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?

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):

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!

What do dreams about dead people mean?

Lola rennt

Nackt

Didi - alles im Eimer

Do people really never face any hidden costs or surprises with surgeries in countries with single-payer healthcare like the NHS?

Zur Sache, Schätzchen (and its sequel)

Das Haus in Montevideo

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.

Republican Trump is a billionaire, president, won't be held accountable for multiple felonies, and pretty much has whatever he wants. So why is he always whining and crying about stupid, pointless stuff? Is he incapable of happiness?

In jenen Tagen

Man spricht Deutsh

Es war eine rauschende Ballnacht

I always feel very tired after I do some exercises, even after a night's sleep. What's the problem?

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

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.

Es geschah am helllichten Tag

Why did Trump call Biden and Schumer Palestinians?

Berlin - Sinfonie einer Großstadt

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

Metropolis

Why do some people prefer watching movies than reading novels even if they are both based on the same source material (book)?