It’s always refreshing to watch movies in French, my native language, with its many innuendos, wordplay, and slang that cannot be captured in translation and that bring so much more depth and charm to the characters. I find that these movies have many layers in the unexpected twists and turns of the plot that doesnt leave the audience unaffected.
Oftentimes, the plot, cliffhangers, and turns of events are so unexpected or brilliantly far-fetched that a second viewing helps to grasp and capture the underlying thread woven in the plot, the missed comedic edge in a thriller, for example, for a better appreciation of the film, director’s vision, and the actors’ interpretation. Other times, a second viewing allows viewers to plunge back into a compelling storyline, becoming participants as the film unfolds.
These are 10 French flicks on Netflix in ABC order, starring some of my favorite actors, that I enjoyed rewatching.
A Private Life – Vie privée (2025) Drama Thriller – Starring Jodie Foster & Daniel Auteuil, Virginie Efira, Matthieu Amalric, Vincent Lacoste & Luana Bajrami. Directed by Rebecca Zlotowski. Jodie Foster, in her first lead French-speaking role, is a psychiatrist who learns of the death of one of her patients and refuses suicide but is convinced that it was murder ; she will seek answers and find out more than she bargained for… At first, this film left me perplexed, and the plot felt a bit décousu; it felt like several movies in one and could have been entitled “Private Lives – Vies privées.” in the plural. Then, on second viewing, I picked up the comedic undertone, the absurd, and thoroughly enjoyed Jodi Foster as Daniel Auteuil’s ex and the soul-searching psychiatrist who comes full circle as a human being, mother, wife, and professional.
AKA (2023) Action – Directed by Morgan S. Dalibert, starring Alban Lenoir, Éric Cantona, Thibault de Montalembert, Sveva Alviti. A special operations agent goes undercover in a criminal syndicate. Intense and gritty action, yet complex dialogue and acting.
Bad Seeds – Mauvaises Herbes (2018) Drama Comedy – Directed by Khaled Haffad, Kheiron. With Kheiron, Catherine Deneuve, André Dussollier, Louison Blivet. Waël, a scam artist and former street kid from the Parisian suburbs, finds new purpose when he is assigned to work with a bunch of troublemaker teenagers. The relationship dynamics in this movie are inspiring, and I always love Catherine Deneuve in any role.
Family Pack – Loups-garous (2024) Family Comedy – Directed by François Uzan and starring Jean Reno, Franck Dubosc, Suzanne Clément. When an old board game comes to life, a family is thrown back in time to a medieval village where they must unmask werewolves to secure their return home. Jean Reno is hilariously funny in the role!
French Lover (2025) Romantic Comedy- Directed by Lisa Nina Rives and starring Omar Sy and Sara Giraudeau. When a jaded actor meets a waitress in Paris, an unexpected love story begins, but can he handle a real relationship, and will it survive the glare of the spotlight? A sweet story with substance and authenticity.
Lady J – Mademoiselle de Joncquières (2018) Period Drama – Directed by Emmanuel Mouret and starring Cécile de France, Édouard Baer, Alice Isaaz, and my favorite Laure Calamy. The Marquis des Arcis, a libertine, falls in love with Madame de La Pommeraye, an attractive widow. She resists him for years, and when she finally gives in, it leads to an unwelcome turn of events and a brilliant scheme to seek revenge.
Lost Bullet – Balle perdue (2020) Action Thriller – This movie has two sequels, Lost Bullet 2 (2022) and Last Bullet (2025). From Guillaume Pierret with Alban Lenoir, Nicolas Duvauchelle, Ramzy Bedia, and Stéfi Celma. Facing a murder charge, a genius mechanic with a criminal past must track down the car containing the proof of his innocence: a single bullet. Brilliant plot!!!
Nothing to Lose – Jusqu’au bout (2026) Drama based on real life – Directed by Ludovic Colbeau-Justin, Nawell Madani. With Jérome Adamoli, Manmathan Basky, Fodil Benderbal, Nicolas Briançon. A mother will do all she desperately can to save her critically ill son who needs a bone marrow donor. The lead actress’s impeccable, powerful emotional performance!
Nothing to Hide – Le jeu (2018) Drama Comedy- Directed by Fred Cavayé with Bérénice Bejo, Suzanne Clément, Stéphane De Groodt, Vincent Elbaz. When a bunch of married friends meet for a dinner party and agree to spice up the evening with a little cell phone-sharing game, everything unravels and comes to light… or does it really? What a twist!
Wingwomen – Voleuses (2024) Action Comedy – Directed by Mélanie Laurent with Adèle Exarchopoulos, Mélanie Laurent, Manon Bresch. and Isabelle Adjani. On the verge of retiring from life on the run, two expert thieves recruit Sam to assist them with one last edge-of-your-seat job. Great actor synergy in this fast-paced, witty, and unpredictable plot.
Which movie did you enjoy, which one surprised you, and which one did you appreciate more on the second viewing?
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