Over the last decade, Canadian cinema has experienced a remarkable evolution. Once overshadowed by Hollywood, Canada has built a strong identity in filmmaking—bold, inclusive, and refreshingly authentic. From intimate dramas and politically charged thrillers to innovative horror and touching coming-of-age tales, the best Canadian films of the past ten years prove that the Great White North is a hotbed of creativity.
This article celebrates some of the most impactful and acclaimed Canadian films released between 2015 and 2025—movies that have defined an era and helped shape Canada’s global cinematic reputation.
1. Room (2015) — Directed by Lenny Abrahamson
Though directed by Irish filmmaker Lenny Abrahamson, Room is a Canadian co-production that put Canadian cinema on the international map in a way few films have. Based on the novel by Canadian author Emma Donoghue (who also wrote the screenplay), Room tells the story of a young mother (Brie Larson) and her son (Jacob Tremblay) escaping captivity after years of confinement.
The film balances tragedy and triumph beautifully, exploring resilience, motherhood, and the human capacity for hope. Larson’s Oscar-winning performance and Tremblay’s breakthrough role made Room one of the decade’s most emotional and unforgettable Canadian-backed films.
2. Brooklyn (2015) — Directed by John Crowley
Another Canadian-Irish co-production that made waves globally, Brooklyn tells the tender story of Eilis (Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish woman who immigrates to New York in the 1950s. While the story is rooted in Irish identity, its production, funding, and post-production ties to Canada highlight the country’s growing influence in international filmmaking.
Brooklyn was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and remains a classic for its elegant storytelling, understated romance, and its exploration of belonging and identity—universal themes that resonate deeply with Canada’s multicultural spirit.
3. The Revenant (2015) — Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Though often thought of as an American survival epic, The Revenant was filmed extensively in the Canadian wilderness, showcasing the stunning natural landscapes of Alberta and British Columbia. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Oscar-winning role as frontiersman Hugh Glass is complemented by the breathtaking cinematography of Emmanuel Lubezki, who used only natural light to capture Canada’s raw, unforgiving beauty.
The film’s production in harsh Canadian conditions became legendary, and its success cemented Canada’s reputation as one of the best locations for large-scale, visually stunning filmmaking.
4. The Death and Life of John F. Donovan (2018) — Directed by Xavier Dolan
Quebecois filmmaker Xavier Dolan is one of Canada’s brightest cinematic talents, and The Death and Life of John F. Donovan was his ambitious English-language debut. Starring Kit Harington, Natalie Portman, and Susan Sarandon, the film explores fame, identity, and the pressures of the entertainment industry.
Although the film received mixed reviews, it remains a bold and personal work that reflects Dolan’s fearless storytelling style. His earlier films (Mommy, Laurence Anyways) established his reputation, but John F. Donovan demonstrated his willingness to push boundaries on a larger scale—hallmarks of Canadian cinema’s daring creativity.
5. The Breadwinner (2017) — Directed by Nora Twomey
Produced by Canada’s Aircraft Pictures and executive-produced by Angelina Jolie, The Breadwinner is an animated masterpiece that tells the story of an Afghan girl, Parvana, who disguises herself as a boy to support her family under Taliban rule.
Based on Deborah Ellis’s Canadian novel, the film earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature. It’s a prime example of how Canadian production houses excel at telling globally relevant stories with emotional depth, artistry, and empathy.
The Breadwinner also underscores Canada’s role in pushing animation beyond entertainment—into storytelling that provokes thought and compassion.
6. Anthropocene: The Human Epoch (2018) — Directed by Jennifer Baichwal, Nicholas de Pencier, and Edward Burtynsky
This visually stunning documentary captures humanity’s profound impact on Earth. Using breathtaking imagery and immersive cinematography, Anthropocene takes viewers across the globe—from mining sites in Russia to concrete jungles in Asia—illustrating how human activity has reshaped the planet.
The film continues the trilogy that began with Manufactured Landscapes and Watermark, and it reinforces Canada’s reputation as a leader in environmental filmmaking. With its poetic narration and stunning visuals, Anthropocene is not just a film—it’s an urgent call for reflection and change.
7. The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open (2019) — Directed by Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers and Kathleen Hepburn
This groundbreaking film, shot in real time, tells the story of two Indigenous women from different backgrounds whose lives intersect during a moment of crisis. Using long takes and minimal cuts, the directors create a deeply intimate and immersive experience that feels both raw and authentic.
The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open is a landmark in Indigenous storytelling, breaking away from stereotypes and giving voice to lived experiences often overlooked in mainstream cinema. It’s an example of how Canadian filmmakers are redefining the boundaries of realism and representation.
