20
The Artist (The Artist) (2011)
The Artist (The Artist) (2011)

In Hollywood’s transition from silent films to talkies, actor George Valentin faces professional and personal challenges. The film pays homage to the silent film era and explores the price of fame.

“With pleasure.”

19
La Cage aux Folles (La Cage aux folles) (1978)
La Cage aux Folles (La Cage aux folles) (1978)

Renato and Albin, a gay couple, attempt to conceal their lifestyle when their son brings his conservative in-laws to visit. The film humorously explores societal norms and acceptance.

“I am what I am, and what I am needs no excuses.”

18
Angel-A (Angel-A) (2005)
Angel-A (Angel-A) (2005)

“Angel-A” is a fantasy romantic comedy-drama film directed by Luc Besson. The story revolves around André, a down-and-out scam artist in Paris, who is on the verge of taking his own life. Just as he’s about to jump off a bridge, he encounters Angela, a mysterious and beautiful woman who appears to be his guardian angel. Angela helps André confront his inner demons and rediscover his self-worth. As their unlikely friendship deepens, André learns valuable life lessons about love, forgiveness, and redemption.

“In every living being, there is the desire for love.”

17
The 400 Blows (Les quatre cents coups) (1959)
The 400 Blows (Les quatre cents coups) (1959)

Antoine Doinel, a young boy, faces neglect and struggles with authority figures and societal expectations. The film chronicles his journey into adolescence, rebellion, and self-discovery.

“Do you know Balzac?”

 

16
Betty Blue (37°2 le matin) (1986)
Betty Blue (37°2 le matin) (1986)

Betty and Zorg’s passionate relationship takes tumultuous turns as they navigate love, creativity, and mental health challenges. The film explores the intensity of emotions and the fragility of sanity.

“When you fall in love, you fall in love forever.”

15
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Les parapluies de Cherbourg) (1964)
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Les parapluies de Cherbourg) (1964)

This musical drama tells the bittersweet love story of Geneviève and Guy, a young couple in the 1960s. Their romance is tested by separation and the harsh realities of life.

“People only die of love in the movies.”

14
A Prophet (Un prophète) (2009)
A Prophet (Un prophète) (2009)

A young Arab man rises through the ranks of a French prison, navigating power dynamics and crime.

“The important thing is not to tell, but to know.” – A Prophet

13
Rust and Bone (De rouille et d'os) (2012)
Rust and Bone (De rouille et d'os) (2012)

The story of an unlikely romance between a whale trainer who suffers a life-changing accident and a street fighter.

“The pain, sometimes it wakes me up at night.”

12
The Class (Entre les murs) (2008)
The Class (Entre les murs) (2008)

A candid portrayal of a school year in a racially mixed class in a Parisian suburb, highlighting the challenges faced by both students and teachers.

“We can’t learn anything from people who don’t understand us.”

11
A Very Long Engagement (Un long dimanche de fiançailles) (2004)
A Very Long Engagement (Un long dimanche de fiançailles) (2004)

A woman sets out to unravel the mystery of her fiancé’s disappearance during World War I.

“Life is so precious, so beautiful, especially when there are so many beautiful people around.” – A Very Long Engagement

10
The Piano Teacher (La Pianiste) (2001)
The Piano Teacher (La Pianiste) (2001)

A psychologically intense drama about a piano teacher’s unconventional relationship with her students.

“I know what you’ve been up to.” – La Pianiste

9
Hidden (Caché) (2005)
Hidden (Caché) (2005)

A couple’s life is disrupted by mysterious surveillance tapes left at their doorstep, revealing hidden secrets.

“I don’t know if what we do has any influence. I tend to doubt it.” – Cache

8
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Le scaphandre et le papillon) (2007)
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Le scaphandre et le papillon) (2007)

Based on a true story, a man copes with life after a massive stroke, learning to communicate with only his left eyelid.

“Through the frayed curtain at my window, a wan glow announces the break of day.” – The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

7
La Vie en Rose (La Môme) (2007)
La Vie en Rose (La Môme) (2007)

A biographical film chronicling the life of iconic French singer Édith Piaf, exploring her struggles and triumphs.

“Use your faults, use your defects; then you’re going to be a star.” – La Vie en Rose

6
The Bélier Family (La famille Bélier) (2014)
The Bélier Family (La famille Bélier) (2014)

A hearing-impaired girl from a musical family faces the dilemma of pursuing her dreams or staying to help her family.

“My silence to the world is in fact, my way of talking to it.” – La Famille Bélier

5
A Prophet (Un prophète) (2009)
A Prophet (Un prophète) (2009)

A young Arab man rises through the ranks of a French prison, navigating power dynamics and crime.

“The important thing is not to tell, but to know.” – A Prophet

4
Blue Is the Warmest Colour (La vie d'Adèle) (2013)
Blue Is the Warmest Colour (La vie d'Adèle) (2013)

The intense love story between two young women, exploring themes of passion, identity, and heartbreak.

“I have infinite tenderness for you. I always will. All my life.” – Blue Is the Warmest Colour

3
The Intouchables (Intouchables) (2011)
The Intouchables (Intouchables) (2011)

An unlikely friendship forms between a quadriplegic aristocrat and his caregiver from the Parisian suburbs.

“You don’t have a disability. You have a different ability.” – The Intouchables

2
Amélie (Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain) (2001)
Amélie (Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain) (2001)

A whimsical young woman in Paris embarks on a mission to spread happiness and love to those around her.

“Times are hard for dreamers.” – Amélie

1
La Haine (La haine) (1995)
La Haine (La haine) (1995)

Three friends navigate life in the Parisian suburbs amidst racial tensions and social unrest.

“It’s the story of a man who falls from a fifty-story building. As he’s falling, he repeats to himself that everything is going fine so far, everything is going fine so far, everything is going fine so far. But the important thing is not the fall; it’s the landing.”