2012 was a great year for movies. We’ve been treated with some of the best comic book adaptations, blockbuster popcorn flicks, and the return of some big, bad Hollywood directors, along with some of the most prolific independent films made in years.

One other collection that has made this a great year for cinema is the large number of unmistakably wondrous foreign films that have moved and shaken their way over to U.S. audiences. There’s an even larger number than what’s on the list below, but here you’ll find the ones that I’ve seen and loved (I know this will blow your mind, but I haven’t seen everything).

Without further ado, and in no particular order, here are the Best International Films of 2012.

(Note: Some of these played the festival circuit last year and one was nominated for a 2012 Academy Award, but all of these released theatrically in the U.S. this year.)

THE LOVES ONES (Australia) - TRAILER