Cellphone-filmed story of two filmmakers and their daughters who become refugees.

A thought-provoking animation on the repressive social norms in Iran.