44 Films with Exceptional Screenplays from Cannes
44 titles
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The Sugarland ExpressMovie · 1974 · 110m · Crime, Drama, ComedyLou-Jean and Clovis Poplin, a married couple accustomed to minor offenses, face an impossible situation when their baby is taken by the state of Texas. Refusing to give up their child, they make the desperate decision to steal him from his foster home, taking a highway patrolman hostage in the process. This sparks a chaotic chase across Texas as law enforcement pursues them. As the couple's actions gain public support, they unexpectedly become folk heroes. The initially resentful policeman develops an unlikely connection with Lou-Jean and Clovis as they struggle forward. The film examines love, determination, and the lengths people will go for family, set against a backdrop of lawlessness and intense action.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.6 - 2
Look at MeMovie · 2004 · 110m · Comedy, DramaLolita, a gifted 20-year-old, aspires to be a singer. However, she struggles with low self-esteem stemming from her weight and the indifference of her famous, self-absorbed father, Étienne, a literary icon who neglects her. Lolita doubts the sincerity of her vocal coach, believing she's being used as a way to connect with Étienne. Étienne’s new wife becomes Lolita’s only source of support as she privately tries to discover her own value.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.3 - 3
MephistoMovie · 1981 · 145m · DramaSet in pre-World War II Germany, this historical drama follows a gifted stage actor who gains unexpected fame for his powerful performance as Faust in a controversial play. As Nazism rises, his friends are exiled or persecuted. His fame increasingly eclipses his own sense of self, forcing him to navigate a dangerous path between artistic freedom and pleasing his Nazi supporters. Caught in a moral dilemma, the protagonist confronts the risks of fame and collaboration during a dark period in history.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.2 - 4
Blue Is the Warmest ColorMovie · 2013 · 180m · Romance, DramaAdèle's life takes a turn when she meets Emma, a young woman with distinctive blue hair. Emma helps Adèle explore her own desires and develop a sense of independence. Through their relationship, Adèle learns to express herself and discover who she is, navigating moments of growth, uncertainty, and self-discovery in the eyes of others.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.1 - 5
The Browning VersionMovie · 1951 · 90m · DramaAndrew Crocker-Harris, a respected classics teacher at a prestigious English school, is forced to leave his job due to declining health. Facing his final term, he's deeply hurt to discover his wife's infidelity with a close colleague. He also realizes he was never truly valued by his students and peers, despite his dedication to teaching.
As Crocker-Harris struggles with these setbacks, a small act of kindness inspires him to re-examine his life and work. This unexpected event leads him to question the meaning of his career and the importance of human connection. The film examines loyalty, integrity, and the possibility of finding redemption through relationships, prompting viewers to consider the lasting impact we have on others, even when facing hardship.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.6 - 6
A Touch of SinMovie · 2013 · 131m · Drama, CrimeFour separate stories from contemporary China depict sudden, unexpected acts of violence.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.2 - 7
Spring FeverMovie · 2009 · 116m · Drama, RomanceLuo Haitao is hired to secretly monitor a cheating husband, but she unexpectedly develops a hidden relationship with the husband's partner. Luo and her girlfriend then find themselves caught up in a series of passionate encounters. The synopsis questions how long this secret affair can continue.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.2 - 8
Young HusbandsMovie · 1958 · 98mIn a small Italian town, a group of young people confront the impending end of their carefree youth and the expectation of marriage. They try to recapture their past with a final gathering, but the attempt ends sadly. Slowly, they realize childhood is over and they must accept the next phase of life.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.0 - 9
The SalesmanMovie · 2016 · 125m · Drama, ThrillerEmad and Rana are displaced from their apartment because of risky construction next door and relocate to a new home in central Tehran. An event connected to the previous occupant of their new apartment profoundly alters the lives of the young couple.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.3 - 10
No Man's LandMovie · 2001 · 98m · Action, History, WarDuring a war, two soldiers from opposing sides find themselves trapped together in the same trench, caught between the fighting. The United Nations intervenes to rescue them, leading to a ceasefire agreement between the warring factions. The question remains: can both sides truly honor the truce?IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.5 - 11
MoonlightingMovie · 1982 · 97m · Drama"The Painted Bird" follows Jan Nowak, a Polish contractor who takes a job leading a team of workers to London. Promised good pay by a government official, the men face a new world while dealing with homesickness and the allure of opportunity. Nowak, the only English speaker, becomes a key figure in the group. But their lives change drastically when a military coup erupts in Poland. Nowak must now navigate unexpected difficulties and make difficult choices, forcing him to question his own values. The film explores themes of adapting to a new culture, loyalty, communication challenges, and finding oneself during political upheaval.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 12
Happy as LazzaroMovie · 2018 · 128m · Drama, FantasyLazzaro, a kind-hearted teenager, enjoys a simple life working on a farm in the Italian countryside. However, his world is turned upside down when he forms an unexpected friendship with the marquise's son.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 13
The TerraceMovie · 1980 · 160m · DramaAgainst the beautiful backdrop of Rome, eight veteran Italian politicians from the Communist Party share honest conversations on a terrace, reflecting on their careers. The film explores their pasts and present roles within the party, and how they see the future of politics.
