12 Famous French Comedies You Should Watch

Image
AU POSTE ! avec Benoît Poelvoorde (Buron) © Quentin Dupieux
AU POSTE ! avec Benoît Poelvoorde (Buron) © Quentin Dupieux
AU POSTE ! avec Benoît Poelvoorde (Buron) © Quentin Dupieux

Dive into the hilarity of French cinema with 12 must-watch comedies, from Louis de Funès' classics to Gérard Depardieu's antics—now streaming on TV5MONDEplus!

 

Copyright disclosure for main image of this article:
AU POSTE ! avec Benoît Poelvoorde (Buron) © Quentin Dupieux

French cinema has long been known for its blend of wit, charm, and lighthearted humor. While the country has a rich tradition of drama and romance, its comedies offer a unique glimpse into the absurd, the quirky, and the delightfully ridiculous. If you’re an American cinephile looking to dive into the world of French comedy, here are 12 classic French comedies with Louis de Funès, Gérard Depardieu, Jean-Paul Belmondo and many more that should be on your watchlist.

1. Au Poste! (At the Post – 2018)

Directed by Quentin Dupieux, Au Poste! is a dark and absurdist comedy that delves into the bizarre world of a police interrogation. The story revolves around a police detective (played by the ever-droll Benoît Poelvoorde), who is tasked with interrogating a suspect in a case that quickly becomes confusing and surreal. Set in a stark, minimalist office, the film’s humor comes from the absurdity of the situations and the unflappable nature of the characters involved.

Poelvoorde’s deadpan delivery is at the heart of the film, as his character grapples with a situation that seems to grow more ridiculous with every passing minute. The film plays on the classic comedy trope of an incompetent official, and Poelvoorde’s comedic timing shines through as he navigates the increasingly bizarre events around him. The film was well-received for its unique take on comedy, with critics praising its absurd humor and the excellent chemistry between the actors. While not a massive hit at the box office, Au Poste! has gained a cult following among fans of offbeat, French humor.

Stream Au Poste! on TV5MONDEplus

2. Half a Chance (Une Chance sur deux – 1998)

Une Chance sur Deux, directed by Patrice Leconte, is an action-comedy that brings together two of France’s most iconic actors, Jean-Paul Belmondo and Alain Delon. The story follows Alice Tomaso (Vanessa Paradis), a free-spirited young woman just released from prison, who discovers that her late mother had two lovers—Léo Brassac (Belmondo), a smooth-talking criminal, and Julien Vignal (Delon), a sophisticated art dealer. One of them is her biological father, but before they can confirm her parentage, the trio is thrust into a high-stakes adventure involving the Russian mafia and a stolen cache of diamonds.

The film thrives on the chemistry between Delon and Belmondo, whose friendly rivalry and contrasting personas bring plenty of charm and humor to the screen. Vanessa Paradis shines as the rebellious and energetic Alice, holding her own alongside the two legends of French cinema. Audiences appreciated its lighthearted tone, thrilling action sequences, and the nostalgic pairing of Belmondo and Delon. Une Chance sur Deux is a delightful ride that combines humor, heart, and action, making it a must-watch for fans of these legendary French actors.

Stream Une chance sur deux on TV5MONDEplus

If you're a fan of Alain Delon, explore his legacy with featured content such as "Alain Delon: Face au Monde"  and delve into his enigmatic allure in "Alain Delon: La Beauté du Diable et les Femmes".

Read more: Alain Delon: How The French Actor Became a Global Star

3. Le Furet (The Weasel – 1997)

In Le Furet, Jacques Villeret plays the titular character, a man who is falsely accused of being a criminal mastermind. The film revolves around his attempt to clear his name while trying to navigate the comedic chaos that follows. Villeret is a beloved figure in French cinema, known for his ability to balance humor with subtlety. His performance in Le Furet is no exception, as he brings warmth and charm to a role that could have been over-the-top in the wrong hands.

