Exploring the vast world of French cinema can be an exhilarating journey - from Truffaut, Godard, Varda all the way to Jean Pierre Jeunet's Amélie or Céline Sciamma's Portrait of a Lady on Fire. But for many cinephiles outside of France, accessing French-language films with English subtitles can sometimes be challenging. Fortunately, with platforms like TV5MONDEplus, the largest French streaming platform in America, the beauty and depth of French cinema are just a click away. French cinema has a rich history of producing remarkable actresses who have left an indelible mark on the silver screen. Icons like Brigitte Bardot, Isabelle Huppert, Juliette Binoche, and Marion Cotillard have graced audiences with their talent and charisma. In this article, we'll delved into the best French movies available for streaming, each of them featuring the best actresses of French cinema.

1. "Une Parisienne" (1957) - Starring Brigitte Bardot

"Une Parisienne" follows the misadventures of Brigitte Laurier (Brigitte Bardot), a flirtatious and vivacious young woman who captivates every man she meets. When Brigitte's fiancé Michel (Henri Vidal) suspects her of infidelity, comedic chaos ensues as Brigitte attempts to prove her innocence.

Why you should watch it : Much like Some Like It Hot with Marylin Monroe, Brigitte Bardot's magnetic presence and comedic timing elevate "Une Parisienne" into a timeless classic. The film's witty dialogue and charming storyline make it a delightful watch for fans of romantic comedies. Read more: The best French films with Brigitte Bardot!

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2. "Abus de faiblesse" (2013) - Starring Isabelle Huppert

Directed by Catherine Breillat, "Abus de faiblesse" tells the story of Maud (Isabelle Huppert), a filmmaker who suffers a stroke and becomes infatuated with a charismatic con artist named Vilko (Kool Shen). Despite warnings from friends and family, Maud embarks on a tumultuous relationship with Vilko, leading to a devastating financial and emotional betrayal.

Why you should watch it: Isabelle Huppert delivers a tour-de-force performance, capturing the vulnerability and complexity of her character. The film's exploration of power dynamics and manipulation makes it a compelling and thought-provoking drama.

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3. "Un Divan à New York" (1996) - Starring Juliette Binoche

In "Un Divan à New York," Juliette Binoche portrays Beatrice Saulnier, a French dancer who impulsively decides to swap apartments with an American psychoanalyst named Henry Harriston (William Hurt) for a change of scenery. As Beatrice navigates life in New York City, she forms an unexpected bond with Henry's patients and discovers a newfound sense of freedom and liberation.

Why you should watch it: Juliette Binoche's luminous performance infuses this English and French-speaking film with warmth and charm, while the transatlantic exchange of cultures offers a refreshing perspective on love and identity. Read more: Juliette Binoche's top 10 movies!

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4. "La fidélité" (2000) - Starring Sophie Marceau

Directed by Andrzej Żuławski, "La fidélité" centers on Clélia (Sophie Marceau), a successful businesswoman who becomes entangled in a passionate affair with her boss, Pascal (Pascal Greggory). As their relationship intensifies, Clélia grapples with feelings of desire and betrayal, ultimately questioning the nature of fidelity and love.

Why you should watch it: Sophie Marceau delivers a captivating performance, portraying Clélia's emotional turmoil with raw intensity. It is not your usual rom-com, but a fascinating drama.

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5. "Gueule d'ange" (2018) - Starring Marion Cotillard

In "Gueule d'ange," Marion Cotillard stars as Marlène, a troubled mother who struggles to provide a stable home for her young daughter Elli (Ayline Aksoy-Etaix). As Marlène grapples with her own demons, Elli finds solace in the companionship of a mysterious stranger named Julien (Alban Lenoir), leading to unforeseen consequences.

Why you should watch it: Like you never saw her before, Marion Cotillard delivers a haunting and emotionally resonant performance, capturing the complexities of motherhood and sacrifice. The film's poignant exploration of trauma and redemption makes it a compelling and unforgettable cinematic experience.

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6. "J'irais où tu iras" (2019) - Starring Géraldine Nakache and Leïla Bekhti

Directed by Géraldine Nakache, "J'irais où tu iras" follows the journey of two estranged sisters, Vali (Géraldine Nakache) and Mina (Leïla Bekhti), who are brought together by unforeseen circumstances. As they embark on a road trip across France to fulfill their late father's final wish, Vali and Mina confront long-buried resentments and forge a deeper bond.

Why you should watch it: Géraldine Nakache and Leïla Bekhti are the power duo of French comedies! All of their films are box-office hits as they always infuse the film with humor, heart, and poignancy. 

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7. "Pieds nus sur les limaces" (2010) - Starring Ludivine Sagnier

"Pieds nus sur les limaces," directed by Fabienne Berthaud, follows the lives of two sisters, Lily (Ludivine Sagnier) and Clara (Diane Kruger), who reside in a secluded countryside mansion. When tragedy strikes, their idyllic existence is shattered, forcing them to confront painful secrets and confront their inner demons.

Why you should watch it: Ludivine Sagnier would have been a perfect actress for the French New Wave. Her natural charisma and nonchalance are a joy to watch. In this French movie, she brings depth and complexity to the film's atmospheric cinematography and haunting score, creating a hauntingly beautiful portrait of sisterhood and resilience.

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8. "Étoile sans lumière" (1946) - Starring Édith Piaf

Directed by Marcel Blistène, "Étoile sans lumière" stars legendary French singer Édith Piaf as herself in a fictionalized account of her rise to stardom. The film follows Piaf's journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim, highlighting the personal and professional challenges she faces along the way.

Why you should watch it: Édith Piaf's electrifying presence and soulful performances elevate "Étoile sans lumière" into classic. The film offers a captivating glimpse into the life of one of France's most iconic musical talents. We can only imagine what would have been her collaboration with musical's genius Jacques Demy, director of The Umbrella of Cherbourg with Catherine Deneuve.

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9. "Déchainées" (2009) - Starring Adèle Haenel

In "Déchainées", a TV intern (Adèle Haenel) discovers a lookalike in archival footage about the local women's-lib movement in the 1970s. Her family's resistance to the matter convinces Lucy that a secret lurks behind this mysterious double, and she sets out to find the woman. She slowly finds out that her doppelganger, Genevieve, was an infamous feminist and abortion activist and could be her real grandmother. Why did Genevieve disappear? Why was she scratched from her family's history? Why did she abandon Lucy's mother?

Why you should watch it: Adèle Haenel delivers a compelling and emotionally resonant performance, infusing her character with a sense of determination and vulnerability. The film's poignant exploration of ancestry and self-discovery elevate "Déchainées" into one of the French films with Adèle Haenel, along with Céline Sciamma's Portrait of a Lady on Fire.

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10. "Travaux, on sait quand ça commence" (1992) - Starring Carole Bouquet

Directed by Brigitte Roüan, "Travaux, on sait quand ça commence" follows the tumultuous journey of Marie-Pierre (Carole Bouquet), a successful architect who finds herself navigating the complexities of love and career. When Marie-Pierre's relationship with her partner François (Philippe Noiret) begins to falter, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting her fears and embracing new opportunities.

Why you should watch it: Carole Bouquet's comedic timing and sarcasm is at perfect use in this comedy about love and ambition.

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Now you know that French cinema isn't just Jules et Jim, Amour and Amélie! So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and immerse yourself in the captivating world of French cinema available for streaming on TV5MONDEplus.