33 Films by Jean-Luc Godard
33 titles
- 1
Le Gai SavoirMovie · 1969 · 95mIn the late 1960s, Patricia and Emile, two young adults, meet nightly on a sound stage. They discuss learning, ideas, and how to bring about change. The sound stage is filled with imagery of the era – scenes from the Paris student protests, the Vietnam War, along with posters, photos, and cartoons. Their conversations often focus on language itself, as well as images, sounds, and how they connect.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.0 - 2
AlphavilleMovie · 1965 · 99m · Drama, Science Fiction, MysteryIn the city of Alphaville, a powerful computer called Alpha 60 controls the citizens. Created by Professor Von Braun, the city is now devoid of emotion; people communicate only in code and have forgotten how to love. Lemmy Caution is sent on a dangerous mission to stop Von Braun and shut down Alpha 60. He teams up with Natasha, the scientist's daughter, who wants to understand human feelings that her father's creation has erased. As Lemmy moves through Alphaville, he grapples with his own ideas of love, trying to show Natasha its true meaning and bring humanity back to the city. This science fiction thriller examines the impact of language, technology, and emotion as Lemmy tries to save Alphaville from becoming a place without human connection.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.9 - 3
Band of OutsidersMovie · 1964 · 97m · Crime, Drama, ComedyFranz and Arthur, devoted fans of film noir and Westerns, live in a world inspired by their favorite movies. They drift through Paris seeking adventure and meet Odile, a captivating woman who draws them into her orbit. The three form a connection through their shared passion for cinema and begin to challenge conventions with creative acts, like impromptu cafe dances or late-night visits to the Louvre.
Their admiration for outlaws leads them to plot a real heist, inspired by Hollywood’s antiheroes. However, their inexperience puts their plans at risk, potentially leading them into danger – a thrilling conclusion they've always envisioned. This unconventional story examines identity, loyalty, and the power of film, all set against the lively atmosphere of Paris.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 4
2 or 3 Things I Know About HerMovie · 1967 · 87m · Comedy, DramaIn Paris, as consumer culture changes, this drama follows a middle-class housewife facing financial difficulties. Unable to cover her family's expenses, she begins working as a prostitute. The film examines societal expectations and how economic pressures affect a woman's self-esteem and identity, exposing the hidden hardships in a seemingly prosperous city. It questions the true cost of consumerism and its impact on ordinary lives. With strong performances and a compelling story, the film powerfully portrays a woman's struggle to balance her desires with the harsh realities of modern Paris.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.2 - 5
WeekendMovie · 1967 · 104m · ComedyA seemingly perfect weekend getaway to the countryside turns into a nightmare for a wealthy French family. Their idyllic escape quickly descends into chaos as societal order breaks down. The film explores the dark consequences of unchecked desires, as the family faces desperation and depravity in a once peaceful setting. Cannibalism and murder become increasingly common, forcing them to confront the fragility of civilization itself.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.9 - 6
ContemptMovie · 1963 · 103m · Drama, RomanceThis drama follows Jeremy Prokosch, a practical art film producer, as he works with renowned director Fritz Lang to adapt Homer's "The Odyssey" for the screen. As the ambitious project faces difficulties, Prokosch hires a veteran screenwriter to revitalize the script. This professional partnership deeply impacts the writer’s personal life, creating conflict with his wife and jeopardizing both his relationships and the film's success. The story explores artistic challenges, the importance of human connection, and the complexities of collaboration under pressure.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.0 - 7
