7 multilingual movies: When languages steal the spotlight

Today, we’re diving into the world of multilingual movies—films where multiple languages are spoken throughout the story. But before we start, let’s make one thing clear: we’re not talking about movies with random scenes in another language. True multilingual films rely on different languages as an essential part of the plot. Without them, the story would feel entirely different.

In this list, you’ll find multilingual movies set in various regions, historical periods, and featuring characters from diverse linguistic backgrounds. One thing is for sure—multilingual films should always be watched with subtitles because dubbing often strips them of their authenticity.

So, grab your popcorn and settle into your favorite chair—here’s a top 7 list of the most famous multilingual movies in cinema history!

What are multilingual movies, and how do they differ from “regular” films?

We’ve all seen movies where the main characters travel to other countries or interact with people who speak a different language, right? But those films don’t necessarily qualify as multilingual movies—unless languages themselves play a key role in the story!

In true multilingual movies, dubbing or translating the original dialogue would be an artistic crime. When screenwriters and directors create these films, every language serves a purpose. Removing them just to make the movie more “commercial” would completely ruin its essence.

Let’s look at an example inside multilingual movies

You’ve probably seen countless police movies. And, of course, you’ve watched the classic interrogation scene where the suspect doesn’t speak the same language as the officers. If you watch a dubbed version, you’ll likely notice that voice actors try to differentiate the dialogue by adding an accent. This poor dubbing choice almost always destroys the scene’s original impact.

Some of the most legendary moments in cinema history have lost their essence in other countries simply because of this oversight. Instead, multilingual films preserve every language in its original form, making it an essential part of the script. If they were dubbed, they would lose their entire meaning—so much so that we could almost call it an artistic sacrilege.

In a multilingual movies, a character would always speak in their native language, and their dialogue would be deeply connected to that language. Dubbing it would be impossible without ruining the entire scene.

When is it necessary to use multiple languages in movies?

There’s no set rule for this—mainly because cinema is art, and true art doesn’t always follow strict guidelines. At least, good cinema doesn’t. Whether a multilingual film is produced by a massive Hollywood studio or an independent filmmaker, what truly matters is that languages play a key role in the story.

Although there are no hard-and-fast rules, multilingual films are typically made for a few common reasons, such as:

International storylines

Some films take place across different regions where the local language is crucial to the plot. To maintain a sense of realism, directors often choose to keep the original languages instead of using translations or dubbing. This is especially common in films set in multiple countries where different languages naturally coexist.

Characters who speak different languages

Another frequent reason for making multilingual films is character diversity. If the story includes characters from different backgrounds, their native languages become part of their identity. In many cases, these characters don’t even have to live in different regions—they simply speak different languages within the same setting.

Historical films

When a director aims for historical accuracy, they may choose to make the film in multiple languages. This is common in period dramas, biopics, and movies based on real historical events. In those films preserving the authenticity of the spoken language enhances the storytelling.

Parallel storylines

Many films use parallel storytelling, where multiple narratives unfold simultaneously in different countries or regions. In these cases, the original language of each storyline helps differentiate the settings, allowing the audience to immediately recognize the location without the need for additional exposition.

Sci-Fi and dystopian films

Not all multilingual films use real languages! Some movies feature entirely fictional languages created specifically for the story. This is particularly common in science fiction and dystopian films, where unique languages add depth to world-building and make fictional cultures feel more immersive.

Now that we understand why multilingual movies exist, let’s take a look at some of the most remarkable ones. Of course, this is just a small selection in the vast world of cinema.

The top 7 most impressive multilingual movies

When analyzing multilingual films, we didn’t base our selection on box office success or cinematic prestige. Instead, we focused on the number of languages spoken throughout the film. To narrow it down, we excluded movies with fewer than three languages—otherwise, the list would be endless!

However, at the end, we’ll also mention a few must-watch films. While they aren’t strictly multilingual, they are masterpieces that showcase the power of language in cinema.

Here’s our ranking of multilingual movies (not listed in any particular order, so don’t take it as a competition). Also, since movie titles change across regions, we’ve included the original titles to avoid confusion.

Inglourious Basterds

One of the best multilingual movies ever made. Set during World War II, this movie features over three languages: English, French, German, and Italian. Each character speaks their native language, making it an essential element of the story.

A standout performance comes from Christoph Waltz, an Austrian actor fluent in German, French, English, Spanish, and Italian. His ability to switch seamlessly between languages makes his role even more compelling. Also noteworthy is Mélanie Laurent, who delivers a stunning performance in both French and English.

To truly appreciate this film, watch it in its original version—dubbing would strip away the brilliance of Quentin Tarantino’s masterful use of language, suspense, and silence.

Babel

Directed by the renowned Alejandro González Iñárritu, Babel is an emotionally powerful film based on a story by Guillermo Arriaga, one of the greatest Mexican screenwriters.

The movie begins in Morocco, where desert tribes speak their native Moroccan Arabic, but soon introduces two American tourists—Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett—caught in an unexpected crisis. The story then expands to include Gael García Bernal, whose strong Mexico City accent adds authenticity, as well as a Japanese tourist whose storyline intertwines with the others.

