The Best Movies Made About Immigration Ranked

Not many genres have earned appreciation of immigration. Since the 1970’s, stories of immigration have often made for engaging movies. Whether it’s childhood lovers, serial killers or Asian-American farmers, the genre has created several strong characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about immigration that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Past Lives

Childhood crushes are lovers that rarely last forever. At an early age, I fell in love with a great girl in school seeking marriage. Dressed in gorgeous attire, she was an attractive girl that my entire school would admire. However, immigration brought strong bonds towards a closure. When my family immigrated to Canada, I was faced with a grim dilemma of saying goodbye to a girl that had shaped my persona. It was heartbreaking to say final goodbyes to a girl that I had grown up to idolize. Immigration became a barrier that forced me to end my relationship with a childhood companion. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the grim struggles faced by immigrants leaving past lives behind as powerfully as “Past Lives”. Ever since its release in 2023, Celine Song’s Korean masterpiece has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about immigration. With her directorial debut, Song used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the grim hardships that childhood lovers separated by immigration go through. Song effectively uses non-linear storytelling to capture the hardships that Korean immigrants separated from childhood lovers are facing. For instance, the scene in which Nora bids a tearful farewell to Hae-Sung as he leaves for Korea causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. Ultimately, what makes “Past Lives” my favourite film about immigration of all-time is its universal appeal. Despite its focus on Korean lovers, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about immigration which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be Korean to appreciate it. A powerful portrait of immigration causing bonds of childhood lovers to deteriorate, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre that hasn’t lost abilities to captivate making great movies which audiences appreciate.

2. The Namesake

Immigration is a tough process that causes families to face a dilemma in India. I recall with nostalgia memories of a friend that had immigrated from India. He would often tell intriguing stories of grim hardships he faced moving countries. As someone treasuring fond memories of an Indian friend that experienced immigration causing heartache, I admired “The Namesake”. Released in 2006, Mira Nair’s movie offered a powerful portrait of Indian immigration. Nair has always had a flair for making great movies about Indian immigrants facing danger, and “The Namesake” showcased her strengths as a filmmaker.  For instance, the scene in which Ashok tells his son the story about how his name was created from a train accident causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Irrfan Khan, who portrayed an Indian immigrant facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “The Namesake” an immigration masterpiece is its bold appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be Indian to appreciate it. It delivers a bold message about the sacrifices involved in immigration which would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of immigration causing Indian families to crumble, it’s a powerful reminder of a great genre that making strong movies audiences consider special.

3. Minari

Korean families that experience immigration often face tension. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a Korean kid that would recall his immigration journey causing trauma. He would often tell stories about challenges his conservative family faced moving countries. As someone treasuring memories of a friend that migrated from a Korean country, I adored “Minari”. Released in 2020, Lee Isaac Chung’s masterpiece capturing Korean families settling in America. Drawing from his own personal experiences as an Asian-American immigrant, Chung created a powerful portrait of Korean immigration. For instance, the scene in which Jacob and his family first arrive on the farm in America to begin a new life is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Steven Yeun, who portrayed a Korean father struggling to provide for his family. Ultimately, what makes “Minari” a masterpiece is its commemorated message. The film delivers a meaningful message about family which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be Korean to relate to the commemorated themes of the movie. A powerful portrait of troublesome hardships Korean families which immigrate commonly face, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced unforgettable movies which audiences embrace.

4. Everything Everywhere All At Once

Asian-American immigrants can often be harsh on their children. Several years ago, I formed a friendship with a Chinese girl in school that came from a conservative family. She would complain about not getting along well with her mother that put under intense strain. As someone treasuring fond memories of an Asian girl that recalled her mother’s immigrant experience, I loved “Everything Everywhere All At Once”. Released in 2022, the Daniels’ movie captured hardships Asian-American immigrant families go through. The Daniels used the ingenious concept of the multi-verse to explore the strained relationship between an Asian-American woman and her daughter. For instance, the scene in which Evelyn finally reconciles with her daughter following years of tense feuds causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Michelle Yeoh, who portrays an Asian-American mother facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Everything Everywhere All At Once” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Despite focusing on Asian-American mothers, it tackles universal themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about bonds between mothers and daughters which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Evelyn’s desire to mend her broken bond with Joy, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made great movies which audiences enjoy.

