Top 50 Must-Watch Soviet Movies: An Unforgettable Cinematic Journey

Best Soviet movies of all time


The "Best Soviet Movies of All Time" list is distinct from traditional critics' rankings. Instead, it comprises films chosen by the audience themselves. This comprehensive collection was compiled by KinoPoisk (КиноПоиск), a prominent Russian movie rating site akin to IMDB. The list is based on viewer ratings and votes, making it a reflection of the films that captured the hearts of audiences in the USSR and continue to be cherished today. These movies have stood the test of time, providing countless viewers with enduring enjoyment and cherished memories.

Timeless Classics: Exploring the Finest Soviet Movies of Soviet Cinema


Before delving into the list, it's important to clarify the concept of a "Soviet movie." While the terms "French movies" or "Italian movies" encompass films produced throughout the history of those respective countries since the inception of cinema, the term "Soviet movies" is not tied to a specific nation or location. Rather, it encompasses a vast geographical expanse and a defined time period: from 1917 to 1991. Therefore, any films created within this timeframe represent the entirety of what we have in the realm of Soviet cinema.

According to Wikipedia, the cinema of the Soviet Union comprises films produced by the various constituent republics, each reflecting elements of their pre-Soviet culture, language, and history. Although these republics enjoyed a certain level of autonomy in their filmmaking, they were still subject to central government regulation from Moscow. Among the most prolific contributors to Soviet cinema, apart from the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, were Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, and to a lesser extent, Lithuania, Belarus, and Moldova. These diverse regions added their unique flavors and perspectives to the rich tapestry of Soviet filmmaking.

As a citizen of the former Soviet Union, my childhood was filled with the enchantment of watching these movies. They hold countless memories for me, and I have personal favorites that continue to profoundly influence me. This particular list, as mentioned earlier, was curated by KinoPoisk based on viewer ratings. It reflects the choices of people like me who voted for their beloved Soviet movies, capturing the collective sentiment and appreciation of audiences who hold these films dear.

The Definitive Collection: Top 50 Soviet Comedy, Drama, and War Movies"

Upon observation, I noticed that the top three movies on the list happen to be comedies. Even now, when I watch them, they have the ability to make me laugh, which is why they rightfully claim the top positions. Another prevalent genre among the listed films revolves around the theme of the Second World War. Given the significant impact of World War II on the Soviet Union and its people, it is natural that Soviet cinema dedicated considerable attention to portraying war stories.


Without further ado, here is the list:

Best Soviet movies of all time (50 films)

Best Soviet movies of all time


1. Ivan Vasilievich: Back to the Future (1973)

Original title: Иван Васильевич меняет профессию
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.783 (355,719)
IMDb: 8.40 (13,644)

2. Operation 'Y' & Other Shurik's Adventures (1965)

Original title: Операция «Ы» и другие приключения Шурика
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Romance
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.713 (307,389)
IMDb: 8.70 (10,700)

3. The Diamond Arm (1969)

Original title: Бриллиантовая рука
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Crime
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.518 (282,204)
IMDb: 8.50 (11,910)

4. Only Old Men Are Going to Battle (1974)

Original title: В бой идут одни «старики»
Genre: Comedy, Drama, War
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.709 (150,364)
IMDb: 8.40 (4,100)

5. Gentlemen of Fortune (1971)

Original title: Джентльмены удачи
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.525 (249,023)
IMDb: 8.50 (9,468)

Best Soviet movies of all time


6. The Dawns Here Are Quiet (1972)

Original title: ...А зори здесь тихие
Genre: Drama, History, War
Rating
Kinopoisk: 8.504 (105,245)
IMDb: 8.30 (3,297)

7. Kidnapping, Caucasian Style (1967)

Original title: Кавказская пленница, или Новые приключения Шурика
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Romance
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.458 (250,518)
IMDb: 8.40 (9,596)

8. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson: The Hound of the Baskervilles

Original title: Приключения Шерлока Холмса и доктора Ватсона: Собака Баскервилей
Genre: Adventure, Crime, Mystery
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.600 (118,859)
IMDb: 8.70 (4,787)

9. Heart of a Dog (1988)

Original title: Собачье сердце
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.343 (161,843)
IMDb: 8.80 (6,010)

10. Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson: The Acquaintance (1980)

Original title: Шерлок Холмс и доктор Ватсон: Знакомство
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Mystery
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.556 (97,769)
IMDb: 8.60 (3,117)

Best Soviet movies of all time


11. Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears (1980)

Original title: Москва слезам не верит
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.372 (160,377)
IMDb: 8.10 (10,339)

12. The Cranes Are Flying (1957)

Original title: Летят журавли
Genre: Drama, Romance, War
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.291 (49,915)
IMDb: 8.30 (13,213)

13. Officers (1971)

Original title: Офицеры
Genre: Drama, Romance, War
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.453 (60,945)
IMDb: 7.70 (1,452)

14. White Bim Black Ear (1977)

Original title: Белый Бим Черное ухо
Genre: Drama
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.370 (70,143)
IMDb: 8.30 (1,687)

15. Fate of a Man (1959)

Original title: Судьба человека
Genre: Drama, War
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.367 (45,918)
IMDb: 8.00 (2,449)

Best Soviet movies of all time


16. Office Romance (1977)

Original title: Служебный роман
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.289 (190,444)
IMDb: 8.30 (7,239)

17. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson: Mortal Fight (1980)

Original title: Шерлок Холмс и доктор Ватсон: Смертельная схватка
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.428 (79,302)
IMDb: 8.60 (2,049)

