A Cinematic Tour of Dutch Culture: 12 Films that Define The Netherlands
Welcome to our page dedicated to movies about the Netherlands, designed to provide an informative and engaging introduction to this country’s culture, history, and art. Before you set foot in the Netherlands, we invite you to explore a curated selection of films that offer insights into Dutch life. From historical dramas that bring the past to life to contemporary works that showcase Dutch culture and art, these movies will help you get acquainted with the country’s essence. Whether planning a visit or simply curious, join us on this cinematic journey as we delve into the Netherlands, one film at a time.
Dutch Art & Artists
“At Eternity’s Gate” is a visually stunning biographical drama that delves into the life of Vincent van Gogh, the renowned Dutch painter. The film provides an intimate portrayal of his struggles, artistry, and the complexities of his mental health. It offers a unique perspective on the artist’s journey and his deep connection with the landscapes of the Netherlands. The film’s poetic and expressive style immerses viewers in the world of a tormented genius.
Director: Julian Schnabel
Main Actors: Willem Dafoe, Rupert Friend, Oscar Isaac
Production Company: Iconoclast, Riverstone Pictures, SPK Pictures
Cinematographer: Benoît Delhomme
Music Composer: Tatiana Lisovskaya
Filming Locations: Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France
Girl with a Pearl Earring
“Girl with a Pearl Earring” is a captivating historical drama that imagines the story behind Johannes Vermeer’s iconic painting of the same name. The film explores the complex relationship between Vermeer and Griet, a young woman who becomes his muse. Set against the backdrop of 17th-century Delft, the movie beautifully evokes the atmosphere and artistry of the Dutch Golden Age. It’s a tale of forbidden desire and the power of art to transcend time.
Director: Peter Webber
Main Actors: Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth, Tom Wilkinson
Production Company: Archer Street Productions, Delux Productions, Pathé Pictures International
Cinematographer: Eduardo Serra
Music Composer: Alexandre Desplat
Filming Locations: Delft, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
Loving Vincent (2017)
“Loving Vincent” is a mesmerizing animated film that brings the art of Vincent van Gogh to life. Set in the Netherlands, the film follows a young man who investigates the mysterious circumstances of Van Gogh’s death while delivering the artist’s final letter. Through a series of encounters with those who knew Van Gogh, the protagonist unravels the complex truth behind the troubled artist’s life and legacy.
Director: DK Welchman, Hugh Welchman
Main Actors: Douglas Booth, Jerome Flynn, Robert Gulaczyk
Production Company: BreakThru Films, Trademark Films, Silver Reel
Music Composer: Clint Mansell
Filming Locations: Wroclaw, Dolnoslaskie, Poland
“Nightwatching” is a visually arresting historical drama directed by Peter Greenaway. It delves into the life and work of the iconic Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn. The film focuses on Rembrandt’s creation of the masterpiece “The Night Watch” and the intrigue, scandals, and mysteries surrounding the painting and the people in it. With its sumptuous cinematography and intricate storytelling, “Nightwatching” offers a unique and provocative perspective on one of the Netherlands’ greatest artists.
Main Actors: Martin Freeman, Emily Holmes, Eva Birthistle
Production Company: ContentFilm International, Wales Creative IP Fund, UK Film Council
Music Composer: Włodek Pawlik
Filming Locations: Wroclaw, Dolnoslaskie, Poland
Dutch Culture
“Antonia’s Line” is a heartwarming Dutch film about a strong-willed woman who returns to her rural hometown after World War II. She starts a new life surrounded by a diverse and quirky group of characters as she builds a matriarchal community. The film explores love, family, and the passage of time. It’s a beautifully crafted tale of resilience and the enduring spirit of women.
Main Actors: Willeke van Ammelrooy, Els Dottermans, Dora van der Groen
Production Company: Bergen Film, Prime Time, Bard Entertainments
Music Composer: Ilona Sekacz
Filming Locations: La Neuville-aux-Tourneurs, Ardennes, France
“Tulip Fever” is a romantic drama set against the backdrop of the Dutch Golden Age, specifically during the tulip mania of the 17th century. The film explores the illicit love affair between a married woman and an artist commissioned to paint her portrait. Their passionate relationship unfolds during the speculative frenzy surrounding valuable tulip bulbs, leading to deception and intrigue. The movie captures the luxury and allure of the period while weaving a tale of love and betrayal.
Main Actors: Alicia Vikander, Dane DeHaan, Jack O’Connell
Production Company: Ruby Films, Paramount Pictures, Worldview Entertainment
Music Composer: Danny Elfman
Filming Locations: Norwich Cathedral, Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK
Historical Dutch Movies
Admiral “Michiel de Ruyter”
“Admiral,” also known as “Michiel de Ruyter” in Dutch, is a historical epic that portrays the life and career of the legendary Dutch admiral Michiel de Ruyter during the 17th century. The film offers a thrilling glimpse into Dutch naval history, including battles against foreign powers and political intrigue within the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands.
Main Actors: Frank Lammers, Barry Atsma, Sanne Langelaar
Production Company: Farmhouse Film & TV, AVROTROS
Music Composer: Trevor Morris
Filming Locations: Bergen op Zoom, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands
“Black Book,” also known as “Zwartboek” in Dutch, is a gripping World War II drama set in the Netherlands. The film follows the story of a Jewish woman who joins the Dutch resistance and becomes entangled in a complex web of espionage, betrayal, and survival. It’s a tale of courage and resilience despite overwhelming odds.
