Streaming tips

Take a deep dive into the media libraries of the public broadcasters and other streaming services with our streaming tips. From drama and comedy to fascinating documentaries, there are plenty of binge-worthy series available for you to enjoy.

Germany in all its diversity

Documentaries and feature films

2010. comedy, 96 min, OV with German subtitles
Die Relativitätstheorie der Liebe

In this comedy, Katja Riemann and Olli Dittrich play five different couples searching for happiness across five intertwined episodes. Directed by Otto Alexander Jahrreiss. Watch in ARD Mediathek until 26.07.2025.

© HR/Degeto/UFA Cinema
2020, documentary, 89 min, OV with German subtitles
Heimat To Go - Vom Glück im Schrebergarten

A documentary worth seeing about the specifically German phenomenon of community gardens: Director Stanislaw Mucha lovingly and humorously portrays the diverse residents within the microcosm of garden colonies. Watch on ARD Mediathek until 28.11.2024.

© NDR/Aspekt Telefilm
2020, documentary, 105 min, OV with German subtitles
80.000 Schnitzel

Two women from different generations in the Upper Palatinate region of Germany are fighting to keep the family farm going. Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 08.03.2025.

© ZDF
DE 2010. drama, 90 minutes, OV with German subtitles
Shahada

In this episodic film by director Burhan Qurbani, three young Muslims meet in Berlin during the fasting month of Ramadan and have different attitudes towards their religion. Available in the ARD Mediathek until 03.03.2025.

© ZDF/Yoshi Heimrath
2023, documentary, 45 min, OV with German subtitles
Unterwegs in der Uckermark

Documentary about the Uckermark and the people who live there. Watch on ADR Mediathek until 20.05.2025.

© rbb/Stefanie Stoye
2022, documentary, 90 min, OV with German subtitles
Wo Brandenburg am schönsten ist

The documentary portrays unique natural paradises in Brandenburg that are worth protecting, revealing an astonishing wilderness to discover. Watch on ARD Mediathek until 30.04.2025.

© HR/rbb/Frauke Bennett
2016, documentary, 43 min, OV, no German subtitles
Deutschlands Schätzchen

From the series Die Glorreichen 10: A documentary presenting a subjective top ten of Germany’s treasures, including the North Sea, Dresden’s Frauenkirche, the Rhine, pets, Lake Constance, Hamburg, the forest and last but not least – home sweet home. Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 13.03.2025.

© ZDF / Gruppe 5
2015, comedy, 86 min, OV with German subtitles
Heimat ist kein Ort

In this road movie, three siblings, Inge, Klaus and Uwe, are sent on an odyssey through Poland to fulfil their father's last wish. Starring Marie Gruber, Jörg Schüttauf, Sönke Möhring, Karolina Lodyga and Piotr Witkowski. Directed by Udo Witte. Watch on ARD Mediathek until 14.04.2025.

@ ARD Degeto / Arvid Uhlig
2023, comedy, 90 min, OV with German subtitles
Merz gegen Merz - Hochzeiten

A comedy about a divorced couple who, after their separation, compete to see which of them will lead a more fulfilling life. Starring Christoph Maria Herbst and Annette Frier, directed by Felix Stienz. Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 22.11.2024.

© ZDF / Martin Valentin Menke
2015, comedy, 90 min, OV with German subtitles
Süßer September

A man and a woman engage in philosophical discussions about the age-old question whether men and women can truly be just friends. A delightful comedy, directed by Florian Froschmayer and starring Caroline Peters and Misel Maticevic. Watch on ARD Mediathek until 16.03.2025.

© WDR/Britta Krehl
2022, documentary, 44 min, OV with German subtitles
Meine Oma, der SS-Mann und ich

What does the Holocaust have to do with me today? This documentary asks this question from the perspective of a 21-year-old Jew and shows how the trauma of the survivors haunts future generations. Directed by Jana Matthes and Andrea Schramm. Watch on WDR Doku@youtube.

© WDR/Schramm Matthes Film
2022, documentary, 13 min, OV with German subtitles
Was verdient ein Bäckermeister?

