{"id":118695,"date":"2023-08-07T15:51:23","date_gmt":"2023-08-07T19:51:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/best-french-movies-on-amazon-prime\/"},"modified":"2025-01-27T04:30:06","modified_gmt":"2025-01-27T09:30:06","slug":"best-french-movies-on-amazon-prime","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/french\/best-french-movies-on-amazon-prime\/","title":{"rendered":"The 13 Best French Movies on Amazon Prime (December 2024)"},"content":{"rendered":"

French cinema offers some moving stories, enticing drama and a peak into the culture of various regions of the world.\u00a0And with streaming services like Amazon’s Prime Video<\/a>, these films are now easier than ever to access.<\/p>\n

These are my 13 favorite French movies on Amazon Prime that you can watch from the comfort of your home.\u00a0With everything from romantic comedies to dramas and crime mysteries, there’s something for everyone.\u00a0Whether you’re fluent in French or working on getting there, you can sit back and enjoy the show.<\/p>\n

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1. “Intouchables”<\/em><\/a> (“The Intouchables”)<\/span><\/h2>\n

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Genre:<\/strong> Comedy\/Drama<\/p>\n

This heartwarming French film tells the<\/strong> true story<\/strong> of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic man and his exuberant caretaker from the Parisian suburbs.<\/p>\n

The film showcases the transformative power of human connection, humor and empathy, breaking down social barriers and preconceptions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Released in 2011, “Intouchables”<\/em> became a box office success not only in France but also internationally. Among its accolades, the film won the C\u00e9sar Award for Best Actor<\/strong> (Omar Sy) and earned numerous nominations and recognitions from various film festivals and award ceremonies.<\/p>\n

2. “Gr\u00e2ce \u00e0 Dieu”<\/em><\/a> (“By the Grace of God”)\u00a0<\/h2>\n

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Genre: <\/strong>Drama\/Crime<\/p>\n

Directed by Fran\u00e7ois Ozon, this gripping drama is based on true events<\/strong> surrounding the abuse scandal within the Catholic Church<\/strong> in Lyon, France.<\/p>\n

The film follows three courageous survivors who come forward to expose their childhood abuser, a respected priest. With unwavering determination, they confront the systemic cover-up and seek justice for themselves and others.<\/p>\n

Released in 2019, “Gr\u00e2ce \u00e0 Dieu”<\/em> offers powerful performances and handles the sensitive subject matter well. It won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the 2019 Berlin International Film Festival and the C\u00e9sar Award for Best Director<\/strong> in the same year.<\/p>\n

3. “Hors de prix”<\/em><\/a> (“Priceless”)<\/h2>\n

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Genre:<\/strong> Romantic Comedy<\/p>\n

The much-loved actress Audrey Tautou stars in this popular film<\/strong> as Irene, a woman with expensive taste who pursues rich men to foot the bill for her lavish lifestyle.<\/p>\n

One night, she mistakenly identifies Jean (played by Gad Elmaleh<\/strong>), a bartender, for a wealthy gentleman. What unfolds is a traditional and charming French comedy that’s full of love, plot twists and quirky characters.<\/p>\n

“Hors de prix”<\/em> is perfect for romance fans<\/strong>, as it not only takes place on the French Riviera, one of the world’s most romantic spots, but also won Best Kiss at NRJ Cin\u00e9 Awards in 2007.<\/p>\n

4. “Les innocentes”<\/a><\/em> (“The Innocents”)<\/h2>\n

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Genre:<\/strong> Historic Drama<\/p>\n

This 2016 film tells a beautiful, tragic story<\/strong> set in Poland just after the end of WWII. Mathilde Beaulieu is a medical student working with the French Red Cross to take care of French survivors of the German camps.<\/p>\n

Her life is changed when she begins to secretly treat the nuns at a neighboring convent, many of whom became pregnant after a horrific raid by Soviet soldiers. As the story unfolds, it raises questions regarding faith, post-war healing<\/strong> and the different ways in which people deal with personal traumas.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This moving film is based on a true story<\/strong> and features an almost all-female cast<\/strong>. It was nominated for four C\u00e9sar Awards and won awards at several international film festivals.<\/p>\n

5. “Papicha”<\/a><\/h2>\n

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Genre: <\/strong>Drama<\/p>\n

“Papicha” is a powerful Algerian-French film set in the 1990s during the Algerian Civil War<\/strong>. The movie follows Nedjma, a fearless university student and aspiring fashion designer, who defies societal restrictions by organizing a fashion show in her conservative city.<\/p>\n

The film beautifully portrays the resilience of young women in the face of oppression and violence<\/strong>. Its compelling storytelling and strong performances have earned it critical acclaim.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Papicha” won several awards, including the Best First Film Prize<\/strong> at the Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard section and the Luxembourg City Film Festival’s Grand Prix.<\/p>\n

6. “Le d\u00e9mant\u00e8lement”<\/em><\/a> (“The Auction”)<\/h2>\n

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Genre:<\/strong> Drama<\/p>\n

Released in 2013, “Le d\u00e9mant\u00e8lement”<\/em> is an emotional family drama<\/strong> about a sheep farmer named Gaby (played by Gabriel Arcand). Gaby has somehow managed to hold onto his property in Canada despite the many farmers around him who have been forced to sell due to the economic crisis.<\/p>\n

However, one day his daughter visits from her home in the city of Montreal to ask for financial help to keep her house. Gaby must cope with his decision to sell the family farm in order to support her.<\/p>\n