Each politician is deeply involved in Italian politics, and their individual stories connect through revealing discussions about their relationships. The film looks beyond party lines, offering a moving look at loyalty, beliefs, and personal development as these politicians speak openly.
This story focuses on the characters, unfolding with a quiet yet compelling tone. It allows us to see the emotional lives of people often portrayed simply. Through their shared experiences, we gain insight into the drive for change within a difficult system and the sacrifices these individuals make.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.2 - 14
The Barbarian InvasionsMovie · 2003 · 99m · Comedy, DramaYears after 'The Decline of the American Empire,' Remy, a middle-aged Montreal college professor, is diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. His ex-wife, Louise, asks their estranged son Sebastian, a successful businessman in London, to return home. Sebastian mobilizes his resources, navigating the Canadian healthcare system to support his father's fight, and reunites Remy with old friends: Pierre, Alain, Dominique, Diane, and Claude, who come to say goodbye.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.0 - 15
MolochMovie · 1999 · 108m · Drama, HistoryIn 1942 Bavaria, a widow named Eva invites her friends Adolf, Josef, Magda, and Martin – all devoted to the Nazi regime – to her farmhouse for a weekend. She seeks respite from the oppressive atmosphere of Germany. But even in this peaceful setting, wartime politics intrude. As tensions build and secrets are revealed, the group must face their own convictions and allegiances in a stark depiction of the connection between personal lives and political beliefs.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.2 - 16
Henry FoolMovie · 1998 · 137m · Comedy, DramaA lonely garbage collector from New Jersey and his quiet sister have their lives upended when a quirky wanderer stumbles into their world. The vagabond's self-absorbed nature initially disrupts their routines, but he unexpectedly sparks personal growth. The film explores the evolving relationship between these unlikely companions, examining acceptance, empathy, and finding oneself in ordinary moments. It’s a story that balances humor with heartfelt observations about how connection can change our paths.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.6 - 17
PoetryMovie · 2010 · 139m · DramaA woman in her sixties in South Korea joins a poetry class while struggling with a declining memory and deeply upsetting news about her grandson.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6 - 18
Cops and RobbersMovie · 1951 · 105m · ComedyIn Rome, a skilled thief named Esposito consistently outwits tourists with clever scams, always escaping the police. Officer Bottoni is determined to catch him. When Esposito appears to evade capture again, Bottoni is warned he'll lose his job if he doesn't apprehend the thief quickly. This intense chase plays out against the beautiful scenery of Rome, examining ideas of determination, personal goals, and the ambiguity of right and wrong.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 19
Voyage to CytheraMovie · 1984 · 139m · DramaAn elderly Greek man returns to his homeland after decades spent under Soviet rule. Once a committed communist, he finds Greece vastly different from the one he left. The film explores his emotional journey as he confronts the gap between his past beliefs and the present reality of his country. Reconnecting with family and adapting to a changed society, he questions whether his convictions were wrong or if they still hold meaning. The story portrays the complexities of cultural displacement and personal transformation against a backdrop of political upheaval.IMDb 7.7TMDB 6.9 - 20
CodineMovie · 1963 · 98mIn turn-of-the-century Bucharest, a former convict named Codine lives by force in a poverty-stricken slum. After serving a ten-year sentence for killing a friend, he returns to his mother, whose extreme frugality deeply irritates him. A young boy idolizes Codine and witnesses the harsh realities of economic and social inequality through his eyes. When Codine kills someone who betrayed him, his mother descends into paranoia and plots to murder her son, fearing he will steal her savings. The boy watches in horror as the adults around him engage in cruel and desperate actions.IMDb 7.8TMDB 6.6 - 21
Dead TiredMovie · 1994 · 82m · ComedyMichel Blanc, a celebrated French actor, is struggling with burnout from the demands of fame. Strange events begin to happen around him, worsening his mental state. He sees a psychiatrist who suggests a change of setting. With his friend Carole Bouquet, Michel travels to the countryside seeking peace and control. But even away from the spotlight, his inner struggles persist. This film explores mental health, celebrity, and self-discovery through the raw story of an actor confronting his personal demons during a period of upheaval.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.0 - 22
