Cover Nadech Kugimiya (as Tower) and Baifern (as Ina) in ‘The Con-Heartist’ on Netflix
Nadech Kugimiya (as Tower) and Baifern (as Ina) in ‘The Con-Heartist’ on Netflix
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Discover five must-watch foreign movies on Netflix that bring global cinema to your screen
Netflix has become a treasure trove of global cinema, offering viewers instant access to a dazzling array of foreign films from across continents. For the culturally curious or the armchair traveller, there’s no better way to explore the emotional landscapes and storytelling traditions of other countries than through cinema. We’ve curated five standout international films available on Netflix that promise to entertain, move and maybe even challenge your cinematic palate.
From heart-rending Indian thrillers to Swedish horror-comedies with a darkly comic twist, these movies offer an evocative taste of cultures far beyond our own. Whether you’re in the mood for love, justice, revenge or satire, here are five foreign films you shouldn’t miss.
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1. Mom (India, 2017)
Above Check out this crime thriller now streaming on Netflix
Genre: Crime Thriller
Language: Hindi
Director: Ravi Udyawar
Runtime: 2 hours and 18 minutes
One of Indian cinema’s most powerful modern thrillers, Mom is a searing tale of justice, vengeance and maternal strength. Featuring a remarkable performance from the late Bollywood icon Sridevi in her final leading role, the film tells the story of a schoolteacher who seeks revenge after her stepdaughter is assaulted and the legal system fails her.
Mom is not your typical Bollywood fare. It moves away from the musical numbers in favour of a gritty, emotionally charged narrative. The film’s strength lies in its taut screenplay and Sridevi’s gripping portrayal of a woman pushed to her moral limits. With striking cinematography and a tense, brooding atmosphere, Mom is a cinematic triumph that stays with you long after the credits roll.
For audiences less familiar with Indian cinema, this is a compelling entry point—showcasing Bollywood’s capacity for serious, socially relevant storytelling on par with any global thriller.
2. Man in Love (Taiwan, 2021)
Above Don't miss this romantic drama now streaming on Netflix
Genre: Romantic Drama
Language: Mandarin
Director: Yin Chen-hao
Runtime: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Man in Love is the kind of romantic drama that quietly steals your heart. This Taiwanese film tells the story of a debt collector who unexpectedly falls in love with a woman struggling to care for her ailing father. What begins as an uneasy arrangement gradually blooms into a tender, albeit bittersweet, romance.
Taiwanese cinema has a reputation for its emotional subtlety and finely drawn characters, and this film is no exception. Lead actor Roy Chiu delivers a performance full of vulnerability and charm, while the emotional tension is underscored by a strong sense of realism. It’s not all fairy tales and perfect endings, but that’s what makes it so resonant.
Beautifully shot and emotionally rich, Man in Love is perfect for those who prefer love stories grounded in real-world complexities rather than perfect fantasies.
3. Make Me Believe (Turkey, 2023)
Above Don't miss this feel-good romantic comedy on Netflix
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Language: Turkish
Director: Murat Saraçoğlu, Evren Karabıyık Günaydın
Runtime: 1 hour and 44 minutes
For something a little lighter, Make Me Believe is a delightful Turkish rom-com that plays with nostalgia, second chances and the irresistible pull of old flames. Childhood friends are reunited by a twist of fate—and perhaps a little meddling—leading to awkward encounters and rekindled feelings.
Turkish cinema has carved out a niche internationally with its addictive blend of heartfelt drama and humour. This film doesn’t reinvent the romantic comedy genre, but it executes it with charm, warmth and plenty of scenic beauty. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and the story delivers exactly what you want from a feel-good romantic tale—surprises, misunderstandings and a satisfying emotional payoff.
It’s light, breezy and perfect for a cosy evening, with just enough cultural flavour to make it feel fresh and intriguing.
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4. The Conference (Sweden, 2023)
Above Stream this blood-chilling slasher film on Netflix now
Genre: Horror-Comedy / Slasher
Language: Swedish
Director: Patrik Eklund
Runtime: 1 hour and 40 minutes
If you’re looking for something truly unexpected, The Conference might just be your dark horse. This Swedish horror-comedy blends workplace satire with slasher-flick thrills, set during a corporate team-building retreat that goes gruesomely off the rails.
Scandinavian cinema is known for its moody thrillers and pitch-black humour, and The Conference leans into both. While it nods to classic horror tropes—a masked killer, isolated setting—it also skewers the absurdities of office culture and corporate groupthink. Think The Office meets Scream, but with a distinctly Nordic sense of irony.
It’s gory, funny and surprisingly sharp—a great pick for those who appreciate genre-bending narratives and satirical humour.
5. The Con-Heartist (Thailand, 2020)
Above Stream this hilarious crime comedy on Netflix
Genre: Comedy-Crime
Language: Thai
Director: Mez Tharatorn
Runtime: 2 hours and 7 minutes
A con artist with a heart of gold? That’s the premise of The Con-Heartist, a Thai crime-comedy that delivers clever twists, rapid-fire humour and unexpected emotional beats. When a professional scammer gets caught trying to trick a bank officer, he enlists her help for an even bigger con. What follows is a fast-paced, witty ride through the world of cons, romance and redemption.
Thai cinema excels at mixing high-energy storytelling with a generous dose of heart, and this film is no exception. It’s vibrant, stylish and full of local flavour, offering viewers a glimpse into the quirky, fast-paced rhythms of modern Thai life. Lead actress Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul (also known as Baifern) brings undeniable charisma to the screen, balancing humour and sincerity effortlessly.
If you're in the mood for something slick, entertaining and smart, The Con-Heartist is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your watchlist.
These five films are more than just Netflix options—they’re windows into the lives, cultures, and creative imaginations of storytellers from around the world. In an age of global streaming, it’s never been easier to access the richness of foreign cinema from the comfort of your own living room.
Next time you’re scrolling through Netflix, skip the usual suggestions and dive into one of these international gems—you might just find a new favourite and see the world from a fresh perspective.
Note: Film availability may vary by region. Last verified May 2025 in Netflix Philippines.
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About
Jessica grew up writing letters for everyone, on every occasion. Little did she know that her hobby would eventually turn into a true passion. She believes that content should be relatable yet factual, engaging yet straightforward.
Work
A journalism graduate, Jessica never stops learning and honing her craft. She began her career as a Global Content Editor for a travel company, inspiring readers and travellers to explore the world. Currently, she writes on topics ranging from entertainment, health, sports and travel to in-depth stories about influential and impactful personalities.
For any leads, you may reach her through jessica.zapata@tatlerasia.com via email.
