Why are German films often so formulaic even though Germany is a European culture? I love them but they follow formula very closely like Hollywood. What are the best German films?

I have seen some very good German movies. It is not that they don't exist, but they hardly ever achieve much fame. Especially since people have been accustomed to the dominance of US popular culture.

Metropolis

Here is a list of some (by no means all) German movies that are considered Classics (and a few that should be, in my opinion):

Do you like high heels?

And many I can't think of at the moment.

Berlin - Sinfonie einer Großstadt

Zur Sache, Schätzchen (and its sequel)

Why are the bands Smashmouth and Nickelback often used as punchlines?

Es geschah am helllichten Tag

Die Feuerzangenbowle

Didi - alles im Eimer

What are some other ways to respond to someone saying "thank you" besides "de rien" or "vous êtes bienvenue"?

In Wirtschaftswunder times, most Western German movies were junk but the GDR produced some very good ones, e.g. Western movies and Spur der Steine; in the 70s Paul und Paula. I definitely recommend both!

Besides these, there are some really good children's movies: More recently, the Bibi und Tina series as just one example. Looking back into the 80s and 70s, as well as into the present, I would even say that movies for children are what the German Film industry excels at. There is much less screaming and cake throwing and slimy monsters and much more discussing of matters that affect children in real life (even in phantasy plots) than in most US children's movies as far als I know them. The GDR was particularly well known for excellent children's movies but the west was and is good at it, too.

Lola rennt

Atheists, there is a god up there in heaven and he loves you so much that he sent his son to die the worst death imaginable and then to turn into a zombie all to save you from sin. Why do you reject him?

Man spricht Deutsh

Das Haus in Montevideo

Nackt

What are the reasons for your political affiliation with the Democratic party? What are some aspects of the party that you support and some that you do not?

In jenen Tagen

What is of absolutely horrible quality is the “movies” that are produced for TV. They are famously bad.

Es war eine rauschende Ballnacht

What is the most comfortable heel height for women's dress shoes and what are the differences between wearing high heels and lower heels?