Poland may not have the same massive tourism reputation as some of its European neighbors, but it is filled with incredible history, beautiful architecture, and little-known landscapes. Many movies that chose Poland as a filming location are dramas that focus on WWII, Nazi Germany, and the aftermath of such a massive war. These movies on this list show some of what Poland has to offer, including the country’s cities, culture, and unique atmosphere.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
Likely no other movie has captured Poland’s history as effectively as Schindler’s List. Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning drama tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German man who saved more than 1,000 Jews during the Holocaust. It is both inspiring and absolutely heartbreaking. The movie was filmed in Kraków, Poland, using many locations tied to the real story, including the historic Jewish district of Kazimierz. It is worth noting that Kazimierz was often standing in for the Kraków Ghetto, which was actually in Podgórze. For obvious reasons, this is a very emotional film. But it details Kraków’s incredible history.
2. The Pianist (2002)
The Pianist is another award-winning World War II drama. The movie follows Władysław Szpilman, a Polish-Jewish pianist who struggles to survive in Warsaw as the city is devastated by the Nazi occupation. Director Roman Polanski, a Polish native, used Warsaw as a major filming location, particularly the Praga district. He managed to show both the beauty and the horrible conditions of the city during its darkest time. The result is a highly emotional film. Viewers can see how much Warsaw changed during the war, as well as the strength of the people who lived through the historic time.
3. Cold War (2018)
This Polish film is a love story set against the backdrop of postwar Europe. It tells the story of a complicated affair between two musicians. Their lives are shaped by the political divisions in Poland after the devastating war. Shot in beautiful black and white, the visually stunning movie features Poland’s landscapes, villages, and cities, all while detailing a personal story. The movie does an excellent job of depicting postwar Poland, showing a country fighting to find a new identity during the Cold War era. This movie is equal parts gorgeous cinematography, history, and romance.
4. Ida (2013)
Unlike the first few movies on our list, Ida takes place after the war, in 1960s Poland. The slow but impactful film tells the story of a young woman preparing to become a nun. Before taking her vows, Ida learns that she’s Jewish and investigates what happened to her family during the war. Like Cold War, it was filmed in black and white. The movie captures Poland’s rural landscapes and small towns in a truly beautiful way. Its slow pace and creative visuals make this emotional movie almost haunting.
5. Katyń (2007)
Katyń is one of the most important Polish films about the country’s history. Directed by well-known filmmaker Andrzej Wajda, it takes a look at one of Poland’s most painful historical events. The movie details the Katyn massacre, in which thousands of Polish military officers and other members of the Polish elite were killed by Soviet forces during World War II. The film focuses on the devastated families and the long-lasting impact of the brutal mass killing. It is a powerful way to learn about this tragic event that many people outside of Poland know little about.
6. Ashes and Diamonds (1958)
Ashes and Diamonds is one of the most important films in Polish movie history. Set during the final days of World War II, the movie follows Maciek, a young resistance fighter ordered to assassinate a communist official. As the war ends and Poland enters a new political era, Maciek questions the violence around him and what his own future might hold. During this time, everything was shrouded in uncertainty and tension after several years of war-torn devastation. It’s a look at a country trying to start over and rebuild. The stylish visuals and historical importance helped make it an impactful movie.
7. The Decalogue (1989)
Technically a ten-part TV series, The Decalogue gives viewers a look at everyday Poland. The ten connected films, directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski, explore morality, relationships, what it means to be human, and difficult choices through stories all set in a Warsaw housing complex. The ten-parter was shot in various parts of Warsaw and gives audiences a look at life in Poland during the communist era. The stories are deeply emotional, showing people’s daily lives as they come to terms with major change.
8. The Lure (2015)
The Lure shows off a much stranger and more creative side of Polish filmmaking. The dark fantasy musical tells the story of two mermaid sisters who become performers at a nightclub in 1980s Warsaw. The movie was filmed in Poland and features the country’s unique architecture and nightlife. This is one bizarre fairy tale, but it is also truly unforgettable. The movie is fascinating, as it takes real Polish locations and turns them into something completely strange.