BreathlessMovie · 1960 · 90mA petty thief steals a car and, in a moment of impulse, kills a police officer on a motorcycle. Now a fugitive, he tries to convince a young woman to flee the country with him, heading for Italy.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 8
A Woman Is a WomanMovie · 1961 · 83m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceThis is a story about a young woman yearning for motherhood who struggles with her relationship. She works as a stripper and initiates a risky pursuit of another man to provoke jealousy in her boyfriend. The film explores themes of love and trust, alongside societal pressures around family and relationships. It's an intimate look at a woman's search for deeper passion and commitment, as she tests the limits of desire and explores infidelity in her quest for connection with her partner.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.3 - 9
Goodbye to LanguageMovie · 2014 · 70m · DramaA married woman and a single man fall in love, experiencing both affection and conflict. A dog wanders between their worlds as the seasons change. They reunite, and the dog becomes a symbol of their divided affections. The woman's husband intervenes, disrupting their lives. The story repeats, yet transforms into something new, shifting from people to metaphor. The narrative culminates in sounds of a dog barking and a baby crying. Interspersed are conversations about economic collapse, mathematical certainty, and the death of a bird.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.0 - 10
First Name: CarmenMovie · 1983 · 85m · Crime, Drama, ComedyCarmen X, a captivating and dangerous woman connected to a terrorist group, enters the life of her estranged uncle. She claims to need his beach house for a film project with friends, but her real plan is to rob a bank. Her actions intertwine with an aspiring string quartet striving to perfect a Beethoven piece and Jean, a man desperate to revive his Hollywood career by directing a comeback movie. Unexpectedly, Carmen develops feelings for a security guard, blurring the boundaries between her criminal life and the hopes of those around her. The film skillfully connects these stories, exploring themes of love, ambition, and second chances in a suspenseful and unpredictable story.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.0 - 11
Nouvelle VagueMovie · 1990 · 89mThis film unfolds as a story woven from literary quotes across time, loosely following a drifter who is taken in by a wealthy woman, and who she falls in love with. Tragedy strikes when he drowns, but he later returns to her life seeking employment. The question remains: is it truly the same man, or is he his twin brother?IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.2 - 12
Godard's PassionMovie · 1982 · 87mDuring the filming of a movie, the director becomes drawn to the story of a young factory worker who is fired by her employer for her involvement in union efforts.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.7 - 13
Rise and Fall of a Small Film CompanyMovie · 1986 · 92mDirector Gaspard Bazin is in the early stages of developing his next film, currently focused on securing funding and casting. He enlists Jean Almereyda, a producer struggling with financial difficulties, to help him raise capital. Almereyda's wife, Eurydice, aspires to be an actress. A complicated dynamic develops between the two men: Almereyda wants to satisfy his wife's ambition, but hesitates to ask Bazin, known for his womanizing, to give her a role.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.2 - 14
Number TwoMovie · 1975 · 88mIn his Grenoble studio, Jean-Luc Godard discusses securing funding for his film while experimenting with video and film. The story unfolds across two screens, depicting a young working-class couple struggling in a cramped apartment building. Their marriage unravels as infidelity creates conflict.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.1 - 15
Made in U.S.AMovie · 1967 · 85m · Crime, Mystery, ComedyIn Atlantic City, Paula Nelson unexpectedly investigates the truth behind her lover Richard Politzer's death. Her investigation leads her into a dangerous underworld where she meets a man named Typhus. Their first meeting ends with Typhus unconscious in her hotel room, and he is later found dead in writer David Goodis' apartment.
