31 French Movies to Watch This May
A list of popular French-language movies of all time, with varied genres, plots, and periods, all compiled into one useful post.
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Day 1: Incendies (Incendies)Day 2: Yves Saint LaurentDay 3: La science des rêves (The Science of Sleep)Day 4: La mariée était en noir (The Bride Wore Black)Day 5: Le tableau (The Painting)Day 6: DivaDay 7: Les femmes du 6ème étage (The Women on the 6th Floor)Day 8: La guerre est déclarée (Declaration of War)Day 9: Les triplettes de Belleville (The Triplets of Belleville)Day 10: La conquête (The Conquest)Day 11: La planète sauvage (Fantastic Planet)Day 12: Les émotifs anonymes (Romantics Anonymous)Day 13: Le gamin au vélo (The Kid with the Bike)Day 14: Chasseurs de dragons (Dragon Hunters)Day 15: Peau d’âne (Donkey Skin)Day 16: Les vacances de monsieur Hulot (Mr. Hulot’s Holiday)Day 17: L’enfant d’en haut (Sister)Day 18: La Femme de Mon Pote (My Best Friend’s Girl)Day 19: La piscine (The Swimming Pool)Day 20: L’homme qui plantait des arbres (The Man Who Planted Trees)Day 21: Marius et Jeannette (Marius and Jeannette)Day 22: PauletteDay 23: Un bonheur n’arrive jamais seul (Happiness Never Comes Alone)Day 24: Les beaux jours (Bright Days Ahead)Day 25: Et Dieu créa la femme (And God Created Woman)Day 26: Les garçons et Guillaume, à table ! (Me, Myself and Mom)Day 27: La grande vadrouille (Don’t Look Now – We’re Being Shot at)Day 28: Les ripoux (My New Partner)Day 29: 99 francsDay 30: Hors de prix (Priceless)Day 31: La moutarde me monte au nez (Lucky Pierre)My recommended must-see movies for the merry month of May feature an eclectic mix of drama, action, suspense, and comedy—all crafted in a style that is unique to French cinema.
Get your fill of gripping tales of passion from “La Piscine,” riveting twists and turns of classic thriller “Diva,” and of the hilarious events taking place in the heart-warming “Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot.” The best thing about it is that you still have 28 more movies to see you through the month. So sit back, grab your popcorn, snuggle up to someone, and enjoy the movies. We’ve got your viewing covered.
See also: How to Learn French with Movies in 7 Easy Steps
Day 1: Incendies (Incendies)
Directed: Denis Villeneuve
Written: Denis Villeneuve, based on the play by Wajdi Mouawad; script coach: Valérie Beaugrand-Champagne
Twins make a decision to travel to the Middle East in order to explore their family history, only to discover skeletons in the closet. Highly talented director Denis Villeneuve transfers Wajdi Mouawad’s play to the screen, yet keeps the atmosphere intact. “Incendies” appears more like a fascinating history lesson than a thriller or drama. But then it suddenly explodes into gripping action!
Day 2: Yves Saint Laurent
Directed: Jalil Lespert
Written: Jacques Fieschi, Marie-Pierre Huster, Jalil Lespert, based on the book by Laurence Benaïm
Ever dreamt about spending time with legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent? You are welcome to share the French designer’s life during his early career in the 1950s. In 1958, the fashion guru met his business partner and lover – Pierre Bergé.
Despite fighting his inner demons, Yves Saint Laurent creates, brick by brick, a fabulous empire that helps aid the liberation of women all over the globe.
Day 3: La science des rêves (The Science of Sleep)
Written: Michel Gondry
Depressed over his father’s death, a shy man, Stéphane Miroux, comes to Paris at his mother’s invitation, with the promise of a job. Kind-hearted but reserved, his life seems as colorless as his job. Until one day when Stéphane falls deeply in love with his beautiful neighbor, a French woman. Unfortunately, winning the lady’s heart will not be as easy as pie… With his childish sense of wonder and vivid imagination, Stéphane Miroux will try to beat all the odds!
Day 4: La mariée était en noir (The Bride Wore Black)
Directed: François Truffaut
Written: François Truffaut, Jean-Louis Richard, based on the novel by Cornell Woolrich
A tragic and thrilling portrait of lives shattered by violence, the Bride Wore Black stars Jeanne Moreau as a charming woman whose husband is shot dead on their wedding day. With a cold fury inside her, the protagonist tracks down the men responsible and, with the skill of a professional assassin, kills them one by one. It is a clear tribute to Alfred Hitchcock, whom François Truffaut admired greatly!
