Do you want to take a trip to France without actually having to travel? Then, you need to watch movies that have been set in this magnificent country. Put on the subtitles and try to learn French while you watch these movies. You might even end up mastering the French accent and learning something new about the country. Discover the beauty of France by watching the following best movies set in France:
15. Blue is the Warmest Color (2012)
Blue is the Warmest Color or La Vie D’Adele is one of the most popular French films that has received many awards. It involves a French teenager who explores her sexuality to find out whether she likes men or women.
After a failed relationship with a guy, she ends up dating an aspiring artist. Watch how the relationship unfolds.
14. La Vie En Rose (2007)
Edith Piaf is known for her song “La Vie En Rose”. This French biographical about her has the same name and stars Marion Cotillard who bagged a Gold Globe award, a Cesar Award, a BAFTA Award, and even an Academy Award.
If you are a fan of the French legend or just curious about her life, you have to watch it as France is the main backdrop.
13. Amelie (2001)
Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Amelie is a romantic comedy movie that depicts the French lifestyle. It is mostly shot in Montmartre, Paris, and tells the story of Amelie, a shy waitress who believes that she changes the lives of the people she knows for the better.
The film was a huge box office success and is one of the most popular movies set in France.
12. The Intouchables (2011)
The Intouchables is an incredible French dramedy that involves a Parisian aristocrat who employs an immigrant as his caretaker. Despite their differences, the two men form a close companionship and bond over life.
It has plenty of funny dialogue that will keep you going. You have to give it a watch if you love all things, French.
11. Midnight in Paris (2011)
Starring Rachel McAdams and Owen Wilson, Midnight in Paris is a fantasy comedy created by Woody Allen. It is about a screenwriter who confronts his shortcomings while in the city of love.
His imaginary encounters with Hemingway and other famous writers provide an escape. He learns many things from them and puts them into practice.
10. Ratatouille (2007)
A Pixar film set in France that everyone should watch at least once in their lives is Ratatouille. It is a comedy that focuses on the French dish ratatouille. The movie follows a rat and an aspiring chef.
The duo allies a chance to cook at one of the best restaurants in Paris. There is a hint of everything in the movie including romance, tragedy, suspense, and adventure.
9. Yves Saint Laurent (2014)
Another French biographical film that you need to watch is Yves Saint Laurent. It follows the legend and stars Nikolai Kinski, Xavier Lafitte, Marie de Villepin, Charlotte Le Bon, and Pierre Niney.
The movie has been nominated for several awards and the leading actor even went on to win the Best Actor award at the Cesar Awards. When you watch the movie, you will feel truly inspired.
8. Before Sunset (2004)
After the wild success of Before Sunrise, Before Sunset was released after 9 years. It continues the story of an American who had fallen in love with a French woman in Vienna.
The two decided to meet after a few years in the French capital to find out whether their passion is still alive. This is possibly the most romantic film to have been shot in Paris. Hence, you should consider giving it a watch.
7. My Old Lady (2014)
This sentimental movie follows a New Yorker who visits Paris to sell his estranged father’s apartment. However, he ends up realizing that there are residents who live on the property.
These include an old woman and her daughter. With some French romance and an amazing cast, this dramedy has a lot to offer all types of viewers.
6. The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec (2010)
Luc Besson is the mastermind behind this French fantasy film that is based on the comic book series of the same name.
The movie follows a travel writer and journalist who returns to Paris from Egypt after finding Ramesses II’s doctor’s mummified body. This family-friendly movie is set during the 1920s and is a treat to watch.
5. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)
Revolving around a notorious murderer, this German psychological thriller is set in 18th-century France and stars Dustin Hoffman and Alan Rickman.
Watch a genius try to create the perfect scent. The movie reveals his life as a flashback from the day of his execution to his homicidal quest.
4. Marie Antoinette (2006)
Chances are that you might have read about the French Queen. Marie Antoinette is a dramedy starring Kirsten Dunst and follows the life of the 14-year-old Austrian Archduchess as her actions inspire the French Revolution. The film even won an Academy Award.
Witness the arrival of Marie Antoinette in France as she is wedded to Louis XVI to ally with the rival nations.
3. Moulin Rouge (2001)
This jukebox musical has been co-written by none other than Baz Luhrmann and revolves around Christian, a young English poet who ends up falling in love with a cabaret actress.
The movie is based in Montmartre and has been nominated for up to eight Oscars.
2. The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Anyone interested in symbolism should give The Da Vinci Code a watch. This mystery thriller is based on the best-selling novel of the same name. It revolves around a Harvard professor who is an expert in religious symbols and ends up becoming a suspect in a Louvre murder.
The police start an investigation to find out who is to blame which leads them to decode The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.
1. Paris, I Love You (2006)
Paris, I Love You is a French film that tells the story of people belonging to different nationalities and living in Paris. 18 short films make up the movie.
Hence, you might be able to relate to at least one of the cast. The reason why you should watch is that sheds light on how we are all the same.
Honorable Mentions
- Paris (2008)
- Monte Carlo (2011)
- A Good Year (2006)
- Paris Can Wait (2016)
- One Wild Moment (2015)
There you have it. We have shared some of the best movies set in France. Let us know in the comments below which film you are excited to watch.
