As one of the most iconic French actors, Alain Delon left an indelible mark on cinema, from neo-noir classics from Jean-Pierre Melville like Le Samouraï (1967) and Un Flic to romantic dramas and action-packed thrillers. While his celebrated works such as Plein Soleil (Purple Noon), Rocco, Borsalino, and Louis Malle's Le feu follet are widely acclaimed, there are several lesser-known gems in his filmography that deserve equal attention. Here, we explore nine such films and why you should watch them.

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Explore the legacy of Alain Delon with "Alain Delon: Face au Monde"  and delve into his enigmatic life in "Alain Delon: La Beauté du Diable et les Femmes".

Don't miss Alain Delon's must-see movie The Black Tulip (La Tulipe Noire) on TV5MONDEplus or Stream now the comedy Une chance sur deux with Alain Delon and Jean Paul Belmondo

1. The Sicilian Clan (Le Clan des Siciliens, 1969)

• Synopsis: This gripping crime thriller follows Roger Sartet (played by Delon), a cunning thief who escapes from police custody with the help of the powerful Italian mob, the Manalese clan. Together, they plan an ambitious diamond heist, but their alliance becomes fraught with betrayal.
• Key Cast: Alain Delon, Jean Gabin, Lino Ventura
• Reception: Directed by Henri Verneuil, the film was a commercial hit and praised for its suspenseful storytelling, its portrayal of organized crime, and Delon’s understated performance. Its score by Ennio Morricone also became iconic. If you liked Luchino Visconti's Le Léopard, you will love The Sicilian Clan.

2. Half a Chance (Une chance sur deux, 1998)

• Synopsis: In this action-packed comedy, Delon plays Leo Brassac, a suave gangster who teams up with his former rival Julien (played by Jean-Paul Belmondo) to help a young woman, Alice, who claims one of them might be her father. As the trio tries to uncover the truth, they are chased by the Russian mafia and become entangled in high-octane escapades.
• Key Cast: Alain Delon, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Vanessa Paradis
• Reception: Directed by Patrice Leconte, the film reunited Delon and Belmondo for the first time in nearly three decades, making it a nostalgic treat for fans of French cinema. Their charismatic performances and chemistry were praised, with Delon shining as a smooth and sharp-witted french actor even late in his career.

Stream the cult comedy Une chance sur deux with Alain Delon and Jean Paul Belmondo on TV5MONDEplus

3. Mr. Klein (Monsieur Klein, 1976)

• Synopsis: Directed by Joseph Losey, this psychological thriller features Delon as Robert Klein, an art dealer in Nazi-occupied France who becomes embroiled in a case of mistaken identity when he is suspected of being Jewish.
• Key Cast: Alain Delon, Jeanne Moreau, Michel Lonsdale
• Reception: Widely regarded as one of Delon’s most complex performances, Mr. Klein received critical acclaim for its eerie atmosphere and exploration of identity and morality. It later gained recognition as a masterpiece of French cinema.

4. The Black Tulip (La Tulipe noire, 1964)

• Synopsis: In this swashbuckling adventure, Delon plays a dual role as twin brothers, Julien and Guillaume de Saint-Preux. One is a notorious highwayman known as "The Black Tulip," while the other is a mild-mannered idealist. When Guillaume is injured, Julien must take his place, leading to comedic and action-filled situations amidst the backdrop of the French Revolution.
• Key Cast: Alain Delon, Virna Lisi, Adolfo Marsillach
• Reception: Directed by Christian-Jaque, The Black Tulip became a box-office hit and solidified Delon’s reputation as a versatile star who could effortlessly switch between drama, action, and comedy. The film’s vibrant tone and Delon’s magnetic screen presence were widely celebrated, making it a standout among his historical dramas.

Stream The Black Tulip (La Tulipe Noire) on TV5MONDEplus

5. The Burnt Barns (Les Granges Brûlées, 1973)

• Synopsis: Delon plays the role of a tenacious investigator who arrives in a remote French village to investigate the mysterious death of a young woman. His quest for the truth brings him into conflict with the local farming family led by the fiercely protective Rose (Simone Signoret).
• Key Cast: Alain Delon, Simone Signoret, Paul Crauchet
• Reception: While initially underappreciated, this slow-burning thriller later gained recognition for its exploration of family dynamics and social justice. Delon’s performance as a steely investigator was praised for its depth.

6. The Swimming Pool (La Piscine, 1969)

• Synopsis: This psychological drama revolves around the tensions between two couples vacationing in the South of France. Delon plays Jean-Paul, whose relationship with Marianne (Romy Schneider) is tested when her former lover shows up.
• Key Cast: Alain Delon, Romy Schneider, Maurice Ronet
• Reception: Though not as widely known as his action-packed films, The Swimming Pool is celebrated for its sensual tension and the palpable chemistry between Delon and Schneider. It became a cult classic in later years.

7. The Fighter (Le Battant, 1983)

• Synopsis: In this gritty thriller, Delon stars as Jacques Darnay, a man recently released from prison who must navigate a dangerous underworld to reclaim a hidden cache of diamonds.
• Key Cast: Alain Delon, Françoise Fabian, Jean-Claude Dreyfus
• Reception: Directed by Delon himself, The Fighter showcases his skill not only as an actor but also as a filmmaker. Though critics were divided on the film’s pacing, Delon’s performance was widely praised.

8. The Joy of Living (La Vie de Château, 1966)

• Synopsis: Set during World War II, this romantic comedy follows Delon as a dashing French Resistance fighter who falls for a spirited young woman. The film blends romance, action, and humor.
• Key Cast: Alain Delon, Catherine Deneuve, Philippe Noiret
• Reception: Although lighter in tone than most of Delon’s work, this film showcased his versatility as an actor and his on-screen charm, especially alongside Deneuve.

9. L’Eclisse (The Eclipse, 1962)

• Synopsis: Directed by Michelangelo Antonioni, this atmospheric drama follows Vittoria, a young woman (played by Monica Vitti) who ends a stagnant relationship and begins a tenuous romance with a confident stockbroker, Piero (Delon). Set against the backdrop of Rome’s bustling financial district, the film explores themes of alienation, modernity, and fleeting human connections.
• Key Cast: Alain Delon, Monica Vitti, Francisco Rabal
• Reception: L’Eclisse was hailed as a masterpiece of European arthouse cinema and won the Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Delon’s performance as Piero, a charming yet emotionally distant character, showcased a more restrained side of the french actor, earning critical acclaim for his ability to convey depth through subtle gestures and expressions. The film’s innovative style and haunting finale solidified its place as a classic.

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