From the series Lohnt sich das? which looks into how people make a living from their vocations. This episode follows master baker Sebastian for a day. He speaks openly about his income, how he lives on it, and what his job involves. Watch on BR@Youtube.

@ BR/Montage: BR/Julia Müller
2022, documentary, 44 min, OV with German subtitles
Berge, Seen und wilder Wald - Traumziele in Bayern

The documentary shows Bavaria at its most beautiful: the Alps, picturesque lakes and untouched forests. Watch on ARD Mediathek until 30.12.2024.

© HR/Dagmar Hase
2023, documentary, 30 min, OV with German subtitles
Es geht um die Wurst

Andreas Dreymann is a sausage sommelier and employs traditional methods from a century ago, using only the meat of pasture-raised animals. As part of his work, he visits grazing pastures and farms, markets, and also stadiums. Watch on ARD Mediathek until 12.06.2025.

@ NDR
2022, documentary, 43 min, OV with German subtitles
Spießer oder Rebellen? Die Geschichte der Schrebergärten

From the ZDF series Terra X History: In Germany, owning a Schrebergarten (allotment) has been viewed as rather an uncool and stuffy pastime, although that view is changing. This programme looks at the German allotment’s eventful 150-year history, and how these small gardens enrich Germany’s cities. Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 17.06.2027.

© ZDF/Fabian Uhlmann
2015, documentary, 43 min, OV with German subtitles
Deutschland von oben 4: Stadt

A bird’s eye view of Germany: this episode focuses on Germany's big cities and small towns. Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 17.05.2025.

© ZDF / Peter Thompson
2021, documentary, 9 min, OV with German subtitles
Die Geschichte des Döners

The kebab is closely linked to Germany’s history of guest workers and migration and it is also become one of the nation’s favourite fast foods. Watch on funk until 14.07.2026.

© funk
2021, documentary, 45 min, OV with German subtitles
Die Wannseekonferenz - Die Dokumentation

This 45-minute documentary explores the Wannsee Conference, which was held on 20 January 1942, where officials from the Nazi party gathered to plan the ‘final solution’. The documentary looks at the role that the Conference played in the subsequent Holocaust. Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 20.01.2027.

© ZDF / Konrad Waldmann
2023, documentary, 30 min, OV with German subtitles
Willi auf der Suche nach der ewigen Liebe

In this episode of Willi wills wissen, Willi explores the topic of love and asks himself whether there is a love that lasts forever? Watch on ARD Mediathek until 17.12.2025.

© BR/Filmbüro Münchner Freiheit GmbH/Zeno Legner
2012, documentary, 45 min, OV with German subtitles
Frühling in Schwaben

The documentary tells short stories and incidents about the culture, nature and way of life in Bavarian Swabia in spring. Watch on ARD Mediathek until 2099.

© BR/Michael Zehetmair
2023, documentary, 45 min, OV with German subtitles
Verbotene Liebe - Queere Opfer der NS-Diktatur

The documentary presents three narratives that highlight the oppression of homosexuals during the Nazi era, while also portraying their resilience, survival and way of life in the midst of adversity. Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 28.01.2029.

© ZDF/Bianca Büdenbender, Autorenkombinat
2023, documentary, 45 min, OV with German subtitles
Better Than Human? - Leben mit KI

The documentary raises the question whether artificial intelligence can assume the role of a personal caregiver, potentially replacing traditionally interpersonal roles like therapist, priest, or best friend. Watch on ARD Mediathek until 29.12.2028.

© MDR/DRIVE beta/Benjamin Kahlmeyer
2015, comedy, 88 Min, OV with German subtitles
Besuch für Emma

In this heartwarming comedy by Ingo Rasper, a lonely cashier in her early fifties resorts to stealing her customers' wallets, only to invite them over for dinner as the lucky discoverer. However, her scheme is unraveled by a perceptive homeless man. Starring Dagmar Manzel and Henry Hübchen. Watch on ARD Mediathek until 03.01.2025.