Main Actors: Carice van Houten, Sebastian Koch, Thom Hoffman
Production Company: Fu Works, Egoli Tossell Film, Clockwork Pictures
Music Composer: Anne Dudley
Filming Locations: Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Movies Set in The Netherlands
“Ocean’s Twelve” reunites Danny Ocean’s charismatic crew for another daring heist, this time in Amsterdam, Netherlands. After successfully robbing a Las Vegas casino, the gang finds themselves pursued by Terry Benedict, forcing them to execute a series of high-stakes thefts across Europe to repay their debt. Filled with twists, turns, and witty banter, the film showcases Amsterdam’s picturesque streets and landmarks as the backdrop to the crew’s elaborate schemes.
Main Actors: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts
Production Company: Warner Bros, Village Roadshow Pictures, Jerry Weintraub Productions
Music Composer: David Holmes
Filming Locations: Chicago, Amsterdam, Paris, Las Vegas
Spider-Man: Far From Home
“Spider-Man: Far From Home” follows Peter Parker as he embarks on a European school trip, including stops in the Netherlands. While trying to enjoy his vacation, Peter’s plans are disrupted when Nick Fury recruits him to battle new threats, including the enigmatic villain Mysterio. The film showcases iconic Dutch landmarks such as the canals of Venice and the historic streets of Prague, offering viewers a thrilling adventure with a touch of European charm.
Fun fact – the Spider-Man Far from Home’s “Dutch” scenes were actually filmed in Prague, in an unknown courtyard that was made to look like a Dutch countryside town square — Broek op Langedijk.
Main Actors: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jake Gyllenhaal
Production Company: Columbia Pictures, Marvel Studios, Pascal Pictures
Music Composer: Michael Giacchino
Filming Locations: Venice, Prague, London
“The Fault in Our Stars,” tells the poignant love story of Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters, two teenagers who meet and fall in love at a cancer support group in Indianapolis. While most of the film takes place in the United States, a significant portion is set in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The couple’s journey to Amsterdam leads them to Anne Frank’s House, where they share a deeply emotional moment that underscores the film’s themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of meaning.
Main Actors: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Nat Wolff
Production Company: Temple Hill Entertainment, TSG Entertainment, 20th Century Fox
Music Composer: Mike Mogis, Nate Walcott
Filming Locations: Amsterdam, Anne Frank House
The Hitman’s Bodyguard
“The Hitman’s Bodyguard” follows the unlikely alliance between a top protection agent, Michael Bryce, and a notorious hitman, Darius Kincaid. As they travel from Manchester to The Hague in the Netherlands, chaos ensues as they dodge bullets, explosions, and relentless pursuit by nefarious forces. The picturesque canals and historic landmarks of The Hague provide a stunning backdrop for the film’s high-octane action sequences and comedic moments.
Main Actors: Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman
Production Company: Millennium Media, Campbell Grobman Films, Cristal Pictures
Music Composer: Atli Örvarsson
Filming Locations: The Hague, Binnenhof, Mauritshuis Museum
Selection Criteria: How We Picked the Best Movies about Netherlands
In curating our list of the best movies to watch before your trip to the Netherlands, we embarked on a comprehensive evaluation process. Here’s how we selected the films that made the cut:
- Cultural Authenticity: We prioritized movies that authentically capture the essence of Dutch culture, showcasing traditions, customs, and societal norms. Films that delve into the everyday life of Dutch citizens, their values, and social dynamics were given preference.
- Historical Accuracy: We considered movies that offer insight into the rich history of the Netherlands, spanning significant events to pivotal moments. Accuracy and attention to historical detail were key factors in our selection process.
- Scenic Landscapes: We included movies showcasing the Netherlands’ picturesque landscapes, from iconic tulip fields to charming canal-laden cities.
- Authentic Cuisine: We included movies featuring Dutch cuisine, offering viewers a tantalizing glimpse into the country’s culinary delights. Whether it’s traditional Dutch dishes or culinary innovations, films that celebrate the gastronomic culture of the Netherlands were favored.
- Filmed in the Netherlands: We specifically looked for movies that were shot on location in the Netherlands. Authenticity was paramount, and films that authentically captured the Dutch landscape and urban environment were given preference.
- Critical and Audience Reception: We thoroughly examined reviews from reputable sources such as IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, and other film critique platforms to gauge essential acclaim and audience reception. Movies with consistently positive reviews and widespread acclaim were given priority.
- Cultural Impact: We considered each movie’s cultural significance and impact within the Netherlands and globally. We considered films that have left a lasting impression, sparked cultural conversations, or influenced perceptions of Dutch culture.
- Diverse Representation: We aimed to include various genres, themes, and perspectives to cater to varying interests and tastes. From drama and comedy to documentary and historical epics, we sought to provide a well-rounded selection of movies that offer something for everyone.
By applying these criteria, we curated a selection of the best movies about the Netherlands that offer viewers an immersive and enriching cinematic experience. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive guide that entertains and deepens appreciation for Dutch culture, history, cuisine, and landscapes.
