17 French Movies & TV Shows to Learn French – Reviews & Tips
Watching French movies and TV shows isn’t just entertaining — it’s one of the most enjoyable ways to immerse yourself in the language without leaving your couch. Over the years, I’ve seen my students make real progress simply by combining the right films with a few smart learning strategies.
In this post, I’ll share 17 French movies and series that are perfect for learners, along with practical tips to help you use them to improve your listening skills, expand your vocabulary, and speak more naturally. Whether you’re just starting your French journey or already feeling confident, you’ll discover how to turn your movie nights into powerful language-learning sessions.
12 tips to learn French
with Films & Series
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What you watch has to be highly engaging, with subtitles in French if available. That's the only way to stay motivated and keep doing it long-term.
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Start with subtitles in English as a beginner, but quickly switch to French subtitles when available. You'll pick up many contextual clues - far more than you'd get from watching a movie with English subtitles.
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Unfortunately, many French movies and Series on Amazon only have English subtitles, but there’s some good news! You can install the extension Subtitles for Language Learning (Prime Video) to add them on Google chrome even if the Amazon official subtitle file does not exist; it will be possible to search for subtitles from external sites and load them. You even have a link function to a dictionary site by word click.
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Start by breaking down viewing sessions to 15-20 minutes to stay focused on pronunciation and then increase little by little.
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If your viewing session lasts 15 minutes, try to turn the subtitles off for 2 to 5 minutes. If you increase the viewing time, you can disable them for a longer period of time, in one or two, or even three instances.
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Sometimes, read the French subtitles aloud and simultaneously, following the voice as you hear it, as recommended by the linguist and polyglot, Dr. Alexander Arguelles. This technique, called shadowing, gives feedback on the sound you hear. You need to speak at the same resonance or frequency as the voice, so you can hear when you are out of tune.
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Not all online bilingual dictionaries are reliable. Professional and serious language learners mostly use Wordreference. You can download it on your smartphone and translate words easily while watching your favorite movie or series. It provides clear information on easily confused words and words with similar meanings.
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Note alphabetically new French words and expressions in a small notebook that you can carry with you everywhere. Note as well a specific pronunciation or liaison. Try to reuse them on social media or in talking to yourself out loud or someone who is learning French too. Some people even advise speaking in French to your pet! Why not! Anyway, the goal here is to find an occasion to reuse the new vocabulary regularly.
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Only translate words or phrases that seem essential to the story or are repeated regularly. Don't translate words and phrases all the time to avoid making viewing a chore. Keep it fun so that you want to keep going.
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Because, from episode to episode, they use the same expressions and vocabulary, series are the best to quickly improve your vocabulary and your understanding skills. Moreover, it’s easier to watch an episode of 35 to 45 minutes daily than a 90-minute movie. Science shows that watching a series more than once is even more efficient.
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Prepare a list of the next 10 to 20 French movies / TV series you want to watch. When you have only 4 or 5 left to watch, prepare the following list. Don’t wait!
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As soon as you finish a movie and a series, decide on the next thing you will watch. That's the secret to keeping it going overtime regularly. The goal is to watch something in French once to three times a week.
Ready? Let’s get Started!
Discover 5 French TV shows and 12 French movies to immerse yourself in a French environment in the comfort of your home.
1. Delicious (Délicieux)
Amazon Prime
| Movie (2022) 1h52 | All public | Level of difficulty: beginner to intermediate
REASONS TO WATCH The history behind French gastronomy and the beautiful French countryside make this film a treat for both the eyes and the ears. Perfect for beginner to intermediate learners, it offers clear pronunciation, historical vocabulary, and an authentic feel for French culture. A great way to enjoy a heartwarming story while building your listening skills.
STORYLINEAt the dawn of the French Revolution of 1789, gastronomy was strictly the domain of aristocrats whose prestige depended on the quality and reputation of their table. So when the talented but proud chef Manceron (Gadebois) serves an unapproved dish of his creation at a dinner party hosted by the Duke of Chamfort, the repercussions are brutal...
COMEDY | DRAMA | HISTORY
2. Lady J (Mademoiselle de Joncquières)
Netflix
| Movie (2019) 1h 49 min | Netflix | For Adults | Level of difficulty : intermediate to advanced
REASONS TO WATCHThis movie has the delicious feel of a fable. I especially liked the actress Laure Calamy and the actor Edouard Baer. It’s a sharp, witty 18th-century romance with elegant dialogue—great for intermediate–advanced listening and historical vocabulary.