Paula becomes caught in a complex web of crime, leading to her arrest and questioning by the police. She navigates a world of gangsters while searching for answers about Richard's death. Tension, betrayal, and hidden danger are present throughout. As Paula uncovers deceit and violence, she struggles to distinguish friend from enemy, confronting her own fears in a suspenseful story of love, loss, and survival.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.1 - 16
Film SocialismeMovie · 2010 · 102m · DramaThis film unfolds in three parts, following a group of vacationing Europeans on a Mediterranean cruise, where passengers from many countries converse in various languages. Simultaneously, a sister and brother bring their parents to a courtroom setting, demanding answers about the ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity – core tenets of European history. The story then journeys to six locations steeped in myth: Egypt, Palestine, Odessa, Greece, Naples, and Barcelona.IMDb 5.7TMDB 6.0 - 17
Every Man for HimselfMovie · 1980 · 87m · DramaThe film explores the connected lives of a TV director, his ex-lover, and an escort. It examines the complex relationship between their intimate and professional lives, showing their vulnerabilities and strengths. As the story unfolds, each character struggles with what they want, their history, and their goals while sharing the same world. The film offers a direct look at human connections, revealing intimacy, ambition, and personal change within the challenges of today.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.1 - 18
Keep Your Right UpMovie · 1987 · 82mThe film presents a series of vignettes featuring actors portraying both real and imagined characters, set against a backdrop of rock music. Jean-Luc Godard stars as a relentlessly demanding filmmaker, obsessed with extracting the absolute best performance from his cast.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.0 - 19
The Married WomanMovie · 1964 · 95m · Drama, RomanceThis drama follows a woman navigating complicated relationships and difficult choices. Seen as superficial, she grapples with conflicting feelings as she confronts the harsh realities of her life. She is married to a man who physically abuses her but offers stability within their seemingly perfect social circle. Simultaneously, she has a lover – charming but shallow – who provides affection but not lasting commitment. The story reveals that her final decision will define her future and expose her true character. This introspective film examines self-discovery, loyalty, and the emptiness of superficial connections in relationships.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9 - 20
The Image BookMovie · 2018 · 88m · Documentary, DramaIn *Le Livre d’Image*, Jean-Luc Godard reuses existing images—films, documentaries, paintings, television archives—and incorporates excerpts from books and music fragments. Poetic rhyme, the connection or contrast of ideas, and editing as a central aesthetic element drive the film. Godard works like a sculptor, emphasizing the importance of the hand in this process, which he highlights at the beginning. The film presents a dazzling, syncopated sequence of images that reflects the intensity of modern screens, reaching a rarely seen level of brilliance. Awarded at Cannes, this latest Godard is a striking film with a melancholic beauty.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.3 - 21
Hail MaryMovie · 1985 · 72m · DramaA college student unexpectedly discovers she's pregnant, despite never having had sex. This surprising event has far-reaching consequences, affecting everyone around her, even those with no connection to the situation. As the news spreads, relationships are strained, beliefs are challenged, and people grapple with understanding. The student's experience becomes a moving story about faith, finding herself, and how one person's life can impact the lives of many others.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.3 - 22
Vivre Sa VieMovie · 1962 · 84m · DramaThe film follows twelve linked stories from a young woman's life in Paris, exploring her experiences with love, poverty, and vulnerability. Each scene provides a personal look at her world, showing both happy times and difficult challenges that eventually lead her to prostitution. The moving story examines themes of strength and societal expectations as it reveals the protagonist’s path. Powerful acting and beautiful visuals deliver a realistic and emotionally intense portrayal of a woman fighting to survive in a city that attracts and disappoints her.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.7 - 23
King LearMovie · 1988 · 90m · Comedy, DramaThis dystopian story follows a young man, the last known descendant of William Shakespeare, in a world recovering from the Chernobyl disaster. As civilization rebuilds, he feels compelled to revive his ancestor's plays, hoping to offer hope to the survivors.
The film explores perseverance, human connection, and the power of art in difficult times. Exploring desolate landscapes and meeting other survivors, he faces challenges in preserving Shakespeare’s work. Each performance revitalizes forgotten classics and inspires his community.