© ARD Degeto/Conny Klein
2021, crime, 89 min, OV with German subtitles
An der Saale hellem Strande (Polizeinotruf 110)

Detectives Koitzsch and Lehmann have been investigating the murder of Uwe Baude, who was stabbed to death in front of his house, for months without success. Now they are hoping that the analysis of a geo-fence warrant will lead to new witness statements that will help them advance the case. Starring Peter Kurth, Peter Schneider (directed by Thomas Stuber, written by Clemens Meyer, Thomas Stuber). Watch on ARD Mediathek until 19.04.2025.

© MDR/filmpool fiction/Felix Abraham
2015, drama, 88 min, OV with German subtitles
Das Gewinnerlos

A grieving widower wants to prevent his disenfranchisement. A fake lottery win and his friends from the retirement home help him. A touching tragicomedy by Patrick Winczewski starring Matthias Habich and Angela Winkler. Watch on ARD Mediathek until 10.01.2025.

© ARD Degeto/Conny Klein
2023, documentary, 13 min, OV with German subtitles
Bier, Blech, Bavaria

A scooter tour along the "Franconian Beer Route" - from the smallest brewery in Bavaria to the beer capital of Bamberg. Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 16.05.2025.

© ZDF / Thomas Kerbhol
2021, documentary, 12 min, OV with German subtitles
Die Geschichte der deutschen Dialekte

In this episode of MrWissen2go Geschichte, we delve into the diversity of German dialects and their historical origins, such as Swabian, Franconian, and Frisian. Watch on funk until 31.03.2026.

© funk
2023, documentary, 26 min, OV with German subtitles
Arbeiten in der Pflege: Traum oder Albtraum?

Toni and Louisa give us an insight into their day-to-day work as intensive care nurses and surgical assistants. What do they like about their jobs? Watch on funk until 20.12.2028.

© funk
2017, comedy, 89 min, OV with German subtitles
Zwei Bauern und kein Land

A comedy about an indebted farmer in the remote countryside of Mecklenburg who has just sold his farm when his estranged son unexpectedly returns and announces his intention to become a farmer. Starring Ernst Stötzner, Katharina Thalbach, Christoph Schechinger, and directed by Sibylle Tafel. Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 15.01.2025.

© ARD Degeto/Thorsten Jander
2023, documentary, 172 min, OV with German subtitles
Buchstäblich leben!

The long-term documentary follows eight individuals on their quest to learn reading and writing. Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 16.12.2028.

© ZDF/Jennifer Jakobs
2023, drama, 89 min, OV with German subtitles
Der Fall Marianne Voss

After almost 50 years of seemingly harmonious marriage, Marianne is found dead in the woods and her husband Karsten is suspected of murder. The subsequent trial unveils the truth about their relationship. Starring Jörg Schüttauf, Valerie Koch, directed by Uljana Havemann. Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 22.03.2025.

© ZDF/Stefan Erhard
2020, documentary, 60 min, OV with German subtitles
24 Stunden Dachau

A documentary about the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp by the US Army on April 29, 1945. It also sheds light on how today's residents deal with the difficult legacy of this place. Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 04.04.2025.

© ZDF/Kathrin Beck
2023, crime, 90 min. OV with German subtitles
Der Millionen Raub

An armoured car robbery is staged, but after an argument one of the drivers disappears with the €8 million worth of loot. When he's arrested, police, lawyers and family members pressure him to reveal the whereabouts of the money. Starring Inaam Al Battat, Karim Ben Mansur, Anja Kling, directed by Lars Becker. Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 29.03.2025.

© ZDF/Thomas Leidig
2016, documentary, 58 min, OV with German subtitles
Deutschland von oben - Ein Wintermärchen

A bird’s eye view of Germany in winter: the landscape is transformed into a winter wonderland and the cities are aglow with Christmas lights. Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 24.12.2026.

© ZDF/Goggi Strauß, colourField.
2021, documentary, 14 min, OV with German subtitles
Die Geschichte des deutschen Fußballs

This episode of MrWissen2go Geschichte explores the history of German football from its origins to the present day. Watch on funk until 05.08.2026.

© funk
2024, documentary, 45 min, OV with German subtitles
Beckenbauer - Triumphe, Affären und Skandale

Franz Beckenbauer - a German football legend and World Cup winner as both player and coach. However, allegations of corruption have clouded his legacy. What public view will remain of him? Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 06.09.2025.

