TCM Imports: Timeless Favorites and Hidden Gems of World Cinema

by Alicia Malone

Whether you’re a longtime film buff or new to foreign movies, TCM Imports is an essential, accessible guide to an absorbing selection of cinema from around the world, curated by Turner Classic Movies host Alicia Malone.

International cinema offers a one-of-a-kind window to the world, allowing viewers to experience foreign cultures and unique expressions of cinematic art, but it can feel daunting to approach for newcomers or to expand upon even for seasoned movie buffs. Let TCM Imports be your guide to a wide-ranging and engrossing collection of movies from around the world. Featuring films from every continent, touching on international waves—including, but by no means limited to, those renowned from Europe—and spanning a century of moviemaking, this resource is comprehensive but accessible.
 
TCM Imports includes an eclectic list of films, including those that have been called high art, low art, or cult classics. There are obvious choices and some weird ones, but all are a good time, and all will inspire you to explore a different side of cinema. Each movie is covered with just enough description to get you excited (no spoilers!); behind-the-scenes stories; background on the filmmakers, stars, genres, and movements the films were a part of; and illustrated by full-color and black-and-white photos. With a thematic organization by seasons and moods inspired by time of year, this guide will set you up to enjoy a movie each week for a full year of foreign treasures, or allow you to dive into a binge-watch. Viewer’s choice!
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Among the films Amelie (2001), Ikiru (1952), Lady Snowblood (1973), The Girls (1968), In the Mood For Love (2000), Fear Eats the Soul (1974), Bicycle Thieves (1948), Daisies (1966), Spring in a Small Town (1948), Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Late Spring (1949), Went the Day Well? (1942), The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928), Black Girl (1966), The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967), Purple Noon (1960), Cléo From 5 to 7 (1962), Parasite (2019), L’Avventura (1960), Metropolis (1926), The Rules of the Game (1939), Devi (1960), Death of a Cyclist (1955), Pale Flower (1964), Fanny and Alexander (1982), Black Christmas (1974), My Night at Maud’s (1969)

Genres: Film

336 pages, Paperback

Published April 22, 2025

About the author

Alicia Malone is a film reporter, host, writer and self-confessed movie geek. She first gained notice hosting movie-centric shows and reviewing films in her native Australia, before making the leap to Los Angeles in 2011.

Since then, Alicia has appeared on CNN, the Today show, MSNBC, NPR and many more as a film expert. Currently, she is a host on FilmStruck, a cinephile subscription streaming service run by the Criterion Collection and Turner Classic Movies, and she is the creator and host of the weekly show, Indie Movie Guide on Fandango.

Alicia is passionate about classic films, independent movies and supporting women in film. In 2015, Alicia gave a TEDx talk about the lack of women working in film and why this is important to change. In 2017, she was invited to give a second TEDx talk, where she spoke about the hidden stories of the earliest women working in Hollywood. Alicia has also spoken at conferences around America, and because of this, was named of one the 100 Worthy Women of 2016.

Alicia has traveled the world to cover the BAFTAs, the Oscars, the Cannes Film Festival, Toronto Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival and SXSW. She is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, and over the years has interviewed hundreds of movie stars and filmmakers.

She also wrote this bio, but knew it would sound way less egotistical if written in third person.

Reviews

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides a good jumping off point for Americans interested in the cinema of other countries. I complained in a review of a different TCM book about the lack of foreign films, so I was happy to see this book. Malone had the impossible task of winnowing the films of the world down to 50-ish choices. It ended up being mostly European films. I can't fault any of her choices, but left feeling a bit unsatisfied. Britain, China, and India were under represented given the size of their film industries. Each entry includes a list of five other suggestions which I wish had short descriptions instead of just titles. Still, it's a solid book which I hope will have a sequel or two maybe focusing on individual countries. And by the end, I'd added a bunch more films to my Criterion Chanel watchlist.

[Brett Plaxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

Ever since I first saw her on Screen Junkies, Alicia Malone has been one of my favourite people to listen to talking about movies. In her first book she’s written for TCM, she provides a launching pad of world cinema to watch and notes on the movies in conjunction with the TCM imports block that she hosts.

This book is perfect for a movie geek like me!

[Chy · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a great selection of movies in here spanning multiple genres and decades and countries of origin meaning there's something for everyone's taste.