The story examines how art can overcome adversity and offer hope. Set against a hauntingly beautiful backdrop, this powerful narrative reflects on literature's lasting impact and the strength of the human spirit.IMDb 5.5TMDB 6.4 - 24
La ChinoiseMovie · 1967 · 96m · Drama, ComedyParis, summer 1967. A group of disillusioned middle-class students, led by Guillaume and Veronique, aim to change their lives and society. Inspired by Maoist revolutionary ideas, they form a cell and explore the possibility of using terrorism and violence to achieve change. Jean-Luc Godard, a fellow Maoist, presents a frenetic satire depicting the students' radical transformation. The film’s unflinching portrayal of political fervor and its potential outcomes proved controversial among traditional critics.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.9 - 25
The CarabineersMovie · 1963 · 80m · War, Drama, ComedyDuring a fictional nation's conflict, corrupt soldiers lure struggling farmers with promises of an easy, happy life. As chaos unfolds, two peasants write to their families, describing exaggerated victories on the front lines. This story explores deception, resilience, and faithfulness, raising questions about what truly makes a life worthwhile when war demands so much.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 26
Pierrot le FouMovie · 1965 · 110m · Drama, Romance, CrimeSet in postwar France, Pierrot, a young man feeling stifled by his society, leaves Paris seeking change. He meets Marianne, a strong and mysterious woman fleeing dangerous people from her past in Algeria. They travel together through beautiful landscapes, from the city to the Mediterranean, facing danger and uncertainty while forming a close connection. As they navigate their unpredictable journey, Pierrot and Marianne learn to survive and adapt to escape those pursuing them. This film combines action, romance, and suspense to explore the idea of freedom and the effort it takes to create one's own life.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3 - 27
Le petit soldatMovie · 1963 · 87m · Drama, RomanceDuring the Algerian War, a young Frenchman in Geneva becomes involved in dangerous political games and a passionate romance. He unknowingly connects with a determined female activist from a rival militant group. They develop a surprising love for each other despite their opposing beliefs. But as doubts arise about his loyalty within his own organization, he realizes his love could endanger them both. The film examines the difficulties of differing ideologies, personal beliefs, and relationships during a time of intense political upheaval.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9 - 28
DetectiveMovie · 1985 · 95m · Comedy, Crime, DramaIn a society where debts demand a steep price, Emile Chenal enters a perilous negotiation. With his wife Françoise, he seeks help from boxing manager Jim Fox Warner to recover money owed to them. As pressure intensifies and threats escalate from both law enforcement and organized crime, they become entangled in a world of crime and lies. Simultaneously, Inspector Neveu investigates a decades-old murder within the same hotel, an inquiry that unexpectedly intersects with the Chenals' desperate fight for financial recovery. This gripping thriller explores themes of avarice, treachery, and the repercussions of pursuing redemption relentlessly.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.2 - 29
Masculin FémininMovie · 1966 · 105m · Drama, RomancePaul, a young man searching for direction, starts working in market research and becomes roommates with Madeleine, a hopeful pop star aiming for fame. Told in fifteen separate scenes, the film shows how their differing views reflect society's increasing focus on commerce. As Paul struggles with this shift, Madeleine pursues her dreams, navigating a world where popularity often outweighs talent. This thoughtful and engaging movie explores personal goals and the conflict between individual beliefs and societal expectations.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2 - 30
Oh, Woe Is MeMovie · 1993 · 83m · Drama, Fantasy, RomanceThis character-driven story follows filmmaker Simon Donnadieu in the 1980s as he undergoes a profound transformation when a divine entity enters his body. His wife Rachel witnesses these dramatic changes and stays devoted to him, struggling to understand this extraordinary event. The film explores themes of faith, trust, and the search for spiritual meaning as they navigate life's challenges together.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.3 - 31
Notre MusiqueMovie · 2004 · 80m · DramaThis film explores Sarajevo, Palestine, Israel, and the nature of war through three interconnected stories: Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.7 - 32
In Praise of LoveMovie · 2001 · 99m · DramaA voice describes a project charting the four stages of love: first encounter, physical intimacy, conflict and separation, and reconciliation. The project will be explored through three couples, spanning youth, adulthood, and old age. The medium – play, film, novel, or opera – remains unspecified. The project's author is consistently attended by an attendant. Two years prior, an American civil servant encountered an elderly French couple, war heroes from the Resistance, and secured the rights to their story for a Hollywood film. The couple’s family members then debate passionately issues of national identity, memory, and history.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.6 - 33
How's It Going?Movie · 1978 · 78mWhile filming a documentary about a communist printing press, a union member and a leftist activist debate how best to convey their message, focusing on captions for photographs depicting a Portuguese protest and a French strike. One of them decides to write to his son, a factory worker near Paris, updating him on his difficulties.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.0