The humor in Le Furet comes from the situations in which Villeret’s character finds himself—always one step behind and constantly misinterpreting what’s happening around him. Le Furet remains a gem for fans of French comedy, with its witty writing and Villeret’s signature comedic touch.

Stream Le Furet on TV5MONDEplus

4. Le Roi de Coeur (King of Hearts – 1966)

A French classic directed by Philippe de Broca, Le Roi de Coeur is set during World War I and follows an English soldier (Alan Bates) who is sent to defuse a bomb in a small French village. Upon his arrival, he discovers that the town’s inhabitants, including the local asylum's patients, have all fled, leaving behind a group of eccentric characters who take over the town in a hilarious turn of events.

Michel Serrault delivers a standout performance as the film’s main comedic foil, playing an insane yet oddly likable character. The humor in Le Roi de Coeur is both absurd and politically satirical, poking fun at the horrors of war while offering a poignant commentary on human nature. The film was well-received in France for its offbeat humor and whimsical storyline. Though it wasn't a massive box-office success internationally, Le Roi de Coeur has grown into a beloved classic of French cinema, particularly among fans of quirky comedies.

Stream Le roi de cœur on TV5MONDEplus

5. L'Homme de Rio (That Man from Rio – 1964)

In L'Homme de Rio, Jean-Paul Belmondo (Pierrot le fou) plays a French soldier on leave in Brazil, who embarks on an adventure to rescue his kidnapped fiancée. Directed by Philippe de Broca, this action-packed comedy combines elements of espionage, romance, and slapstick humor as Belmondo’s character finds himself in one wild situation after another.

The film is a mix of action and light-hearted comedy, with Jean-Paul Belmondo performing many of his own stunts and adding his signature charm to the role. His charisma and comedic timing elevate the film, making it a fun and entertaining watch. L'Homme de Rio was a major success at the French box office and is remembered as one of Belmondo's most iconic comedic roles. The film’s success also helped solidify his reputation as a French action-comedy star in the 1960s.

Stream l'homme de Rio on TV5MONDEplus

6. Un Drôle de Paroissien (The Mad Priest – 1963)

In Un Drôle de Paroissien, legendary French comedian Bourvil plays a mild-mannered priest who finds himself in a series of hilarious situations. The film, directed by Jean-Pierre Mocky, blends slapstick humor with situational comedy as Bourvil’s character gets caught up in a love affair and a series of comedic misunderstandings, all while trying to maintain his position as a devout man of the cloth.

Bourvil’s portrayal of the bumbling, well-meaning priest is both charming and humorous, making it easy to see why the film was a hit in its time. While Un Drôle de Paroissien didn’t receive major awards or international acclaim, it became a classic in French comedy cinema. Bourvil’s excellent comedic timing and the film's gentle humor still make it an enjoyable watch today.

Stream Un drôle de paroissien on TV5MONDEplus

Read more: Bourvil-De Funès: The French comedic duo that you must know

7. Vive la Vie (Long Live Life – 2001)

Vive la Vie is a lighthearted comedy directed by Didier Bourdon, who also stars in the film. The story follows a middle-aged man, played by Bourdon, who is trying to reclaim his youthful zest for life after experiencing a midlife crisis. The film explores the themes of self-discovery, aging, and love in a humorous and accessible way.

Bourdon’s comedic performance as a man grappling with the absurdities of life resonated with audiences, particularly those in France. While not a massive commercial success, Vive la Vie has become a fun pick for fans of French comedy who enjoy a more character-driven, light-hearted story.

Stream Vive la vie on TV5MONDEplus

8. Ni à Vendre Ni à Louer (Not for Sale or Rent – 2000)

Starring Jacques Gamblin, Ni à Vendre Ni à Louer is a quirky French comedy that explores the life of a man who, after his wife leaves him, is forced to rent out his house to strangers. The film mixes farce with quirky humor as Gamblin’s character grapples with the absurdities of living with temporary tenants, all while dealing with the emotional fallout of his failed marriage.

