17 Must-Watch Mystery and Drama Movies Similar to Incendies

"The Lives of Others" is a captivating German film set in 1984 East Berlin, during the height of the Cold War. It follows the story of Captain Gerd Wiesler, an agent of the secret police who becomes increasingly absorbed by the lives of a writer and his lover while conducting surveillance on them. The film explores themes of loyalty, freedom, and the conflict between the totalitarian state and artists who yearn for expression. Like "Incendies," "The Lives of Others" delves into the complexities of human relationships and the impact of political turmoil on individuals. While "Incendies" focuses on the Middle East and family history, "The Lives of Others" takes us into the heart of East Berlin and the Stasi regime. Both films are beautifully crafted and have garnered critical acclaim, with "The Lives of Others" winning the Oscar for Best Foreign Film.

"Over There" is a series that takes a dramatized look at the war in Iraq. While it may not be technically accurate, it captures the spirit of war with its portrayal of the boredom, pointless orders, and moments of abject terror. The character of Ssgt "Scream" embodies the quintessential NCO, getting the job done and keeping his men alive. The show also graphically portrays wounds, shedding light on the harsh realities of being wounded in combat. With all the garbage on TV, like the repetitive and boring "Nip Tuck," "Over There" deserves a second chance. So, if you enjoyed the intensity and emotional depth of "Incendies," you should definitely give "Over There" a watch.

The Unit is reminiscent of Incendies in its exploration of the Middle East and the complex themes surrounding it. While Incendies focuses on the tragic civil war in Lebanon, The Unit delves into the world of American super-secret operators. Both movies touch upon the Middle East conflict, but from different perspectives. Incendies takes a dramatic and mysterious approach, following the journey of twins as they uncover their family history, while The Unit combines action, drama, and thriller elements to portray the lives of these covert operatives. The Unit provides a unique insight into the world of special forces, offering a glimpse into their operations and the challenges they face. Although the two movies differ in genre and storytelling style, they both captivate the audience's attention and shed light on the complexities of the Middle East. If you enjoyed the gripping narrative of Incendies and want to explore a different facet of this region, The Unit is a must-watch.

A Separation is reminiscent of Incendies in its ability to immerse the audience in a complex and emotionally charged story. Both films revolve around family relationships and explore the consequences of difficult decisions. While Incendies takes us on a journey to the Middle East as twins search for their family history, A Separation introduces us to a married couple facing a dilemma: should they move to another country to improve their child's life or stay in Iran to care for a parent with Alzheimer's disease? Both films navigate themes of sacrifice, duty, and the consequences of our actions. However, A Separation offers a unique glimpse into Iranian society, presenting a nuanced view that challenges our preconceived notions. With its compelling plot and exceptional performances, A Separation is a must-watch for anyone seeking an intimate and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Red Lines is reminiscent of Incendies in its exploration of the Middle East, specifically the conflict and turmoil faced by the people in the region. While Incendies focuses on the journey of twin siblings to the Middle East to uncover their family history and fulfill their mother's last wishes, Red Lines tells the story of two activists in Syria who strive to establish democratic enclaves in their war-torn homeland. Both movies shed light on the struggles faced by individuals in the face of political turmoil and the impact it has on their lives. While Incendies is a drama mystery, Red Lines falls into the genres of documentary, drama, news, and war. The runtime for Incendies is 7860 seconds, while Red Lines has a shorter runtime of 5940 seconds. Despite their differences, both movies offer a captivating portrayal of the Middle East and its complex dynamics, making Red Lines a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the political issues in Syria and the resilience of its people.