A truly multilingual masterpiece, Babel features Spanish, Arabic, English, and Japanese, but what stands out the most are the accents and cultural nuances. The film’s soundtrack by Gustavo Santaolalla further enhances its emotional depth.

Paris, je t’aime

If you love Paris, you’ll adore Paris, je t’aime, one of the best multilingual films ever made. This cinematic gem was co-directed by legendary filmmakers like Joel and Ethan Coen, Alfonso Cuarón, and Gus Van Sant.

The movie unfolds in 18 different neighborhoods of Paris, telling diverse stories that range from romance to dark and dramatic themes. Since Paris is a city of immigrants, the film features multiple languages, making it an authentic portrayal of its cultural diversity.

A star-studded cast includes Natalie Portman—one of the most famous multilingual actresses—alongside Gérard Depardieu and Elijah Wood. The film features French, Spanish, English, Mandarin Chinese, German, and Arabic, with accents and slang perfectly captured to reflect each character’s background.

This is not just a movie about love—it’s about the different languages of love.

L’Auberge Espagnole (The Spanish Apartment)

If you want to watch one of the most fun multilingual movies, L’Auberge Espagnole is a must. This French film tells the story of a group of young Europeans sharing a student apartment in Barcelona.

A Frenchman, a Belgian, a Spaniard, a Dane, an Italian, and a German all live under the same roof, leading to hilarious and unpredictable situations. With a mix of six languages—English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, and Catalan—this film is both entertaining and linguistically rich.

Les Poupées Russes (Russian Dolls)

Xavier, the protagonist of L’Auberge Espagnole (The Spanish Apartment), reunites with his former roommates several years after their time in Barcelona. Having spent a year in the city as Erasmus students, they are now adults, each following their own path. However, the friendship they built has endured over time.

Xavier, who has a particular fascination with female proportions, gets the opportunity to work alongside a stunning woman. During their trip to St. Petersburg for a Russian wedding, the group embarks on a series of exciting adventures filled with humor, romance, and self-discovery.

This multilingual film features Spanish, Italian, French, English, and Russian, making it an enriching experience for language lovers and fans of international cinema.

Hitlerjunge Salomon

This is one of the most dramatic and thought-provoking multilingual films. Europa Europa or Hitlerjunge Salomon, tells the harrowing story of a young German Jewish boy trying to survive World War II.

After escaping with his family to Poland, he later finds himself in a Soviet orphanage, where he learns Russian and Polish to blend in. When Nazi Germany invades, he pretends to be an Aryan boy and even joins the Hitler Youth, using his language skills to stay alive.

This powerful film showcases a mix of Polish, German, Russian, Hebrew, and Yiddish, making it a must-watch for history and language lovers.

A Night on Earth

Ever wondered who knows a city better than anyone else? A taxi driver.

A Night on Earth follows the lives of taxi drivers in five different cities: Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Rome, and Helsinki. Each story unfolds in its native language, making for an incredibly immersive experience.

The cast includes a young Winona Ryder, along with Roberto Benigni and Armin Mueller-Stahl. The film features English, French, Italian, German, and Finnish, each contributing to the uniqueness of its respective storyline.

Bonus: Two unique language-based films

Before we wrap up, here are two extraordinary films that aren’t multilingual in the traditional sense—but instead, focus on language itself in fascinating ways.

The Tribe (Plemya)

What if you could see a language instead of hearing it?

This Ukrainian film is entirely performed in sign language, with no spoken dialogue or subtitles. Despite this, you’ll understand everything through the actors’ incredible performances. The Tribe is a cinematic masterpiece that explores silence, suffering, and human connection in a profoundly moving way.

Arrival

In Arrival, language becomes humanity’s most powerful tool.

When aliens arrive on Earth, a linguist, played by Amy Adams, must decipher their language to unlock their secrets. Alongside Jeremy Renner, she embarks on a journey that redefines the meaning of communication and time.

This mind-blowing sci-fi film will make you see language in a completely new way.

How to watch multilingual movies in their original languages?

Many people dislike reading subtitles while watching movies. They say it distracts them and takes away from the experience. With multilingual films, however, subtitles are often essential to fully understand what’s happening. If you don’t speak the language, you’ll have no choice but to read the subtitles to follow the story. But as we’ve discussed, this can take away from the movie’s essence. So, is there a solution?

If you’re someone who hates reading subtitles, we have the perfect solution for you: Talkao translation apps and their voice translation features.

With Talkao Translate, you can instantly translate dialogues from over 125 languages in real time—straight to your native language. It’s incredibly simple: just place your phone near the TV’s audio output, and voilà! The app will do all the work, letting you enjoy the movie without missing a single second of the plot.

Plus, you can use the camera translator to instantly translate signs and on-screen text, regardless of the alphabet used. Thanks to cutting-edge AI technology, the app can recognize and translate any text, no matter the background or font style.

So, there’s no excuse not to enjoy the magic of cinema and the incredible experience of multilingual movies. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

Published Fri, 28 March 2025