Best movies for learning French

Learning French is not just about mastering grammar or expanding your vocabulary; it’s about immersing yourself in the culture, understanding the nuances of the language, and connecting with its rich history.

Whether you’re planning to live, study in France, or simply passionate about the language, having the right resources for learning French can make your language learning journey both effective and enjoyable. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best movies for learning French, catering to both beginners and more advanced learners.

Why Watching Movies in French Accelerates Learning

Among the myriad of learning methods, watching movies in French stands out as a particularly effective approach. It immerses learners in the nuances of the language, from colloquial expressions to cultural references, thereby accelerating comprehension and fluency. Engaging with French cinema allows students to hear the language in various contexts and accents, significantly enhancing listening skills and pronunciation.

Some Movies for Learning French

For Beginners

• Kirikou et la sorcière: This animated film tells the story of a tiny boy named Kirikou who embarks on a journey to understand why the witch Karaba is so evil. Its simple storytelling and clear dialogue make it ideal for beginners.
• Un Monstre à Paris: An animated movie set in Paris that follows a monster who lives in a garden and his love for a beautiful, young singer. The film is filled with catchy songs and simple dialogue that can help beginners pick up new vocabulary and phrases while enjoying an engaging story.
• Ernest et Célestine: This charming animated film tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a bear who wants to be an artist and a young mouse who doesn’t want to be a dentist. The simple and beautifully illustrated story is perfect for beginners, with clear dialogue that helps in understanding basic French.

For Intermediate Learners

• Intouchables: This critically acclaimed comedy-drama is based on the true story of an aristocrat who becomes a quadriplegic from a paragliding accident and hires a young man from the projects to be his caregiver. The dialogue is rich and full of humour, providing a great opportunity for learners to familiarize themselves with various French slang and idiomatic expressions.
• Les Choristes: Set in post-World War II France, this heartwarming film follows the story of a music teacher who changes the lives of his students through the power of song. The movie offers intermediate learners the chance to listen to clear, slow-paced French dialogue and learn new vocabulary related to music, education, and human emotions.
• La Famille Bélier: In this comedy-drama, a young girl with deaf parents discovers she has an incredible singing talent. The film uniquely blends sign language and French dialogue, offering an excellent opportunity for learners to improve their understanding of conversational French while also exploring themes of family and personal growth.
• L’Auberge Espagnole: This film follows a French university student who spends a year in Barcelona, Spain, living with an eclectic group of students from all over Europe. The mix of French, Spanish, and English dialogues within a multicultural setting provides a rich linguistic experience, making it especially beneficial for intermediate learners looking to broaden their understanding of informal French and colloquial expressions.
• Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain: While this film can also be enjoyable for beginners, its fast-paced dialogue and complex characters make it ideal for intermediate learners. The movie provides insights into French culture and Parisian life, with a whimsical story that encourages repeated viewings to catch all the nuances of the language.

For Advanced Learners

5. La Môme: A biopic of the legendary French singer Édith Piaf, known as “La Môme Piaf” (The Little Sparrow). The film offers a rich portrayal of Piaf’s tumultuous life, with a focus on her iconic performances and personal struggles. The use of period slang, regional accents, and songs in French provides a unique challenge and learning opportunity.
6. Le Dîner de Cons: A comedy that revolves around a weekly dinner party hosted by a group of wealthy Parisians who compete to bring the most idiotic guest. The witty dialogue, puns, and play on words make it a fantastic choice for those looking to understand humour and nuance in the French language.
7. La Haine: A gripping drama that examines the social and racial tensions in the suburbs of Paris through the eyes of three young friends. The film is renowned for its raw portrayal of urban life and uses a mix of French street slang and standard language, offering advanced learners a chance to engage with a variety of linguistic registers.

Benefits of Watching Movies in French

1. Cultural Immersion: Movies offer a window into French culture, traditions, and social nuances, essential for students planning to live in France.
2. Listening Skills: Regular exposure to French spoken at natural speed improves comprehension and the ability to distinguish sounds and intonations.
3. Vocabulary Expansion: Films introduce learners to a wide range of vocabulary, including colloquial expressions not found in textbooks.
4. Pronunciation Practice: Listening to native speakers allows learners to improve their accent and pronunciation, making communication clearer.

Tips for Integrating French Movies into Your Learning Routine

1. Use Subtitles Wisely: Start with English subtitles, then switch to French as your understanding improves, eventually watching without any.
2. Repeat Viewing: Watch the same movie multiple times to better catch phrases and vocabulary.
3. Engage Actively: Pause and rewind to fully understand dialogues or jot down new words and phrases.
4. Mix Genres: Explore different genres to expose yourself to various vocabularies, speaking styles, and contexts.
5. Discussion and Analysis: Discuss the movies with peers or tutors to deepen your understanding and practice speaking.

The Ultimate Resources for Learning French

When it comes to mastering the French language, immersive learning stands unparalleled in its effectiveness, offering learners the unique opportunity to live the language in its native context. By studying at a language school in France, students are not only taught by native speakers but are also surrounded by French culture, customs, and daily interactions that textbooks simply cannot replicate. 

At Go! Go! France, we’re dedicated to making your dream of studying in France a reality. Through our tailored services, comprehensive support, and student-first approach, we simplify the visa application process and pave the way for your educational adventure in France. 

When you feel ready to start, contact Go! Go! France team here to get your life and study in France journey started.