7 Best French Movies on Netflix This Week

As the weekend approaches, what better way to unwind and enjoy some quality time than by indulging in the magic of cinema?

If you’re a fan of French movies and have a Netflix subscription, you’re in for a treat. This week, we’ve curated a list of the 7 best French movies available on Netflix that promise to take you on an extraordinary journey through storytelling, emotions, and culture.

From heartwarming dramas to thrilling adventures, these films offer a diverse range of experiences that will leave you thoroughly entertained. Keep reading to discover the 7 best French movies on Netflix this week that offer captivating stories, stunning visuals, and unforgettable performances. 

1. Title: Bigbug 

Release Year: 2022
Directors: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Runtime: 1h 51m

In the futuristic world of 2045, “Bigbug,” a French sci-fi comedy, unfolds in a realm where humans and robots coexist. The film humorously portrays how artificial intelligence dominates daily existence, prompting people to rely heavily on robots. Unexpectedly, a rebellion among androids occurs, resulting in domestic robots confining their owners within homes to safeguard them. This sparks a comical and tumultuous sequence of events, forcing the isolated humans to engage with one another. Amid the ensuing chaos, the robots strive to comprehend their masters’ behavior, leading to a blend of hilarity and confusion.

2. Title: The Takedown 

Release Year: 2022
Directors: Louis Leterrier
Runtime: 2h 1m

Continuing from the 2012 film “On the Other Side of the Tracks,” the sequel, “The Takedown” or “Loin du périph,” reunites unlikely partners Ousmane and François. Tasked with a new high-profile case, the polar-opposite policemen collaborate once again years after their initial adventure. This time, their investigation unfolds in a remote French village, where they confront escalating danger as the seemingly simple case gains complexity. Amid the evolving narrative, they must forge trust and bridge personal divides. The Netflix production delves into themes of racism, corruption, and fascism, skillfully addressing them through humor and satire while spotlighting these societal issues.

3. Title: I Am Not an Easy Man

Release Year: 2018
Directors: Éléonore Pourriat
Runtime: 1h 38m

“I Am Not an Easy Man” or “Je ne suis pas un homme facile” is a French romantic comedy that follows Damien. Initially a male chauvinist benefitting from a patriarchal society, Damien awakens in an alternate reality where traditional gender roles are reversed. In this world, women wield all power, forcing him to adapt to his new circumstances. As he grapples with this paradigm shift, his beliefs and actions come under scrutiny, prompting a fresh outlook on the daily challenges women endure. This film humorously navigates Damien’s journey, offering insights into the complexities of gender dynamics and highlighting the struggles women face.

4. Title: Balle Perdue 

Release Year: 2020
Directors: Guillaume Pierret
Runtime: 1h 33m

“Balle Perdue” (Lost Bullet), a French action thriller, follows Lino, a proficient mechanic with a criminal history, falsely implicated in a murder. To vindicate himself, Lino must uncover the actual killer and recover a vanished car. This vehicle holds a vital piece of exonerating evidence: a bullet. The film embarks on an intense journey as Lino races against time, navigating a high-stakes chase filled with adrenaline-pumping action, suspense, and determination to clear his tarnished name.

5. Title: Pourris gâtés 

Release Year: 2021
Directors: Nicolas Cuche
Runtime: 1h 35m

“Poussins Gâtés” (Spoiled Chicks), a remake of the Mexican film “Nosotros los Nobles” (2013), centers on Stella, Philippe, and Alexandre, three siblings accustomed to indulgence and behaving like entitled brats. Their millionaire father stages a ruse, feigning bankruptcy to instill a lesson and reform their attitudes. The narrative traces their journey as they grapple with the abrupt loss of opulence. Stripped of their luxuries, they’re compelled to find employment, gaining insights into the real world. Through this transformation, the film humorously unravels their growth, shifting from pampered privilege to a humbler existence, highlighting personal development amidst comic circumstances.

6. Title: Athena 

Release Year: 2022
Directors: Romain Gavras
Runtime: 1h 37m

“Athena,” a French action drama, unfolds in the suburbs of the same name. The narrative orbits around the city’s youth, particularly three siblings who tragically lose their younger brother due to police intervention. The devastating loss fuels their rebellion, igniting citywide riots and chaos. The film casts a shadow on a political upheaval ignited by the younger generation, delving into grave themes of inequality, police brutality, injustice, and racism. Helmed by Romain Gavras, the movie features a cast including Dali Benssalah, Sami Slimane, Anthony Bajon, Ouassini Embarek, and Alexis Manenti, portraying the protagonists amid a backdrop of turmoil and tension.

7. Title: Madame Claude 

Release Year: 2021
Directors: Sylvie Verheyde
Runtime: 1h 52m

“Madame Claude” is a biographical movie chronicling the life of Fernande Grudet, aka Madame Claude, a prominent French figure in the realm of brothel management. Set against the backdrop of late 1960s Paris, the film delves into her commanding role within the prostitution industry. Directed by Sylvie Verheyde, this Netflix Original production features Karole Rocher in the titular role, supported by a cast including Roschdy Zem, Garance Marillier, Pierre Deladonchamps, among others. Beyond its cinematic merits, the movie serves as a cultural commentary on the entwined dynamics between prostitution and the contemporary politics of the era.