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The cinema of France comprises the film industry and its film productions, whether made within the nation of France or by French film production companies abroad. It is the oldest and largest precursor of national cinemas in Europe, with primary influence also on the creation of national cinemas in Asia.
A list of the most acclaimed and influential French movies, ranked by film industry experts. Explore the classics of French cinema, from Renoir to Godard, and discover their themes, styles and influences.
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Feb 8, 2024 · A comprehensive list of the most acclaimed and influential French films, from classics like Les Enfants du Paradis and La Règle du Jeu to modern masterpieces like Amélie and The Piano Teacher. Discover the rich and diverse history of French cinema with this guide by global film critics.
- Daniela Gama
- 'Diabolique' (1955) Director: Henri-Georges Clouzot. Among the best French horror films is Diabolique, a suspenseful Henri-Georges Clouzot feature that stands the test of time as one of the country's most poignant and groundbreaking films.
- 'Cléo From 5 to 7' (1962) Director: Agnès Varda. Whereas Godard is widely regarded as the "father of the French New Wave," the visionary Agnès Varda — who was merely two years his senior — is, for some reason, known as the "grandmother" of the French cinematic movement (she was in her thirties when she earned this title).
- 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg' (1964) Director: Jacques Demy. Jacques Demy's French New Wave film The Umbrellas of Cherbourg — just like Playtime, it was one of the major inspirations behind Greta Gerwig's Barbie — is undoubtedly worth mentioning when the subject is top French movies.
- 'Breathless' (1960) Director: Jean-Luc Godard. Jean-Luc Godard's Breathless follows a small-time thief named Michel Poiccard (played by Jean-Paul Belmondo), who steals a car and impulsively murders a motorcycle policeman who pursues him.
Mar 5, 2021 · From New Wave classics like Jean-Luc Godard's Contempt to modern favorites like Amélie, here are the most essential French movies to watch now.
- Leena Kim
- Editor
- lkim@hearst.com
My 25 personal favorite French movies of all time. Honorable Mentions: Elle (2016) Blue Is The Warmest Color (2013) A Prophet (2009) The Diving Bell & The Butterfly (2007)
Sep 25, 2023 · A list of 39 French films that showcase the diversity and creativity of French cinema in the past 23 years. From Celine Sciamma to François Ozon, from 3D experiments to period pieces, these are the movies that remind us why France is still essential to cinema.