STORYLINEMadame de la Pommeraye is an elegant widow courted by the Marquis des Arcis, a known libertine and womanizer. A relationship develops but before long, he abandons her. The young widow decides to take her revenge in a very singular way…
DRAMA | ROMANCE
3. Nothing To Hide (Le Jeu)
Netflix
| Movie (2018) 1h 30 minutes | All Public | Level of difficulty : intermediate
REASONS TO WATCHA dinner-party game sparks chaos and fast, modern dialogue—perfect for learning casual speech, sarcasm, and texting vocabulary. This movie has an appealing cast and a good balance of funny, touching, and dramatic moments.
STORYLINETo spice up a dinner party, old friends agree to play a game wherein they share every call and text received on their individual phones on their phones, with disastrous results.
DRAMA | COMEDY
4. Odette Toulemonde
Amazon Prime
| Movie (2006) 1h 40 minutes | All Public | Level of difficulty : intermediate
REASONS TO WATCHThe actress Catherine Frot, aka Odette Toulemonde in this film, as well as Albert Dupontel (Balthazar Balsan), are both funny and moving actors. A French movie with clear, emotive conversations and light humor that helps intermediate learners build everyday vocabulary and listening confidence.
STORYLINEFanciful and optimistic, Odette has a gift: euphoric and contagious happiness. Odette dreams of thanking Balthazar Balsan, her favorite author, to whom - she thinks - she owes her optimism. The Parisian writer, rich and seductive, will unexpectedly come into her life. This is the story of a comic and whimsical encounter between two atypical castaways with nothing in common...
DRAMA | COMEDY
5. The 400 Blows (Les quatre cents coups)
Amazon Rent
| Movie (1959) 1h 39 minutes | All Public | Level of difficulty : intermediate
REASONS TO WATCHLes Quatre cents coups is a significant work in the landscape of French heritage cinema. It is also an opportunity to discover another era in France, another way of living, moving, and speaking, with, as a bonus, beautiful images of a Paris of the fifties.
Truffaut’s iconic Paris tale; accessible dialogue and 1950s slang—great for culture plus listening at the intermediate level.
STORYLINEAntoine Doinel, 12, lives with his parents in a small apartment in the center of Paris. Faced with a distant mother and a naive father, he cannot find his place in an environment where he does not feel wanted. On the benches of the school, it is the same refrain. Antoine becomes the disruptive element of his class and multiplies the punishments and reprimands of his intransigent teachers.
DRAMA | THRILLER
6. Les Choses de la Vie
Amazon Rent
| Movie (1970) 1h 25 minutes | Adults | Level of difficulty : intermediate
REASONS TO WATCHWhen it was released in theaters on March 18, 1970, Les Choses de la vie was a huge public success, but it was also awarded the Louis Delluc prize.
Romy Schneider'sfeatures nuanced, emotional speech that expands classic with nuanced, emotional speech—expand relationship vocabulary and past-tense storytelling.
STORYLINEAt the wheel of his car, Pierre, an architect in his forties, is the victim of a road accident. Ejected from the vehicle, he lies unconscious on the grass at the side of the road. As Pierre lies in a semi-conscious stupor, his life flashes before his eyes—specifically, his complex entanglement with two women: his dutiful, long-suffering wife and his adoring, free-spirited lover… and all the little things in life.
DRAMA | ROMANCE
7. The Summit of the Gods (Le Sommet des Dieux)
Netflix
| Movie (2021) 1h 35minutes | Teens & Adults | Level of difficulty : intermediate
REASONS TO WATCHThe manga fans (it is an adaptation of the manga series by renowned manga artist Jiro Taniguchi and writer Baku Yumemakura) say that this French adaptation nailed it.
Stunning mountaineering story; clear narration and useful field terms—strong pick for intermediate listening skills.
STORYLINEThis story follows a young Japanese photojournalist, Fukamachi, who finds a camera that could change the history of mountaineering. It leads him to the mysterious Habu, an outcast climber believed missing for years. Fukamachi enters a world of obsessive mountaineers hungry for impossible conquests on a journey that leads him, step by step, towards the summit of the gods.
ADVENTURE | DRAMA | ANIMATION
8. The 7 lives of Lea (Les sept vies de Léa)
Netflix
| TV show (2021) 7 episodes of 45 min | Teens & Adults | Level of difficulty : intermediate to advanced | Crime, Drama, Fantasy
REASONS TO WATCHIf you enjoy murder mysteries with a twist, this French series combines crime, drama, and fantasy with an original time-travel plot. It’s a fun way to immerse yourself in French slang, including verlan (backwards slang) words like kiff (to like) and meuf (girl/woman). The 90s references add nostalgic charm, even if a few details feel anachronistic.
STORYLINEWhen teenager Léa’s body is found in a river, the mystery deepens as another teen, Stéphane, suddenly wakes up in the past—inhabiting different bodies from 30 years earlier. He has seven chances (seven lives) to uncover the truth behind Léa’s death and possibly change the course of history. The series weaves suspense, emotional drama, and a vivid 90s atmosphere into a unique narrative.
