Austria may be a small country, but it has produced some big hits in the world of cinema. Let’s take a look at the 10 most-watched Austrian movies of all time, based on admissions in Austria. These films have captured the hearts of audiences and become beloved classics in their home country.
1. Hinterholz 8 (1998)
At the top of our list is the comedy “Hinterholz 8”, directed by Harald Sicheritz. This film tells the story of Herbert Krcal and his family as they try to buy and renovate an old farmhouse. With over 617,000 admissions, it’s the most-watched Austrian film since records began in the 1980s.
The movie follows Herbert’s dream of owning a house in the countryside. But his plans quickly turn into a nightmare as he faces one problem after another. From sneaky sellers to costly repairs, Herbert’s journey is filled with funny moments that many homeowners can relate to.
“Hinterholz 8” became a huge hit thanks to its humor and relatable story. It shows the ups and downs of chasing the dream of homeownership, with plenty of laughs along the way.
2. Müllers Büro (1986)
Coming in second is “Müllers Büro”, a musical comedy directed by Niki List. This film mixes elements of detective stories, music, and humor to create a unique viewing experience. It attracted over 441,000 viewers to Austrian cinemas.
The movie follows private detective Max Müller and his assistant Larry as they try to solve a case. Their investigation leads them into the world of Vienna’s nightlife, filled with strange bars and interesting characters. The film’s catchy songs and quirky humor made it a hit with audiences.
“Müllers Büro” stands out for its blend of genres and its portrayal of 1980s Vienna. It has become a cult classic in Austria, loved for its music and offbeat style.
3. Poppitz (2002)
Third on our list is another comedy, “Poppitz”, directed by Harald Sicheritz. This film, which drew over 441,000 viewers, follows the misadventures of a car salesman on a club holiday.
The main character, Gerry Schartl, thinks he’s in for a perfect vacation at an all-inclusive resort. But things quickly go wrong, leading to a series of funny and sometimes awkward situations. The film plays with stereotypes about Austrians and Germans, creating humor from their interactions.
“Poppitz” became popular for its lighthearted take on holiday mishaps and cultural differences. It showcases the comedic talents of its lead actor, Roland Düringer, who brings the character of Gerry to life with great energy.
4. Echte Wiener – Die Sackbauer-Saga (2008)
In fourth place is “Echte Wiener – Die Sackbauer-Saga”, a film that continues the story of a beloved Austrian TV series. This movie attracted over 372,000 viewers who were eager to see what had happened to the Sackbauer family.
Set 30 years after the original series, the film shows how the family members have grown apart. Only the mother, Toni, tries to bring everyone back together. The movie mixes humor with touching moments as it explores family relationships and changes in society.
Fans of the original series loved seeing their favorite characters again, while new viewers could enjoy the family drama and comedy. The film’s success shows the lasting appeal of the Sackbauer family in Austrian popular culture.
5. Brother of Sleep (1995)
Taking the fifth spot is “Brother of Sleep”, a drama directed by Joseph Vilsmaier. This film, based on a novel by Robert Schneider, drew over 307,000 viewers with its unique and haunting story.
The movie tells the tale of Elias, a musical genius born in a small Alpine village in the 19th century. Elias has an extraordinary gift for music, but his talent brings him both joy and sorrow. The film explores themes of love, jealousy, and the power of art.
“Brother of Sleep” stands out for its beautiful cinematography and powerful performances. It offers a more serious and artistic experience compared to the comedies on this list, showing the range of Austrian cinema.
6. Life Eternal (2015)
In sixth place is “Life Eternal”, a crime comedy directed by Wolfgang Murnberger. This film, which attracted over 286,000 viewers, is part of a series featuring the character of Brenner, a former police officer turned private detective.
In this installment, Brenner returns to his hometown of Graz and gets caught up in a complex case involving old friends, past mistakes, and mysterious crimes. The film balances humor with suspense, creating an entertaining mystery story.
“Life Eternal” appealed to audiences with its mix of comedy and crime elements. The character of Brenner, played by Josef Hader, has become popular in Austria for his dry humor and unconventional approach to solving cases.
7. Griechenland (2023)
Coming in at number seven is the more recent film “Griechenland” (Greece), directed by Claudia Jüptner-Jonstorff and Eva Spreitzhofer. This comedy attracted over 283,000 viewers with its story of family secrets and unexpected journeys.
The film follows Johannes, a man who discovers that his biological father has died in Greece. He travels there to settle the estate, only to find himself caught between local factions fighting over the inheritance. The movie combines humor with themes of identity and family.
“Griechenland” shows that Austrian cinema continues to produce popular comedies. Its success demonstrates audiences’ ongoing appetite for stories that mix laughter with relatable family dramas.
8. The Bone Man (2009)
In eighth place is “The Bone Man”, another crime comedy featuring the character of Brenner. Directed by Wolfgang Murnberger, this film drew over 281,000 viewers to cinemas.
The story follows Brenner as he investigates a case in the countryside, centered around a famous inn known for its chicken dishes. As he digs deeper, he uncovers dark secrets and finds himself in dangerous situations. The film mixes dark humor with elements of thriller and mystery.
“The Bone Man” appealed to audiences with its unique blend of genres and its atmospheric portrayal of rural Austria. It further cemented the popularity of the Brenner character and showcased the versatility of Austrian cinema.
9. Wild Mouse (2017)
Taking the ninth spot is “Wild Mouse”, a comedy-drama directed by Josef Hader. This film attracted over 280,000 viewers with its story of midlife crisis and revenge.
The movie follows a music critic who loses his job and decides to take revenge on his former boss. His plans lead to unexpected consequences and force him to reconsider his life choices. The film balances humor with more serious themes about aging, relationships, and finding purpose.
“Wild Mouse” stood out for its smart script and strong performances. It shows how Austrian cinema can tackle complex themes while still entertaining audiences with humor and relatable characters.
10. MA 2412 – Die Staatsdiener (2003)
Rounding out our top 10 is “MA 2412 – Die Staatsdiener”, a comedy based on a popular Austrian TV series. Directed by Harald Sicheritz, this film brought in over 272,000 viewers.
The movie continues the story of the TV show, which satirized life in the Austrian civil service. It follows the misadventures of government employees as they navigate bureaucracy and personal challenges. The film’s humor comes from exaggerating the stereotypes and absurdities of office life.
“MA 2412 – Die Staatsdiener” was a hit with fans of the original series and newcomers alike. Its success shows how beloved characters from television can successfully transition to the big screen.
Bottom Line
These 10 films represent the most watched Austrian movies of all time, as of 2025. They showcase the strength of Austrian comedy, which dominates the list. From family adventures to crime comedies, these movies have connected with audiences through humor, relatable characters, and stories that reflect aspects of Austrian culture and society.
The list also shows how some characters and series, like Brenner and the Sackbauers, have become part of Austria’s cultural landscape, appearing in multiple popular films. At the same time, newer entries like “Griechenland” prove that Austrian cinema continues to produce fresh hits that resonate with audiences.
While comedies make up the majority of the list, films like “Brother of Sleep” demonstrate that Austrian cinema can also succeed with more serious, artistic works. This variety shows the richness of Austria’s film industry and its ability to cater to different tastes.