A beautiful and moving story, this film was a Cannes Film Festival winner<\/strong> in the SACD (Society of Dramatic Authors and Composers) category.<\/p>\n

7. “<\/em><\/a>Ce qui nous lie”<\/em><\/a> (“Back to Burgundy”)<\/b><\/h2>\n

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Genre: <\/strong>Drama\/Comedy<\/p>\n

This heartwarming film directed by C\u00e9dric Klapisch centers around three estranged siblings who reunite at their family vineyard in Burgundy after their father falls critically ill.<\/p>\n

As they face the challenges of wine-making and personal conflicts<\/strong>, they gradually reconcile and rediscover the bonds that tie them together.<\/p>\n

The 2019 film received praise for its picturesque cinematography and genuine performances<\/strong>. It has resonated with many viewers as a touching portrayal of family, love and tradition.<\/p>\n

8. “120 battements par minute”<\/em><\/a> (“Beats Per Minute”)<\/h2>\n

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Genre: <\/strong>Drama<\/p>\n

This powerful film is set in the early 1990s during the AIDS epidemic<\/strong>. The movie revolves around the passionate activism of the members of ACT UP Paris, a group fighting for better treatment and awareness of the disease.<\/p>\n

“120 battements par minute” <\/em>offers a poignant portrayal of love, loss and the fight for justice, highlighting the personal struggles and dedication of its characters. Its emotional depth and captivating narrative<\/strong> have earned it widespread attention.<\/p>\n

The film won several awards, including the Grand Prix at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival<\/strong> and six Cesar Awards, including Best Film and Best Original Screenplay.<\/p>\n

9. <\/strong>“Les mis\u00e9rables”<\/a> <\/strong><\/em>(<\/strong>The Miserable Ones)<\/h2>\n

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Genre:<\/strong> Drama\/Crime<\/p>\n

“Les Mis\u00e9rables”<\/em> is a gripping French drama that delves into the tensions and complexities of the Parisian banlieues<\/em> (suburbs)<\/strong>. The film follows a trio of police officers patrolling the impoverished neighborhood, whose actions escalate an already volatile situation.<\/p>\n

As social unrest reaches its peak, the characters must confront their own biases and the consequences of their choices. Delving into some thought-provoking themes<\/strong>, the film received widespread acclaim upon its release in 2019.<\/p>\n

It earned the Jury Prize at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival<\/strong> and was also nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 2020 Academy Awards.<\/p>\n

10. “Kuessipan”<\/em><\/a><\/h2>\n

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Genre:\u00a0<\/strong>Drama<\/p>\n

“Kuessipan”<\/em> is a poignant and evocative French-Canadian drama set in an Innu community in Quebec<\/strong>. It’s based on the bestselling novel by the same name, written by Naomi Fontaine.<\/p>\n

The film follows the close friendship between two Indigenous girls<\/strong>, Mikuan and Shaniss, as they navigate the challenges of growing up in a world filled with cultural tensions and personal aspirations. As their paths diverge, they must confront the complexities of identity and belonging.<\/p>\n

“Kuessipan”<\/em> provides an authentic portrayal of Indigenous life and culture.\u00a0The film won the Best Canadian First Feature Film award<\/strong> at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival, further highlighting its excellence and impact.<\/p>\n

11. “Monsieur Lazhar”<\/em><\/a> (Mr. Lazhar)<\/h2>\n

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Genre: <\/strong>Comedy\/Drama<\/p>\n

This touching French-Canadian drama<\/strong> follows the journey of an Algerian immigrant, Bachir Lazhar, who becomes a substitute teacher in a Montreal elementary school.<\/p>\n

As he helps his young students cope with the trauma of their previous teacher’s tragic death, he also grapples with his own painful past. The film explores themes of loss, healing and the power of mentorship<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Released in 2011, “Monsieur Lazhar”<\/em> was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 84th Academy Awards<\/strong> and won several awards, including six Genie Awards in Canada.<\/p>\n

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12. “La vie d’Ad\u00e8le”<\/em><\/a> (“Blue is the Warmest Color”)\u00a0<\/h2>\n

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Genre:<\/strong> Drama\/Romance<\/p>\n

This intimate and emotionally charged romantic drama<\/strong> portrays the passionate and transformative love story between Ad\u00e8le, a young woman exploring her sexuality, and Emma, an aspiring painter.<\/p>\n

Their relationship navigates the complexities of identity, desire and societal norms<\/strong>. The film provides raw performances and an authentic portrayal of same-sex love.<\/p>\n

The film won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival<\/strong>, further solidifying its significance and impact in contemporary cinema.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

13. “Ne le dis \u00e0 personnel”<\/a><\/em>\u00a0(“Tell No One”)<\/h2>\n

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Genre: <\/strong>Crime\/Drama\/Mystery<\/p>\n

This gripping 2006 French thriller was adapted from Harlan Coben’s novel<\/strong>. The film follows Alexandre Beck, a doctor haunted by the murder of his wife, Margot.<\/p>\n

Eight years after her death, he receives an eerie email that suggests Margot might still be alive. As he delves into the mysterious message and his wife’s past, he becomes entangled in a web of secrets and danger<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The film offers intense suspense<\/strong> for viewers and has achieved commercial success both in France and internationally.<\/p>\n

The Benefits of Watching Films to Learn French<\/h2>\n

Watching films comes with a lot of educational benefits, and there’s a plethora of films that are excellent for French learners<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Here are just a few of the benefits of watching French films at any level:<\/p>\n