20 Must-Watch Russian Films Since 1990: Top Picks (2025 Updated)
Russian cinema since the 1990s has blossomed with stories that hit hard, blending raw emotion, cultural depth, and bold creativity. To update my list of the 20 best Russian films, I turned to KinoPoisk, Russia’s go-to movie database, where millions of fans rate and review. Focusing solely on post-Soviet gems, this curated selection highlights the highest-rated films by viewers. Leading the pack is Brother (Брат, 1997) with an 8.4 from over 1.6 million votes, while 12 (2007) rounds it out with a solid 7.7 from 154,000 fans. Dive into these modern classics!
1. Brother (Брат, 1997)
I was riveted by Brother—its gritty take on loyalty and survival still feels fresh. This Russian crime drama follows Danila, a young ex-soldier drifting into St. Petersburg’s underworld. Hired as a hitman, he navigates a bleak post-Soviet world, balancing violence with a naive moral code. Aleksey Balabanov’s raw direction and Sergey Bodrov’s magnetic performance make it a cult classic. With its pulsing soundtrack and stark realism, it captures the chaotic 1990s, cementing its status as a defining work of modern Russian cinema.
See also: Top 50 Must-Watch Soviet Movies
2. Brother 2 (Брат 2, 2000)
Brother 2 had me cheering for Danila’s wild ride, even if it leans into nationalism. Picking up where the first left off, Danila heads to America to avenge a friend’s betrayal, diving deeper into his hitman life. Balabanov’s sequel amps up the action and dark humor, blending gritty crime with cultural commentary. Its bold style and Bodrov’s charismatic return make it a fan favorite. A snapshot of post-Soviet identity, it’s a thrilling, if controversial, chapter that solidified the Brother saga’s legacy.
3. In August of 1944 (В августе 44-го, 2001)
This war drama pulled me into its tense, foggy battlefields—pure edge-of-your-seat stuff. Set during WWII, it follows a Soviet counterintelligence unit hunting for Nazi spies in occupied Belarus. Based on a novel, the film’s gripping plot and authentic period detail bring the stakes to life. Director Mikhail Ptashuk crafts a taut thriller, blending suspense with the harsh realities of war. Its high KinoPoisk rating reflects its emotional weight and historical resonance, making it a standout in Russian war cinema.
4. The Scream of Silence (Крик тишины, 2019)
The Scream of Silence broke my heart with its quiet, devastating story. This TV drama, set in 1942 Leningrad, centers on a mother and son struggling to survive the brutal siege. Their desperate fight against starvation and cold is portrayed with raw intimacy. Director Vladimir Potapov leans into human resilience, making every moment feel personal. A lesser-known gem, its high viewer ratings on KinoPoisk show its emotional grip, offering a poignant look at WWII’s toll on ordinary lives.
5. War (Война, 2002)
War gripped me with its brutal honesty—it’s not an easy watch, but it’s powerful. Set during the Chechen War, it follows Ivan, a Russian soldier, and a British couple taken hostage by rebels. Director Aleksey Balabanov doesn’t shy away from the conflict’s grim reality, blending raw action with moral questions. The intense performances and stark visuals make it a standout war drama. Its high KinoPoisk score reflects its impact, capturing the chaos and human cost of a divisive conflict.
6. The Podolsk Cadets (Подольские курсанты, 2020)
I got chills watching The Podolsk Cadets—such a stirring tribute to young heroes. This WWII drama recounts the true story of Soviet cadets defending Moscow against overwhelming German forces in 1941. Their bravery and sacrifice shine through in gripping battle scenes and heartfelt moments. Director Vadim Shmelyov balances action with emotional depth, earning high praise on KinoPoisk. It’s a modern war epic that honors courage while showing the tragic cost of duty, resonating deeply with Russian audiences.
7. Diodorova: Against the Current (Диодорова. Против течения, 2024)
This recent drama hooked me with its bold, introspective vibe. Centered on a woman defying societal norms, it weaves a tale of personal rebellion and self-discovery in modern Russia. The plot’s emotional depth and strong performances make it stand out. Though less known globally, its high KinoPoisk rating signals its resonance with viewers. Director Sandal Baishev crafts a visually striking story, blending contemporary issues with universal themes, marking it as a fresh voice in Russian cinema.
8. Alyosha Popovich and Tugarin Zmey (Алеша Попович и Тугарин Змей, 2004)
Alyosha Popovich had me laughing and cheering—such a fun animated adventure! This Russian animated comedy follows Alyosha, a bumbling but brave hero, as he battles the evil Tugarin Zmey to save his village. Packed with slapstick humor and folklore charm, it’s a family-friendly hit. Directors Konstantin Bronzit and others bring vibrant visuals and witty dialogue, earning a strong KinoPoisk following. It’s a lighthearted gem that celebrates Russian storytelling traditions while entertaining kids and adults alike.
9. The Fool (Дурак, 2014)
The Fool left me stunned—its biting take on corruption hits like a sledgehammer. This drama follows Dima, a plumber who discovers a crumbling dormitory’s structural flaws and fights a corrupt system to save its residents. Director Yuri Bykov crafts a tense, socially charged thriller that exposes Russia’s bureaucratic rot. Its raw performances and unflinching realism earned high KinoPoisk ratings. A modern classic, it’s a gripping look at one man’s stand against apathy, resonating far beyond Russia’s borders.
10. Legend No. 17 (Легенда №17, 2013)
Legend No. 17 had me on the edge of my seat—such an inspiring sports saga! This biopic traces Soviet hockey legend Valery Kharlamov’s rise, focusing on his pivotal role in the 1972 Summit Series against Canada. Director Nikolay Lebedev blends thrilling game scenes with personal drama, capturing Soviet pride and Kharlamov’s grit. Its high KinoPoisk rating and box-office success reflect its universal appeal. A rousing tribute to athletic glory, it’s a must-see for sports fans.
