French cinema in 2024 delivered thrilling action, gripping drama, and plenty of laughs—all now available on your favorite streaming platforms. Whether you’re a language learner or a fan of French films, this year’s selection offers something for everyone.
By COUCOU TEAM
Action and adventure
Under Paris (Sous la Seine) (2024)
Available on Netflix
The ultimate popcorn flick, Under Paris combines suspense, creature horror, and absurdity to tell the story of sharks terrorizing the Seine. Bérénice Bejo stars as a marine biologist forced to confront her past while trying to stop a shark-infested bloodbath in Paris. With equal parts tension and chaos, this film is a must-watch for fans of over-the-top disaster movies.
GT MAX (2024)
Available on Netflix
A former motocross champion (Ava Baya) must return to racing to protect her family when her brother gets involved in a dangerous heist crew. Packed with exhilarating scooter chases through Paris and emotional stakes, GT MAX delivers on action and heart.
See also:
- Astérix et Obélix : L’empire du milieu (The Middle Kingdom) (2023) – Available on Netflix
- Wingwomen (2023) – Available on Netflix
The Wages of Fear (2024)
Available on Netflix
This remake of the 1953 classic follows two brothers navigating a perilous mission to transport nitroglycerin across a desert to prevent an explosion. Though visually striking, the film falls short of the original’s intensity, offering moments of tension but lacking depth and impact.
See also:
- Anatomie d’une chute (Anatomy of a Fall) (2023) – Available on Prime
Drama
Madame Claude (2021)
Available on Netflix
Recommended by Marianne, who described it as a fascinating story that immerses viewers in the ambiance of 1960s Paris, Madame Claude shines a light on the shady yet intriguing world of sex work during this era. Karole Rocher delivers a commanding performance as Madame Claude, a fierce businesswoman running an exclusive brothel that caters to powerful politicians and entertainers, while also acting as a government informant. Alongside her is Garance Marillier as Sidonie, a clever young woman who becomes her trusted right-hand, taking the business to unexpected heights. The film captivates with its performances and evocative setting, and offers a compelling glimpse into a complex and provocative chapter of history, blending drama and intrigue in a way that continues to spark conversations.
Performance Worth Watching: Garance Marillier shines as Sidonie, perfectly complementing Karole Rocher’s portrayal of the enigmatic Madame Claude.
The Animal Kingdom (Le Règne animal) (2023)
Available on Hulu / Apple / Prime
Recommended by Anka, The Animal Kingdom stands out for its deeply human storytelling within a science-fantasy framework. Directed by Thomas Cailley, the film imagines a world where humans begin transforming into animals. While the premise could lean into fear and chaos, the writers succeed in maintaining the humane aspect of the plot by focusing on characters who choose compassion over panic.
Anka particularly highlights the exceptional work of the makeup artists, who make the transformations look remarkably authentic. She also praises the storytelling’s sense of mystery, where you’re never quite sure how events will unfold—”that’s the art of good storytelling,” she notes.
What makes it special? Despite the diminished possibility of verbal communication, some scenes are deeply moving, leaving viewers to reflect on how they might react in such a situation: Would you embrace the change if you were one of the “evolving”? Or would you focus solely on self-preservation as a spectator?
The Animal Kingdom earned 12 nominations at the 49th César Awards and won 5, including Best Cinematography, Best Sound, Best Original Music, Best Costume Design, and Best Visual Effects.
Novembre (2022)
Available on Apple TV
Angèle loved this movie, a gripping dramatization of the days following the November 13th terrorist attacks in Paris. The film follows the relentless investigations and interventions of the police, particularly the anti-terrorist sub-directorate, during the five days that ensued. Led by the powerful performance of Jean Dujardin—known and loved by Angèle since Un gars\Une fille—the film gives a harrowing look at the events through the lens of law enforcement. While revisiting such a tragic moment is undeniably difficult, Novembre is both well-crafted and deeply impactful, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes efforts of those working to bring justice and clarity during a time of national crisis.
Performance Worth Watching: Jean Dujardin anchors the story with a measured and commanding portrayal, balancing the emotional weight of the tragedy with the urgency of the investigation.
See also:
- Revoir Paris (Paris Memories) (2022) – Available on Prime
- Les Olympiades, Paris 13e (Paris 13th District) (2021) – Available on Hulu, Prime
Blink (2024)
Available on Disney+ and Hulu
Recommended by Aude, who first saw it last fall at Angelika Theatre, Blink follows the Lemay-Pelletier family, a lively French-Canadian household of six, as they face an unimaginable challenge. When three of their four children—Mia, Colin, and Laurent—are diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a disease causing gradual blindness, their parents decide to take a year off to help them create lasting visual memories through a global adventure.The beautifully shot documentary captures breathtaking landscapes and heartfelt moments as the family ticks off bucket-list experiences like “seeing a sunset in the desert.” While the tone leans sentimental, standout scenes—like being stranded overnight in an Ecuadorian cable car—offer raw, unplanned glimpses of vulnerability. Visually stunning and quietly moving, Blink poses a powerful question: What would you do if your time to see the world was running out?
COMEDY
Family Pack (Loups-garous) (2024)
Available on Netflix
If you loved Jumanji, you’ll probably enjoy this one too! Théo recommends Family Pack as a fun and entertaining escape: “The story follows a family who gets zapped into a medieval village where they have to unmask werewolves to make it back home—all based on this old card game that comes to life. It’s fun, interesting, and just pure entertainment without trying to make any big statements, which is refreshing. Perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon when you just want Netflix to do the work! I checked it out despite the bad reviews, and honestly, I had a good time!”
Directed by François Uzan, Family Pack is based on the classic French card game The Werewolves of Miller’s Hollow. Combining humor, suspense, and a touch of nostalgia for adventure movie fans, it’s a lighthearted choice for a cozy weekend watch with family or friends.
The infallibles (LES INFAILLIBLES) (2024)
Available on Prime
When Paris faces chaos at the hands of a gang of robbers, two mismatched investigators from Marseille and Paris must team up to crack the case. With its mix of action and comedic moments, The Infallibles delivers a lighthearted yet thrilling buddy cop experience. See also:
- Fumer fait tousser (Smoking Causes Coughing) (2022) – Available on Hulu, Prime
- Cash (Gold Brick) (2023) – Available on Netflix
