The 50 Greatest French Films of All Time

Along with American and Britain, France has been the most consistent producer of great film and master auteurs. The classic artistic history of the country immediately attracted the most revolutionary minds, starting in the silent era and continuing on ever since. In the 1940s and 50s, the great formalists of French cinema shined, and leading men like Jean Gabin shot to international fame. After their time, the New Wave led by Godard and Truffaut revolutionized the world scene forever with their convention shattering works. To this day, the country remains one of the most powerful voices in cinema, not with a singular identity but a wide spread of influences and perspectives. 

Below is my ranking of the greatest French films ever made, ranging from all styles and eras. There are famous films and more obscure gems, hopefully making an interesting read for newcomers and seasoned lovers of French cinema. 

50. Le Beau Serge (Claude Chabrol, 1958)

49. Elevator to the Gallows (Louis Malle, 1958)

48. Fanny (Marc Allegret, 1932)

47. Le Million (Rene Clair, 1931)

46. The City of Lost Children (Marc Caro & Jean-Pierre Jeunet, 1995)

45. The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (Luis Bunuel, 1972)

44. Pickpocket (Robert Bresson, 1959)

43. The Swimming Pool (Jacques Deray, 1969)

42. Forbidden Games (Rene Clement, 1952)

41. Holy Motors (Leos Carax, 2012)

40. The Triplets of Belleville (Sylvain Chomet, 2003)’

39. La Haine (Mathieu Kassovitz, 1995)

38. A Man Escaped (Robert Bresson, 1956)

37. Weekend (Jean-Luc Godard, 1967)

36. Le Corbeau (Henri-Georges Clouzot, 1943)

35. Eyes Without a Face (Georges Franju, 1960)

34. My Night at Maud’s (Eric Rohmer, 1969)

33. A Nos Amours (Maurice Pialat, 1983)

32. La Bete Humain (Jean Renoir, 1938)

31. Jour de Fete (Jacques Tati, 1949)

30. Mouchette (Robert Bresson, 1967)

29. Contempt (Jean-Luc Godard, 1963)

28. Beauty and the Beast (Jean Cocteau, 1946)

27. Day for Night (Francois Truffaut, 1973)

26. Children of Paradise (Marcel Carne, 1945)

25. The Rules of the Game (Jean Renoir, 1939)

24. Yoyo (Pierre Etaix, 1965)

23. The 400 Blows (Francois Truffaut, 1959)

22. Pepe le Moko (Jean Duvivier, 1937)

21. La Grande Illusion (Jean Renoir, 1937)

20. Fantastic Planet (Rene Laloux, 1973)

19. Le Trou (Jacques Becker, 1960)

18. Elle (Paul Verhoeven, 2016)

17. L’Atalante (Jean Vigo, 1934)

16. Au Revoir Les Enfants (Louis Malle, 1987)

15. Le Samourai (Jean-Pierre Mellville, 1967)

14. Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday (Jacques Demy, 1953)

13. Last Year at Marienbad (Alan Resnais, 1961)

12. Army of Shadows (Jean-Pierre Melville, 1969)

11. Belle de Jour (Luis Bunuel, 1967)

10. Touchez Pas au Grisbi (Jacques Becker, 1954)

One of the lesser known films on this list, Jacques Becker’s masterpiece is one of the greatest gangster films of its time, as well as so much more. Starring Jean Gabin in one of his greatest roles, the movie follows an aging gangster who gets caught up in a dangerous scheme. Plotwise, it is not all that original, but in its characters, dialogue and scene direction, it reveals itself as a masterpiece. In addition to the thrills and action, its a  touching portrait of a good, disciplined man who took the wrong road in life. 

9. La Ceremonie (Claude Chabrol, 1995)

Claude Chabrol is not a name casual fans will recognize, but they should as he was one of the founding members of the new wave. Through a prolific career starting in the 1970s, Chabrol has many great films to his name, mostly thrillers, but his greatest is La Ceremonie. A politically charged ice cold thriller, revolving around a maid and the family she works for. Even if the message on class differences doesn’t resonate with you, the calculated construction and performances are incredibly gripping. Look out for the supremely talented Isabelle Huppert in one of her greatest performances.

8.Au Hasard Balthazar (Robert Bresson, 1966)

Robert Bresson is the greatest minimalist director in history. His simple stories often hold deep emotional resonance and a harsh commentary on the behavior of man and society. Several of his films which are included earlier in this list, are unforgettable in their own way, but none is as powerful as Au Hasard Balthazar. The story of a girl and her donkey, of sin and suffering. It’s one of the most moving films in all of cinema, as well as a genius allegory of sainthood. 

7. Les Diaboliques (Henri-Georges Clouzot, 1955)

One of the earliest truly shocking movies that still holds up to this day, Diaboliques invented the tension building scare tactics that have been replicated ever since. A wife teams up with a mistress to conspire to murder the adulterous husband, but becomes haunted by his memory. The inspiration to Hitchcock for making Psycho, it was so ahead of its time, but still became a enormous hit. The end sequence is still unequaled in flawless direction and tension.

6. Mon Oncle (Jacques Tati, 1958)

Jacques Tati is one of the most unique filmmakers of all time. Starting out as a clown, he evolved into slapstick humor before picking up cinematic genius. After reaching fame with Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday, Tati made his true masterpiece with Mon Oncle. Perhaps his most well rounded film, it combines hilarious gags, touching sentimentality and societal commentary. 

5. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Jacques Demy, 1964)

Jacques Demy emerged with the French New Wave but, despite being as innovative as his peers, has not gotten as much academic credit. His most successful film by far is The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Vibrantly colored, this musical romance is equal parts fun and heartbreak. Uniquely, the film is completely sung, to the terrific, passionate score my Michel Legrand. If you liked La La Land, this is the inspiration it carbon copied. 

4. Claire’s Knee (Eric Rohmer, 1970)

Eric Rohmer, another founding member of the New Wave, has developed his own, less flashy legacy in film history. His films, all proclaimed moral tales, are often heavily thematically driven with emphasis on script and message. His masterpiece Claire’s Knee, has all of this, as well as terrific cinematic vision. The capturing of beauty, in both Claire and the French riverfront, greatly add to the desire in the protagonist and drive the turmoil at the center of the plot.

3. The Wages of Fear (Henri-Georges Clouzot, 1953)

Somehow Diabolique, a game changing, murderous thriller that made Hitchcock jealous was not Clouzot’s most intense film. That honor goes to The Wages of Fear. This masterclass in atmosphere and editing follows a few desperate men who undertake the lucrative but dangerous task of transporting nitroglycerine across the rocky and unpredictable South American landscape. You’ll be on the edge of your seat for most of the runtime. 

2. The Young Girls of Rochefort (Jacques Demy, 1967)

While not as famous as Umbrellas of Cherbourg, The Young Girls of Cherbourg is undoubtedly Demy’s masterpiece. From the sweeping dance movement that opens the film, Demy’s playful direction and colorful eye combine with Legrand’s jazzy score. Through several episodes we follow two musical sisters who dance through the city and romances. More of an odyssey of splendor and craft, The Young Girls of Rochefort is truly one of the most enjoyable films of all time. 

1. Playtime (Jacques Tati, 1967)

Somehow, a plotless French comedy is one of the most impressive directorial efforts ever. Each frame was carefully planned out and packed with subtle details, as well as being visually stunning. We follow Monsieur Hulot through several extended and ambitious setpieces that bring along as much comedy as insightful commentary on modernization against tradition. There never had never been a film quite like this before it, and there probably never will be again. A must see for all film lovers. 

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