Yeşilçam, the Turkish film industry's golden age, spanned from the 1950s to the 1980s. During this time, Turkey produced a wealth of films that reflected the country's social, political, and cultural climate. Many of these films have become beloved classics and are still watched and cherished today. Here are 13 of the best Yeşilçam movies that have stood the test of time.
Hababam Sınıfı, directed by Ertem Eğilmez, is a comedy about a group of mischievous high school students who get into all sorts of trouble. The film is famous for its memorable characters and quotable lines, and it has become a beloved classic in Turkey.
Selvi Boylum Al Yazmalım, directed by Atıf Yılmaz, is a romantic drama about a young man and woman from different social classes who fall in love. The film is notable for its beautiful cinematography and haunting soundtrack, and it is considered one of the greatest love stories in Turkish cinema.
Yılanların Öcü, directed by Metin Erksan, is a psychological thriller about a man who becomes obsessed with a woman he meets on a train. The film is notable for its atmospheric cinematography and innovative use of sound, and it is considered a landmark in Turkish cinema.
Sürü, directed by Zeki Ökten, is a drama about a family of Kurdish migrant workers who move from the countryside to Istanbul in search of a better life. The film is notable for its realistic portrayal of social and economic inequality in Turkey, and it is considered a landmark in Turkish cinema.
Süt Kardesler, directed by Nejat Saydam, is a comedy about two brothers who inherit a dairy farm from their father. The film is famous for its memorable scenes and characters, and it has become a beloved classic in Turkish cinema.
Şabanoğlu Şaban, directed by Natuk Baytan, is a comedy about a man who moves from the city to a small village to escape his debtors. The film is notable for its hilarious scenes and quotable lines, and it has become a beloved classic in Turkey.
Yol, directed by Şerif Gören and Yılmaz Güney, is a drama about five prisoners who are released from jail on a one-week furlough. The film is notable for its powerful performances and insightful commentary on life in Turkey during the 1980s, and it won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
Tosun Paşa, directed by Kartal Tibet, is a comedy about a man who becomes the governor of a small town and tries to bring order to the chaotic community. The film is notable for its hilarious scenes and memorable characters, and it has become a beloved classic in Turkish cinema.
Gülen Gözler, directed by Ertem Eğilmez, is a romantic comedy about a young man and woman who fall in love despite their families' objections. The film is notable for its charming characters and catchy soundtrack, and it has become a beloved classic in Turkish cinema.
Umut, directed by Yılmaz Güney, is a drama about a young man who moves to Istanbul in search of a better life. The film is notable for its realistic portrayal of poverty and social injustice, and it is considered a masterpiece of Turkish cinema.
Muhsin Bey, directed by Yavuz Turgul, is a drama about an aging actor who is struggling to find work. The film is notable for its powerful performances and insightful commentary on the nature of art and fame, and it has become a beloved classic in Turkish cinema.