15 Movies You Didn't Realize Were Canadian

These films were either shot in Canada, created by Canadian filmmakers or directors, feature Canadian actors, or encompass all of these elements—and are worth revisiting.

Canadians are familiar with the experience of being halfway through a movie and suddenly recognizing a familiar street sign or skyline cameo. Our cities often double as substitutes for our southern neighbors, reflecting our role as Hollywood North. From star-studded romantic comedies to cult thrillers and coming-of-age classics, Canada's cinematic influence is widespread—subtly iconic, undeniably cool, and frequently overshadowed by the louder, flashier American blockbusters. However, our contributions to film are significant and diverse, deserving of explicit recognition rather than just a fleeting location credit.

These 20 films demonstrate that Canadian cinema has always been in plain sight. Whether it's a heart-wrenching documentary, an indie masterpiece, or a hilarious comedy, these homegrown films are worth watching.

The Fly (1986)

We could reasonably claim any David Cronenberg film for Canada, but for the purposes of this list, we’ve opted for the bold, unsettling, and gorgeously visceral masterpiece The Fly. This existential body horror, starring Jeff Goldblum, was filmed entirely in Toronto and follows a brilliant scientist who becomes the subject of his own experiment gone horribly wrong. As Goldblum transforms into something monstrously fly-like, romance and tragedy simmer beneath the mutation; a metaphor for transformation, mortality, and the fallibility of ambition. We highly recommend a rewatch.

Dance Me Outside (1994)

Set on the fictional Northern Ontario Kidabanesee reserve and based on W. P. Kinsella’s collection of short stories, this spirited dramedy follows Silas Crow and his pals as they navigate dreams of mechanic school, a murder, and the failings of the justice system. Anchored by a magnetic young Indigenous cast (Ryan Black, Adam Beach, Jennifer Podemski) and sharp, biting humour, it’s a heartrending yet hopeful story worth rediscovering.

Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (2001)

The first-ever Inuktitut-language feature written, directed, and acted entirely by Inuit, this mythic epic reclaims a powerful oral legend passed down for centuries. Shot on location in Igloolik, Nunavut, the story follows Atanarjuat, a hunter forced to flee across the ice after a brutal betrayal. The film unfurls themes of love, betrayal, vengeance, and redemption and won the Caméra d’Or at Cannes in 2001, swept Genies including Best Picture, and remains one of Canada’s most celebrated films.

Men With Brooms (2002)

This isn’t the only Paul Gross film on this list but it is a very different vibe than our other pick. Men With Brooms is a quirky Canadian romantic comedy that celebrates the sport of curling. It follows a group of former teammates reuniting to honour their late coach’s final wish. The movie blends humour, romance, and sportsmanship which earned it a Canadian Comedy Award for “Pretty Funny Direction” and two Genie Award nominations, including Best Original Screenplay. A forgotten Canadian classic for most, it still holds a special place among its small but devoted cult following.

C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005)

Directed by Jean‑Marc Vallée, this poignant coming‑of‑age tale unfolds in 1960s–70s Quebec, following Zachary (Marc‑André Grondin) as he grapples with his identity as a gay man within a macho, Catholic family of four brothers. Infused with a stunning soundtrack (think David Bowie and Patsy Cline) it’s a heartfelt journey of self‑discovery and familial love. Critically adored and commercially triumphant, the film swept the Genies and Jutras, earned the Golden Reel and Billet d’Or, and remains a Canadian cinema gem.

Bon Cop, Bad Cop (2006)

This delightfully chaotic Canadian take on the buddy‑cop genre is a black comedy that throws together two mismatched detectives—a straight-laced Ontarian (Colm Feore) and a salty Québécois (Patrick Huard)—who must reluctantly team up when a body appears slashing the Québec–Ontario border. Fueled by cultural clash, hockey satire, and razor-sharp banter, the film became a national sensation, Canada’s highest‑grossing domestic film and won a Genie for Best Picture. If you haven’t already seen it, you’re missing out on Canadian film history.

Passchendaele (2008)

Written, directed by, and starring Paul Gross, this film was inspired by stories from Gross’s grandfather. The sweeping Canadian war drama shot in Alberta and Belgium follows a haunted WWI sergeant’s emotional return home, a forbidden romance, and a vow to protect his love’s brother on the harrowing battlefields of Passchendaele. The film opened TIFF in 2008 and won Best Picture at the Genie Awards; it is widely considered a visceral, patriotic tribute to Canada’s First World War legacy.

