11 Best French Movies on Amazon Prime & Netflix
Finding good French movies on Amazon Prime and Netflix is like searching for a needle in a haystack… 🎬
If you find yourself doom-scrolling for some French films to inspire a laugh or make you believe in romance again, well — it’s a jungle out there.
That’s why I’ve curated a list of my favorite French movies on Amazon Prime and Netflix (my two go-to spots for streaming), spanning comedy, drama, romance, and even some old-school classics to both immerse you in the French language and culture and to inspire a trip to France.
DUAL-LINGO: Don’t worry, all the French movies on Amazon Prime and Netflix I’m recommending have English subtitles.
I’ve personally watched a few of these gems and they transported me straight to the streets of Paris or the little cute villages of Provence.
They’ve refreshed my belief in love again, brought me to tears, had me look up personal life stories of all the cute French actors, and in a nutshell, really made me appreciate the cinematography of the French. 🎬 🇫🇷
11 Best French Movies on Prime & Netflix
Here’s my curated list (in no particular order) of French films you can stream on Amazon Prime and Netflix. Most are pretty recent.
- BPM (Beats Per Minute) – Drama, LGBTQ+
- Frantz – Drama, Black & White
- Priceless – Romantic Comedy
- The Intouchables – Comedy, Drama
- Tell No One – Mystery, Thriller, Drama
- Les Misérables – Crime, Drama, Action
- Lady J – Drama, Romance
- Amélie – Classic, Romance, Comedy
- The Innocents – History, Romance
- A Very Long Engagement – War, Drama, Romance
- Divines – Drama
I’ve included a quick synopsis, the movie genre, when it was made, and a link to the trailer and where you can watch the film below – all the important stuff!
There’s romance, comedy, drama, and classics—something for every mood. And a few bonus American movies that I love about France in the end.
Best French Movies on Amazon Prime
1. Beats Per Minute (2017)
🍿 Genre: Drama, LGBTQ+
🎬 Stream It on Amazon
Beats Per Minute (also known as 120 Battements par Minute in French) is a confronting drama that takes you back to the early 1990s in Paris, at the height of the AIDS epidemic.
The film centers around the activist group ACT UP Paris, as they fight against societal indifference toward the HIV/AIDS crisis. Through protests and vivid debates, the group aims to spur action from the government and pharmaceutical companies.
The story wraps around the personal lives of the activists, particularly focusing on a new member, Nathan, and his relationship with Sean, a passionate long-time member of ACT UP. Their love story unfolds right in the middle of this life-and-death crisis, and it’s just… wow. Seriously, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions.
The film is a powerful portrayal of government negligence and the anger that is too often our only resort for overcoming it.
Review: Rotten Tomatoes
BPM becomes a poignant exploration of activism, companionship, and the urgency of life and death. It’s a fantastic watch that not only educates but also moves you.
Best French Movies on Amazon Prime
2. Frantz (2017)
🍿 Genre: Drama, Black & White
🎬 Stream It on Amazon
Frantz is a French drama set just after World War I. It’s about a young German woman named Anna who’s mourning her fiancé, Frantz, who died in the war.
One day, she spots a mysterious Frenchman, Adrien, laying flowers on Frantz’s grave. Intrigued and a bit suspicious, she finds out that Adrien claims to be a friend of Frantz from their pre-war days in Paris.
The movie dives deep into themes of grief, guilt, and the complexities of reconciliation between nations and individuals. As Anna and Adrien grow closer, secrets start to unravel, and you’re left questioning the true nature of Adrien’s relationship with Frantz.
Unusually plotted and beautifully acted period piece with stunning black and white cinematography (and small, wonderful moments in colour). There’s a lot of great subtext and subtle parallels in the story, and it has one of the most perfect endings I’ve seen all year.
Review: Rotten Tomatoes
It’s a beautifully shot film, super emotional, and it really makes you think about the aftermath of war on a personal level.
Romantic French Movies on Amazon Prime
3. Priceless (2008)
🍿 Genre: Romantic Comedy
🎬 Stream It on Amazon
Priceless is a super fun French rom-com about a gold-digger named Irène and a bartender named Jean.
Irène mistakes Jean for a wealthy suitor and they have this lavish night out, all on the hotel’s dime. When she finds out he’s just a bartender, she bolts. But get this—Jean’s so in love with her that he decides to follow her to the French Riviera.
He ends up getting into the gold-digging game himself to win her over.
It’s hilarious watching them try to out-scheme each other while living the high life on other people’s money. It’s like a French Riviera fairy tale but with a twist. Trust me, it’s a must-watch if you’re in the mood for something light and charming.
