Werner Herzog, the eclectic and visionary German filmmaker, has graced the world of cinema with a plethora of films that range from intense feature narratives to thought-provoking documentaries. Here’s a ranked list of the 20 best Werner Herzog movies that cinephiles and newcomers alike should not miss.

1. Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972) – A groundbreaking film that delves into madness and obsession, it follows a Spanish expedition’s descent into chaos in search of El Dorado.

2. Fitzcarraldo (1982) – This film is an account of one man’s ambitious quest to build an opera house in the Amazon rainforest, best known for its behind-the-scenes challenges.

3. Grizzly Man (2005) – A compelling documentary about bear enthusiast Timothy Treadwell who lived among grizzlies, with a tragic end.

4. Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979) – Herzog’s homage to F.W. Murnau’s silent classic is both eerie and beautifully filmed.

5. The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser (1974) – The true story of a 19th-century man who spent his early years in total isolation.

6. Woyzeck (1979) – A disturbing adaptation of Georg Büchner’s play, focusing on a soldier driven to madness.

7. Stroszek (1977) – A unique blend of drama and comedy, it follows the American dream through the eyes of a Berlin street performer.

8. Lessons of Darkness (1992) – This abstract documentary presents post-Gulf War Kuwaiti oil fires as an apocalyptic landscape.

9. Cave of Forgotten Dreams (2010) – Herzog explores the Chauvet Cave paintings in this atmospheric documentary.

10. Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009) – A surreal crime drama starring Nicolas Cage in one of his most memorable performances.

11. Heart of Glass (1976) – Almost all actors performed under hypnosis in this film about a premonition-filled village.

12. Encounters at the End of the World (2007) – A documentary where Herzog journeys to Antarctica to meet people and sights unique to this landscape.

13. Rescue Dawn (2006) – A POW drama based on the real-life experience of Dieter Dengler during the Vietnam War.

14. My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done? (2009) – Based on a true crime story, this movie blends reality with surrealism in typical Herzog fashion.

15. The Wild Blue Yonder (2005) – A science fiction tale using stunning footage from space missions intertwined with actors’ performances.

16. Wheel of Time (2003) – An insightful documentary on Buddhist pilgrimage and philosophy.

17. Invincible (2001) – The true story about Zishe Breitbart, a Jewish strongman in Nazi Germany.

18. Even Dwarfs Started Small (1970) – Provocative and bizarre, it shows Herzog’s early penchant for challenging audiences.

19. Where the Green Ants Dream (1984) – An exploration into Aboriginal cultural conflicts in Australia within an environmental framework.

20. Into the Abyss (2011) – An affecting investigation into capital punishment through interviews with death row inmates.

This list not only Exhibit some varied genres but also highlights Werner Herzog’s distinctive narrative voice and uncompromising directorial style that has made him one of cinema’s most enigmatic figures.