The F Word (What If? in the U.S., 2013)

This refreshingly witty Toronto-set rom‑com, penned by Elan Mastai and directed by Michael Dowse is criminally slept on (in our opinion, anyway). Daniel Radcliffe plays a burned‑out med‑school dropout who strikes up an irresistible friendship with Zoe Kazan’s animator—who just happens to have a long‑term boyfriend. As the chemistry simmers, the film asks: what if the love of your life is actually your best friend? A heartfelt ode to timing, friendship, and the charm of the city that raised it, The F Word (also called What If? in some contexts to keep things confusing) debuted at TIFF in 2013 and was named one of Canada’s top ten films of the year.

Arrival (2016)

Much like with Cronenberg, we could call any film by Quebec film director and writer Denis Villeneuve Canadian. That means, Dune (Parts 1 and 2), Blade Runner 2049, Prisoners, Enemy and, of course, any of his French language films. But we’ve chosen one of Villeneuve’s most celebrated movies that was filmed entirely in Canada but that most people wouldn’t ever know is Canadian: Arrival. The film features the all-star cast of Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker as they attempt to discover how to communicate with extraterrestrials who have arrived on Earth. If you haven’t seen it, that’s all we’re saying. Go watch it.

Jump, Darling (2020)

In this tender Canadian dramedy, a rookie drag queen, Russell (Thomas Duplessie), escapes an unsupportive partner and finds refuge with his fiercely independent grandmother Margaret (Cloris Leachman) in Prince Edward County. As Russell performs as Fishy Falters in a local bar, he and his grandmother forge an unlikely, heart‑aching bond built on dignity, defiance, and love. This film was Leachman’s final performance before her passing in January 2021 and she delivers a luminous final leading role. The film, equal parts whimsical and profoundly moving, was lost in the shuffle during the pandemic and is well worth a second look.

Wildhood (2021)

In this poignant coming-of-age road trip story, Link (Phillip Lewitski) and his younger half-brother Travis (Avery Winters-Anthony) escape their abusive father to search for Link’s estranged mother. Along the way, they meet Pasmay (Joshua Odjick), a two-spirit Mi’kmaq dancer who becomes both a guide to Link’s cultural roots and a romantic interest. Set against the stunning landscapes of Nova Scotia, the film weaves themes of identity, heritage, and self-discovery.

Stay the Night (2022)

Directed and written by Renuka Jeyapalan, this luminous Canadian romantic drama unfolds in a single, snowy Toronto evening. Grace (Andrea Bang), feeling stuck after being passed over at work, meets career-crossroaded hockey player Carter (Joey Scarpellino). A one-night stand morphs into a profound connection as they wander the city, discovering vulnerability, unexpected chemistry—and what truly matters in love. Nominated for Best Sound Editing and Mixing at the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards.

BlackBerry (2023)

Canadian comedy actors Jay Baruchel and Glenn Howerton may not be the first pair to come to mind when we say biographical dramedy about the invention of the Blackberry; regardless they are the stars of this unexpected biopic directed by Matt Johnson. This wry, energetic 2023 film dramatizes the rise—and dramatic fall—of Canada’s iconic smartphone giant, Research In Motion. The film premiered at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival, swept the Canadian Screen Awards with a record-breaking 17 nominations (winning 14, including Best Picture), and stands as one of Canada’s sharpest, most authentic tech tales to date.

The Queen of My Dreams (2023)

Fawzia Mirza’s vibrant feature film debut (based on her own theatrical stage play Me, My Mom & Sharmila) is a whimsical, heartfelt dramedy following queer Pakistani‑Canadian Azra (Amrit Kaur), who returns to Karachi after her father’s sudden death. The Bollywood-inspired journey is guided by memories and vivid flashbacks to her mother’s free-spirited youth in 1969 Karachi and her own coming-of-age in rural Canada. The film lovingly explores the tensions and tenderness between mother and daughter with breathtaking visual flair. It also won Best Lead Performance and Best Original Song at the Canadian Screen Awards, and a Top Ten TIFF selection.

French Girl (2024)

This whimsically chaotic rom‑com set in Québec City and starring Zach Braff and Vanessa Hudgens flew somewhat under the radar last year. The story follows a Brooklyn high school teacher (Braff) who follows his chef girlfriend Sophie (Évelyne Brochu) as she auditions for a Michelin 3‑star gig—only to discover her former flame, celebrity chef Ruby Collins (Hudgens), is calling the shots. The film delivers enough charm and sharp one‑liners to make the missteps feel delightfully Canadian and makes for a lighthearted, imperfect but heartfelt watch.