Here are some fun tidbits about Priceless:
✅ Audrey Tautou, who plays Irène, is the same actress who stole everyone’s hearts in Amélie. Talk about range!
✅ The movie was shot in some seriously luxe spots on the French Riviera. We’re talking Nice, Biarritz, and Monte Carlo. It’s like a mini-vacay just watching it!
✅ The film is often compared to classic American screwball comedies, especially Breakfast at Tiffany’s. So if you’re into old-school rom-coms, this is like a modern French twist on that.
French Comedy Movies on Amazon Prime
4. The Intouchables (2012)
🍿 Genre: Comedy, Drama
🎬 Stream It on Amazon
Another comedy I loved watching was The Intouchables. It’s this incredible French film based on a true story, which makes the whole thing even more sweet.
The plot line goes like this – there’s this wealthy guy named Philippe who’s a quadriplegic, and he hires Driss, a guy from the projects, to be his caregiver. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? But it’s actually amazing.
They form an unlikely friendship and teach each other about their completely different worlds. Philippe gets a taste of street smarts, and Driss learns about art, classical music—the works.
It’s funny, heartwarming, and totally breaks down social and racial barriers. Plus, the chemistry between the two leads is off the charts. Trust me, it’s a feel-good movie that actually has substance.
Here are some cool facts about The Intouchables:
✅ Based on a True Story: The film is inspired by the real-life friendship between Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his Algerian caregiver, Abdel Sellou. Their story is just as heartwarming as the movie.
✅ It raked in a bunch of awards, including the César Award for Best Actor for Omar Sy, who plays Driss. He was the first actor of African descent to win the award.
✅ The film is a global phenomenon and has been remade in multiple countries, including an American version called The Upside starring Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston.
Best French Movies on Amazon Prime
5. Tell No One (2008)
🍿 Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Drama
🎬 Stream It on Amazon
Tell No One is an edge-of-your-seat French thriller that’ll keep you guessing till the end. And the lead actor is the same guy from The Intouchables – yeah, François Cluzet is a star!
The story revolves around Alex, a pediatrician who’s still haunted by the murder of his wife, Margot, eight years ago. He’s the prime suspect but never got convicted. Just when he’s starting to move on, he gets an anonymous email with a video link showing Margot alive and well. 🫢
The plot thickens as Alex becomes a fugitive, trying to uncover the truth while dodging the police and some shady characters. It’s like a crazy maze of secrets, betrayals, and plot twists.
The most Hitchcockian film that Hitchcock never made, this ingenious French thriller takes Hitch’s concept of “the wrong man” to labyrinthine places.
Review: Rotten Tomatoes
If you’re into suspenseful movies that make you think, bust open a bottle of Bordeaux and press play on Tell No One.
Best French Movies on Amazon Prime
6. Les Misérables (2020)
🍿 Genre: Crime, Drama
🎬 Stream It on Amazon
Ah, don’t get this one mixed up with the musical or the classic novel—it’s a whole different beast!
The 2020 “Les Misérables” is a gritty French drama set in the suburbs of Paris. It follows a cop named Stéphane who’s new to the area and gets paired up with two seasoned officers. They’re supposed to be patrolling the neighborhood, but things get tense real quick.
The film dives into the complexities of law enforcement and community relations, especially when a drone captures an act of police violence. It’s like a ticking time bomb of social issues—racial tension, poverty, you name it. The movie even scored an Oscar nomination for Best International Feature Film.
Debut writer/director Ladj Ly captures the raw energy of the streets with such skin-prickling authenticity, French president Emmanuel Macron declared himself ‘upset by the accuracy’.
Review: Rotten Tomatoes
If you’re into films that make you think and get your heart pounding, this one’s a must-see.
Romantic French Movies on Amazon Prime
7. Lady J (2019)
🍿 Genre: Drama, Romance
🎬 Stream It on Netflix
If you’re in the mood for a period drama with a twist, Lady J is fantastic. This movie is basically about a widow who plans revenge on a former lover – a classic French rom-com.
Anyone who loves “Dangerous Liaisons” – in any of its iterations – should rush to see “Lady J,” a period romance with a similarly wicked sense of comic melodrama.
Review: Rotten Tomatoes
Also known as Mademoiselle de Joncquières, the film is set in 18th-century France and centers around Madame de La Pommeraye, a wealthy widow. She falls hard for the Marquis des Arcis, but guess what? He turns out to be a total player and breaks her heart. 💔
So, Madame de La Pommeraye plots an elaborate revenge scheme involving a young woman named Lady J and her mom. The goal? To make the Marquis fall head over heels for Lady J and then reveal it was all a setup. It’s like a deliciously wicked game of love and deception.