We Still Kill the Old WayMovie · 1967 · 99m · Mystery, Drama, CrimeA dedicated university professor becomes entangled in a dangerous investigation after two people die during a prominent hunting trip. His relentless search for the truth reveals connections to the mafia, powerful figures in the church, and political schemes. As he gets closer to uncovering the facts, the professor clashes with those determined to keep the secrets buried. The film explores the conflict between seeking justice and the powerful forces protecting a world of hidden corruption.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.6 - 23
Beyond the HillsMovie · 2012 · 150m · Drama, RomanceAlina travels back to Romania from Germany with the intention of bringing Voichita home. Voichita is the only person Alina has ever loved, and vice versa. However, Voichita has embraced a religious life, and her devotion to God proves the most formidable obstacle Alina has ever faced.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1 - 24
The Ice StormMovie · 1997 · 113m · DramaIt’s Thanksgiving, 1973, and the Hood family’s gathering quickly unravels into escalating conflict. The weekend takes a dramatic turn with an unprecedentedly severe ice storm, the worst in a century.
The treacherous weather forces the family to confront their priorities and relationships amidst the chaos. The ice storm acts as a catalyst, revealing hidden struggles and pushing them to face old resentments and fears.
The film explores the complexities of family and human emotion against a suspenseful, atmospheric backdrop, intensifying both the external dangers and internal challenges. Witnessing the family’s journey through adversity, audiences see them ultimately discover their capacity for growth and resilience.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9 - 25
Lorna's SilenceMovie · 2008 · 105m · Crime, DramaLorna, a young Albanian woman, is in a marriage of convenience with Claudy, a heroin addict. As Lorna nears Belgian citizenship, Claudy decides to get clean. This creates difficulties for Lorna and for the criminal who arranged their arrangement.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 26
A Self-Made HeroMovie · 1996 · 107m · Drama, War, ComedyIn post-WWII France, Albert Dehousse learns his father wasn't the war hero he was led to believe; he was simply a regular soldier. Adding to this shock, Albert discovers his mother collaborated with the enemy during the occupation. This forces him to confront the complicated truth about his family and their involvement in a pivotal moment in European history. As Albert processes these revelations, he struggles to understand how they shape his identity and place in a country recovering from the war. The film is a character-driven story exploring family, betrayal, and national identity against the backdrop of post-war France.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 27
The HillMovie · 1965 · 123m · Drama, WarIn North Africa during World War II, British soldiers face a difficult challenge: climbing The Hill, a seemingly impossible sand dune. Under the harsh sun, their greatest struggle isn't with the enemy, but with each other, trapped in a system of strict discipline and harsh punishments. This story explores friendship, strength, and how people endure as the soldiers battle despair and lose hope while trying to stay respectable and sane. The film offers a powerful look at this unusual wartime experience, exploring the intense and psychological fight against impossible odds – and against one another.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5 - 28
ChronicMovie · 2015 · 93m · DramaDavid is a nurse who cares for patients with terminal illnesses. He's deeply committed to his work and forms close bonds with those he helps. However, his personal life is quite different.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.7 - 29
The Killing of a Sacred DeerMovie · 2017 · 121m · Drama, Thriller, MysteryDr. Steven Murphy is a respected heart surgeon with a perfect family and home. However, a fatherless teenager named Martin slowly begins to insert himself into Dr. Murphy's life, creating a growing sense of unease.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0 - 30
Drive My CarMovie · 2021 · 179m · DramaTwo years after the death of his wife, stage actor and director Yusuke Kafuku takes on a directing job for a play in Hiroshima. He's assigned a quiet young woman named Misaki to drive his car. During their journeys, buried secrets and emotional confessions begin to surface.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 31
Winter SleepMovie · 2014 · 196m · DramaAydın, a hotel owner and retired actor in rural Turkey, faces internal struggles as winter arrives. He grapples with the complexities of his relationships with his wife and sister, and questions his own life.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.5 - 32
Lost BoundariesMovie · 1949 · 99mA light-skinned African-American family lives secretly among white residents in a New England town. Their deception is exposed, and the community's prejudiced members demand they be removed.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.4 - 33
