You live in the capital but have never seen the iconic films that take place in Paris? That's a problem! To help you catch up, we've put together a list of the 15 films that our team believes are true must-sees. So settle in on your couch and enjoy. Happy watching!
Ratatouille (2007)
This is definitely the cutest and most essential film about Paris, and indeed, one of the best animated films. Rémy, a rat with a true talent for cooking, dreams of being a chef. One evening, he finds himself face to face with Linguini, a young cook who lacks culinary skills and is trying to fix a soup he has spilled. When Rémy notices this, he sneaks into the kitchen to help save the dish. A genuine culinary collaboration begins between the young man and the rat.
who guides him from the top of his head. An animated film full of sweetness that presents the most beautiful views of the Parisian rooftops, promotes the excellence of French cuisine, and really makes us crave some ratatouille!Voir cette publication sur Instagram
The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain (2001)
We all have the first notes of La valse d’Amélie, Comptine d’un autre été, or any other composition by Yann Tiersen for this unforgettable film in our heads. Introverted young woman, Amélie (Audrey Tautou) decides to perform little acts to help others. She also falls in love with Nino (Mathieu Kassovitz) but is scared to confess her feelings to him. With tenderness and poetry, we see this character gradually open up to others and dare to be herself. Why do we love it? Because it brings Montmartre to life and presents an idealized Paris.
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Midnight in Paris (2011)
Gil doesn't feel in tune with his time. Instead, he dreams of living in the 1920s. One night, quite curiously, he finds himself transported to the Paris of yesteryear, where he gets to meet Hemingway, Picasso, and F. Scott Fitzgerald! But living in the past is just an illusion. Through his meetings and conversations, he realizes the beauty of the present. We love this film by Woody Allen because it's visually stunning, immerses us in the atmosphere of a time we would have loved to experience, and reminds us just how fabulous our city is!
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Before Sunset (2004)
The second film in the Before trilogy, which is definitely worth your time, Before Sunset takes us to the beautiful capital of France, where Jesse (Ethan Hawke) has become a successful writer. While he's at a signing event at Shakespeare and Company, he reunites with Céline (Julie Delpy), whom he met in Vienna many years earlier. They stroll through the streets of Paris, drawing us in with their powerful and moving conversations. A true ode to love and to the City of Light!
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La Môme (2007)
While it may not be directly dedicated to Paris, La Môme pays tribute to one of the greatest personalities and symbols of the city: Édith Piaf. On screen, Marion Cotillard brilliantly portrays the woman whose voice touched the heart of the capital, France, and the world for decades. We follow the rise of this artist, from her childhood to her performances on the grandest stages. This film received wide acclaim from critics, winning five César Awards, a Golden Globe, and the Oscar for Best Actress for Marion Cotillard.
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Moulin Rouge (2001)
Without a doubt, the Moulin Rouge is the very embodiment of the Parisian entertainment scene. This musical film directed by Baz Luhrmann immerses us in the Paris of the Belle Époque, where Christian (Ewan McGregor), a young British writer, arrives in the capital and falls in love with Satine (Nicole Kidman), the star of the Moulin Rouge. However, she is promised to a wealthy duke, forcing them to have a secret relationship. Caught between social obligations and passionate love, the film takes us on a true emotional rollercoaster, set in the most exquisite surroundings.
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120 Beats Per Minute (2017)
A film that's truly a heartfelt gem and absolutely necessary. 120 Beats Per Minute follows the members of ACT UP Paris in the early 1990s. Blending personal stories and radical actions to fight against inequalities and the inaction of authorities during the fierce HIV/AIDS epidemic, the film delivers a moving tribute to these Parisian activists.
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A Monster in Paris (2011)
Take a trip to Paris in 1910 with this animated film directed by Bibo Bergeron. Francois, a monster created due to a scientific accident, appears in the capital. Far from being scary and threatening as everyone imagines, this “monster” is actually quite gentle. Emile, a young cinema projectionist, and his friend Raoul decide to protect Francoeur and show the world that he poses no danger. With a charming touch, this feature film delivers a strong story of friendship, beautifully set against the bustling backdrop of the lively streets of early 20th century Paris.
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The Infernal Montparnasse Tower (2001)
How can we talk about Paris without mentioning The Infernal Montparnasse? While going about their daily routine, Éric and Ramzy, two window cleaners working in the Montparnasse Tower, find themselves caught up in a hostage situation organized by terrorists. Clumsily, they try to . Drawing on action movie clichés and parodies, all set against the iconic backdrop of this Parisian skyscraper, this comedy uses the capital as a playful stage for humor. It's a gamble that paid off, as the film still makes us laugh more than 20 years after its release!
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La Boum (1980)
It's been 44 years now since moviegoers discovered a young Sophie Marceau caught up in her family stories, friendships, and especially boys. A cult film where we joyfully wander the legendary streets of the 5th, from the Panthéon to the Latin Quarter. And one thing's for sure, over four decades, the capital hasn't changed all that much, whether it's the streets or the fashion of its inhabitants. Anyway, we still enjoy diving into Vic's life adventures and dancing to "Reality."
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Paris, I Love You (2006)
In this quirky comedy made up of 18 sketches, we explore one after another 18 of the 20 districts of the capital. And for good reason, each chapter immerses us in a romantic encounter that is sometimes sweet, sometimes chaotic, set in the most famous neighborhoods of the city of love. The Marais, Bastille, and the Latin Quarter each become the stage for little stories that cover the full spectrum of human relationships, much to our delight.
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Lol (2008)
Lola is 16, and she’s getting ready to start high school with all her friends. But life in the fancy 16th arrondissement at this age isn’t exactly a walk in the park. This film is somewhat of a remake of La Boum, featuring the lovely Sophie Marceau again, offering us a glimpse into a different side of the capital. It’s a subtly superficial comedy that made all of us laugh, cry, dance, and even fall in love when it premiered. We still watch it with a delightful mix of guilty pleasure and nostalgia.
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All That Shines (2010)
Ely and Lila, two friends who have known each other since childhood, have spent their lives in a housing project in Puteaux with one idea in mind: to find their place in the capital. Tired of being treated like suburban outcasts, they do everything they can to make their dream come true, until it almost turns into a nightmare. A lovely film that speaks about values, friendship, and, above all, invites us to rethink the sometimes overly glamorous and idealized image we might have of Paris.
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Paris (2008)
Paris is the beautiful intertwining of several stories that are connected. For instance, there's Pierre, a ballet dancer who falls seriously ill and has to stop dancing. Then there's ÉLise, his sister, with whom he decides to stay. She also faces the everyday challenges, both personally and professionally. More than just a backdrop, the city of Paris is a key element of the film, allowing the stories to cross paths, and it’s also where each character learns to (re)build themselves.
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Breathless (1960)
Of course, a film by Jean-Luc Godard, specifically his first feature film, deserves a spot on this list. After stealing a car in Marseille and killing a policeman, Michel Poiccard, a young delinquent, takes refuge in Paris. There, he reunites with Patricia, an aspiring journalist, and they embark on a romantic affair. He dreams of going to Italy and tries to persuade her to join him. The capital becomes the place of freedom, of youth.
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