The film’s humor is often dry and understated, with Gamblin delivering a performance full of understated wit. While it didn’t light up the international box office, Ni à Vendre Ni à Louer was appreciated for its quirky charm and became a favorite among fans of French comedy films that focus on human relationships and small absurdities of life.

Stream Ni à vendre, ni à louer on TV5MONDEplus

9. Tais-toi! (Ruby & Quentin – 2003)

Jean Reno and Gérard Depardieu team up for this hilarious buddy comedy about a mismatched pair of criminals on the run. Reno plays Ruby, a tough, no-nonsense thief, while Depardieu is Quentin, a well-meaning but clumsy accomplice who can’t seem to stay out of trouble.

The dynamic between Jean Reno and Gérard Depardieu drives the humor, with Reno’s stoic demeanor playing perfectly against Depardieu’s over-the-top antics. Tais-toi! was a hit in France, praised for its clever script and the chemistry between its two leads.

10. Brice de Nice (The Brice Man – 2005)

Jean Dujardin shines in this cult comedy as Brice, a narcissistic surfer from Nice who dreams of riding the perfect wave—despite his complete lack of skill. Directed by James Huth, the film is a hilarious satire of surfer culture, filled with Dujardin’s exaggerated antics and iconic catchphrases.

Though the humor is often silly, Jean Dujardin’s charm makes Brice de Nice an enjoyable watch. The film was a box-office success in France and remains a favorite among fans of slapstick humor.

11. Le Tatoué (The Tattooed One – 1968)

This classic comedy pairs two titans of French cinema, Louis de Funès and Jean Gabin. The story revolves around a wealthy art dealer (Louis de Funès) who discovers that a retired soldier (Gabin) has a priceless tattoo on his back. The two engage in a hilarious battle of wits as the dealer tries to acquire the tattoo.

The comedic clash between de Louis de Funès’ manic energy and Jean Gabin’s gruff demeanor makes Le Tatoué a standout. Louis de Funès was a comedic genius whose energetic and expressive style made him a beloved figure in French comedy. He starred in some of the most popular French comedies of all time, including the "Gendarme" series, starting with "The Gendarme of Saint-Tropez" (Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez). His role in "La Grande Vadrouille", "Rabbi Jacob" and "La Folie des grandeurs"showcased his comedic timing and physical comedy skills. De Funès' ability to bring laughter and joy to audiences through his zany characters and slapstick humor made him a cherished icon in French cinema.

Stream now the documentary "Louis de Funès, le rire éternel" on TV5MONDEplus

12. Intouchables (The Intouchables – 2011)

Starring Omar Sy and François Cluzet, Intouchables is a heartwarming comedy-drama about the unlikely friendship between a wealthy paraplegic man (Cluzet) and his free-spirited caregiver (Sy). The film’s humor comes from their cultural differences and the way they challenge each other’s perspectives on life.

A massive international hit, Intouchables received widespread acclaim for its heartfelt performances and uplifting story. Omar Sy’s charismatic turn earned him a César Award for Best Actor, solidifying his place among top male actors in French cinema.

These 12 French comedies represent the diversity and charm of French humor, from slapstick to absurdist, romantic to satirical. While some may not have become international blockbusters, they remain cherished examples of French cinema and offer a delightful introduction to the world of French comedy. Whether you're a fan of Jean-Paul Belmondo’s action-comedies or the understated wit of Jacques Gamblin, these films provide a glimpse into the funny and often quirky side of French cinema. So, grab some popcorn and enjoy these classics!

Stream now French movies on TV5MONDEplus

If you’re a fan of French cinema, TV5MONDE USA is the ultimate destination. This 24/7 French-language network airs over 150 French films every year, along with programs celebrating French culture, lifestyle, and arts. With a TV5MONDE subscription, you also get access to TV5MONDEplus—the largest French streaming platform—offering an extensive collection of French movies and TV series.

Learn more about TV5MONDE