Finland has a rich and diverse film industry that has produced many memorable movies over the years. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 most-watched Finnish movies of all time, based on data up to 2025. These films have captured the hearts of audiences both in Finland and around the world, showcasing the best of Finnish storytelling and filmmaking.
1. Sisu (2023)
At the top of our list is the action-packed film “Sisu.” This movie tells the story of a Finnish soldier during World War II who faces off against Nazi troops in Lapland. The title “Sisu” refers to a Finnish concept of determination, bravery, and resilience, which is perfectly captured in this thrilling adventure.
“Sisu” became a huge hit not only in Finland but also internationally. Its mix of intense action scenes and stunning Finnish landscapes drew in viewers from all over the world. The film’s success helped put Finnish cinema on the global map and showed that Finnish filmmakers could create exciting, high-quality action movies.
2. The Unknown Soldier (2017)
“The Unknown Soldier” is a powerful war drama based on Väinö Linna’s famous novel of the same name. This movie follows a group of Finnish soldiers during the Continuation War against the Soviet Union in World War II. It gives a realistic and emotional look at the experiences of ordinary soldiers during wartime.
This film became an instant classic in Finland when it was released. Many Finnish people consider it an important part of their cultural heritage. The movie’s honest portrayal of war and its impact on soldiers and civilians touched audiences deeply. Its success shows how much Finnish people value stories that reflect their history and national identity.
3. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
“Rare Exports” offers a unique and darkly humorous take on the Santa Claus legend. Set in northern Finland, the story follows a group of reindeer herders who discover the “real” Santa Claus buried in a mountain. This Santa, however, is far from the jolly gift-giver we know from stories.
This movie became a cult hit both in Finland and internationally. Its clever mix of horror, comedy, and Finnish folklore created something truly original. “Rare Exports” showed the world that Finnish filmmakers could create entertaining and imaginative movies that stand out from typical Hollywood productions.
4. The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki (2016)
This charming black-and-white film tells the true story of Finnish boxer Olli Mäki as he prepares for a world championship fight in 1962. However, the movie is less about boxing and more about Olli falling in love and questioning what truly matters in life.
“The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki” won praise from critics around the world for its gentle humor and heartwarming story. It showed that Finnish cinema could create touching, personal stories that connect with audiences everywhere. The film’s success helped bring more attention to smaller, character-driven Finnish movies.
5. Big Game (2014)
“Big Game” is an action-adventure movie that tells an unlikely story: a 13-year-old Finnish boy must help rescue the President of the United States when Air Force One is shot down over Finland. This movie combines Hollywood-style action with uniquely Finnish elements.
With its big-name international cast and exciting plot, “Big Game” became one of the most widely seen Finnish films outside of Finland. It showed that Finnish filmmakers could create movies that appeal to a global audience while still maintaining a distinctly Finnish flavor.
6. The Other Side of Hope (2017)
Directed by famous Finnish filmmaker Aki Kaurismäki, “The Other Side of Hope” tells the story of a Syrian refugee who arrives in Helsinki and forms an unlikely friendship with a Finnish restaurant owner. The movie tackles serious themes of immigration and cultural differences with Kaurismäki’s trademark dry humor.
This film received international acclaim and helped cement Kaurismäki’s reputation as one of Finland’s greatest directors. Its success showed that Finnish cinema could address important social issues in a way that was both thoughtful and entertaining.
7. Hatching (2022)
“Hatching” is a unique horror film that blends coming-of-age drama with body horror. It tells the story of a young gymnast who finds a mysterious egg and nurtures it until it hatches into a strange creature. The movie uses this premise to explore themes of family pressure and growing up.
This film gained attention worldwide for its original concept and striking visuals. “Hatching” demonstrated that Finnish filmmakers could create bold, genre-defying movies that push boundaries and captivate audiences.
8. Iron Sky (2012)
“Iron Sky” is a science fiction comedy with a bizarre premise: Nazis who escaped to the moon in 1945 return to invade Earth in 2018. This outrageous concept, combined with impressive special effects and satirical humor, made “Iron Sky” a standout in Finnish cinema.
While not critically acclaimed, “Iron Sky” became a cult hit and gained a large following online. Its success showed that Finnish filmmakers could create entertaining, high-concept movies that could compete with bigger-budget international productions.
9. The Grump (2014)
“The Grump” is a comedy about a stubborn older man who must move to the city to live with his son and daughter-in-law after an accident. The movie humorously explores generational differences and the challenges of adapting to change.
This film became very popular in Finland for its relatable characters and situations. Its success showed that Finnish audiences appreciate movies that reflect their everyday lives and social dynamics with warmth and humor.
10. Frozen Land (2005)
“Frozen Land” is a drama that tells several interconnected stories about people facing difficult situations in Helsinki. The movie explores themes of chance, consequences, and human nature in a way that’s both thought-provoking and emotionally powerful.
While not as widely known as some other films on this list, “Frozen Land” has gained a strong following over the years for its complex storytelling and powerful performances. Its enduring popularity shows that Finnish audiences appreciate challenging, artistic films that tackle deep themes.
Bottom Line
These ten movies represent the best of Finnish cinema, showcasing a wide range of genres and styles. From action-packed war films to quirky comedies and thought-provoking dramas, Finnish filmmakers have proven they can create movies that resonate with audiences both at home and around the world.
The success of these films has helped put Finnish cinema on the global map. They’ve shown that Finland can produce high-quality movies that stand alongside the best international productions. Whether telling uniquely Finnish stories or putting a Finnish spin on universal themes, these movies have captivated viewers and helped spread Finnish culture to new audiences.