In a year in which screens have played a larger than average role in our ability to engage with the outside world, we are sure that many of you are running out of new series and movies to pass the time. For those of you keen to develop your French language skills, watching French films and TV series, even with subtitles, can be an effective and entertaining way of familiarising your ears with spoken French, as well as providing insights into French culture.
Below you can see a list of popular French films and series that you can use for inspiration. We encourage all of you to consider your own preferences in the hope of finding viewing options that best suit your own personal tastes.
Please note that some of these films and series may not be suitable for family viewing.
Les Intouchables
A box-office phenomenon in France, which shattered records to become the second most successful French film of all time, it tells the story of the unconventional and surprising friendship that develops between a disabled white millionaire and his Senegalese carer. Hilarious, moving and uplifting: quite simply, this movie is a must-see.
Priceless (French title: Hors de Prix)
A romantic comedy that centres on a case of mistaken identity. In a bizarre set of circumstances, a young gold-digger (Audrey Tautou) mistakes a mild-mannered bartender (Gad Elmaleh) for a wealthy suitor and proceeds to woo him. A fun, feel-good film.
Schéhérazade
This film, which won three César awards, including Best First Feature Film, explores the relationship between two marginalized teenagers on the streets of Marseille. When Zachary, a troubled youth who has been recently released from prison, meets Shéhérazade, a young prostitute, a dramatic and, at times, traumatic journey of self-discovery and, ultimately, of love, ensues.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8msdbG5Iu0 – this is not a trailer, but a short clip from the film, with English subtitles.
Girlhood (French title: Bande de Filles)
Teenager Marieme joins a gang of girls, in hopes of escaping her oppressive family situation and dead-end school prospects. Set against a backdrop of banlieue Paris, this is a powerful coming-of-age drama, which deals with the themes of marginalization, the transition from adolescence to adulthood, femininity and female sexuality.
Back to Burgundy (French title: Ce qui nous lie)
Cédric Klapisch’s 2017 comedic drama focuses on the lives of three siblings, who find themselves unexpectedly reunited after the death of their father. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Beaune region, this touching film follows the brothers and sister as they take over the management of their father’s vineyard. A heart-warming story of reinvention and rediscovery.
I Lost My Body (French title: J’ai perdu mon corps)
A severed hand in search of its former owner is the unusual premise of this 2019 animated drama fantasy film. It became the first animated feature to be awarded the top prize in the Critics’ Week section at Cannes. An eccentric, compelling and emotive watch.
Recommended French TV Series
Le Bazar de la Charité
A French drama mini-series, available on Netflix, which explores the lives of three women living in Paris in the aftermath of a great fire, the depiction of which relates to a real historical event, known as Le Bazar de la Charité. The 1897 fire claimed the lives of 126 people, most of whom were women. This thrilling drama deals with themes of betrayal, deception and romantic turmoil.
La Mante
The title of this thriller mini-series relates to the name given to the psychopathic serial-killer, Jeanne Deber, played by Carole Bouquet, who terrorized the city of Paris twenty-five years ago. After a copycat killer threatens the city once more, the police are compelled to enlist the help of Deber, in order to hunt the killer down. La Mante lays down the condition that she will only deal with her estranged son, who is a detective. Truly gripping, with powerful acting performances, this series, available to watch on Netflix, is well worth a watch.
Spiral (French title: Engrenages)
This critically acclaimed and long-running French detective series follows the criminal investigations pursued by both the police procedural and legal teams at the Palais de Justice in Paris. It also explores the personal lives of the central characters within these teams. Spanning eight series, the most recent of which was only released in 2020, this hugely successful crime thriller is available to watch on BBC IPlayer and is particularly valuable for French learners in terms of vocabulary, on account of the Parisian argot often employed.
Le Chalet
A reunion of childhood friends goes very wrong, when a dark secret from the past surfaces and the group become ensnared in a deadly trap. This eerie six-part thriller series alternates between two timelines, twenty years apart, and is available to watch on Netflix.
Dix Pour Cent
A multi-award winning comedy series that centres on the Paris talent firm, A.S.K., where the three agents who head up the company struggle to keep their celebrity clients satisfied and their business successful. Spanning four series, it explores both the professional and personal lives of the three central characters and how they intertwine.
Plan Cœur
Parisian Elsa is struggling to get over her ex. In a desperate attempt to help her friend move on, Elsa’s best friend secretly hires an escort, but the plan works better than expected, leading to awkward and hilarious repercussions for the group of female friends. This comedy web television series is only the second ever French series to be produced for Netflix and has proved to be very popular. A special, one-off Covid-19-related episode was released on the platform in November 2020.
Found a French film or series that you think others will enjoy? Feel free to share your suggestions below in the comments section: