France, the birthplace of cinema, is not only home to the iconic Cannes Film Festival but has also served as the enchanting setting for countless films. Each movie set in France brings viewers into a world of captivating landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant cityscapes. From the bustling streets of Paris to the serene countryside, France provides a canvas for unforgettable storytelling.
Whether you’re a film lover drawn to romance, mystery, or adventure, France’s unique charm and cinematic history shine through these ten must-watch films. For anyone captivated by French culture, these movies set in France are your passport to a cinematic journey filled with intrigue, beauty, and unforgettable characters.
1. Amélie (2001)
This French classic, though internationally adored, was directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and is often enjoyed by audiences worldwide for its universal themes of kindness and discovery. Amélie follows the whimsical life of Amélie Poulain, a Parisian woman who seeks to bring joy to the lives of others. The vibrant, dreamlike visuals of Montmartre and the lively characters create an enchanting Paris that feels almost like a fairy tale.
As Amélie navigates the small joys and quirks of daily life, you’re drawn into her world, where even the most ordinary moments are filled with wonder. Amélie is a celebration of the beauty in everyday life, making it a must-watch for anyone in love with Paris.
2. Midnight in Paris (2011)
Directed by Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris is a love letter to the city, blending romance with a touch of magical realism. The story follows Gil (Owen Wilson), a writer who mysteriously finds himself transported back to 1920s Paris each night. There, he mingles with literary legends like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, immersing himself in an era he’s always idolized.
The film captures the timeless charm of Paris, with scenes set in iconic locations like the Seine and the Louvre. It’s a delightful journey that explores nostalgia, creativity, and the city’s endless allure, leaving you longing for a midnight stroll through the Parisian streets.
3. The Da Vinci Code (2006)
In The Da Vinci Code, directed by Ron Howard, Paris takes on a darker, more mysterious role. Tom Hanks stars as Robert Langdon, a symbologist drawn into a thrilling search for a religious secret hidden within the Louvre and other historic Parisian landmarks. With its suspenseful plot and enigmatic atmosphere, this movie set in France keeps you on the edge of your seat as it explores the city’s hidden mysteries.
The film showcases some of Paris’s most famous locations, like the Louvre Museum and Saint-Sulpice Church, transforming the city into a puzzle box filled with secrets. It’s a gripping thriller that makes you see Paris through a lens of mystery and intrigue.
4. Inception (2010)
Christopher Nolan’s Inception is a mind-bending thriller with a memorable sequence set in Paris. In the film, Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Cobb, recruits a team to enter people’s dreams and plant ideas. When he meets Ariadne (Elliot Page), they practice manipulating dreams in a surreal sequence set in the streets and cafés of Paris.
The film captures both the city’s charm and a sense of disorientation as buildings fold and streets warp in dreamlike fashion. This brief but impactful setting in Paris emphasizes the film’s exploration of reality versus illusion, making it one of the most memorable movies set in France.
5. Charade (1963)
Directed by Stanley Donen, Charade is often described as the best Hitchcock film Hitchcock never made. Starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant, this classic thriller unfolds in Paris as Hepburn’s character, Regina, becomes embroiled in a mystery following her husband’s murder. The chemistry between Grant and Hepburn and the suspenseful twists make it a delightful blend of romance and mystery.
Paris is the perfect backdrop, adding sophistication and style to the film as Regina navigates iconic locations like the Champs-Élysées and the Seine. This movie set in France is a timeless thriller that blends charm, suspense, and glamour.
6. An American in Paris (1951)
This vibrant musical directed by Vincente Minnelli follows Jerry Mulligan (Gene Kelly), an American artist struggling to make a name for himself in post-war Paris. The film is a colorful celebration of the city’s artistic spirit, featuring lavish dance sequences and iconic songs like “I Got Rhythm.”
Set against the backdrop of Parisian streets and landmarks, An American in Paris captures the romance and energy of the city. Its joyful, theatrical take on Paris makes it a must-see for anyone who appreciates classic musicals and the charm of mid-century cinema.
7. Before Sunset (2004)
The second installment of Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy, Before Sunset is an intimate, real-time exploration of love, conversation, and the beauty of Paris. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy reprise their roles as Jesse and Celine, who reconnect after nine years apart. Set over a single afternoon, the film takes you through the city’s quieter streets, quaint bookstores, and peaceful Seine riverbanks.
This dialogue-driven movie set in France is a tender look at relationships and the passage of time, and the Parisian setting adds a touch of magic to the characters’ connection. It’s a beautiful film for anyone who loves thoughtful, character-driven stories set in the heart of Paris.
8. The Bourne Identity (2002)
Directed by Doug Liman, The Bourne Identity brings thrilling action to the streets of Paris. Matt Damon stars as Jason Bourne, a man with amnesia trying to uncover his true identity. The city’s labyrinthine alleys and iconic landmarks become the backdrop for intense chases and suspenseful scenes.
Paris’s role in the film adds to the feeling of mystery and danger as Bourne navigates both the city and his own fragmented memories. This movie set in France is a gripping action thriller that transforms Paris into a tense playground of espionage and suspense.
9. The Pink Panther (2006)
The Pink Panther franchise has long been associated with France, and in this 2006 reboot, director Shawn Levy brings the iconic Inspector Clouseau back to the screen. Steve Martin plays the bumbling detective on a mission to solve the theft of the Pink Panther diamond. The comedic antics unfold against the backdrop of Paris and its famous sites.
With a lighthearted tone and plenty of laughs, The Pink Panther turns the city into a playground for Clouseau’s comedic misadventures. It’s a fun movie that brings a bit of classic slapstick to the iconic French setting.
10. Hugo (2011)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, Hugo is a magical, visually stunning film set in 1930s Paris. The story follows a young orphan named Hugo who lives in a train station and discovers a connection to an old filmmaker. The city becomes a place of discovery, filled with secrets and cinematic history.
Scorsese’s film captures the beauty of Paris, from the grandeur of the train station to the charm of its streets. Hugo is a beautiful ode to the magic of film and the city that inspired so many filmmakers, making it a fitting conclusion to this list of unforgettable movies set in France.
These ten movies set in France bring the country’s charm, mystery, and allure to life in unforgettable ways, offering a cinematic passport to its iconic streets and landscapes. Each film captures a unique aspect of French culture, from romance to adventure, leaving viewers eager for more. For more film recommendations, check out the best movies set in Italy, or explore the top movies set in the Mesolithic period and movies set in Silver Lake for diverse cinematic journeys.