8. Beans (2020) — Directed by Tracey Deer
Set against the backdrop of the 1990 Oka Crisis, Beans follows a young Mohawk girl as she navigates racism, identity, and adolescence. Director Tracey Deer, who experienced the Oka Crisis firsthand, crafts a powerful coming-of-age film that blends personal memory with historical truth.
Beans received critical acclaim for its honesty and emotional power, offering an Indigenous perspective rarely seen in mainstream Canadian cinema. It’s a vital reminder that the best Canadian films are not just well-crafted—they are socially and culturally significant.
9. Blood Quantum (2019) — Directed by Jeff Barnaby
Jeff Barnaby’s Blood Quantum turns the zombie genre on its head by infusing it with Indigenous themes and biting social commentary. In this story, a zombie outbreak affects everyone except members of a First Nations reserve, making them the only humans immune to the infection.
Beyond its thrilling horror elements, Blood Quantum explores themes of colonization, survival, and identity. Barnaby, a Mi’kmaq filmmaker, tragically passed away in 2022, but his work continues to inspire a generation of Indigenous storytellers who blend genre filmmaking with cultural depth.
10. Women Talking (2022) — Directed by Sarah Polley
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, Women Talking is one of the most powerful Canadian films in recent memory. Adapted from Miriam Toews’s novel (inspired by real events), the film follows a group of Mennonite women debating how to respond after years of systemic abuse in their community.
Polley’s direction is masterful—intimate, restrained, yet profoundly moving. The ensemble cast (including Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, and Jessie Buckley) delivers extraordinary performances. Women Talking is both a work of art and a moral reckoning, showcasing the depth and seriousness that define modern Canadian cinema.
11. BlackBerry (2023) — Directed by Matt Johnson
Few films have captured the spirit of Canadian innovation and downfall as brilliantly as BlackBerry. This darkly comedic drama chronicles the rise and fall of the once-dominant smartphone brand from Waterloo, Ontario.
With Jay Baruchel as the visionary Mike Lazaridis and Glenn Howerton as the ruthless Jim Balsillie, the film dives deep into the tension between creativity and corporate greed.
BlackBerry became a festival hit and one of the most talked-about Canadian films of 2023, proving that Canada can deliver business dramas every bit as sharp as The Social Network—with its own distinct flavor of humor and humanity.
12. I Like Movies (2022) — Directed by Chandler Levack
A love letter to awkward adolescence and the early 2000s, I Like Movies follows a socially inept teen who dreams of becoming a filmmaker while working at a video rental store. Director Chandler Levack captures nostalgia, ambition, and emotional vulnerability with sincerity and humor.
Shot in Ontario, the film embodies the DIY spirit of Canadian indie cinema—honest, quirky, and deeply relatable. It’s a small-scale story with a big heart, resonating with anyone who has ever found solace in movies.
13. Brother (2023) — Directed by Clement Virgo
Clement Virgo’s Brother, based on David Chariandy’s acclaimed novel, explores the lives of two Jamaican-Canadian brothers growing up in Scarborough, Toronto, during the 1990s. The film examines race, masculinity, and family with grace and emotional depth.
Beautifully shot and powerfully acted, Brother is both an intimate family drama and a broader commentary on systemic inequality. It received numerous awards and is often cited as one of the most important Canadian films of the decade—highlighting the strength of Black Canadian storytelling.
14. Seven Veils (2023) — Directed by Atom Egoyan
Veteran filmmaker Atom Egoyan returned to form with Seven Veils, starring Amanda Seyfried as a theatre director unraveling personal and artistic trauma while staging Salome. True to Egoyan’s style, the film blurs the line between art and life, identity and illusion.
It’s cerebral, haunting, and quintessentially Canadian—bold in theme, rich in symbolism, and unafraid to challenge audiences. Egoyan’s continued influence over decades proves how deeply ingrained Canadian filmmakers are in global cinema’s artistic landscape.
A Decade of Reinvention and Recognition
The past decade has shown that Canadian cinema can be both global and deeply local—telling stories that resonate universally while remaining true to the country’s diverse roots. Whether through the emotional resonance of Room, the cultural pride of Beans, or the satirical brilliance of BlackBerry, Canadian filmmakers have cemented their place on the world stage.
Moreover, Canada’s film scene has become more inclusive than ever, giving voice to Indigenous creators, women directors, and storytellers from multicultural backgrounds. This diversity is not just a strength—it’s the very essence of what makes Canadian cinema unique.
Final Thoughts
From breathtaking landscapes to raw emotional storytelling, the best Canadian films of the past decade prove that this country’s filmmakers are not afraid to innovate, challenge, and inspire. As we look ahead, one thing is clear: Canadian cinema is not just thriving—it’s redefining what world cinema can be.
The next decade promises even more groundbreaking work from Canada’s creative community. If the last ten years are any indication, audiences around the world should keep watching north—because the true north, strong and free, is also one of the most imaginative corners of global cinema.