FeatureDrama

The Best Years (1965): cast, story & where to watch

1965 · Film · ★ 5

The Best Years poster

Released in 1965, The Best Years is a drama film directed by Günther Rücker, running about 102 minutes.

What it’s about. In 1945, Ernst Machner returns home from the war in his mid-20s. Tuche would like him to weave for a living, but his comrades persuade him to become a young teacher instead.

Who’s in it. The Best Years stars Horst Drinda as Ernst Machner, Lissy Tempelhof as Hilde Tamm, Herwart Grosse as Schneller and Rolf Hoppe as Lehrer Klein, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.0/10, The Best Years has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Best Years page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Best Years tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Best Years (1965)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Best Years change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Best Years worth watching?
The Best Years holds an audience score of 5.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Best Years?
The Best Years stars Horst Drinda, Lissy Tempelhof, Herwart Grosse, Rolf Hoppe and Harry Hindemith.
When was The Best Years released?
The Best Years was released in 1965, with a runtime of about 102 minutes.