When it comes to French horror, Netflix offers a small but spine-chilling selection of movies and TV shows that prove France knows how to do terror right.
From supernatural witches and vampires to claustrophobic nightmares and psychological puzzles, these French horror movies on Netflix deliver all the thrills and chills you could ask for. If you’ve been captivated by the likes of Stranger Things or loved The Substance by French director Coralie Fargeat (Read our review), and are craving something darker and uniquely French, you’re in the right place. So let’s explore the best French horror titles currently available on Netflix. From the terrifying series Marianne to haunting films like Oxygen (Oxygène) and The Lost Patient (Le Patient). Plus, we’ll uncover the sinister underworld of Paris in Under Paris (Sous la Seine) and delve into teen dramas with a supernatural twist like Mortel and Vampires. Let’s dive into the nightmare.
The best French horror on Netflix: Marianne
Marianne centers on Emma, a successful but troubled horror novelist who has built her career around a chilling character: a vengeful witch named Marianne. Emma’s books have become bestsellers, but her success comes with a price. Haunted by terrifying nightmares of Marianne since her teenage years, Emma’s reality begins to unravel when she realizes that the events in her books might not be fictional after all.
The series begins with Emma returning to her hometown, Elden, at the request of her childhood friend Caroline (Tiphaine Daviot). What she discovers there is beyond anything she could have imagined. Marianne, the witch she thought she had invented, is real and wreaking havoc on those closest to her.
For the fans of Stephen King
The cast delivers powerhouse performances that elevate the show’s sinister atmosphere. Victoire Du Bois shines as Emma, portraying her as a complex mix of defiance and vulnerability. Tiphaine Daviot brings warmth and depth to Caroline, while Lucie Boujenah as Camille and Mehdi Meskar as Tonio round out the ensemble with compelling performances. The show also features Mireille Herbstmeyer as Madame Daugeron, a character so chilling that her mere presence on screen is enough to send shivers down your spine.
The cinematography of Samuel Bodin is hauntingly beautiful, with the eerie coastal setting of Elden serving as the perfect backdrop for the unfolding terror. Bodin’s direction ensures that every jump scare and quiet moment of unease is earned, making Marianne a standout in the world of horror series.
Critics and fans alike have praised Marianne for its gripping narrative, atmospheric tension, and stellar performances. Many have compared it to the best of Stephen King’s works, citing its ability to make the supernatural feel disturbingly real. Unfortunately, despite its critical acclaim and devoted fanbase, Netflix canceled plans for a second season, leaving viewers yearning for more. Still, the first season’s eight episodes offer a complete and satisfying story that stands as a testament to the power of French horror.
The best French horror movie on Netflix: Oxygen (Oxygène)
Directed by Alexandre Aja, the mind behind hits like Crawl and The Hills Have Eyes, Oxygen (Oxygène) is a breathless, claustrophobic thriller that keeps you on edge from start to finish. Starring Mélanie Laurent, this French horror film follows a woman who wakes up in a high-tech cryogenic chamber with no memory of how she got there. As the oxygen levels plummet, she must unravel the mystery of her predicament to survive.
The film’s tightly controlled setting and Laurent’s riveting performance make for a uniquely terrifying experience. Critics praised its inventive storytelling and Aja’s masterful direction, cementing Oxygen as one of the most compelling French thrillers on Netflix.
The Lost Patient (Le Patient): A Psychological Puzzle
Directed by Christophe Charrier, The Lost Patient (Le Patient) is a gripping psychological thriller that delves deep into memory, trauma, and the real-world horrors of the mind. The story follows Thomas Grimaud, a young man who wakes up from a coma with no recollection of the night his family was murdered. As he pieces together the fragments of his memory with the help of his therapist, Mireille (Clotilde Hesme), chilling revelations come to light.
The film’s moody cinematography and taut narrative keep viewers guessing until the very end. Featuring standout performances by Txomin Vergez as Thomas and Clotilde Hesme, this film is a must-watch for fans of French horrorwho love psychological depth.
Under Paris (Sous la Seine): Sharks Lurking Beneath the City
Dive into the murky waters of Under Paris (Sous la Seine), a suspenseful French horror thriller that brings terror to the very heart of the City of Light. Directed by Xavier Gens, this chilling film stars the talented Bérénice Béjo (The Artist) as marine biologist Claire, who is called in to investigate mysterious shark attacks occurring beneath the Seine as a triathlon is set to happen. Yes, you read that right—sharks in the Parisian waterways.
Critics have praised the film for its unique premise and Béjo’s gripping performance, with many highlighting the underwater sequences as both breathtaking and terrifying. If you’re a fan of shark-infused horror like Jaws or The Shallows, Under Paris offers a fresh and haunting twist that will leave you thinking twice about the safety of city waters.
Read our article on the French movies on Netflix set in Paris
Vampires (2020): A Bloody Family Drama
Who says vampires are out of style? The French horror series Vampires (2020) brings a modern twist to the age-old myth. Created by Benjamin Dupas and Isaure Pisani-Ferry, the show centers around the mysterious Doman family, who are struggling to balance their vampiric nature with the demands of living in modern Paris.
The series stars Oulaya Amamra as Doina, a teenager grappling with her half-human, half-vampire identity, and Suzanne Clément as her overprotective mother. With its mix of family drama, supernatural elements, and sharp social commentary, Vampires is a refreshing take on the genre.
Mortel (2019): Supernatural Powers, Real-World Struggles
Mortel (2019) combines supernatural horror with gritty teen drama. The story follows Sofiane, Victor, and Luisa, three high schoolers who gain mysterious powers after making a pact with a voodoo spirit. Directed by Frédéric Garcia, the series explores themes of revenge, friendship, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
Starring Carl Malapa, Némo Schiffman, and Manon Bresch, Mortel has been praised for its unique premise and diverse cast. The show’s vibrant energy and haunting undertones make it a standout horror series on Netflix.
France’s Haunting Legacy in Horror
While the selection of French horror films and TV shows on Netflix may be limited, the few available titles pack a punch. Over the years, France has solidified its reputation as a hub for boundary-pushing horror with films like Raw (Grave), The Substance, Revenge, Titane, and many others that continue to shock and amaze audiences worldwide.
If you’re still craving more terrifying tales, head over to The FrenchFlicks for a curated selection of French films to stream for free. Whether you’re into witches, vampires, or psychological puzzles, the world of French horror has something for everyone.
Leave a Reply