The costumes are stunning, the dialogue is sharp, and the whole thing is just dripping with elegance and intrigue. 🎥
Old Romantic French Movies on Amazon Prime
8. Amélie (2001)
🍿 Genre: Classic, Romance, Comedy
🎬 Stream It on Amazon
Ready to fall in love with Paris? Amélie is a classic. A whimsical French film about a shy waitress named Amélie Poulain who lives in Paris. After finding a hidden box of childhood treasures in her apartment, she decides to return it to its owner.
When she sees how happy it makes him, she’s inspired to go on this mission to make other people’s lives better.
But here’s the catch—while she’s busy playing Cupid, matchmaker, and even a little detective for others, she’s totally clueless about her own love life. She’s got a crush on this quirky guy who collects discarded photo booth pictures, but she’s too shy to make a move!
I think what I like so much about Amélie is that it is a celebration of the imagination and people who are dreamers.
Review: Rotten Tomatoes
The movie is like a love letter to Paris, with all these iconic spots like Montmartre and the Canal Saint-Martin. It’s quirky, and heartwarming, and the visuals are just stunning. Perfect if you’re in the mood for some feel-good French vibes.
A few fun facts about Amélie:
✅ “Amélie” scored 5 Oscar nominations, including Best Foreign Language Film. It didn’t win, but it’s still a big deal.
✅ It’s one of the highest-grossing French-language films ever released in the U.S. Talk about international love!
✅ There’s a part of the movie where a garden gnome gets to travel. That actually sparked a real-life trend called “gnoming.” People started taking garden gnomes on trips and sending photos back to the owners.
Best French Movies on Amazon Prime
9. The Innocents (2016)
🍿 Genre: History, Drama
🎬 Stream It on Amazon
Right off the bat, this is going to be a heavy movie. The Innocents is set in Poland right after World War II and follows Mathilde, a young French Red Cross doctor.
Mathilde is called to a convent where she discovers several nuns are in advanced stages of pregnancy. Yeah, you heard that right — pregnant nuns. Turns out, they were raped by Soviet soldiers.
The film dives deep into the complexities of faith, trauma, and the harsh realities of war.
Mathilde, who’s pretty much a non-believer, finds herself entangled in their lives as she tries to help them while keeping their secret.
The Innocents is a strong instance of a movie that – if made by a male director – may have lost some of its thematic punch, particularly in regards to the nuanced and often subtle relationships between the film’s primarily female cast.
Review: Rotten Tomatoes
It’s a gripping story that’s based on real events. If you’re into films that explore history and human resilience, The Innocents is a must-see.
Romantic French Movies on Amazon Prime
10. A Very Long Engagement (2004)
🍿 Genre: War, Drama, Romance
🎬 Stream It on Amazon
Oh man, if you’re into epic love stories with a dash of mystery, A Very Long Engagement is a must-see.
Merging heart-wrenching emotions with quirky humor and splicing bloody war footage with goofy comedy, the movie mixes vastly disparate elements into a surprisingly smooth blend.
Review: Rotten Tomatoes
The film is set in France during and after World War I and follows Mathilde, played by Audrey Tautou. She’s on this relentless quest to find her fiancé, Manech, who’s supposedly killed in the war. But here’s the kicker—she doesn’t believe he’s dead.
So, Mathilde becomes this amateur detective, piecing together clues, letters, and eyewitness accounts. She’s convinced that Manech is still out there, despite everyone telling her to move on. The film beautifully blends romance, war drama, and even some dark humor.
It’s like a rollercoaster of emotions, and the cinematography is just stunning. Plus, it gives you a glimpse into French history and landscapes, from the trenches to the countryside.
Fun Fact: Audrey Tautou and director Jean-Pierre Jeunet teamed up again for this film after their massive success with Amélie. If you loved that, you’ll dig this one too.
Best French Movies on Amazon Prime
11. Divines (2017)
🍿 Genre: Drama
🎬 Stream It on Netflix
Divines is this gritty French drama that gives you a slice of real life with zero sugar coating.
It follows Dounia, a teenager living in the Parisian suburbs. She’s fed up with her life, her school, and basically the whole system. So, she dives into the world of drug dealing with her best friend, Maimouna, to make some quick cash and escape her circumstances.
But here’s where it gets complicated—Dounia falls for a dancer named Djigui. He’s her complete opposite, all about expressing himself and following his passion.
Divines is a thrilling and compassionate film that shows incredible promise…The bulk of the film is great in its own right, but the final 15 minutes simply leave you breathless, even if one twist is almost too cruel to believe.
Review: Rotten Tomatoes
The film is this rollercoaster of emotions, diving into themes like friendship, love, and the struggle to rise above your environment. It’s raw and intense, and the performances are just mind-blowing.
