All 29 Abbas Kiarostami Movies In Order — All The Best (And Worst) Films To Watch Online
Welcome to our roundup of Abbas Kiarostami’s movies! This esteemed Iranian filmmaker has a unique vision and distinct style that sets him apart from others in the industry. If you’re new to his work or a devoted fan looking for more, this article provides an engaging and informative overview of Kiarostami’s incredible filmography, ensuring a captivating cinematic experience.
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1. First Graders (1984)
Delve into the lives of Iranian first graders in this captivating documentary, “First Graders. “ Directed by famed Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami, the film takes a concealed camera approach, following the children’s unscripted interactions throughout their day at school. This raw, unfiltered glimpse into the world of education and childhood is as rewarding as it is insightful, evoking a sense of empathy and understanding. With an IMDb rating of 7.3, “First Graders” has left a lasting impression on audiences since its release in 1995.
2. Where Is the Friend’s House? (1987)
In the heartwarming drama, Where Is the Friend’s House? (1987), eight-year-old Ahmed unknowingly takes his friend Mohammad’s notebook, causing chaos at their school. Afraid that Mohammad will be expelled, Ahmed embarks on a mission to find and return the cherished item.
3. The Key (1987)
“The Key, “ an Iranian film released in 1993, stands as a quiet but compelling drama. The tale revolves around a young boy, locked inside his apartment while his mother is away, forced to navigate the challenges of family life, including caring for a baby brother, with the help of his grandmother and a neighbor. As the boy deals with various domestic disasters, the narrative unfolds alongside efforts by his loved ones to find his mother or the lost key to the apartment.
4. Through the Olive Trees (1994)
“Through the Olive Trees” is a captivating drama film directed by acclaimed filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami, released in 1995. Set in a rural area, the movie revolves around the burgeoning off-screen relationship between the actors who portray a newlywed couple in Kiarostami’s previous work, “And Life Goes On. “ Beautifully filmed in the picturesque olive groves, this charming film showcases the complexities and joys of love, life, and art. With a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes, “Through the Olive Trees” won 5 awards and was nominated for 6 more, with a well-deserved IMDb rating of 7.7.
5. Lumière and Company (1995)
“Lumière and Company, “ also known as “Lumière et compagnie, “ is a groundbreaking and captivating 1995 film that showcases the talents of 40 international directors. These visionary filmmakers were tasked with creating a short film using the original Cinematographe, an invention of the Lumière brothers. The result is a visually stunning compilation of stories told through the lens of cinema’s most celebrated auteurs.
6. The White Balloon (1995)
“The White Balloon, “ a poignant drama from Iran, explores the journey of a little girl named Razieh and her quest to return the money her mother gave her to buy a goldfish. As the story unfolds on New Year’s Day, a series of unexpected encounters and interactions shape Razieh’s experience, leading to an adventure filled with heartache and hope.
7. Safar (1995)
Safar, directed by Alireza Raisian, takes an in-depth look at the psychological devastation inflicted by war on an ordinary middle-class Iranian family. The narrative unfolds after a harrowing night air raid in Teheran, leaving the family in shambles and desperate to escape. Kiarostami’s script, coupled with Raisian’s direction, delves into the intricacies of family relationships amidst the chaos of war.
8. Taste of Cherry (1997)
“Taste of Cherry” is a captivating drama movie directed by Abbas Kiarostami, which premiered in 1997 and was followed by three wins and five nominations in various film awards. The film centers around an Iranian man’s determination to find someone who will bury him quietly under a cherry tree following his plan to end his life by suicide.
9. The Wind Will Carry Us (1999)
In “The Wind Will Carry Us, “ a city engineer named Behzad travels to a remote rural village in Iran to keep vigil for a dying relative. The film explores Behzad’s attempts to fit in with the local community and showcases the transformative impact it has on his attitudes. “The Wind Will Carry Us” is a poignant drama that delves into the richness of Kurdish culture and the complexities of grief.
10. Friendly Persuasion: Iranian Cinema After the 1979 Revolution (2000)
“Conversations on Conviction: The Evolution of Iranian Cinema Post-1979 Revolution” is an enlightening documentary that delves into the metamorphosis of Iran’s film industry following the 1979 Revolution. Directed by Jamsheed Akrami, this riveting film unravels the trials and triumphs faced by Iranian filmmakers during this period of profound political and social upheaval.
11. Ten (2002)
“Ten” (2002), directed by the acclaimed Abbas Kiarostami, is a deeply evocative and introspective drama that explores human connections through chance encounters. The film follows a female driver (Mania Akbari) as she engages in ten distinct conversations with her hitchhiking passengers, offering insightful glimpses into their lives and the world around them. This visually striking and emotionally resonant social examination won multiple awards and received appreciation for its exploration of empathy, desire, and human understanding.
12. The Deserted Station (2002)
“The Deserted Station” is a compelling Iranian drama that tells the story of a couple’s unexpected stop at a small village during their pilgrimage to Mashad from Tehran. When their transportation breaks down, the husband, a photographer, and the teacher he encounters set off to find a spare part while the wife takes over teaching lessons in the village.
13. Crimson Gold (2003)
“Crimson Gold” is a gripping Crime, Drama, and Thriller film that delves into the corrupt underbelly of modern Iran with a poignant story of one man’s journey to crime. The tagline of ‘None’ reflects its directness in portraying the dark social realities of the city, where our protagonist, an Iranian pizza delivery man, plays a metaphoric role in exposing the unbalanced world he lives in.
14. Five Dedicated to Ozu (2003)
Five Dedicated to Ozu is a mesmerizing and visually stunning documentary that pays tribute to the legendary Japanese filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu. The film, directed by acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami, consists of five unbroken shots. Each scene captures a breathtaking, mundane moment found in nature, such as a piece of driftwood on the seashore or a herd of dogs on a winter beach. With no dialogue, Five Dedicated to Ozu relies on long takes and careful observation to evoke emotion and inspire reflection.
