Best Movies and Series to Learn French

Anissa :)
Jan 23
4 min read

Learning French through movies and series? Mais oui! Watching French films and series is not only an entertaining way to learn the language, but it also immerses you in the culture, humor, and charm that make French so irresistible. I've curated a list of my top recommendations for you, ranging from heartfelt dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies. So grab your popcorn (or a croissant?) and let’s dive in!

Comedy / Action

Les Choristes: A heartwarming story about a music teacher who transforms the lives of troubled students through the power of song. Warning: tissues required!
Intouchables: A hilarious and touching tale of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic man and his caregiver from the suburbs.
Le fabuleux destin d’Amélie Poulain: Discover the whimsical world of Amélie in this iconic French film that’s equal parts quirky and heartwarming.
l'Arnacoeur: A rom-com with a twist. What do you do when your job is breaking up couples? Fall in love, of course!
OSS 117: Imagine James Bond with a big dose of cluelessness. These spy spoofs are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud.
L’auberge espagnole: A group of international students navigates life, love, and cultural differences in a shared apartment in Barcelona.
Le dîner de cons: A classic comedy where a group of friends host a dinner party for the "biggest fool," only to have things go hilariously wrong.

Cartoons (Not Just for Kids!)

Oui, vraiment! Some French animated films are masterpieces that appeal to all ages:

Ma vie de Courgette: A poignant and beautifully animated tale about an orphaned boy finding friendship and love.
Persepolis: A stunning adaptation of Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel, blending history, humor, and heartbreak.
Kirikou et la sorcière: An African-inspired story about a clever boy who faces a fearsome witch.
Azur et Asmar: A visually stunning tale of friendship and adventure, blending Arabic and French cultures.
Le Roi et l’Oiseau: A poetic and surreal film, considered a classic of French animation.
Les Contes de la nuit: A series of magical tales brought to life with shadow-puppet style animation.

Comedy Drama (My Favorites!)

French cinema encompasses a wide range of films, renowned for the diversity of its genres. However, my favorite—and the one I believe we truly excel in—is French dramatic cinema. It is, in my opinion, the genre that places the greatest emphasis on narrative, character development, and that distinctive blend of realism and artistic expression. These films often tackle profound social and political themes, offering reflections on the country’s history and its evolving society. When most people think of French cinema, it is this genre that often comes to mind.

Here are some of the finest examples of French dramatic comedies:

Le Jeu: A dinner party game that reveals far more than the guests expected. Awkward, funny, and oh-so-French.
La Haine: A powerful drama about life in the Parisian suburbs. An absolute must-watch.
La Famille Bélier: A musical comedy about a teenager torn between her family’s dairy farm and her dreams of singing.
Je vais bien, ne t’en fais pas: A moving story about grief, family secrets, and finding hope.
Le premier jour du reste de ta vie: A nostalgic look at a family’s milestones, told with humor and emotion.
Ne le dis à personne: A gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, with plenty of twists to keep your brain in French mode.
Les femmes du 6ème étage: The lives of Spanish maids and their uptight French employer take delightful turns in this charming comedy.
Polisse: A gritty drama about a child protection unit in Paris. Intense, but worth it.
Monsieur Lazhar: A touching story about a teacher helping his students navigate grief.
Un prophète: A gripping tale of survival and power within the French prison system.
Le hérisson: An introspective and beautiful story about unexpected friendships.
Cyrano de Bergerac: The ultimate classic for lovers of French literature and epic declarations of love.

Netflix Series

For binge-watchers:

10 pour cent (Call My Agent!): Dive into the chaotic world of a Parisian talent agency. Cameos from real French stars make it even more fun!
Le Bureau des Légendes (The Bureau): Espionage at its finest. This series is gripping, smart, and one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.
Lupin: Inspired by the adventures of Arsène Lupin, this modern twist on the classic gentleman thief is addictive.
Plan Cœur: A feel-good romantic comedy about love, friendship, and Parisian life.

Short Series (easily available on YouTube)

Perfect for quick study breaks, each episode is about 10/15 minutes:

Kaamelot (B2/C1): Arthurian legends, but make them funny. Expect a lot of slang and inside jokes. I am a huge fan of Kaamelot! ^^
Scènes de ménage: Short and hilarious scenes about couples navigating everyday life.
Fais pas ci, fais pas ça: A sitcom about two very different families and their parenting styles.

Where to Find These Gems?

You’re ready to watch, but where do you find these treasures?

Here are some tips:

Media Libraries: Many libraries and Alliance Française centers have these films available.
Video-on-Demand Services: Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, and more offer rentals and purchases.
Netflix: A subscription opens up a world of French content.
YouTube: Some classics are available for free and are easy to find!