BONUS: American Films About France You’ll Love!
There are a few American movies that I also love about France, also on Amazon Prime and Netflix.
✅ Before Sunset (2004): The “Before” trilogy by Richard Linklater is a captivating series of films. Each piece, shot 9 years apart, is a beautifully crafted piece of cinema, offering insightful reflections on relationships and the passage of time. “Before Sunset,” in particular, stands out for its romantic Parisian setting and the poignant exploration of what could have been and what might still be.
✅ A Good Year (2006): Starring Russell Crowe, this film is based on Peter Mayle’s novel of the same name. It follows a British investment banker who inherits his uncle’s vineyard in Provence. He initially intends to sell it but starts to fall in love with the laid-back Provencal lifestyle.
✅ Chocolat (2000): Set in a quaint French village, this film tells the story of a woman and her daughter who open a chocolate shop that shakes up the rigid morality of a little community. And the actors are the cutest, starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp (playing his usual gypsy self).
✅ Midnight in Paris (2011): Directed by Woody Allen, this film is another love letter to Paris. It follows a screenwriter who magically travels back in time each night at midnight to meet famous literary figures and artists from the 1920s.
✅ French Kiss (1995): This romantic comedy stars Meg Ryan as a woman who flies to France to confront her straying fiancé but gets mixed up with a charming Frenchman named Luc.
Why Travelers Should Watch More French Films
Ever dreamt of sipping espresso in a quaint Parisian café or wandering through the stone streets of a cute Provencal village?
French films are your ticket to these experiences without jet lag. Here are my reasons for why you should dive into more French cinema on your next movie night:
✔️ Cultural Immersion From Your Couch
Forget the tourist brochures. French movies are like stepping inside a local’s shoes, giving you the real deal on France’s culture. They’re a sneak peek into the daily French life, from the hustle of Paris to the charm of the southern countryside.
Most of my Provence itinerary and understanding of French culture comes from reading Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence, and watching A Good Year!
✔️ Bonjour, Language Skills!
Subtitles are your best friend when you’re looking to pick up a new language. Watching French movies allows you to hear the rhythm, intonation, and colloquialisms of the language.
It’s a fun way to enhance your vocabulary and listening skills—much more entertaining than flashcards!
✔️ Feel All The Feels
French films are a breath of fresh air for anyone tired of predictable plots. It’s a visual and intellectual treat that might just spark your next travel adventure.
What’s more, French cinema is a roller coaster of emotions. It’s a deep dive into the human heart, exploring every shade of joy and heartache, forcing you to become more attuned to the complexities of your own emotions.
So, next time you’re dreaming of France, let a French film whisk you away. You might just find your next travel destination, a new favorite dish, or a new outfit inspiration.
Where can I watch full French movies?
You can watch full French movies on Amazon Prime or Netflix. If you want a bigger scope, VPN into a French location and open your Amazon or Netflix for a bigger library – it’s what I do when I’m aching for specific foreign films. And yes, these all come with English subtitles. 😊
Does Amazon Prime have French movies?
Yes, there are quite a few French movies on Amazon Prime. Some of my favorites (also on the list above) are these:
- Les Misérables (2020)
- Frantz (2019)
- The Intouchables (2012)
Are there any French movies on Netflix?
Yes, there are quite a few French movies on Netflix. My favorites include:
How do I watch French movies on Amazon Prime?
You can watch French movies on Amazon Prime by reviewing my list above and getting after it. There’s also an option to search for “French movies” and see if anything interests you from the search results.
If you’re feeling sneaky, turn on your VPN to France, and search Amazon Prime (or Netflix) for additional French movie options.
The Finalé: French Movies On Amazon Prime & Netflix
As we roll credits on our cinematic tour of French movies on Amazon Prime and Netflix, it’s clear that these films are more than just a way to pass the time.
They’re a portal to the heart of France, giving us a taste of the culture, the language, and the artistry that makes French cinema uniquely captivating.
Watching these, I’ve laughed, wept, and fallen in love with the characters. I’ve listened to the melody of the French language and felt the rhythm of life in France’s cities and villages. And I’ve seen a side of storytelling that’s rich with nuance, a stark contrast to the often simplistic narratives I’m used to from Hollywood.
Now, with your appetite for French culture thoroughly whetted, why not take the next step? Start planning your real-life French escapade. Use my guide to the Most Beautiful Villages in Provence as your research companion and begin crafting an itinerary that’s as enchanting as the films you’ve just experienced.
Bon voyage, and may your journey be filled with French wine, lovers, and the early morning smell of croissants and cigarettes. 🥐