Day 5: Le tableau (The Painting)
Directed: Jean-François Laguionie
Written: Jean-François Laguionie, Anik Le Ray
A deep dark forest, a mysterious château, flowering gardens…. For some unknown reason, The Painter has left his living canvas unfinished! As the story begins, you see three groups of characters who go about their lives inside the painting. The Toupins are completely painted. The Pafinis are longing for a few more colors. And then there are the Reufs, who are only sketches…
The animated painting is similar to wider society. The Toupins, considering themselves of a better quality, turn the Reufs into slaves and chase the poor Pafinis from the beautiful château. Who will bring the harmony back to the painting? Convinced that the Painter is the one who can save them, Lola, Ramo and Plume make a trip to find their creator. Through their marvelous adventures they begin to find the answer to the vital questions: why did the Painter leave them? What is the reason behind his decision to destroy some of his paintings? Will they ever uncover the Painter’s secret?
Day 6: Diva
Directed: Jean-Jacques Beineix
Written: Jean-Jacques Beineix, Jean Van Hamme, based on the novel by Daniel Odier (Delacorta)
Visually breathtaking and with a mind-blowing plot, this stylish movie cleverly twists plot-lines revolving around Parisian postman Jules, who’s on the run. Trying to escape from a gang, the mail-carrier shows a cunning playfulness that the audience will 100% appreciate, and even openly applaud!
The labyrinthine plot follows the unlikely friendship between the young postman and a reclusive diva. An exciting motorbike chase through the Paris subway tunnels is combined with an amazing soundtrack – truly a fun way to spend a few hours of your time.
Day 7: Les femmes du 6ème étage (The Women on the 6th Floor)
Directed: Philippe Le Guay
Written: Philippe Le Guay, Jérôme Tonnerre
A powerful movie which perfectly encapsulates romance, drama, comedy and… class politics. In 1960s Paris, a conservative family’s life is almost ruined by sassy maids from Spain. The everyday life of the Joubert family is turned upside-down when the poor servants try to show them that life is not only about huge penthouses and bulging wallets. A clever comedy that packs a real punch!
Day 8: La guerre est déclarée (Declaration of War)
Written: Valérie Donzelli, Jérémie Elkaïm
When their 18-month-old son is diagnosed with a serious brain tumor, Romeo and Juliette are not ready to give up. Young mom and dad choose to fight against the disease, the odds and pessimism itself… Intensely moving, courageous and inspiring, the movie is based on a touching true-life story. Valérie Donzelli, a famous director, her former partner, screenwriter and actor Jérémie Elkaïm, and their little son were the inspiration for this touching tear-jerker.
Day 9: Les triplettes de Belleville (The Triplets of Belleville)
Originally titled “Les triplettes de Belleville”, “The Triplets of Belleville” is a fantastical adventure suitable for both kids and adults! A surreal story of an old lady raising her grandson. When her grandson is kidnapped during the Tour de France, the aged heroine teams up with the all-singing, all-dancing Belleville Sisters, and her loyal dog Bruno in order to save him.
Made in 2003, “Les triplettes de Belleville” features high-class retro animation and the completely other-worldly voices of Michel Robin, Michèle Caucheteux and Jean-Claude Donda.
Day 10: La conquête (The Conquest)
Directed: Xavier Durringer
Written: Patrick Rotman, Xavier Durringer
This darkly funny film is a satirical portrait of French president Nicolas Sarkozy’s path to power. See how Nicolas rose to victory in the 2007 presidential elections. A highly gifted Denis Podalydès portrays the French president with uncanny accuracy and brilliance.
Day 11: La planète sauvage (Fantastic Planet)
Directed: René Laloux
Written: René Laloux, Roland Topor (from the novel by Stefan Wul)
Quite unlike everything you’ve watched before. The futuristic tale is focused on a cartoon planet ruled by giants. Oppressed and miserable, the humanoids rise up against the oppressive rulers. It must be said though, the cut-out animation looks decidedly rough by today’s standards. Nonetheless, the artwork by Roland Topor is truly imaginative.
Day 12: Les émotifs anonymes (Romantics Anonymous)
Directed: Jean-Pierre Améris
Written: Jean-Pierre Améris, Philippe Blasband
A cup of sweet cocoa gives you a warm feeling deep inside. The kind of feeling you’ll experience after watching “Romantics Anonymous”.
Watch Angélique, a talented chocolate maker, and her boss, Jean-René, fall in love. A small chocolate factory turns into an oasis for the two highly emotional soul mates. But things are not easy when both lovers are painfully shy. Will fate allow them to live happily ever after, or will the pressure be too much for them? Watch and find out …
Day 13: Le gamin au vélo (The Kid with the Bike)
Directed: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne
Written: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne
I know it is not a French movie (it is Belgian) but I’m adding this here because the Dardennes are darned good directors. Difficult, and sometimes uncomfortable viewing, The Kid with the Bike is a dark, and unsettling adult fairy tale about an 11-year-old boy (Thomas Doret) who breaks free from a children’s home to find the father who abandoned him there. While he finds a surrogate mother in the form of a kindly hairdresser played by Cécile de France, he finds himself consumed by his quest to be reunited with his parent.