VolverMovie · 2006 · 121m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceIn Madrid, a resourceful woman from a working-class background uncovers family secrets with the assistance of her teenage daughter and hairdresser sister.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 34
LeviathanMovie · 2014 · 141m · Drama, CrimeIn a Russian coastal town, Kolya must fight against the corrupt mayor when he learns his house is slated for demolition. He enlists the help of a lawyer friend, but the friend's involvement unexpectedly brings more trouble to Kolya and his family.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 35
The Edge of HeavenMovie · 2007 · 122m · DramaSix German-Turkish immigrants' lives intersect unexpectedly. An elderly man and a sex worker form an alliance. A young academic confronts his history. Two young women develop a romantic relationship. And a mother struggles to rebuild her life after it has been broken.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.2 - 36
The Killing GameMovie · 1967 · 90mTwo cartoonists encounter a wealthy man who embodies the characters from their cartoons. He commissions them to develop a new comic series, and as they collaborate, the man starts acting out the storyline. The problem is, the new comic revolves around murder.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.8 - 37
Sweet SixteenMovie · 2002 · 106m · Crime, DramaA Scottish teenager from a difficult background wants a typical family life when his mother is released from prison. He works to save enough money to buy a home.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0 - 38
3 FacesMovie · 2018 · 100m · DramaDirector Jafar Panahi and actress Behnaz Jafari journey to a remote village after a girl seeks their assistance. Her family has banned her from pursuing an acting career. The pair experience humorous interactions, but also realize the villagers' warmth is matched by a strong need to uphold their customs.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 39
Portrait of a Lady on FireMovie · 2019 · 121m · Drama, Romance, HistoryIn late 18th-century Brittany, a female painter living in isolation is commissioned to paint a wedding portrait of a young woman.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.1 - 40
You Were Never Really HereMovie · 2017 · 89m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerHaunted by his past, a war veteran with a talent for violence works as a tracker for missing girls. When a case goes wrong, his trauma intensifies, revealing a larger conspiracy. This may be the mission that destroys him or forces him to confront his demons.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 41
FootnoteMovie · 2011 · 102m · ComedyIn Jerusalem, Israel, professors Eliezer and Uriel Shkolnik – father and son – have spent their lives studying Jewish scripture. Eliezer, a dedicated but overlooked scholar, contrasts with his successful and celebrated son, Uriel. Their delicate relationship is unexpectedly disrupted by a single phone call.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.1 - 42
Nurse BettyMovie · 2000 · 108m · Comedy, Crime, ThrillerBetty, a waitress from Fair Oaks, Kansas, believes life is what you make of it. She refuses to accept that she can't be with the man she loves simply because he's not real. After a traumatic experience, Betty enters a detached state of mind that allows her to keep going, existing in a world of her own making.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1 - 43
The 317th PlatoonMovie · 1965 · 100m · War, History, DramaIn Laos, 1954, eight days before the French defeat in the Indochina war, a group of soldiers embarks on a dangerous retreat. The 317th platoon – four French soldiers and 41 Laotian fighters – must journey from their outpost to join French forces at Diên Biên Phu. Leading them are sous-lieutenant Torrens, a new military graduate, and adjutant Willsdorf, a veteran of World War II who previously served in the Wehrmacht.
Their 150-kilometer trek through dense jungle is fraught with relentless rain, difficult conditions, and constant danger from Viet-minh ambushes. As they struggle forward, the soldiers grapple with their own fears and doubts while building a fragile bond between French and Laotian troops. The film examines camaraderie, sacrifice, and the complexities of war through the experiences of this diverse group as they navigate a challenging environment.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.4 - 44
The Three Burials of Melquiades EstradaMovie · 2005 · 121m · Adventure, Crime, DramaAfter Texas border officer Mike Norton mistakenly kills and buries Pete Perkins' friend and ranch hand, Pete is compelled to fulfill a promise he made to bury Melquiades Estrada in their hometown in Mexico. Pete kidnaps Norton, and together they journey on horseback to Mexico to exhume Estrada's body.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0