CRIME | DRAMA | FANTASY
9. The Dinner Game (Le Dîner de Cons)
Amazon Rent
Movie (1998) 1 h 20 min | For 13+ | Level of difficulty : intermediate to advanced
REASONS TO WATCHThis classic French comedy is pure hilarity from start to finish. Many viewers call it one of the funniest French films ever made—a true gem of French cinema. Perfect if you want to laugh, relax, and pick up common expressions and slang along the way. Just avoid the American remake, Dinner for Schmucks, which falls far short of the original.
STORYLINEEvery Wednesday, a group of friends hosts a “dinner for idiots,” where each person must bring along the most foolish guest they can find. Pierre Brochant thinks he’s found the perfect candidate in François Pignon, an unassuming man with a passion for matchstick models. But as the evening unfolds, Pierre’s plan hilariously backfires, leading to chaos, misunderstandings, and unexpected revelations.
COMEDY
10. Call My Agent (Dix pour cent)
Netflix
TV show (2015) 4 Seasons of 6 episodes each | For 13+ | Level of difficulty: intermediate to advanced
REASONS TO WATCHThis fun and witty French TV series offers a lively glimpse into modern Parisian life, complete with the slang, humor, and pace of everyday conversations in France. It’s a goldmine for learners who want to hear authentic French as it’s spoken today. The show’s charm is boosted by cameos from real-life French film stars playing fictionalized versions of themselves, making it both entertaining and culturally rich.
STORYLINEAt a prestigious Parisian talent agency, four eclectic agents work tirelessly to satisfy their star clients, secure the best deals, and keep the business running. The stakes are high, and lines are often blurred as professional responsibilities mix with private lives. With egos, scandals, and plenty of heart, the team navigates both the glamorous and chaotic sides of the French entertainment industry. The original French title, Dix pour cent (meaning “10%”), refers to the traditional commission fee taken by an agent.
COMEDY | COMEDY
11. Dior and I (Dior et moi)
Amazon Prime
Movie (2015) 1 h 30 min | For 13+ | Level of difficulty: intermediate to advanced
REASONS TO WATCHIf you’re fascinated by fashion, craftsmanship, or French elegance, this is a must-watch. It gives you an intimate glimpse into the secretive world of haute couture — from the pressure of tight deadlines to the artistry of the seamstresses and tailors who bring a designer’s vision to life. You’ll also hear authentic French spoken in a professional and creative setting.
STORYLINEThis documentary follows designer Raf Simons as he prepares his very first Haute Couture collection for Dior. Over eight intense weeks, we witness the blend of his modern vision with the house’s long-standing traditions. Through excerpts from Christian Dior’s autobiography, narrated by Omar Berrada, the film connects past and present, showing how the spirit of the founder still influences the iconic fashion house today.
DOCUMENTARY | FASHION 
12. César et Rosalie
Amazon Rent
Movie (1972) 1 h 51 min | Adults | Level of difficulty: intermediate to advanced
REASONS TO WATCHA timeless French romantic drama that captures the complexities of love, jealousy, and human connection. The cast is outstanding, with Romy Schneider delivering one of her most luminous performances, flanked by Yves Montand and Sami Frey. The naturalistic scenes in Brittany, especially in the small seaside hotel, add a poetic touch. Perfect for viewers who enjoy classic French cinema and want to hear elegant yet emotionally charged dialogue.
STORYLINECésar, a wealthy scrap metal dealer from modest origins, is deeply in love with his wife, Rosalie — but also possessive. Their life together changes when Rosalie reconnects with David, her childhood sweetheart who has never stopped loving her. As David attempts to win her back, tensions rise, and César’s jealousy threatens to destroy the fragile balance between them.
COMEDY | DRAMA
13. Return of the Hero (Le retour du héros)
Amazon Rent
Movie (2018) 1 h 30 min | All public | Level of difficulty: intermediate
REASONS TO WATCHThis well-crafted and witty comedy is perfect if you want to relax, laugh, and enjoy clever twists. The quality of the sets and costumes transports you straight to early 19th-century France, and the performances — especially from Jean Dujardin — are spot-on.
For French learners, this film is a treat: you’ll hear clear, articulate French with a slightly more formal tone (matching the historical setting) mixed with playful banter. It’s a great way to pick up idiomatic expressions, practice listening to nuanced intonation, and expand your vocabulary beyond modern-day slang.
