244 French Films to Watch Now
243 titles
- 201
Faces PlacesMovie · 2017 · 94m · DocumentaryFilmmaker Agnès Varda and artist JR travel across the French countryside and develop an unexpected bond.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6 - 202
The Women on the 6th FloorMovie · 2011 · 106mParis, early 1960s. Jean-Louis Joubert, a reserved stockbroker, leads a predictable life with his wife Suzanne and two entitled teenage sons at boarding school. His comfortable existence is disrupted when Maria, a spirited new maid, leads him to the building's hidden servants' quarters. There, he encounters a vibrant group of Spanish maids who awaken him to a different way of life. Through their company – especially Maria’s – Jean-Louis undergoes a transformation, becoming a more open and fulfilled person.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 203
All Is ForgivenMovie · 2007 · 105m · Drama, FamilyEleven years after his drug addiction shattered their family, a father and daughter are reunited.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 204
Jamel et ses amis au Marrakech du rire 2016Movie · 2016TMDB 7.0 - 205
Men Are from Mars, Women Are from VenusMovie · 2007 · 88mIMDb 6.6TMDB 6.5 - 206
The SupperMovie · 1992 · 90m · Drama, HistoryFrance in 1815, after Napoleon's defeat, is politically unstable. Royalists want to bring back the monarchy, while Napoleon is in exile. Talleyrand, a skilled manipulator, invites Fouché, the head of police and a committed revolutionary, to dinner. Talleyrand hopes to gain Fouché's support for the new regime. Their meal is filled with sharp exchanges and accusations, revealing the tension between these two influential men.
Both Talleyrand and Fouché are intensely driven by a hunger for power. The film explores their complex relationship and how far they'll go to maintain their positions in a world undergoing rapid change. As political schemes unfold around them, they must grapple with their own beliefs, loyalties, and the very nature of ambition. The story is a captivating look at power struggles and the human desires that fuel them.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.7 - 207
MissMovie · 2020 · 107m · Comedy, DramaA young man exploring his sexuality enters the Miss France beauty pageant.IMDb 6.4TMDB 7.2 - 208
Conversations with My GardenerMovie · 2007 · 109m · Comedy, DramaA celebrated artist, disillusioned with Parisian life and facing divorce, returns to his childhood home in the countryside. He intends to restore the overgrown garden to its former glory. The task falls to a former schoolfriend, who is the gardener. Their conversations are initially easy and pleasant, blossoming into something more meaningful.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.5 - 209
Francis Cabrel - La tournée des BodegasMovie · 2005TMDB 6.5 - 210
Tout sur JamelMovie · 2011 · 96mIMDb 6.0TMDB 6.0 - 211
School of LifeMovie · 2017 · 116m · Drama, Comedy, FamilyParis, 1930. Paul has known only the orphanage walls in the working-class suburbs. Sent to live with Célestine, a cheerful countrywoman, and her reserved husband Borel, the estate gamekeeper in Sologne, the city boy arrives in a strange and unsettling new world. The vast forest, misty ponds, heaths, and fields are all part of the domain of the Count de la Fresnaye, an elderly, quiet man who lives alone in his manor.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.3 - 212
My Father's GloryMovie · 1990 · 105m · Adventure, DramaThis charming period film follows young Marcel as he grows up under the influence of his unusual parents: Joseph Pagnol, an eccentric science teacher, and Augustine, a talented seamstress. Raised with logic and reason at the turn of the century, Marcel's upbringing deeply affects how he sees the world and relationships.
During a family vacation in the French countryside, Marcel meets Lili, a spirited girl who introduces him to the simple joys of rural life. Through her, he gains new perspectives and experiences that shape his character.
The film explores themes of growing up, friendship, and the contrast between logic and feeling, all against a backdrop of societal change. This heartwarming coming-of-age story, with its authentic period setting, is a captivating tale of self-discovery in a changing world.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3 - 213
My Mother's CastleMovie · 1990 · 99m · Adventure, Comedy, DramaYoung Marcel Pagnol returns to his family home in Marseilles after a relaxing stay at their holiday cottage in the hills. Wanting to preserve this peaceful life, he walks back to the countryside, where he unexpectedly encounters his father. This leads them to a secret route to the cottage – one that involves trespassing. Despite the risks, Marcel and his family cautiously choose this path to continue enjoying their secluded retreat. This story explores adapting to change, staying strong, and the deep bond between a family and their home, set against the backdrop of rural France and its adventures.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.2 - 214
La Belle VerteMovie · 1996 · 99m · ComedyIn a wide-ranging interstellar community, a sincere alien undertakes a special diplomatic mission: to offer friendship and share important knowledge with humanity on Earth. Despite doubts from other aliens who see humanity as beyond help, the curious alien remains determined to seek peace.
Their message focuses on personal growth and living in harmony with nature, giving humanity a chance to reconsider its place in the world. As the alien explores Earth's different places and cultures, they face various difficulties that challenge them. Through these experiences, the alien learns about tolerance, empathy, and strength when things are hard.