“Le gamin au vélo” is not a rose-tinted comedy, and is sometimes pretty hard to watch, but impossible to forget indeed.
Day 14: Chasseurs de dragons (Dragon Hunters)
Directed: Guillaume Ivernel, Arthur Qwak
Written: Frédéric Engel-Lenoir, Arthur Qwak
An imaginative, exhilarating and unexpectedly fun adventure from the first second to the last! A brave little girl lends a helping hand to two would-be heroes to save the world from a wild beast. This CGI-animated movie impresses with truly stylish backgrounds and impressive animation.
Day 15: Peau d’âne (Donkey Skin)
Directed: Jacques Demy
Written: Jacques Demy, based on the fairy tale by Charles Perrault
Demy successfully creates a colorful and amazingly delightful surrealist dream world. Based on the well-known Charles Perrault fairy tale “Peau d’âne”, the film is a pretty bizarre, but, at the same time, enchanting story for grown-ups.
Day 16: Les vacances de monsieur Hulot (Mr. Hulot’s Holiday)
Written: Jacques Tati, Pierre Aubert, Jacques Lagrange, Henri Marquet
As Monsieur Hulot arrives at a seaside hotel for a vacation, Jacques Tati’s much-loved alter ego somehow causes havoc. This one is a pure cinematic gem that is worth all the money they spend on making any of today’s comedies. “Les vacances de monsieur Hulot” is a timeless charming story that should not be missed!
Day 17: L’enfant d’en haut (Sister)
Directed: Ursula Meier
Written: Antoine Jaccoud, Ursula Meier
“L’enfant d’en haut” is one of the dramas that immediately gets under your skin (sous la peau)! The movie plot focuses on the dramatic tension of the characters’ relationships.
Twelve-year-old Simon lives with his jobless sister beneath a wealthy ski resort. The grim industrial valley is in complete contrast to the luxury mountain high above. Faced with poverty yet fighting against it, thanks to the boy’s skills as a thief, the siblings have an opportunity to survive. In winter, Simon goes to the opulent world of the rich ski resort, yet soon discovers their problems are deeper than they imagined. A tear-inducing, powerful drama about unspoken desperation.
Day 18: La Femme de Mon Pote (My Best Friend’s Girl)
Directed: Bertrand Blier
Written: Bertrand Blier, Gérard Brach
Isabelle Huppert is a gorgeous Parisienne who’s on the lookout for some hot stuff while on her vacation. What is the best place to have some fun when you’re an unattached, attractive lady? The ski slopes!
In the heart of the Alps she strikes up a love affair with a hunky salesman. But the love story doesn’t end in a typical ‘happily ever after’. At the same time, the woman is hooked by a chubby, insecure DJ from the local night club. Seems like a perfect plan to have a good time on both sides. But what if the disk jockey and the salesman turn out to be best friends?
Day 19: La piscine (The Swimming Pool)
Directed: Jacques Deray
Written: Jean-Emmanuel Conil; adaptation and dialogue: Jean-Claude Carrière, Jacques Deray
There is a love story behind the screen. For several years, Romy Schneider and Alain Delon were one of the most glamorous couples in French movie history. Still, their love affair had long ended when the ex-lovers were re-united as Jean-Paul and Marianne in the beautiful “La Piscine”.
A loving couple enjoying their vacation in Saint-Tropez are faced with the sudden intrusion of Marianne’s ex-lover and his flirtatious daughter Penelope. The twosome quickly turns into an unsettling foursome. The movie plot is centered on the swimming pool, which is a magnifique metaphor for all the desires hidden below the surface of the human soul.
Day 20: L’homme qui plantait des arbres (The Man Who Planted Trees)
Directed: Frédéric Back
Written: Frédéric Back, based on the story by Jean Giono
A simple story, yet one told in an impressive way. It tells the touching story of a shepherd who selflessly cultivates a forest to rebuild the ruined ecosystem. The breathtaking animation style will hypnotize you with its sheer magnificence!
Day 21: Marius et Jeannette (Marius and Jeannette)
Directed: Robert Guédiguian
Written: Jean-Louis Milesi, Robert Guédiguian
Marius works as a watchman for a deserted cement works in Marseille. Jeannette is just trying to make ends meet. She works hard to raise her kids. Marius and Jeannette’s relationship is not going to be trouble-free. Besides the material difficulties, both of them have scars left by life’s cruelties. See this well-structured lesson on how to learn to be happy again!