Mother is reminiscent of Incendies as both movies explore the themes of family relationships and the search for one's roots. While Incendies takes place in the Middle East, Mother is set in Pakistan, but both films showcase the impact of their respective countries' history and socio-political context on the characters' lives. In Incendies, twin siblings embark on a journey to the Middle East to discover their family history and fulfill their mother's last wishes. Similarly, in Mother, the husband and son must confront corruption in society and within themselves after the death of the family's matriarch. Both movies delve into the complexities of family dynamics and the struggles faced by the characters in their quest for truth and justice. However, while Incendies is a gripping mystery drama that captivates the audience from start to finish, Mother has a slower pace that may hinder some viewers' engagement.

Yemeniettes is reminiscent of Incendies, as both films explore the challenges faced in the Middle East. While Incendies delves into the complex history and family relationships in Lebanon, Yemeniettes sheds light on the struggles of young Yemeni girls in a broken educational system and a patriarchal society. The films share a common theme of resilience, as the characters in both stories defy societal expectations and strive for a better future. However, while Incendies is a gripping drama that uncovers the mysteries of the past, Yemeniettes is a thought-provoking documentary that exposes the harsh realities of present-day Yemen. With its inspiring story and eye-opening perspective, Yemeniettes is a must-watch for those seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by women in the Middle East.

The Vigilante" is a story about one woman who puts her life on the line to save other women from abuse and battery at any cost, even while she deals with her own demons from the past. While the plot of "The Vigilante" differs from "Incendies," there is a striking resemblance in their exploration of the human condition. Just as "Incendies" delves into the complexities of family relationships and the search for identity, "The Vigilante" tackles the sensitive issue of domestic abuse and the resilience of survivors. Both movies take us on a journey that is not only gripping but also sheds light on important social issues. So, if you enjoyed the emotional depth and thought-provoking nature of "Incendies," "The Vigilante" is a must-watch.

Body of Lies, directed by Ridley Scott, is reminiscent of Incendies in its exploration of the Middle East conflict and the complex web of relationships it creates. While Incendies focuses on the personal journey of twins uncovering their family history, Body of Lies delves into the world of espionage and terrorism, with a CIA agent caught between the intentions of his American supervisors and Jordan Intelligence. Both movies provide a gripping and realistic portrayal of the region, immersing the audience in its atmosphere. However, while Incendies is a slow-burning drama that captivates with its powerful imagery and emotional depth, Body of Lies is a thinking man's thriller, more focused on intelligence gathering than explosive action. Leonardo DiCaprio shines in both films, showcasing his ability to bring intensity and grit to every role. Russell Crowe delivers a great performance as well, portraying a character on the edge.

Four Blood Moons is reminiscent of Incendies because both movies touch on the topic of the Middle East. However, while Incendies is a gripping drama that explores the personal history of a family in Lebanon, Four Blood Moons takes a different approach by examining the supernatural connection between celestial events and biblical prophecy. It delves into the significance of four blood moons and their potential message from God. Unlike Incendies, which is based on a play and features powerful and unforgettable scenes, Four Blood Moons takes the form of a docu-drama with cinematic recreations of historical events from the United States, Israel, and the Middle East. The movies differ not only in their genres, with Incendies being a drama-mystery and Four Blood Moons being a drama-history film, but also in their storytelling methods. While Incendies follows a linear narrative, Four Blood Moons combines expert testimonials, scientific explanations, and religious perspectives to deliver its message.

The Soldier's Star takes us back in time to the Russian-Afghan war in the early 80s. This French historical/war movie shares some similarities with Incendies, although it's not as intense or thought-provoking. Both films touch on the Middle East conflict and showcase the struggles faced by the characters in a war-torn region. However, while Incendies focuses on the journey of twin siblings uncovering their family history, The Soldier's Star tells the story of a Russian guitarist who becomes captive in Afghanistan and forms unexpected connections. The Soldier's Star offers a unique perspective on the Afghan war, capturing the beauty of the mountains and providing an authentic feel. It's a film worth watching for its historical context and portrayal of the human spirit amidst chaos.

