5 films and series to improve your French in October
As autumn starts to roll in, watching a film becomes more inviting
Picking a film to watch can be a difficult task - here are some recommendations
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If you are trying to learn French, then interacting with it through films and TV shows is an enjoyable way of increasing your immersion.
Watching with the audio and subtitles in French is the best way to improve your skills, as it means you consolidate what you hear with what you are and vice versa.
Even if you are not learning French, there are many great French films and TV series to watch for no reason other than your personal enjoyment.
Below, we have a list of films and TV series that we think you will enjoy.
Un Village Français (2009) - Amazon Prime
If historical dramas are your thing, Un Village Francais on Amazon Prime is for you.
Set during World War II, Un Village Français explores life in a small French village under Nazi occupation. The series provides a rich backdrop for learning more formal French, along with regional accents and historical vocabulary.
It's perfect for intermediate to advanced learners who are interested in history and want to explore more serious topics.
Au Service de la France (2015) (A Very Secret Service) - Netflix
Available on Netflix and set in the 1960s, Au Service de la France is a hilarious parody of spy dramas, following an inept French secret service agent.
The dialogue is often fast-paced and full of witty banter, so it’s best suited for advanced learners. It’s a great way to dive into cultural and political references from France during that era.
It is similar to the French cult classic series of films OSS 117, featuring Jean Dujardin playing a role parodying James Bond.
Le Petit Nicolas (2009) - Amazon Prime
Based on the beloved French children’s books, Le Petit Nicolas follows the adventures of a mischievous boy named Nicolas and his friends.
This light-hearted comedy is ideal for beginners and intermediate learners as it uses simple language and is full of useful vocabulary related to childhood, school, and family life.
You can watch Le Petit Nicolas on Amazon Prime, and it’s the perfect film for all the family.
Made in France (2015) - Netflix
This thriller crime drama follows a freelance journalist as he investigates the rise of disaffected youths joining extremist groups. He infiltrates a group of four young people who are tasked with destabilising the centre of Paris and creating a jihadist cell.
Full of more advanced and technical vocabulary, this film is not for the faint-hearted but it tells a fascinating story of religious extremism in France.
Comme des Garçons (Let the Girls Play) (2018) - Canal +
This uplifting comedy, based on true events, tells the story of the first all-female football team in France, formed in the 1960s.
In 1968, a journalist in Reims put out an ad for an all female football match, which in turn catalysed the creation of the first female football team in France.
The film is light-hearted and inspiring, offering plenty of colloquial and everyday French, which is great for intermediate learners looking for fun dialogue in a historical context.
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