Watching a film that was made in your travel destination can be a great way prepare for your upcoming visit. Well-made films can capture the spirit of the place and its people, especially films that artistically evoke a different time.
I have listed below eight films and two television series with Paris connections that I can personally endorse. These cover a variety of genres and eras. However, while respecting the greatness of classic cinema, I limited my list to films made no more than a few years before today’s college students were born. The 10 films (and one series) on this list are split between the 00s (5) and the 10s (6). Three of the films and the series are in French. Finally, I generally preferred films that have a real Paris feeling rather than just some scenes in Paris – but there are still some in the latter category for various reasons, as described below.
The films are listed below in chronological order. I included year of release, genre, and overall IMDB rating. I also added a sentence or two of background and context. At the end of the list I included some other notables to consider.
Bonus 2022 comments from Liam Jawitz when he was a high school freshman.
Amelie 2001 rom com IMDB: 8.3/10
This much beloved romance is still to date the highest-grossing French language film released in the US. Commonly found on many different types of ‘best films’ lists.
Moulin Rouge! 2001 musical 7.6/10
Set in the Bohemian Montmartre district in 1900, this musical was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture and has maintained a strong following. It’s got its own style, which some call love-it-or-hate-it. Somewhat surprisingly it stars Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman, neither previously known for their musical chops, but they pulled it off.
Before Sunset 2004 drama 8.0/10
Richard Linklater made three of these films following the relationship of an American man (Ethan Hawke) and French woman (Julie Delpy) who met on a train. In the first one, Before Sunrise (1995), they spent an evening in Vienna. The love story is all dialog, but we follow them in near-real time as they spend an afternoon strolling around Paris. Commonly included on lists of best films of the 2000s.
Da Vinci Code 2006 thriller 6.6/10
People loved the book and as often happens those who loved the book found fault with the movie. Also, the conspiracy premise was not popular with the Catholic Church. The film is not super Paris-y, but there is a strong Louvre connection, and co-stars Audrey Tautou of ‘Amelie’ fame.
Liam Jawitz: Builds excitement for being in the city and the Louvre Museum. Thriller/mystery movie with allusions to legitimate historical figures and events. Most notably has a hero who is a college professor and is not overly heavy on history and culture to the point where the quality of the story is impacted negatively.
Ratatouille 2007 animated comedy 8/10
It’s fun and heartfelt, and it captures the haute cuisine vibe. Disneyland-Paris has a ride based on this one, and supposedly something similar is planned for the France Pavilion at EPCOT.
Liam Jawitz: Lighthearted and engaging movie, with strong connections to French and Parisian food/culture. Unique compared to the rest of the movies in its animated and youthful nature.
Midnight in Paris 2011 rom com 7.7/10
Nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award and winner for Best Screenplay. Owen Wilson walks the streets of Paris and travels back in time to different eras in the city’s history.
The Intouchables 2011 dramedy 8.5/10
Inspired by a true story, this tale of improbable friendship was hugely popular in France and beyond. Omar Sy’s award-winning performance launched his career. The 2017 Hollywood remake The Upside starred Kevin Hart.
Les Misérables 2012 dramatic musical 7.6/10
A rousing British film based on the West End musical starring largely British and Australian actors, but famously set in France. Hugh Jackman was nominated for the Best Actor Academy Award, and Anne Hathaway won for Best Supporting Actress. It’s interesting to watch Russell Crowe giving it the old college try singing.
Liam Jawitz: Musical that captures the true French spirit of the Revolution (1832) and a passion for freedom. Might not be the most Parisian feeling film but feels very French. A definite classic that provided excitement about French culture and spirit.
Call My Agent (Dix Pour Cent) 2015 – 2020 8.3/10
This highly regarded series follows the ups and downs of a Parisian talent agency to the stars. Each week a real French celebrity is featured playing themselves as a client of the firm. The next-to-last episode starred Sigourney Weaver.
Mission Impossible: Fallout 2018 thriller 7.7/10
Approximately half the movie is set in Paris, but like the Bourne movies, much of that time is spies chasing each other. But this one, the sixth in the series, is widely considered the best of the MI films. Also, there is a great sequence in London as well.
Les Misérables 2019 drama 7.6/10
Definitively not a musical. Teenagers clash with cops of questionable ethics. Tensions between police and racial and religious minorities are not limited to just the US. This drama, inspired by events witnessed by director Ladj Ly, won the Jury Prize at the Cannes film festival, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best International Film. The film is set in the public housing estates of the Parisian suburb of Montfermeil, which is also a critical setting in Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel that gave the film its title.
Here are some other candidate films to consider and not consider.
Bourne Identity 2002 thriller 7.9
This was the first of the franchise. The Bourne films are largely set in European locales, with much chasing and escaping to other European locales. The films overall have great scenes in Zurich, Berlin, Paris, and London. But for me, they are just chase scenes in those places rather than helping you get a feeling for life in those places. So, while I am a fan of the Bourne films in general, not so much for this purpose.
Spiral (Engrenages) 2005 – present legal drama 8.5
A French Law and Order that follows the police as well as the lawyers and judges. The show is popular internationally, winning the American International Emmy in 2015. The show has been featured on Netflix and is currently on Hulu.
Inception 2010 thriller 8.8
Another classic mindbender, commonly associated with “what did the ending mean?” There are some iconic Paris scenes, but again, just not Paris-y enough to make the cut here.