This story looks at self-discovery, understanding different cultures, and how a shared message can change things. It follows an extraordinary traveler from another galaxy who believes in humanity's ability to improve.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.2 - 215
FrantzMovie · 2016 · 113m · History, Drama, RomanceFollowing World War I, a young German woman mourns her fiancé, who died in France. She encounters a mysterious French man at his grave, where he is laying flowers.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 216
Notre Dame de ParisMovie · 1999 · 150m · Music, Drama, RomanceThis musical adaptation of Victor Hugo's "Notre Dame de Paris" takes place in medieval Paris, a city filled with music. The story focuses on Esmeralda, a captivating gypsy dancer who attracts the attention of three men.
Quasimodo, a kind but deformed bell-ringer confined to Notre Dame, finds friendship with Esmeralda. Meanwhile, the priest Frollo becomes obsessed with her, leading him astray. Soldier Phoebus becomes involved in a complicated situation as he pursues both love and his duties.
The film explores themes of love, loyalty, and redemption through music and visuals. As Esmeralda deals with the affections of these men, she embodies hope and strength, leaving a lasting impact on those around her.IMDb 8.8TMDB 8.2 - 217
PatientsMovie · 2017 · 110m · Drama, ComedyFollowing a severe swimming accident that left him with incomplete quadriplegia, Ben enters a rehabilitation center. There, he encounters other people with disabilities – including those who are tetraplegic, paraplegic, or have suffered traumatic brain injuries, as well as individuals who have lived with handicaps since childhood. They grapple with feelings of helplessness, despair, and acceptance while working to relearn basic tasks like moving a finger or using utensils. Some achieve small gains in mobility, while others are told their disabilities are permanent. Yet, through it all, hope and friendship provide strength to face their challenges.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.4 - 218
PlayMovie · 2019 · 108m · ComedyIn 1993, at age 13, Max received his first camera and began a 25-year journey of constant filming. He captured his friends, his relationships, his triumphs, and his setbacks. From the 1990s through the 2010s, his work offers a portrait of an entire generation as seen through his lens.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.3 - 219
Dieudonné - En paixMovie · 2016 · 90mTMDB 6.4 - 220
MookieMovie · 1998 · 87mIn this French children's comedy, a talking chimpanzee, a cheerful monk, and a boxer in hiding form an unexpected trio. Brother Benoit, a French monk assisting disadvantaged children in Mexico, discovers a sick chimpanzee and nurses her back to health, naming her Mookie. A year later, he learns Mookie can talk and play basketball—a side effect of exposure to meteor radiation. American primate experts want to study Mookie, but Brother Benoit refuses to let them conduct experiments. He enlists Antoine, a boxer fleeing trouble, to help Mookie and him escape to Mexico City. However, Antoine is wanted by the Mexican Mafia for refusing to throw a fight, forcing all three to keep moving to stay safe.IMDb 4.2TMDB 5.4 - 221
Live and BecomeMovie · 2005 · 140m · DramaIn 1980, Ethiopian Falashas are recognized as Jewish and secretly transported to Israel. The day before the journey, the son of a Jewish mother dies. To take his place, she substitutes him with a nine-year-old Christian boy named Schlomo.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.4 - 222
HumanMovie · 2015 · 191m · DocumentaryThis film presents a series of stories and images exploring the essence of humanity. Through experiences of both love and conflict, it encourages reflection on ourselves and others. From ordinary moments to extraordinary lives, these heartfelt encounters reveal our shared nature – both our flaws and our potential for greatness. Stunning aerial photography and evocative music showcase the beauty of our planet, offering a moment for contemplation. A politically aware work, the film invites us to consider the human experience and the meaning of life.IMDb 8.6TMDB 8.5 - 223
Jesu, Joy of Man's DesiringMovie · 2012 · 95m · Comedy, HistoryIn 1733, Johann Sebastian Bach delivers a surprising and intense music lesson at the Leipzig church.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 224
In Safe HandsMovie · 2018 · 112m · DramaOn the day of his birth, Théo is given up for adoption by his biological mother, who has two months to decide whether to keep him. While the child welfare services care for Théo during this uncertain time, the adoption service searches for an adoptive mother. They find Alice, a woman who has longed for a child for the past ten years.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.4 - 225
Petite MamanMovie · 2021 · 72m · Drama, Fantasy, FamilyFollowing her grandmother's passing, eight-year-old Nelly encounters an oddly familiar girl in the woods. Quickly bonding with this enigmatic new friend, Nelly begins a magical adventure that helps her process her grief.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 226
The Crazy StrangerMovie · 1998 · 102m · Drama, Music, RomanceA person finds a cassette tape with a remarkable singer's voice and becomes fascinated, determined to find out who she is. His search reveals the story behind the singer and connects him to the lives of others, each with their own challenges and successes. The film explores personal growth, ambition, and the importance of human connection in today's world, weaving together drama, music, and discovery into a compelling and moving story.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 227
The Great DayMovie · 2015 · 88mChildren across the globe are given a chance to pursue their dreams and passions through an extraordinary challenge that promises to transform them. For one day, they experience a world where anything they imagine can become reality.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.3 - 228
The NobodiesMovie · 2015 · 75m · ComedyLily and Ben wake up one morning in each other's bodies. They find Magalie, a young girl, in the body of a tall, bearded man, waiting for them. This marks the start of an extraordinary journey where they can switch bodies simply by hugging.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.3 - 229