5. Brooklyn

Homesickness is a tragic feeling that every immigrant faces. Several years ago, my life forever changed when my family immigrated to Toronto. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of the time when my family migrated to Canada. Immigration came with a tremendous sacrifice of abandoning childhood companions I regarded with affection. Bidding goodbyes to precious companions I had grown to idolize brought tears to my eyes. As someone impacted by immigration, I adored “Brooklyn”. Released in 2015, John Crowley’s movie celebrated a beloved book about Irish immigration. Crowley uses engaging montages capturing the hardships that an Irish immigrant is facing. For instance, the scene in which Ellis learns about the upsetting news of her sister Rose’s death in Ireland after she has immigrated to America is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Saoirse Ronan, who embodied an Irish immigrant. Ultimately, what makes “Brooklyn” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about immigration which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be Irish to appreciate it. A powerful portrait of immigrants that are Irish, it’s an incredible reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies about the challenging immigration process which audiences cherish.

6. The Big Sick

Pakistani families that immigrate often face adversities. As a native of Pakistan, I have often seen my family struggle with adjusting to life in new countries. As someone that has seen tragic hardships faced by Pakistani immigrants, I appreciated “The Big Sick”. Released in 2017, Michael Showalter’s movie captured big hardships faced by a Pakistani family in America. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Big Sick” stand out is its humour. Showalter uses captivating comedy to capture hardships faced by a Pakistani comedian. Assisted by Kumail Nanjiani who is amazing in the lead role, Showalter created a portrait of immigration that’s compelling. A fantastic portrait of Pakistani comedians facing barriers that are tragic, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies captivating the public.

7. The Farewell

Immigration often poses a dilemma for families in China. Chinese families that make the decision to move countries often face adversities. The challenges faced by Chinese women bidding farewell to their homeland are beautifully depicted in the movie “The Farewell”. Released in 2019, Lulu Wang’s movie captured hardships faced by Chinese immigrant families. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Farewell” stand out is its depiction of families in China. Wang uses captivating montages capturing barriers faced by Chinese families that immigrate. Assisted by Awkwafina who is amazing in the lead role, Wang created a compelling immigrant drama. As strong as Billi’s bond with her grandmother, it’s a great reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.

8. Gangs of New York

Martin Scorsese is a legendary filmmaker that has built a lasting legacy. With their bloody violence, compelling characters and strong themes, Scorsese’s movies have earned a huge following. Immigration is a key theme in Scorsese’s movies, and it is most evident in “Gangs of New York”. Released in 2002, Scorsese’s movie capturing the lives of immigrant gangs in American history. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Gangs of New York” stand out is its depiction of immigrants in history. Scorsese uses captivating flashbacks capturing gangs that migrated to America. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Scorsese created a compelling gangster epic. As strong as Amsterdam’s desire for vengeance, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies about hardships immigrants experience.

9. No Country for Old Men

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about immigration faced by old men, it’s worth discussing No Country for Old Men. Since its publication in 2005, Cormac McCarthy’s book has become a literature classic. In 2007, the Coen Brothers honoured the iconic book about old men that immigrate in their movie “No Country for Old Men”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “No Country for Old Men” stand out is its violence. The Coen Brothers use effective bursts of violence to capture immigrants facing a traumatic experience. Assisted by Javier Bardem who is amazing in the lead role, the Coen Brothers created a compelling western about immigration. As memorable as murders Anton Chigurh has committed, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies which audiences have appreciated.

10. The Terminal

Few movies ever made about immigrants stranded in an airport terminal are as beloved as “The Terminal”. Since its release in 2004, Steven Spielberg’s movie has become a classic. Spielberg used sharp humour to capture immigrants stranded in an airport. Assisted by Tom Hanks who is extraordinary in the lead role, Spielberg created a captivating immigrant comedy. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of an immigrant treated with cruelty by the U.S. customs has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Viktor Navorski’s desire to survive airports in America, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies about immigrants that experience a dilemma which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema.