Language learning through movies is a classic among students all over the world. And French could not be any different. It is a great method to improve your language skills and understand French culture. Enjoy learning while having fun! Build your vocabulary, improve your spoken French, and experience the French way of life.
Time to check out some French films that language students can’t get enough of. Get your snacks ready and pick from this list of movies ranging from classic dramas to comedies that stand the test of time.
Here you’ll also find important tips to make the most of your watching experience.
Why watch French movies to learn the language?
Watching films in the original French language can be an excellent complement to traditional learning methods. Here are some of its main advantages:
Authentic exposure to the language: Movies present French as it’s used in real life. You’ll hear real French spoken by native speakers, including colloquialisms and slang.
Authentic exposure to the language: Movies present French as it’s used in real life. You’ll hear real French spoken by native speakers, including colloquialisms and slang.
- Cultural immersion: Films provide deep insights into French culture, history, and social norms. They provide cultural knowledge that improves your understanding of the language.
- Listening practice: Watching movies regularly helps train the ear to understand spoken French. In addition, movies allow you to practice listening with different accents and speeds.
- Entertaining learning experience: Learning through movies is enjoyable and can keep you motivated.
- Diverse vocabulary: Films cover various topics, exposing you to a wide range of vocabulary.
Top French Movies for Language Learners
1. “Intouchables” (The Intouchables)
This heartwarming comedy-drama tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a rich four-legged invalid and his underprivileged caregiver. With its mix of humor and emotion, “Intouchables” is perfect for students who want to learn everyday French expressions.
2. “Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain” (Amélie)
Set in the charming Montmartre district of Paris, this romantic comedy follows Amélie, a shy waitress who decides to change the lives of everyone around her for the better. The movie’s offbeat plot and conversations are perfect to show to kids in middle school.
3. “Les Choristes” (The Chorus)
Set in a boarding school in 1949, this poignant drama centers on a music teacher who changes the lives of his students through choral singing. The clear diction of its characters and the musical elements in the background make it accessible and enjoyable for beginners.
4. “La Famille Bélier” (The Bélier Family)
This comedic drama about a hearing teenager in a deaf family speaks up a unique perspective on French culture and family dynamics. The mix of spoken French and sign language makes it an interesting learning experience.
5. “Le Petit Nicolas” (Little Nicholas)
Based on a beloved French children’s book series, this light comedy follows the adventures of a mischievous schoolboy. The simple dialog and playful tone make it ideal for beginners and younger students.
6. “Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis” (Welcome to the Sticks)
This comedy about cultural differences in France introduces students to regional accents and dialects, especially the Ch’ti dialect of northern France.
7. “La grande Vadrouille” (Don’t look now… we’re being shot at!)
Set in 1942, during World War II, this classic French comedy offers an insight into French humor and history. French civilians helped the crew of a Royal Air Force bomber shot down over Paris to make their way through German-occupied France to safe territory.
8. “Persepolis”
Based on the comic novel by Marjane Satrapi, this animated biographical film offers a fresh look at Iranian history from the perspective of a young girl. The clear story and vivid images make it accessible to students.
9. “La Haine”
This black-and-white film depicts 24 hours in the lives of three friends living on the outskirts of Paris. The film is a raw and serious depiction of colloquial French spoken by young suburbanites, including slang and cultural references.
10. “Le Dîner de Cons”
This comedy portrays a group of friends who organize a weekly “dinner party for idiots. Chaos ensues when one of the participants is an unexpectedly insightful guest. The film’s conversational plot is ideal for foreign language learners.
Tips for Learning French with Movies
- Start with subtitles: Use subtitles in your native language, then switch to French subtitles as you become more comfortable. French audio and subtitles will help you connect spoken and written French.
- Rewatch: Going back to your favorite scenes or watching the movie a second or third time helps reinforce vocabulary and pronunciation.
- Repeat phrases: Pause and repeat phrases, practice your pronunciation and intonation.
- Take notes: Jot down new vocabulary and expressions to review later.
- Watch in short segments: Break the movie into manageable parts to avoid being an overwhelming experience for you.
- Discuss the film: Practice speaking by summarizing the plot or describing it with fellow learners. This will enhance your understanding and retention.
- Choose films that interest you: Stay motivated by selecting genres or themes you enjoy.
- Gradually remove subtitles: As your skills improve, try watching with French subtitles or without subtitles.
- Establish a routine: Watch a French film regularly, whether it’s once a week or once a month. Consistency is key for your language development.
In a nutshell
Learning French through movies is an entertaining and effective method that can significantly improve your language skills, especially if you have min. A2+ level. It will improve your listening comprehension and your understanding of French culture.
Whether you choose an uplifting comedy, a historical drama, or an urban story, these films are a valuable resource for any student of French.
Start small and choose movies that match your interests and language level. Don’t be afraid to revisit your favorite movies as you progress in your learning.
Immerse yourself in these films, practice regularly, and you’ll soon understand and speak French with greater confidence and ease. Bon cinéma et bon apprentissage!
Do you want to understand French films?
Book a French course and they will be even more fun.