One of the most effective ways to learn a new language is to immerse yourself in it. This means listening to Dutch music, watching Dutch movies and TV shows, and speaking with native speakers. By doing this, you will naturally pick up new words and phrases, as well as get a feel for the rhythm and flow of the language. Let’s take a look into which Dutch movies you should watch!
De surprise
Comedy, romance
About: An eccentric multimillionaire signs an agreement to have his life ended. While selecting his coffin he meets a young woman who has signed up for the same arrangement. Trouble ensues when the couple fall in love and wish to get out of the contract.
Level: Beginner and intermediate. The scenes are very expressive and easy to understand. The YouTube link also includes English subtitles.
Where to watch: YouTube (FREE)
Oorlogswinter (Winter in wartime) – 2008
Drama, thriller, WW2
About: The movie tells the story of a teenage boy who becomes a part of the Dutch Resistance after helping a wounded RAF soldier. Oorlogswinter is an fascinating tale of a poor little boy learning the ugly realities of life and war. This movie perfectly combines melodrama and thriller elements, which is why it has won several awards at various film festivals.
Level: With straightforward dialogues, this is a good movie for beginner learners.
Where to watch: YouTube (buy or rent)
Zwartboek (Black Book) – 2006
Drama, WW2
About: The story is set in the fall of 1944 and receives inspiration from several real events. A young German Jewish woman falls in love with a high-ranking Nazi officer while seeking revenge for her family’s killings. Directed by Hollow Man fame Paul Verhoeven, the movie is among the most successful Dutch cinema films.
Level: The movie has natural dialogues with some crude language, best for an intermediate or advanced level.
Where to watch: YouTube (buy or rent)
De bankier van het verzet
Drama, WW2
About: Witnessing the devastation wreaked by the Nazi occupation of his homeland, Dutch banker Walraven van Hall decides to fight back using his unique skill set: he comes up with a method of surreptitiously financing the Dutch resistance. What starts out as a phoney “Sailor’s Fund” quickly develops into the biggest fraud in the history of Dutch banking. The bigger the operation gets, the higher the stakes and the riskier it becomes.
Based on a true story, this drama sheds light on a relatively unknown aspect of the war. As you would expect, there are dramatic Nazi raids, secret meetings and narrow escapes. But the film also has an understated quality in its fascinating exploration of the underground logistics of resistance: for all its focus on heroics and dramatic deeds, The Resistance Banker serves as a powerful reminder that even resisting evil has a price tag.
Level: Beginner/intermediate
Where to watch: Netflix (no VPN needed)
Misfit
Comedy, romance
About: If you're after something that's lighthearted and fun for the whole family, then Misfit is a great option for your next movie night with the kids.
The film follows Julia, a Dutch teenager who leaves behind her life in America when she returns to the Netherlands with her parents. Suffice it to say, she isn't all that excited about the move, and when she starts at her new Dutch secondary school, Julia is quickly labelled as the misfit by the more popular students. How will she cope in her new environment, and will she ever be able to fit in? Well, you'll have to tune in to find out!
Level: This is also good movie for beginner learners.
Where to watch: Netflix (with a VPN)
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