18. They Fought for Their Country (1975)

Original title: Они сражались за Родину
Genre: Drama, War
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.377 (46 ,393)
IMDb: 8.00 (2,033)

19. Ballad of a Soldier (1959)

Original title: Баллада о солдате
Genre: Drama, Romance, War
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.248 (26,621)
IMDb: 8.20 (8,759)

20. Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson: The Bloody Inscription (1979)

Original title: Шерлок Холмс и доктор Ватсон: Кровавая надпись
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Mystery
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.415 (74,298)
IMDb: 8.50 (2,119)

Best Soviet movies of all time


21. The Girls (1962)

Original title: Девчата
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.355 (123,533)
IMDb: 8.00 (2,781)

22. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson: The Hunt for the Tiger (1980)

Original title: Приключения Шерлока Холмса и доктора Ватсона: Охота на тигра
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.383 (69,122)
IMDb: 8.50 (1,747)

23. Welcome, or No Trespassing (1964)

Original title: Добро пожаловать, или Посторонним вход воспрещен
Genre: Comedy, Family
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.264 (82,823)
IMDb: 8.10 (2,194)

24. Love and Doves (1985)

Original title: Любовь и голуби
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.263 (143,419)
IMDb: 8.10 (3,457)

25. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson: King of Blackmailers (1980)

Original title: Шерлок Холмс и доктор Ватсон: Король шантажа
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.359 (67,916)
IMDb: 8.50 (1,834)

Best Soviet movies of all time


26. Twelve Chairs (1971)

Original title: 12 стульев
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Crime
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.246 (124,480)
IMDb: 8.30 (5,157)

27. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson: The Treasures of Agra (1983)

Original title: Шерлок Холмс и доктор Ватсон: Сокровища Агры
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Romance
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.351 (64,136)
IMDb: 8.40 (2,388)

28. The Golden Calf (1968)

Original title: Золотой теленок
Genre: Comedy
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.192 (54,971)
IMDb: 8.40 (2,166)

29. Love and Lies (1981)

Original title: Вам и не снилось...
Genre: Drama, Romance
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.189 (49,713)
IMDb: 7.90 (1,225)

30. The Very Same Munchhausen (1979)

Original title: Тот самый Мюнхгаузен
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.276 (55,650)
IMDb: 8.50 (2,876)

Best Soviet movies of all time


31. Andrei Rublev (1966)

Original title: Андрей Рублев
Genre: Biography, Drama, History
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.169 (34,000)
IMDb: 8.20 (40,260)

32. Father of a Soldier (1965)

Original title: Отец солдата
Genre: Drama, War
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.239 (17,974)
IMDb: 8.70 (3,610)

33. The Irony of Fate (1975)

Original title: Ирония судьбы, или С легким паром!
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.207 (162,323)
IMDb: 8.20 (10,019)

34. Beware of the Car (1966)

Original title: Берегись автомобиля
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Romance
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.166 (71,661)
IMDb: 8.20 (4,156)

35. A Cruel Romance (1984)

Original title: Жестокий романс
Genre: Drama, History, Romance
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.082 (53,768)
IMDb: 8.00 (2,934)

Best Soviet movies of all time


36. Tomorrow Was the War (1987)

Original title: Завтра была война
Genre: Drama, War
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.032 (21,338)
IMDb: 7.80 (687)

37. Elder Son (1976)

Original title: Старший сын
Genre: Drama
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.174 (24,864)
IMDb: 8.00 (881)

38. One-Two, Soldiers Were Going... (1977)

Original title: Аты-баты, шли солдаты...
Genre: Drama, War
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.105 (21,619)
IMDb: 7.70 (734)

39. The Cold Summer of 1953 (1988)

Original title: Холодное лето пятьдесят третьего...
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.050 (30,750)
IMDb: 7.90 (1,746)

40. Muzhiki! (1981)

Original title: Мужики!..
Genre: Drama
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.087 (26,806)
IMDb: 7.60 (519)

Best Soviet movies of all time


41. Ivan's Childhood (1962)

Original title: Иваново детство
Genre: Drama, War
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.047 (24,786)
IMDb: 8.10 (27,128)

42. Maksim Perepelitsa (1956)

Original title: Максим Перепелица
Genre: Comedy
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.134 (35,388)
IMDb: 7.70 (821)

43. A Man from the Boulevard des Capucines (1987)

Original title: Человек с бульвара Капуцинов
Genre: Comedy, Musical, Romance
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.014 (54,401)
IMDb: 7.80 (2,576)

44. Come and See (1985)

Original title: Иди и смотри
Genre: Drama, War
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.074 (27,416)
IMDb: 8.30 (45,176)

45. The Republic of ShKID (1966)

Original title: Республика ШКИД
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.176 (25,224)
IMDb: 7.90 (830)

Best Soviet movies of all time


46. Trial on the Road (1986)

Original title: Проверка на дорогах
Genre: Drama, War
Rating
KinoPoisk: 7.979 (11,505)
IMDb: 7.90 (1,716)

47. Laughter and Grief by the White Sea (1987)

Original title: Смех и горе у Бела моря
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.101 (9,832)
IMDb: 7.70 (356)

48. An Ordinary Miracle (1979)

Original title: Обыкновенное чудо
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Musical
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.209 (49,339)
IMDb: 8.30 (2,616)

49. The Ascent (1977)

Original title: Восхождение
Genre: Drama, War
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.025 (8,560)
IMDb: 8.30 (5,422)

50. Courier (1986)

Original title: Курьер
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Rating
KinoPoisk: 8.038 (56,563)
IMDb: 8.00 (2,774)

Read More: Best Soviet movies about World War II

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