Best 20 French Comedy Movies

A gay couple try to hide their lifestyle when their son brings his conservative in-laws to visit, with farcical results.

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

Directed by Édouard Molinaro · 1h 32m · Rated R

During the Second World War, a British bomber crew is shot down over Paris and two ordinary Frenchmen help them escape.

“"This way, gentlemen, the grave is over here!"

Directed by Gérard Oury · 2h 12m · Rated G

2 wins

Friends host dinners where they bring eccentric guests, until one invites a meek accountant who turns out to be a disaster.

“"I'm an idiot, and I'm proud of it!"

Directed by Francis Veber · 1h 20m

In 17th-century Spain, the Minister of Finance tries to dishonour the queen with an overly complex plan.

“"What will become of me? I'm a statesman, I can't do anything!"

Directed by Gérard Oury · 1h 48m · Rated PG

Bumbling criminal Quentin is paired with cunning prisoner Ruby for a heist, and their contrasting styles make for comic chaos.

“"Do I look like a criminal mastermind to you?"

Directed by Francis Veber · 1h 25m

A postal manager is transferred to a small town in northern France and finds it isn't the nightmare he expected.

“"Here, we don't speak. We throw words like javelins."

Directed by Dany Boon · 1h 46m

Bazil, with a bullet in his brain, joins a group of misfits to plan inventive revenge on two arms dealers.

“"Life's most beautiful things are not things. They're people and places, memories, and pictures. They're feelings and moments and smiles and laughter."

Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet · 1h 44m · Rated R

A parking valet is mistaken for a millionaire's lover, and the resulting misunderstandings pile up fast.

“"I'm not a millionaire. I'm just a regular guy who's happy."

Directed by Francis Veber · 1h 25m · Rated PG-13

A French and a Belgian customs officer are forced to share a mobile patrol after the border controls are abolished.

“"I'm in love with a man who doesn't exist."

Directed by Dany Boon · 1h 48m

Brice, a surfer dreaming of becoming a champion, goes on a quest to win a surf contest.

“"You know, to be cool, you need a mentor."

Directed by James Huth · 1h 38m

A man spreads a rumour that he's gay, with a neighbour's help, to avoid being fired.

“"You're asking me to come out of a closet I've never been in!"

Directed by Francis Veber · 1h 24m

A hapless orchestra player becomes the unwitting target of a spy-agency feud.

“"I came looking for you. I came here to shoot you... but there are three dead men in your house."

Directed by Yves Robert · 1h 30m

A conservative Catholic couple copes with their daughters' marriages to men of different backgrounds.

“"Our differences are our strengths, and love will always overcome hatred."

Directed by Philippe de Chauveron · 1h 34m · Rated PG

A medieval nobleman and his servant time travel to modern France, with their bewilderment driving the comedy.

“"What manner of sorcery is this?"

Directed by Jean-Marie Poiré · 1h 47m · Rated R

A young woman becomes a speed typing champion, leading to unexpected fame, in this lighthearted 1950s romance.

“"I don't compete with others. I compete with myself."

Directed by Régis Roinsard · 1h 51m · Rated R

A retired gangster's peaceful life is disrupted when he is left in charge of his friend's teenage daughter, with witty dialogue and memorable characters.

“"In life, you need either inspiration or desperation."

Directed by Georges Lautner · 1h 51m

1 nomination

A naive man unwittingly becomes a mule for smugglers, leading to a string of misadventures.

“"I have a feeling we're not on the right road."

Directed by Gérard Oury · 1h 51m

1 nomination

A bigoted businessman is mistaken for a Jewish rabbi and has to play along to escape trouble.

“"Peace between people is better than peace between nations."

Directed by Gérard Oury · 1h 40m · Rated G

1 nomination

Chaos ensues at a crisis hotline centre on Christmas Eve.

“"Christmas is for children, and I don't want to see any!"

Directed by Jean-Marie Poiré · 1h 28m

A hapless man is continually misunderstood and mistreated, leading to a string of comic disasters.

“"If you have nothing to say, shut up!"

Directed by Pierre Richard · 1h 38m