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?

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.

Es war eine rauschende Ballnacht

Nackt

Chinese spacecraft prepare for orbital refueling test as US surveillance sats lurk nearby - SpaceNews

Metropolis

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

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):

I found out I have cancer—I have not told my family. We can’t afford the treatment anyway. Should I just say nothing and let nature take its course?

Berlin - Sinfonie einer Großstadt

Lola rennt

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.

Have you ever had a weird experience immediately following the death of a loved one that made you think there is an afterlife and that the deceased person was communicating with you?

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!

In jenen Tagen

Die Feuerzangenbowle

How is sex with a woman for gay men?

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

Zur Sache, Schätzchen (and its sequel)

Didi - alles im Eimer

Why do we exist, and why are we conscious?

Das Haus in Montevideo

Man spricht Deutsh

Es geschah am helllichten Tag

What are the reasons behind Europeans preferring to visit third world countries over taking holidays in their own continent?