© ZDF
2023, documentary, 30 min, OV with German subtitles
Tore für die Umwelt

In the Bundesliga, the call for more sustainability is ever growing louder. This concerns issues like waste management, mobility, and energy. Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 13.01.2028.

© ZDF/Julian Prahl
2021, documentary, 44 min, OV with German subtitles
Das dunkle Erbe – Nazis im deutschen Fußball

This episode of Terra X-History explores a dark chapter in the post-war history of German football: the legacy of the Nazi era. Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 27.11.2026.

© ZDF/Wolfgang Morell
2022, documentary, 15 min, OV with German subtitles
Fußball im Nationalsozialismus

This episode of MrWissentogo Geschichte sheds light on how football was used as a propaganda tool and to suppress specific groups under the Nazi regime. Watch on funk until 11.08.2027.

© funk
2021, documentary, 44 min, OV with German subtitles
Fußballprofi - Traum und Wirklichkeit

This documentary follows young football talents in Germany on their way to becoming professional football players, highlighting the challenges, opportunities, risks and realities of the football industry. Watch on ARD Mediathek until 01.01.2099.

© NDR
2023, documentary, 9 min, OV
Ein Tag im Leben eines Schiedsrichters!

Einfach Fußball follows referee Felix Zwayer on a match day, providing insights into his daily life on and off the pitch. Watch on funk until 05.10.2033.

© funk
2022, documentary, 30 min, OV with German subtitles
Entlang der Oder - Flussgeschichten

A documentary about life along the Oder, the border river between Germany and Poland. Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 22.07.2027.

© ZDF/M. Ruuck
2011, thriller, 85 min, OV with German subtitles
Das System - alles verstehen heißt alles verzeihen

While searching for the truth about his deceased father, petty criminal Mike finds himself drawn into a parallel world of international lobbyists and former East German secret agents. Starring Jakob Matschenz, Bernhard Schütz (directed by Marc Bauder). Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 18.04.2025.

© ZDF/STEPHANIE KULBACH
2022, documentary, 25 min, OV with German subtitles
Eine Reise durch den Herbst

A documentary about autumn. This film captures the spectacular colours and enchanting atmosphere of this season, which is anything but simply grey, cold and wet. Watch on ARD Mediathek until 13.11.2025.

© SWR
2023, comedy, 30 min, OV with German subtitles
Der KI-Kollege

Stehlmann's accounting firm gets a new employee, an AI that only knows one agenda: optimization. Any harmony at the office is now gone. Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 13.12.2025.

© ZDF/Frédéric Batier
2022, documentary, 29 min, OV with German subtitles
Tolle Knolle - Kartoffeln mit Zukunft

Germans love their potatoes, which are also among the world's most crucial staple foods. This episode of plan b explores how climate change is prompting a reassessment of potato cultivation and processing practices. Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 17.02.2026.

© ZDF/Christina Gantner
2024, documentary, 40 min, OV with German subtitles
Damals: Ankunft am Gleis 11 · Gastarbeiter in Bayern

Platform 11 at Munich Central Station - this is where a significant number of the so-called guest workers arrived in Germany in the 1950s and 60s. This documentary tells four migration stories in Bavaria. Watch on ARD Mediathek until 1.1.2099.

© BR/Daniel Samer
2023, thriller, 89 min, OV with German subtitles
Blindspot

When his wife Anara is in a coma after a car accident, Max searches for the person responsible and believes he is on the trail of a conspiracy. Starring Klaus Steinbacher, Marlene Tanczik, directed by Hannu Salonen).
Watch on ZDF Mediathek until 2.04.2025

© ZDF/Bettina Müller
2020, thriller, 90 min, OV with German subtitles
In Berlin wächst kein Orangenbaum

A thriller about a gangster terminally ill with cancer, who, in the time he has left, seeks to settle an old score and encounters an unexpected twist. Starring Kida Khodr Ramadan, Emma Drogunova, directed by Kida Khodr Ramadan.
Watch on ARD Mediathek until 25.04.2025.

© HR/Degeto/Tim Rosenbohm

Streaming recommendations