CélineMovie · 1992 · 88mFollowing her father's death, 22-year-old Céline inherits his estate but unexpectedly gives it to her stepmother, leading her fiancé to abandon her. After attempting suicide multiple times, Céline is hospitalized and meets Genevieve, a nurse who understands her struggles with depression. Under Genevieve's care, Céline slowly recovers, and the two women develop a close bond.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.6 - 230
Varda by AgnèsMovie · 2019 · 115m · DocumentaryAgnès Varda's final film is an unconventional documentary where the acclaimed filmmaker reflects on her career. She offers a personal look at her approach to filmmaking, which she terms "cine-writing," as she journeys from Paris to Los Angeles and Beijing.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.9 - 231
The Beaches of AgnèsMovie · 2008 · 110m · DocumentaryLegendary filmmaker Agnès Varda, a key figure in the French New Wave, offers a personal look at her life in this documentary. The film blends excerpts from her own movies with staged scenes to tell the story of her career, the important relationships she had, and her marriage to fellow director Jacques Demy.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.7 - 232
L'EmpriseMovie · 2015 · 98m · Drama, TV Movie"L'emprise" is a drama based on Alexandra Lange's powerful book "Acquitted." The film tells the story of a mother of four who is on trial in March 2012 for the murder of her husband in Douai. The trial unfolds over three days, revealing the daily life of Alexandra, a woman failed by society and unable to protect herself or her children from the control of a man she once loved. This high-profile case raises questions about justice. Will she be believed?IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.7 - 233
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 - 234
Haroun - Internet Etc.Movie · 2018This show is also available online. One year after his previous special, Haroun returns for three new episodes exploring the Internet and emerging technologies.IMDb 7.7TMDB 8.2 - 235
HérosMovie · 2007 · 116mA comedian takes a singer hostage, confining him to the comedian's apartment.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.5 - 236
All the Invisible ChildrenMovie · 2006 · 124m · DramaThe film presents seven short stories, each centered on the struggles faced by a unique child.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0 - 237
L'ExoconférenceMovie · 2015 · 106m · ComedyAlexandre Astier, known for his show "That Remains My Joy!", returns to the stage with a surprising new work. The play explores the possibility of extraterrestrial life.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.7 - 238
PolisseMovie · 2011 · 123m · Drama, CrimeIn Paris, Fred and his colleagues work for the BPM, a police unit focused on protecting children from all forms of harm. They must navigate the daily challenges of their demanding jobs while being documented by Melissa, a photographer tasked with capturing their routine.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.8 - 239
My Afternoons with MargueritteMovie · 2010 · 82m · Drama, ComedyA man who cannot read finds connection with a woman who is knowledgeable and well-read.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9 - 240
The Blues: Another Story of FranceMovie · 2016 · 147m · DocumentaryThis documentary chronicles twenty years of the French national soccer team, Les Bleus, reflecting France's cultural and social changes. The film examines how each game's outcome mirrors the nation’s evolving society, hopes, and challenges. Featuring exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and those within the sport, the documentary provides an intimate look at the intense world of professional soccer and offers insights into French life. It connects the passion for soccer with the complexities of modern France, creating a compelling and human story.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.7 - 241
Astro KidMovie · 2019 · 90m · Animation, Comedy, AdventureTerra Willy: Unexplored Planet — When their ship is destroyed, Willy is separated from his parents and lands alone on a wild, uncharted planet. With the assistance of Buck, a survival robot, he must stay alive until a rescue mission arrives.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.2 - 242
BernieMovie · 1996 · 87m · ComedyBernie, a determined but inexperienced thirty-year-old orphan, sets out to discover why his biological parents abandoned him. He leaves the orphanage and enters a strange world searching for answers. He meets Marion, a young woman struggling with heroin addiction, and they develop an unexpected connection that blossoms into love as Bernie’s determination to find his family intensifies.
Bernie begins to suspect his parents were victims of a dangerous scheme that forced them to flee. As he follows clues, he uncovers a complicated history surrounding his past. The story explores themes of love, redemption, and the search for truth, showing how strength can overcome hardship. It’s a compelling story about a man's quest to understand his origins, finding hope, friendship, and a chance for a fresh start in an unexpected place.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 243
A Tale of AutumnMovie · 1998 · 112m · Drama, RomanceMagali, a woman in her forties, pours her life into winemaking while coping with widowhood. She finds comfort in the vineyards of France, surrounded by the scents and tastes that have always shaped her. But despite her passion and the beauty around her, Magali feels lonely.
Rosine and Isabelle, two well-meaning but intrusive friends, decide to find Magali a new partner, convinced she deserves happiness beyond her work. As they become involved in her life, their efforts create both funny and touching moments, while also exploring the difficulties women face balancing career and love.
The film gently explores themes of finding oneself, friendship, and love, set against the backdrop of a successful wine business, as Magali navigates her path to contentment.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1
