Modern Ukrainian Films — Top 10 Best New Ukranian Films

Modern cinema is distinguished not only by the quantity but also by the quality of projects. Therefore, the best modern Ukrainian films are constantly appearing on screens. Moreover, Ukrainian films often gain significant popularity. 

Choosing the top 10 modern Ukrainian films can also be tailored to personal preferences. The diversity is quite large. 

Best Modern Ukrainian Films

Selecting the best modern Ukrainian films will be quite challenging. After all, there is a lot of competition among them. Overall, Ukrainian cinema has undergone significant transformation over the past decade. From short experimental films to large festival hits, Ukrainian cinema has long ceased to be just a local phenomenon. 

The growing interest in the national product among viewers, support for young directors, international awards, and deep narratives reflecting the realities of the country have all become the foundation for forming a new wave of cinematography. 

Modern Ukrainian films are no longer simply stories for the domestic market. They are deep, bold, artistically strong films that resonate far beyond the borders of Ukraine.

Pamfir (2022)

The film by director Dmytro Sukholytkyi-Sobchuk, which has been featured at the Cannes Film Festival, is a mix of family drama, social thriller, and folklore. The main character, Pamfir, tries to leave the past behind but is forced to return to smuggling for the welfare of his family. Visually, the film is extremely rich, shot in the western Ukrainian lands, where nature becomes part of the narrative. “Pamfir” is about choice, about how much a person is willing to risk everything for their loved ones.

Black Raven (2019)

A historical action film based on the novel by Vasyl Shkliar. The events unfold after the end of World War I and the liberation battles in the turbulent 1920s, when Ukrainian rebels try to defend their land from the Bolshevik invasion. The film is rich in dialogues about freedom, honor, and loyalty to Ukraine. Although the film has faced criticism for historical accuracy, it has undoubtedly made a significant contribution to popularizing the topic of the rebel movement.

20 Days in Mariupol (2023)

A documentary film shot by Ukrainian journalist Myroslav Chernov in collaboration with Associated Press. This harrowing chronicle of the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, particularly the blockade of Mariupol, is not for the faint-hearted but is extremely important. It demonstrates realities that usually do not make the news and tells about the pain, courage, and tragedy of the people. The film won an Oscar in 2024 in the category of Best Documentary Feature.

The Guide (2014)

This film became one of the first milestones of modern Ukrainian historical cinema. Director Oles Sanin filmed the story of an American boy who becomes a guide for a Ukrainian kobzar in the 1930s during Stalin's repressions. The film received tremendous support from viewers and was nominated for an Oscar from Ukraine. It is a film about humanity, culture, music, and the tragedy that Ukraine endured under the yoke of a totalitarian regime.

Luxembourg, Luxembourg (2023)

Director Antonio Lukich surprised again - this time with a comedic yet touching story about twin brothers who learn about their father's illness while living abroad. They embark on a search that turns out to be not only a geographical journey but also an inward journey. The leading roles were played by musicians from the band “Kurgan & Agregat”, which gives the film a modern urban sound.

My Thoughts Are Quiet (2019)

An ironic and warm story about a young sound engineer who goes on an expedition to Transcarpathia to record the sounds of rare animals. His mother accompanies him, and this journey becomes a path to inner reconciliation. Director Antonio Lukich created something more than just a comedy - it is a deep understanding of generations, family ties, and self-identification.

Cyborgs (2017)

One of the first films that openly discusses the war in Donbas. The film by Akhtem Seitablaev is dedicated to the defenders of Donetsk airport - the cyborgs. Real events form the basis of the script, and the dialogues reflect the spirit that prevailed among Ukrainian warriors. This film is about courage, sacrifice, camaraderie, and love for the homeland.

Do You Love Me? (2023)

A co-production with France, where the story unfolds in the 1990s in Kyiv. A teenager experiences his parents' divorce against the backdrop of social changes. This is an intimate film about emotions, childhood traumas, growing up, and searching for love. It impresses with its tenderness, truthfulness, and wonderful acting.