11. Fire (Огонь, 2020)
Fire had my heart racing—those firefighting scenes are pure adrenaline. This action-drama follows a team of Russian firefighters battling a massive forest blaze to save a village. Director Alexey Nuzhny mixes high-stakes action with human stories of sacrifice and camaraderie. The stunning visuals and intense pacing earned it strong KinoPoisk love. It’s a modern blockbuster that honors real-life heroes, blending spectacle with emotional weight, making it a standout in Russia’s action cinema.
12. The Rifleman of the Voroshilov Regiment (Ворошиловский стрелок, 1999)
13. Happiness in an Envelope (Счастье в конверте, 2019)
This gentle drama warmed my soul—perfect for a cozy movie night. It weaves three heartfelt stories about love, kindness, and human connection in modern Russia. Director Svetlana Sukhomlina crafts a tender, uplifting film with relatable characters and quiet moments. Its high KinoPoisk rating shows its resonance with viewers seeking hope. Less flashy than blockbusters, it’s a small gem that celebrates life’s simple joys, making it a refreshing addition to Russian cinema’s emotional palette.
14. Peculiarities of the National Hunt (Особенности национальной охоты, 1995)
Peculiarities of the National Hunt had me cracking up at its absurd humor. This Russian comedy follows a Finnish historian joining a chaotic hunting trip with eccentric Russians, blending vodka-fueled antics with cultural satire. Director Aleksandr Rogozhkin nails the post-Soviet vibe, poking fun at national quirks. Its strong KinoPoisk following proves its cult status. A hilarious, irreverent romp, it’s a perfect snapshot of 1990s Russia, balancing slapstick with sharp social commentary that still feels spot-on.
15. Come Look at Me (Приходи на меня посмотреть, 2001)
This tender film caught me off guard with its quiet warmth. A romantic drama, it follows an elderly woman and her daughter whose lives change when a charming stranger enters their home on New Year’s Eve. Directors Oleg Yankovsky and Mikhail Agranovich weave a cozy, heartfelt story of love and renewal. Its high KinoPoisk rating reflects its emotional pull. A lesser-known gem, it’s a touching reminder of life’s unexpected gifts, shining in Russia’s post-1990 cinema.
16. Flight Crew (Экипаж, 2016)
Flight Crew had me gripping my seat—such a thrilling ride! This disaster-action film follows a disgraced pilot who must redeem himself when his plane faces a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Director Nikolay Lebedev delivers heart-pounding visuals and heroic drama, earning strong KinoPoisk praise. Inspired by Soviet classics, it’s a modern blockbuster that blends high-stakes action with human grit. A crowd-pleaser, it showcases Russia’s knack for big, emotional spectacles that rival Western thrillers.
17. Palma (Пальма, 2021)
Palma tugged at my heartstrings—a dog lover’s dream. Based on a true story, this family drama follows a loyal German Shepherd left at an airport, forming a bond with a young boy whose father is a pilot. Director Alexander Domogarov Jr. crafts a tearjerker with warmth and charm, earning high KinoPoisk ratings. Its universal themes of loyalty and love make it a hit. A feel-good gem, it’s Russian cinema’s answer to heartwarming animal tales.
18. Rodnina (Роднина, 2025)
Rodnina swept me up in its inspiring energy—such a fresh take on triumph. This sports biopic celebrates Irina Rodnina, the legendary Soviet figure skater, tracing her rise to Olympic glory amid personal and political challenges. The film’s dynamic performances and emotional depth earned it strong early KinoPoisk buzz. Though new, it captures Russia’s sporting pride with flair. A vibrant addition to modern cinema, it’s a testament to resilience and a must for fans of underdog stories.
19. Blood Type (Группа крови, 2025)
This intense thriller grabbed me with its raw, futuristic edge. Set in a dystopian Russia, it follows a soldier confronting a mysterious past and a high-stakes mission tied to his identity. The gripping plot and bold visuals make it a standout, with early KinoPoisk hype signaling its impact. Though details are scarce, its high rating suggests a bold new voice. It’s a pulse-pounding addition to Russian cinema, blending action with deep personal stakes.
20. 12 (12, 2007)
12 had me riveted with its moral intensity—a real thinker. Nikita Mikhalkov’s drama reimagines 12 Angry Men, following 12 Russian jurors debating a Chechen teen’s murder trial. Their heated discussions reveal prejudice, empathy, and truth. The film’s tight pacing and powerhouse performances earned it an Oscar nomination and strong KinoPoisk love. A masterful blend of courtroom drama and social critique, it’s a shining example of post-Soviet cinema’s ability to tackle universal themes with Russian soul.
Conclusion
Diving into this updated list of the 20 must-watch Russian films since 1990, it’s clear that Russian audiences have a deep affinity for stories packed with grit, action, and raw emotion. War epics like In August of 1944, The Podolsk Cadets, and War dominate, reflecting a cultural fascination with heroism and sacrifice, often rooted in Russia’s complex history. Crime thrillers like Brother and The Rifleman of the Voroshilov Regiment tap into a thirst for justice and moral ambiguity, while The Fool adds sharp social critique. Yet, gems like Happiness in an Envelope and Come Look at Me show a softer side, proving there’s room for heartfelt dramas. The strong KinoPoisk ratings for action-heavy titles like Flight Crew and Fire suggest Russian viewers crave high-stakes narratives that blend adrenaline with human struggle. This mix, spiked with animated fun like Alyosha Popovich and biopics like Legend No. 17 and Rodnina, paints a vibrant picture of modern Russian cinema—bold, intense, and deeply tied to national identity, but with space for universal stories that resonate far beyond.