"Beirut" is reminiscent of "Incendies" in its exploration of the Middle East and its themes of conflict and family relationships. While "Incendies" focuses on the journey of twin siblings to the Middle East to uncover their family history, "Beirut" delves into the crossfires of civil war and follows CIA operatives trying to negotiate the life of a friend. Both movies showcase the complex nature of the region and the impact of political unrest on personal lives. However, they differ in tone and genre. While "Incendies" is a drama and mystery, "Beirut" combines action, crime, drama, and thriller elements. Despite their differences, if you enjoyed the poignant storytelling of "Incendies," you should watch "Beirut" for its gripping narrative set against a Middle Eastern backdrop.

Family Secrets is reminiscent of Incendies as it explores the theme of family relationships and unveils hidden secrets. While Incendies takes place in the Middle East, Family Secrets is set in Egypt, highlighting the cultural differences in their storytelling. Incendies focuses on the journey of twin siblings to the Middle East to uncover their family history, while Family Secrets tackles the taboo topic of homosexuality in Egypt. Both films delve into the complexities of family dynamics and societal expectations, but Family Secrets adds an additional layer by addressing the discrimination and differing opinions surrounding homosexuality. Despite their differences, Family Secrets offers a thought-provoking perspective on a sensitive issue, making it a compelling watch for those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema.

The Giraffe is reminiscent of Incendies, taking us on a journey through the mysteries of everyday life in the Middle East. While Incendies explores the complex and tragic history of Lebanon through the eyes of twins searching for their family, The Giraffe takes us to Cairo, where Ahmed is on a mission to secure money for an urgent abortion. Along the way, he encounters a group of young people led by a woman determined to uncover the truth about a rumored hidden giraffe at the Cairo zoo. Both films offer a glimpse into the struggles and societal challenges faced by their characters, but while Incendies delves deep into family relationships and the consequences of war, The Giraffe presents us with an absurd chain of events that distract Ahmed from his mission. Despite their differences, both films provide an intriguing exploration of life in the Middle East and are worth watching for their unique perspectives.

The Secret in Their Eyes is reminiscent of Incendies in its captivating storytelling and powerful portrayal of human emotions. Both films delve into complex themes, such as family relationships and personal histories, and take the audience on a journey of self-discovery. While Incendies explores the Middle East conflict and the tragic civil war in Lebanon, The Secret in Their Eyes focuses on a retired legal counselor seeking closure for an unresolved homicide case and his unreciprocated love. The films share a gripping narrative that steadily unravels, leaving the viewer captivated until the very end. However, The Secret in Their Eyes adds an additional layer of mystery and romance that intertwines seamlessly with the main plot. With its stellar acting, impeccable writing, and masterful direction, The Secret in Their Eyes stands as one of the finest films I have ever seen, just like Incendies.

Mortal Wound is reminiscent of Incendies, as both films delve into the complexities of family relationships and the consequences of historical events in the Middle East. While Incendies focuses on the journey of twin siblings to the region to unravel their mother's past, Mortal Wound explores the intertwining narratives of relatives connected through a powerful holding company. Both films navigate the themes of mystery and drama, captivating the audience from start to finish. However, Mortal Wound takes a different approach by incorporating elements of crime and corruption, adding an additional layer of suspense to the storyline. With its intriguing plot, stellar performances, and a touch of Middle Eastern culture, Mortal Wound offers a fresh perspective that will surely captivate viewers who enjoyed Incendies.

"It's Better to Jump" is a captivating documentary that explores the ancient walled city of Akka and the challenges it faces amidst social change and economic pressures. Just like "Incendies," which delves into the history of the Middle East, this film immerses you in a unique cultural experience. While "Incendies" takes you on a fictional journey through Lebanon, "It's Better to Jump" offers a real-life glimpse into the lives of the Palestinian inhabitants of Akka. Both films touch upon the theme of family relationships, but while "Incendies" focuses on the journey of twins to discover their past, "It's Better to Jump" showcases the rite of passage of young people in Akka who risk their fate by jumping off a centuries-old seawall into the sea.