You must watch these 7 Matthias Schweighöfer movies if you love the actor

If you are a recent re-discoverer of Matthias Schweighöfer or if you have been a fan for ages, then you really are in for a treat. This gifted German actor, director, and producer has acted with consummate skill across genres: comedies with a light touch, emotionally compelling dramas, nail-biting thrillers, and films of historical import.

Matthias Schweighöfer really stands out because he can make it seem as if the people he plays are really real, from a goofy romantic to a gallant soldier or an ordinary man caught in terrifying events. A lot of his projects, such as Army of Thieves and You Are Wanted, have gone global and so his appeal is really beyond Germany.

Here is a list of seven films to get you into the groove of his work, showing the full spectrum of his talent and artistic expression. These stories will make you laugh, reflect, sometimes cry but most of all they will deepen your admiration for Matthias.

---

You must watch these 7 Matthias Schweighöfer movies if you love the actor

1. Army of Thieves (2021)

Army of Thieves sustains as an exciting prequel while zombies take over the neon city of promiscuity. Matthias Schweighöfer stars as the timid-but-crafty safecracker Ludwig Dieter. What makes Army of Thieves super cool is that Matthias Schweighöfer also directed it! It is an interesting concoction of action, comedy and even some heartfelt moments. Here, one watches Ludwig's training into a master thief as the whole world was just beginning to collapse.

The language of the film is English and is connected with Zack Snyder's universe which contributes to its fame throughout the world. It is one of Matthias's crowning roles especially outside his homeland of Germany.

---

2. Vier gegen die Bank (2016)

In the German crime comedy, Max is played by Matthias Schweighöfer an ambitious ad executive whose life is turned upside down as a bank mismanages his savings. Alongside Til Schweiger, Michael Herbig, and Jan Josef Liefers, he joins a weird bunch plotting a fun but failed bank heist to get back their money.

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen-who was making his first German feature after Das Boot-the film premiered on December 25, 2016, and grossed over $9 million. While some critics thought it relied too much on clichés, many others appreciated the chemistry between the stars and found it to be a fun, light-hearted adventure.

---

3. The Red Baron (2008)

The Red Baron starred Matthias Schweighöfer as none other than the man, or rather the famous World War I aviator Manfred von Richthofen. Instead of portraying the man as a mere war hero the film explores his doubts and thoughts about war and love. Matthias delivered a deeply emotional performance with his portrayal of the character, giving him two facets depth and reality.

The film also includes breathtaking aerial sequences coupled with a thought-provoking screenplay to depict the life of a human behind the historical figure. This movie establishes that Matthias isn't just good in comedic stuff; he glitters in heavy-hitter period dramas as well.

---

4. What a Man (2011)

In this delightful romantic comedy, Matthias Schweighöfer stars as Alex, a school teacher dumped and determined to find out what it means to be a "real man." He directed the film, as well, and indicates that he will not be limited to acting. The film grossed approximately US $17.3 million at the domestic box office and boasted more than 1.7 million spectators in Germany, one of the best German comedies of 2011.

The critics adored its welcoming humor and the natural on-screen charm of Matthias. His comedic chemistry with Mavie Hörbiger comes across as spontaneous and real, and this film appears heartfelt and authentic to this day.

---

5. 100 Things (2018)

What would you do if you were forced to give up everything? 100 Things tells us in a laugh-out-loud way. Matthias Schweighöfer stars as one of two buddies who commit to living without anything and gradually accumulate only one thing every day. It's a witty and insightful film about how dependent we are on things. Matthias also directed the movie, demonstrating again how talented he is behind the camera.

The movie combines humor with real questions regarding happiness, friendship, and contemporary life. It's easy, fun, and gets you thinking without getting too heavy.

---

6. Joy of Fatherhood (2014)

Joy of Fatherhood is a light-hearted film about a man who learns he has a daughter in a surprise discovery. Matthias Schweighöfer portrays a laid back guy who must now mature and become responsible overnight. Once again, he brings charm and warmth to the part making the movie both humorous and poignant.

The movie touches on issues of parenting, maturity and experiencing happiness in the most unexpected way. It's not too melodramatic which is why it's so enjoyable. It was popular in Germany and one of his most cherished family comedies. If you enjoy good-hearted feel-good movies, it's a good use of your time.

---

7. Resistance (2020)

In Resistance Matthias Schweighöfer stars as Klaus Barbie, a true life Nazi officer who was dubbed the "Butcher of Lyon." It's a far more serious role than his typical movies. The film features Jesse Eisenberg as mime performer Marcel Marceau, who assisted in the rescue of Jewish children during World War II. Matthias's frightening performance proves he can do heavy, serious parts as well.

The film sends a strong message about courage and resisting cruelty. Though it did not fare well at the box office, the acting was universally complimented by critics. The film reveals a completely different persona of Matthias that his fans must watch.

---

Matthias Schweighöfer has established a remarkable career through the selection of his acting roles as fun, emotional, and frequently provocative. Whether he's having you laugh in a rom-com or have you gripping your seat in suspense for a thriller, he brings heart and honesty to each character.

If you like characters that are realistic and movies that linger, these seven movies are the ideal means to see his skill. Not only watch them for entertainment purposes but to fully grasp what makes Matthias Schweighöfer stand out.