15. 10 on Ten (2004)
“10 on Ten” (2004) by the legendary Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami presents an introspective examination of his filmmaking approach, drawing from an illustrious professional journey, which encompasses the internationally acclaimed movie “Ten” (2002). This insightful documentary grants viewers a unique chance to peek into the thought process of a renowned storyteller, as Kiarostami delves into his innovative creation patterns, artistic decisions, and the overwhelming impact of cinema on our collective psyche.
16. Tickets (2005)
“Tickets” is an artistic, engaging, heartwarming journey by multiple directors, including Abbas Kiarostami, Ken Loach, and Ermanno Olmi. Set on a train ride from Central Europe to Rome, the film captures the beauty and serendipity of human connections made during the journey. The story revolves around love, chance, and sacrifice as the lives of various passengers are dramatically altered through their casual encounters.
17. Men at Work (2006)
“Men at Work,” an intriguing 2006 Iranian film by Mani Haghighi, is a blend of comedy and drama that presents a captivating political allegory through the lens of a casual weekend excursion. The movie centers around four middle-class citizens — Atila Pesiani, Mahmoud Kalari, and Ahmad Hamed — who embark on a skiing adventure. However, they unknowingly stumble across an enigmatic rock formation that captures their curiosity.
18. Víctor Erice — Abbas Kiarostami: Correspondence (2007)
“Víctor Erice — Abbas Kiarostami: Correspondence” is a mesmerizing documentary that delves into the intricate relationship and multiple influences of two of the most illustrious directors of modern cinema, Víctor Erice and Abbas Kiarostami. This film offers a rare opportunity to explore their creative journey through personal conversations and poetic exchanges, offering audiences an intimate glimpse into the artistic minds of these cinematic legends.
19. Pierre Rissient: Man of Cinema (2007)
Pierre Rissient: Man of Cinema is a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the fascinating life and career of a legend in the film industry. The film follows a veteran film critic as he discovers the rich legacy of Pierre Rissient, a regular figure at Cannes Film Festival.
20. Persian Carpet (2007)
“Persian Carpet” is a compelling documentary that showcases the rich cultural and historical heritage of Iran through its iconic Persian carpets. Produced by Iran’s National Carpet Center and Farabi Cinema Foundation and featuring 15 renowned Iranian directors, this movie is a visual and auditory treat.
21. To Each His Own Cinema (2007)
Experience an unforgettable journey through the minds of 33 directors as they share their unique perspectives on Cinema in the anthology film, To Each His Own Cinema. This mesmerizing collection delves into the essence of Cinema, creating an engaging and thought-provoking experience. With a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes, this enchanting film showcases heartfelt stories, humor, and drama that will leave an indelible mark on viewers.
22. Shirin (2008)
In the captivating film Shirin, visionary director Abbas Kiarostami masterfully brings together 115 of Iran’s most celebrated actresses for an extraordinary performance based on a 12th century Persian poem, Khosrow and Shirin, set in a magical theatrical backdrop. The film begins with the silent enchantment of these esteemed women as they watch the riveting theatrical performance unfold on stage.
23. Certified Copy (2010)
“Certified Copy” is a thought-provoking and beautifully crafted film that follows a middle-aged British writer as he wanders through the charming village of Lucignano in Tuscany, promoting his latest book. He encounters a mysterious French woman whose intriguing questions lead him down a path that unravels a deep and unexpected truth.
24. Meeting Leila (2012)
“Meeting Leila” is a captivating rom-com from Iran that follows the life of a chain smoker on the verge of tying the knot. The catch? His fiancée insists he must quit smoking or else, as this passionate vice forms an integral part of his profession.
25. Like Someone in Love (2012)
“Like Someone in Love” is a captivating drama set in the bustling city of Tokyo, where a young sex worker uncovers an unexpected connection with a widower during a two-day span. This intimate and intriguing exploration of human emotions and desires is a testament to the power of subtlety and the depth of storytelling. As international actors Rin Takanashi, Tadashi Okuno, and Ryô Kase deliver compelling performances, audiences are left to ponder the film’s themes of vulnerability, deception, and the complexities of human relationships.
26. Keep the Flight in Mind (2012)
Experience the riveting journey of a remarkable individual in “Keep the Flight in Mind, “ a powerful documentary and biography film directed, written, and produced by Sam Khoze. Released in 2012, this captivating film follows the life of Behrouz Vossoughi, an extraordinary aviation pioneer. Vossoughi’s inspiring tale is brought to life by the performances of Shohreh Aghdashloo and Googoosh, who add depth and emotion to the story.
27. What Is Cinema? (2013)
“What Makes Cinema?” delves into the heart of cinema through multiple perspectives, moving beyond the typical Hollywood fare. This enthralling documentary features the insights of numerous directors, predominantly focusing on independent, experimental, documentary, and avant-garde films.
28. Venice 70: Future Reloaded (2013)
“Venice 70: Future Reloaded” is a captivating documentary film that delves into the world of cinema and its future. With a running time of two hours, this movie is an anthology of 70 short films from various countries, showcasing the latest trends, themes, and innovations in the industry.
29. Final Exam (2016)
Final Exam, an Iranian drama directed and co-written by Adel Yaraghi, follows Farhad, a respected math teacher who is engaged to the mother of one of his pupils. However, instead of embracing their newfound family dynamic, Farhad’s pupil and his rebellious friend engage in a defiant campaign of recklessness and refusal to study for their upcoming final exam. As tensions rise, the film explores the complex dynamics of responsibility, loyalty, and resilience in the face of youthful rebellion.