Dovbush (2023)

Modern Ukrainian cinema is no longer just an attempt to create something “like in Europe” or “like in Hollywood”. It is completely self-sufficient art, with its own language, pain, humor, and truth. The new films reflect the spirit of the times, social changes, and emotional experiences that resonate not only in Ukraine but around the world. And that is why these films are worth watching - not just for entertainment but for understanding oneself and one’s country. A good example could be this film. 

“Dovbush” is a large historical drama by director Oles Sanin dedicated to the legendary opryshok Oleksiy Dovbush. The film impresses not only with the high quality of the production but also with deep content that reveals the theme of the struggle of Ukrainians for justice and dignity. The events unfold in the Carpathians of the 18th century, where the figure of the folk avenger is born against the backdrop of brutal feudal oppression.

Leading roles are played by Serhii Strel'nikov, Daryna Fedyina, and Oleksiy Hnatkovskyi. The film combines exciting battle scenes, folkloric motifs, a powerful soundtrack, and visual luxury, leaving no viewer indifferent. This is not just a film about the past - it is a reflection on national identity and the spirit of resistance, relevant even today.

Shchedryk (2022)

The film “Shchedryk” is a touching story that transports the viewer to the turbulent times of World War II. The plot centers around the fate of three families: Ukrainian, Jewish, and Polish, who are forced to coexist under one roof in Stanislav (now Ivano-Frankivsk). The film masterfully conveys an atmosphere of fear, loss, but also - hope that never disappears even in the darkest moments of history.

Yana Koval'skaya played the main role, and the script is based on real events. The title of the film is a symbol of unity and faith, as the world-renowned “Shchedryk” sounds here as a voice that transcends death and hatred. The film received many positive reviews at festivals, including for the poignant performances of the actors and the emotionally powerful story.

I Work at the Cemetery (2021)

This film has become one of the most unusual in Ukrainian cinema in recent years. A black comedy with elements of drama, “I Work at the Cemetery” is an adaptation of the eponymous book by Pavlo Belyanskyi. The main character, Oleksandr, works in the funeral business and deals with various clients ordering tombstones.

The performance of actor Vitaliy Saliy is a true masterpiece of the perfect blend of humor and tragedy. Director Roman Bondarchuk created a world where death and life present in ironic contrast. This is a film about internal losses, self-discovery, and the effort to maintain dignity in a cynical world. Acute dialogues, visual aesthetics, and deep philosophy - all of this makes the film truly unique.

Cyborgs (2017)

“Cyborgs” is one of the most significant films about the modern war in Eastern Ukraine. Director Akhtem Seitablaev filmed a story based on the real events of the defense of Donetsk airport. This is not just a war drama, but a profound human story about courage, patriotism, and sacrifice.

Actors Andrii Isayenko, Makar Tykhomyrov, Roman Yasinovskyi, and others amazed viewers with the authenticity of their characters. The film explores various perceptions and views on war united by a single goal - the defense of one's land. “Cyborgs” have become a modern classic, and their quotes are aphorisms of a generation experiencing war in real-time.

Klondike (2022)

A documentary-drama by Maryna Er Gorbach that attracted the attention of the international film community. The action takes place in 2014 in Donbas during the first days of war. Iryna, a pregnant woman, remains in a village near Hrabove, where the MH17 flight fell. Her life is literally on the line - both physically and morally.

The main role was played by Oksana Cherkashyna, and her performance was recognized at the Berlinale. “Klondike” is a film about civilians in the midst of war chaos. About a woman who stands between life and death, choice and hopelessness. The film is extremely emotional, powerful, and leaves a deep mark on the soul. It reminds us that behind each line of news are living people, their pain and hope.

Vision of a Butterfly (2023)

​​​​​​​This is a delicate and poetic drama by director Maryna Vroda, which tells the story of a man returning from captivity and trying to find a new meaning in life. The film received awards at the Cannes Festival and became an example of intellectual cinema, exploring the psychology of war and the consequences of trauma.

Pulse (2021)

An inspiring story of a Ukrainian athlete who loses her sight after a car accident but does not give up and continues training. The film is based on real events, with good visual content and an emotionally rich narrative. “Pulse” is about the strength of spirit, dreams, and human resilience capable of creating miracles.