STORYLINEBurgundy, 1809. During the Napoleonic wars, the charming but cowardly Captain Neuville (Jean Dujardin) becomes engaged to Pauline Beaugrand (Noémie Merlant), a young woman from an aristocratic family. Ordered to the front against the Austrians, he disappears without a word. Left behind, Pauline’s sister (Mélanie Laurent) invents heroic letters to keep Pauline’s spirits high… until the “hero” himself unexpectedly returns, creating a whirlwind of comic complications.
COMEDY | HISTORY
14. Jules and Jim (Jules et Jim)
Amazon Rent
Movie (1962) 1 h 46 min | Teens & Adults | Level of difficulty: intermediate
REASONS TO WATCHAn emblem of the French New Wave, Jules et Jim breaks from traditional filmmaking with its free-spirited tone, rapid editing, and poetic narration.
For French learners, this film is an opportunity to immerse yourself in literary, almost lyrical French, with rich vocabulary and expressive intonation. The narration is particularly valuable for listening practice, as it’s clear but delivered at a natural speed. You’ll also pick up idiomatic turns of phrase and cultural references from the early 20th century, all while enjoying a story that’s both romantic and tragic.
STORYLINEJules (Oskar Werner), a German by birth, and Jim (Henri Serre) meet in Paris in 1912 and become fast friends. They enjoy the Bohemian life of pre-war Paris and catting around with various women. Eventually, Jules falls in love with fiery, strong-willed Catherine (Jeanne Moreau). When they go on vacation with Catherine, the two characters become distant, and their friendship gives way to a trio, both men falling in love with Catherine.
DRAMA
15. Chef 's Table: France
Netflix
TV show-documentary 4 episodes (2016) | All public | Level of difficulty: intermediate
REASONS TO WATCHChef’s Table: France takes you inside the kitchens — and minds — of some of France’s most celebrated chefs. Each episode is visually stunning and story-driven, focusing on the passion, creativity, and personal journey behind every dish.
For French learners, it’s an appetizing way to pick up culinary vocabulary, from kitchen tools to ingredient names, as well as expressions used in the world of gastronomy. The chefs’ interviews offer authentic, conversational French, often with regional accents, making it an enriching listening exercise for intermediate learners eager to expand their vocabulary beyond everyday topics.
STORYLINEDiscover the power of garden-fresh flavors and culinary ingenuity with chefs Alain Passard, Adeline Grattard, Alexandre Couillon and Michel Troisgros. These chefs are pushing the boundaries of fine dining and reinventing a rich culinary tradition.
DOCUMENTARY 
16. Bonfire of Destiny (Le Bazar de la Charité)
Netflix
Miniseries (2019) 8 episodes | For 13+ | Level of difficulty: intermediate
REASONS TO WATCHBonfire of Destiny is a gripping historical drama set in Paris in 1897, inspired by a real-life tragedy. The mix of romance, betrayal, and social intrigue, paired with lavish costumes and authentic settings, makes it visually and emotionally captivating.
For French learners, it’s an excellent way to hear period-style French — formal speech, polite forms of address, and expressions that reveal the social norms of the time. It’s also a great opportunity to tune your ear to clear, deliberate enunciation, making it easier to follow while still expanding your vocabulary in areas like history, society, and relationships.
STORYLINEOn May 4, 1897, a fire broke out at the Bazar de la Charité, rue Jean-Goujon in Paris. This charity sale was held in a vast wooden shed in which over 1,200 people from the aristocracy were invited. The show's highlight was the Lumière brothers' cinematograph, which was the cause of the fire. People tried to escape, fought to get to the exits, and trampled on the women who were embarrassed by their long dresses. Three women survived the disaster and see their lives turned upside down by the incident.
DRAMA | HISTORY
17. The Bureau (Le Bureau des Légendes)
Amazon Prime
TV Shows (2015) 5 Seasons of 10 episodes | Adults | Level of difficulty: intermediate to advanced
REASONS TO WATCHThe Bureau is a masterclass in slow-burn suspense and intelligent storytelling, offering a realistic look into the world of French intelligence. The plot is layered and gripping, the acting is subtle yet powerful, and the writing avoids clichés in favor of nuanced characters and believable missions.
For French learners, this series is gold for hearing authentic, contemporary spoken French — from casual conversations to highly formal professional exchanges. You’ll pick up vocabulary related to politics, security, and everyday interactions, while training your ear to follow fast-paced dialogue in natural accents.
STORYLINEThe series follows French intelligence officer Guillaume Debailly (code name "Malotru") as he returns to Paris after six years undercover in Syria. Reintegrating into his old life proves difficult, and his unresolved feelings for a woman he met abroad threaten both his personal and professional stability. Meanwhile, his colleagues in the DGSE navigate their own dangerous missions, double-crosses, and moral dilemmas, in a high-stakes world where trust is a rare commodity.
SUSPENSE, DRAMA