Day 22: Paulette
Directed: Jérôme Enrico
Written: Laurie Aubanel, Bianca Olsen, Cyril Rambour, Jérôme Enrico
Paulette lives all alone in the suburbs of Paris. Receiving a meager pension, the old lady realizes she can’t make ends meet any longer. When fate shows her a new path to follow, Paulette decides to sell…marijuana. After all, why not?
Day 23: Un bonheur n’arrive jamais seul (Happiness Never Comes Alone)
Directed: James Huth
Written: James Huth, Sonja Shillito
There’s a certain chemistry between brilliant stars Sophie Marceau and Gad Elmaleh that makes the couple really easy to watch.
Sacha Keller’s lifestyle is focused only on one-night stands with hot chicks. Aside from that, he also has a ‘phobia’ of children. But when he meets Charlotte –everything changes! After Sacha and Charlotte have sex, Sacha finds out that his new lady is a mom of three. She also has a jealous soon-to-be ex-husband who owns the corporation where they all work.
Charlotte and Sacha have nothing in common or… maybe they were meant to be together?
Day 24: Les beaux jours (Bright Days Ahead)
Directed: Marion Vernoux
Written: Fanny Chesnel, Marion Vernoux
A touching drama from Marion Vernoux covers two major themes not usually combined in the movies – retirement and adultery. The retired dentist Caroline is now free from her job. She attends computer classes. She also has a crush on her younger tutor. But when her husband discovers the secret, her quiet retirement becomes complicated!
Day 25: Et Dieu créa la femme (And God Created Woman)
Written: Roger Vadim, Raoul Lévy
And the devil created Brigitte Bardot, as some of the French-cinema-fans tend to say. In sunny, luxurious Saint-Tropez, a young and sweet sexpot falls for one brother but gets married to the other. And that’s when life starts getting complicated!
Day 26: Les garçons et Guillaume, à table ! (Me, Myself and Mom)
How to become a real man if everyone around you has other plans? This is the kind of challenge young Guillaume has to face. A sly comedy about gender roles and expectations, with Guillaume Gallienne bravely taking a dual role of ‘himself’ and his mother.
Day 27: La grande vadrouille (Don’t Look Now – We’re Being Shot at)
Directed: Gérard Oury
Written: Gérard Oury, Danièle Thompson, Marcel Jullian
One more Louis de Funès classic éternel! An amazing example of French-English collaboration. The story is about an RAF bomber that is shot down by the Germans, forcing the Allied crew to parachute into France. With the help of kind-hearted Frenchmen, they try to cross to the south of France which is still unoccupied by German troops. Sounds like a pretty harsh war action. But when there’s forever young Louis de Funès, you’ll be laughing your heart out.
Day 28: Les ripoux (My New Partner)
Directed: Claude Zidi
Written: Claude Zidi, Didier Kaminka, Simon Michaël
This drama-comedy about cops was a big hit when it was released. In a similar vein to Hollywood cop dramas like 48 Hours and Lethal Weapon, this movie features two mismatched policemen: René, who’s built his career on racketeering and bribes, and his naïve and honest partner François. Eventually, poor François becomes hopelessly embroiled in René’s dirty schemes. Later, the young and innocent François comes up with an idea to swipe enough money for them both to have an easy retirement.
Day 29: 99 francs
Directed: Jan Kounen
Written: Nicolas & Bruno, Jan Kounen
Creative ad genius Octave Parango’s life takes a dramatic turn when his beloved Sophie ditches him. His career goes haywire when his new ad project goes kaput. Surprisingly, the wealthy and cynical drug addict begins to rebel and boycott the system.
Day 30: Hors de prix (Priceless)
Directed: Pierre Salvadori
Written: Pierre Salvadori, Benoît Graffin
A charming young woman, Irène, has never had much trouble when it comes to choosing between money and love. Going after males with hefty wallets, she coasts through life in a comfortable, utterly spoilt manner. However, the shallow life of a sex-and-status lady comes to an end when she’s wooed by a mere… bartender. Ha! And here goes fate, playing her most unexpected trick!
After all, love is the only thing that is truly priceless, right?
Day 31: La moutarde me monte au nez (Lucky Pierre)
Written: Michel Fabre, Pierre Richard, Claude Zidi
Meet Pierre, a rumpled-looking dude who often gets overlooked by ladies at the school where he works as a teacher. However, when Pierre hooks up with a movie star, he receives more attention than he could dream of! The media world is entranced. His dad disapproves of the affair. The school girls stick to him like bees to honey.
What do you think of this month’s movies?
