Why are German films often so formulaic even though Germany is a European culture? I love them but they follow formula very closely like Hollywood. What are the best German films?

Berlin - Sinfonie einer Großstadt

Die Feuerzangenbowle

In Wirtschaftswunder times, most Western German movies were junk but the GDR produced some very good ones, e.g. Western movies and Spur der Steine; in the 70s Paul und Paula. I definitely recommend both!

United Switches Off Starlink Internet on Regional Jets After Static Problem - WSJ

Metropolis

In jenen Tagen

I have seen some very good German movies. It is not that they don't exist, but they hardly ever achieve much fame. Especially since people have been accustomed to the dominance of US popular culture.

What techniques can be used to sing like Freddie Mercury if one is unable to hit high notes?

Nackt

Das Haus in Montevideo

What is of absolutely horrible quality is the “movies” that are produced for TV. They are famously bad.

Why do Christians think voting for Trump is any better than voting for Kamala Harris?

Zur Sache, Schätzchen (and its sequel)

Es war eine rauschende Ballnacht

And many I can't think of at the moment.

CDC Health Advisory Says This 'Ongoing Risk' Leaves Travelers Vulnerable on Planes, Trains, Public Transport, and More - Travel + Leisure

Besides these, there are some really good children's movies: More recently, the Bibi und Tina series as just one example. Looking back into the 80s and 70s, as well as into the present, I would even say that movies for children are what the German Film industry excels at. There is much less screaming and cake throwing and slimy monsters and much more discussing of matters that affect children in real life (even in phantasy plots) than in most US children's movies as far als I know them. The GDR was particularly well known for excellent children's movies but the west was and is good at it, too.

Here is a list of some (by no means all) German movies that are considered Classics (and a few that should be, in my opinion):

Man spricht Deutsh

China accuses US of ‘severely violating’ trade truce - Financial Times

Es geschah am helllichten Tag

Lola rennt

Didi - alles im Eimer

Why do I get stressed when I go to bed?