20 Best Danish-Language Movies On Netflix In 2024
Combining a pastime you love with language learning is a great way to improve your skills. And, watching films in Danish is a perfect example of how you can do just that.
Not only are films entertaining, but they also provide an immersive experience that can help you to learn Danish more effectively. You’ll pick up new words and phrases, get a feel for the rhythm and intonation of the language, and even gain insight into Danish culture.
Danish movies are abundant, and you’ll find many of them available on your favorite streaming platforms. To help you along, we’ve put together a list of the top 20 Danish-language movies available on Netflix; and we’ve organized them by genre so that you can find something to suit your taste.
Danish dramas on Netflix
Show dancer
“Show dancer” follows the story of Lasse, a former pop star and successful show dancer who has been struggling with drug addiction and incarceration for the past 15 years. After being locked up yet again, Lasse is determined to turn his life around and get clean once and for all.
This documentary follows Lasse as he tries to stay sober, rebuild his relationships, and find a stable place in the world. His journey is filled with ups and downs, as he battles his demons and tries to stay on the right path.
Those who are interested in stories of redemption and hope, as well as those who enjoy watching documentaries, will appreciate this Danish film.
Unge Andersen – Young Andersen
“Unge Andersen” is a Danish, made-for-TV movie that tells the story of Hans Christian Andersen (the famous fairy-tale writer) during his years at boarding school, and his subsequent arrival to Copenhagen as a young man.
In Copenhagen, Andersen struggles to find success and recognition, but his encounter with Mr. Meisling, the school principal, will change his life forever.
If you’re interested in a heart-warming coming-of-age biopic set in 19th century Denmark, then “Unge Andersen” is the perfect film for you.
Se min kjole – Hush little baby
“Se min kjole” is a Danish road trip movie about four girls who are trying to leave their dark pasts behind them.
They steal a car and go on a road trip across Denmark, as they confront the ghosts of their pasts and try to settle old scores. Along the way, they discover that they have more in common than they thought, as they all struggle with drug addiction.
The movie is an honest and realistic portrayal of addiction and abuse, and how these four girls try to find a way out. It is ultimately a story of hope, friendship, and forgiveness.
Barbara
Based on Jørgen-Frantz Jacobsen’s acclaimed novel, “Barbara” is a drama that follows the troubled romance between a priest and a widowed seductress.
Set in the Danish town of Tórshavn, the film follows the events that unfold when Pastor Poul and the widow Barbara meet and fall in love. Although warned about her, Poul falls for Barbara’s charms and the two eventually marry.
However, their relationship is soon tested when Barbara falls in love with another man. This sets off a chain of events that leads to a confrontation between Poul and Barbara’s new lover.
If you like complicated love stories, this might be one to check out.
Skyggen i mit øje – The Shadow in my Eye (aka The Bombardment)
“Skyggen i mit øje” is a Danish movie based on true events that took place during WWII. The movie follows the story of a young boy named Henry who witnesses a British bombing mission. This event traumatizes Henry and he becomes mute and fearful of open spaces.
Hoping that the change of scenery will help him regain his speech, Henry is sent to stay in Copenhagen. However, soon after he arrives, another bombing error occurs and Henry’s school is bombed instead of the nearby Nazi HQ. This event forces Henry to find his voice and help identify survivors.
“Skyggen i mit øje” is a powerful movie that explores the effects of war on innocent people. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in WWII or Danish history.
To Verdener – Worlds apart
Teenager Sara’s world is turned upside down when her parents get divorced following her father’s infidelity. As she begins to explore a romance with an older boy who is not a Jehovah’s Witness like her, Sara starts to question her faith.
With her family and faith community rejecting her new relationship, Sara is forced to make a difficult choice between the life she wants and the one she’s always known.
“To Verdener” is a Danish film that explores the struggles of growing up, faith, and first love. Sara’s journey will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they are worlds apart from those around them.
