The 11 Best French Films to Watch When You'd Rather Be in France

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There are a lot of things to love about France. From the iconic effortless elegance of the fashion and bistro culture, to the many cinematic masterpieces, architectural triumphs, and beautiful destinations, there's a reason we Francophiles have an actual name.

We rounded up the best French films to transport you there. Even if you don't consider yourself a Francophile, the 14 movies below are some of the best films from cinema history, foreign or not, including old classics, modern-day flicks, suspenseful thrillers, stylish indies, quirky dramedies, and more. Get a sense of each, and then curate your own watch list.

Here are our picks for the best French films to stream tonight.

Slack Bay (2017)

A large, wealthy, eccentric family spends a summer in a picturesque cliffside locale. Though a mysterious disappearance is the crux of the plot and we learn what happened during the beginning of the movie, this dark comedy proves that the best question isn't always whodunit. Enchanting, whimsical, delightfully strange, funny, and insightful—there are plenty of reasons to watch Slack Bay.

Slack Bay

Raw (2017)

What happens when a young vegetarian, who wants nothing more than to fit in at veterinary school, turns into a cannibal? This French-Belgian horror film is what. Directed by Julia Ducournau and starring Garance Marillier, this movie is perfect for anyone who likes slow-burning, coming-of-age thrillers.

Raw

The Intouchables (2012)

Revolving around the unconventional friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic and his live-in caretaker, this dramedy is heartwarming, funny, and thoroughly entertaining. Though you'll probably fall in love with both protagonists on their own, the bond they share together is most compelling.

The Intouchables

Mustang (2016)

If you've loved all things Sofia Coppola since the day you saw The Virgin Suicides, brace yourself. Instead of being transported to 1960s Midwest American suburbia, you'll hone in on a remote Turkish village where five orphaned sisters are put on lockdown indefinitely for playing in the water with boys. Though quite different plot-wise, this film revolves around similar themes of the bond of sisterhood and the policing of female sexuality.

Mustang

Clouds of Sils Maria (2015)

When two successful actresses, one in the prime of her youth and another middle-aged, are cast to be lovers in a romantic lesbian drama, sexual tension ensues, especially when the older actress's assistant enters the picture. Aside from the compelling narrative, the cast is also incredible. It stars Juliette Binoche, Kristen Stewart, and Chloe Gracë Moretz.

Clouds of Sils Maria

He Even Has Your Eyes (2016)

A French-African couple have been wanting to adopt a baby for a long time. And when the opportunity finally arises, they find out the baby is white. This is one of those rare films that's able to productively and thoughtfully use satire and humor while unpacking racism. 

Girlhood (2015)

Brought to us by the director of Tomboy and Water Lilies, you can expect Girlhood to be another triumphant tale. When a young girl leaves home to escape her abusive father, only to become financially dependent on an older man, she learns how to find inner strength to forge a new path for herself. Though heartbreaking at times, it's ultimately uplifting and inspiring. 

Girlhood

Amélie (2002)

If you want to watch something unique, Amélie is a must-see. You'll get drawn into the world of a quirky and charming young woman living in Paris when she falls in love. Having to read the subtitles if you don't speak French is so worth it.

Amelie

Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013)

Blue Is the Warmest Color lives up to its enticing title, following two young girls as they fall in love and explore their budding sexualities. It's an artful, engaging, and thought-provoking movie.

Blue in The Warmest Color

Amour (2012)

Truly one of the most moving and beautiful love stories ever portrayed in cinema, Amour is going to bring on all the feels. We're invited to witness a couple's relationship right when one of them suffers from a stroke. Awe-inspiring doesn't even begin to describe the bond between the elderly couple at the center of this film.  

Amour

The Artist (2012)

It's got romance, it's got drama, it's got humor. Set in Hollywood during the prime of the silent-film era, The Artist is the perfect thing to watch when you're looking for a light, feel-good movie with a nostalgic flair. Just remember that it's silent.

The Artist

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