Lykke-Per – A Fortunate Man
Peter is a gifted engineer from a modest background who goes in search of success and wealth among the elite in Copenhagen.
This 19th-century drama follows Peter “Per” Sidenius as he leaves his home in Western Denmark to study engineering in the capital city. There, he befriends a wealthy Jewish family and begins a relationship with one of the daughters.
Per develops a grand scheme to build a series of canals in his native hometown, but as he navigates his new life, falls in love, and rises through society, his pride threatens to destroy everything he’s worked for.
If you like rags to riches stories, you’ll love “Lykke-Per”.
Danish comedy movies on Netflix
Far til fire: Onkel Sofus vender tilbage – Father of four: The return of uncle Sofus
When Sofus, the long-lost twin brother of Anders, returns to his homeland Denmark, he brings with him a cow and a grumpy demeanor.
The cow is much loved by the four children in the family, but they have a harder time warming up to Uncle Sofus.
The father of four must teach his children how to be polite and hospitable to their new relative, despite his difficult personality. And the family together must show Sofus what it means to be part of a real family.
In this Danish family comedy, audiences will laugh and cry along with the characters as they overcome the challenges of making space for a new relative.
Supervoksen – Triple Dare
In this coming-of-age story, teenagers Claudia, Sofie, and Rebekka decide that the traditional Danish confirmation ceremony is silly, so they create their own rite of passage in order to transition into adulthood.
Their game involves choosing dares to perform, each of which leads them on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. For Claudia, this means learning to respect herself in her romantic relationships. For Sofie, it’s coming to terms with her attraction to women. And for Rebekka, it’s a realization that she’s not as much of an adult as she thought she was.
“Supervoksen” is an engaging and thought-provoking film that will leave you questioning your own assumptions about growing up.
OldBoys
“OldBoys” is a heart-warming story of an unlikely friendship between a middle-aged man who’s stuck in a rut, and a young thief.
Vagn, who has been left behind at a gas station in Sweden by his senior soccer team, meets John, a young robber. The two hit it off immediately and set off on a journey to catch up with Vagn’s teammates.
On the way, they learn a lot about each other and form a bond that changes both of their lives.
This Danish road trip movie is full of humor, drama, and wonderful characters. It’s a feel-good story that will leave you feeling uplifted and hopeful.
Danish family movies on Netflix
Krummerne: Så er det jul igen – The Crumbs: So it’s Christmas again
When 12-year-old Krumme discovers that Santa has lost his magical Christmas book, he takes it upon himself to help the jolly old man get it back in time for Christmas.
The plot sees young Krumme having to contend with two villains who have taken the book containing the recipe for Santa’s special porridge. This porridge is what gives Santa his powers, so without it, he won’t be able to deliver any presents come Christmas Day.
This heart-warming Danish film is based on the popular book series by Thøger Birkeland, and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Karla og Katrine – Karla and Katrine
“Karla og Katrine” is a charming coming-of-age story about two girls who become unlikely friends.
When Karla invites Katrine to spend the holidays with her, she hopes they’ll become best friends. But things don’t quite go as planned. While Karla falls in love for the first time, Katrine feels left out.
An unlikely turn of events forces the two girls to put their differences aside and work together. They team up with Jonas, Karla’s new beau, to bring down a local gang of thieves.
During their adventures, the girls learn a lot about themselves and each other. By the end of the film, they’ve truly become best friends.
Karlas Kabale – Karla’s World
When ten-year-old Karla sets out to make her dream of a united family Christmas come true, she quickly learns that it’s not as easy as it seems. With divorced parents who can’t stand each other and a new stepdad in the mix, Karla has her work cut out for her. But she’s determined to make it happen, even if it means going on a hilarious adventure to make it all come together.
“Karlas Kabale” is a charming and funny film that will resonate with anyone who has ever tried to create the perfect family holiday. With a delightful cast of characters and a touching story, this movie is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Danish crime/thriller/action movies on Netflix
Skytten – The Shooter
“Skytten” is a Danish thriller about a man who takes a female journalist hostage in order to raise awareness about the dangers of oil drilling in the Arctic.
Rasmus, the man in question, is a geophysicist who has just returned from the Arctic and is deeply concerned about the potential ecological consequences of drilling for oil there. He believes that the only way to get the government to listen is through violence and intimidation, and so he takes Julie, a journalist who has been vocal about the issue, hostage.
The movie follows Rasmus and Julie as they try to navigate the fraught political landscape of Denmark, and as Rasmus starts to lose touch with reality. It’s a tense and exciting thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Frygtelig lykkelig – Terribly Happy
When Copenhagen cop Robert is reassigned to the remote town of Skarrild, he finds that it’s anything but peaceful.
The local thug, Jorgen, is in charge and regularly beats his wife, Ingerlise. Robert tries to maintain order and protect the citizens, but his attempts prove futile, and the townspeople laugh at him.
And, as if things weren’t complicated enough, Robert starts to develop feelings for Ingerlise.
“Frygtelig lykkelig” is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you’re looking for a movie that’s both original and edgy, this Danish-language film is a must-watch.
Her i nærheden – A place nearby
When a young woman is murdered in a park near her home, Mrs. Nielsen’s autistic son Brian becomes the prime suspect.
Desperate to clear her son’s name, Mrs. Nielsen weaves a web of lies that only serve to entangle herself and her son further.
“Her i nærheden” is a suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. With complex characters and a twisty plot, this movie is sure to keep you entertained.
Danish romance movies on Netflix
Battle
When her father goes bankrupt, young dancer Amalie’s life of privilege comes crashing down. She finds a new passion for hip-hop dancing after meeting street dancer Mikael, but struggles to keep up the pretense of her old life.
As she gets pulled further into Mikael’s world, Amalie has to decide whether to stay true to herself or keep up the facade of her old life. Can she keep the two worlds separate, and will she ultimately choose one over the other?
“Battle” is a story of finding yourself and following your heart, set against the backdrop of competitive dance. It’s an inspiring and uplifting film that will leave you wanting to get up and dance.
Rosita
Johannes and his father Ulrik live a quiet, normal life in a small fishing town in Denmark. But when Ulrik arranges for the young, beautiful Filipino woman Rosita to come and live with them, things start to change.
Quite unwittingly (and reluctantly) Johannes becomes the translator for the new couple, and as he gets to know Rosita better he starts to develop feelings for her. This forces him to take a good hard look at his life and what he really wants for himself.
The movie is a heartwarming story of love, family, and self-discovery. If you’re looking for a romance movie with a ‘forbidden love’ twist, this one is definitely for you.
Kærestesorger – Aching hearts
“Kærestesorger” is a Danish film that follows a group of adolescents as they navigate their first experiences with love, kissing and sexuality.
The film follows the love story between Jonas and Agnete, two high schoolers who are complete opposites. The relationship is difficult from the start, with misunderstandings, Agnete’s interest in philosophy, and Jonas’s friend Toke getting in the way.
Set in Denmark in the 1960s, Kærestesorger is a coming-of-age story about first love, and whether or not it can overcome all odds.
Toscana
Toscana follows the story of Theo, a Danish chef who travels to Tuscany to sell his father’s business. While there, he meets up with his old, childhood friend Sophia, a local woman whose outlook on life inspires him to rethink his own.
As the two reconnect and get to know each other as adults, they begin to fall for each other, but Sophia is already engaged to another man. Theo must decide whether to return to Denmark or fight for the woman he loves.
Toscana is a beautiful story about finding love in unexpected places.
As you can see, there are plenty of awesome titles to choose from, whether you’re in the mood for an action-packed thriller, a touching romance, or an inspiring coming-of-age story. So go ahead and Netflix and chill with one (or all) of these Danish-language movies!
If you’re looking for some more ways to improve your Danish, check out our collection of Danish poems for children.
