Last Updated on 18 May 2025 by frenchflicks
In honor of the glitz and glamour of the Cannes Film Festival, we’re celebrating French cinema’s festival-worthy charm, all available to stream at your fingertips on TV5MONDE.
From acclaimed Cannes films to prestigious award nominees, we’ve curated a list of 15 French movies that have been honored on the international stage. These films bring the magic of red carpets and award shows straight to your living room. Let’s dive into this exclusive selection and bring the festival to you!
1. Les Harkis
Streaming on TV5MONDEplus beginning May 7
A gripping drama about a group of impoverished Algerian men during the Algerian War, who join the French Army, only to face the emotional and political repercussions of their decision.
Director: Philippe Faucon (France, 2022)
Cast: Théo Cholbi, Omar Boulakirba, Pierre Lottin
Genre: Drama
Awards: Cannes Director’s Fortnight Official Selection (2022)
2. Peaux de vaches
Now streaming on TV5MONDEplus
Two brothers, a family farm gone up in flames, and a tragic death that lingers. The elder brother shoulders the blame, but when he returns ten years later, it’s unclear whether revenge or reconciliation is on his mind.
Director: Patricia Mazuy (France, 1989)
Cast: Sandrine Bonnaire, Jean-François Stévenin, Jacques Spiesser, Salomé Stévenin
Genre: Drama
Awards: Cannes Un Certain Regard Official Selection, César Award Best First Work Nominee
3. Une aussi longue absence
Live on TV5MONDE May 6 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
In this heartbreaking drama, Thérèse Langlois tracks down a mysterious man who may be her long-lost husband, lost during WWII. But the man is suffering from amnesia, and she’s left to piece together the past.
Director: Henri Colpi (France, Italy, 1960)
Cast: Alida Valli, Georges Wilson, Charles Blavette
Genre: Drama
Awards: Cannes Palme d’Or Winner (1961)
4. Dalva
Live on TV5MONDE May 11 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
A young girl’s life is upended when she is placed in a hostel after being taken from her father. Dalva struggles to understand her trauma while navigating the harsh reality she faces.
Director: Emmanuelle Nicot (Belgium, France, 2022)
Cast: Zelda Samson, Alexis Manenti, Fanta Guirassi, Marie Denarnaud
Genre: Drama
Awards: Cannes Louis Roederer Foundation Rising Star Award (2022)
5. Les pires
Live on TV5MONDE May 17 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
A film crew arrives in a rundown suburb, where four teenagers are chosen to star in a film about their lives. But their real-world struggles leave them grappling with both fame and their fractured lives.
Directors: Lise Akoka, Romane Guéret (France, 2021)
Cast: Mallory Wanecques, Timéo Mahaut, Loïc Pech
Genre: Drama
Awards: Cannes A Certain Regard Winner (2022)
6. Un petit frère
Streaming on TV5MONDEplus beginning May 7
Live on TV5MONDE May 15 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT and Friday, May 23, 11:30pm
Set against the backdrop of immigration and family dynamics, this story follows a single mother in France who struggles to provide for her two sons as they try to integrate into society.
Director: Léonor Serraille (France, 2022)
Cast: Annabelle Lengronne, Stéphane Bak, Ahmed Sylla
Genre: Drama
Awards: Cannes Palme d’Or Nominee (2022)
7. Roubaix, une lumière
Live on TV5MONDE May 20 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
A murder mystery in Roubaix, as detectives investigate a Christmas Eve killing with troubling connections to the community.
Director: Arnaud Desplechin (France, 2019)
Cast: Roschdy Zem, Léa Seydoux, Sara Forestier, Antoine Reinartz
Genre: Thriller
Awards: Cannes Palme d’Or Nominee (2019)
8. Yeelen la lumière — May 29 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
A fantastical tale from Mali, where a gifted young man seeks to confront his powerful father, a sorcerer, on a spiritual and mystical journey.
Director: Souleymane Cissé (Mali, 1987)
Cast: Issiaka Kane, Aoua Sangare, Niamanto Sanogo
Genre: Drama, fantasy
Awards: Cannes Jury Prize (1987)
9. Trois souvenirs de ma jeunesse
Streaming on TV5MONDEplus beginning May 7
Reflecting on his youth, Paul confronts past loves, betrayals, and the wild adventures that shaped him.
Director: Arnaud Desplechin (France, 2015)
Cast: Quentin Dolmaire, Lou Roy-Lecollinet, Mathieu Amalric
Genre: Drama, romance
Awards: Cannes Directors’ Fortnight Winner (2015)
10. Chouf
Streaming on TV5MONDEplus beginning May 7
A young man seeks revenge after his brother is murdered, entering the dangerous drug world in Marseille.
Director: Karim Dridi (France, 2016)
Cast: Sofian Khammes, Foued Nabba, Oussama Abdul Aal
Genre: Crime, drama
Awards: Cannes Official Selection (2016)
11. Americano
A Parisian returns to Los Angeles to handle his late mother’s affairs, facing his own personal battles along the way.
Director: Mathieu Demy (2011)
Cast: Mathieu Demy, Salma Hayek, Géraldine Chaplin
Genre: Drama
Awards: San Sebastián International Film Festival Nominee
12. Les âmes sœurs
A French lieutenant recovering from a traumatic attack in Mali must reconcile with his past while facing emotional and physical healing.
Director: André Téchiné (2023)
Cast: Noémie Merlant, Benjamin Voisin, Audrey Dana
Genre: Drama
Awards: Tübingen | Stuttgart International French-language Film Festival Selection
13. Les amants réguliers
A poignant story of two young lovers in 1969, grappling with youth, love, and personal transformation.
Director: Philippe Garrel (France, 2005)
Cast: Louis Garrel, Clotilde Hesme, Julien Lucas
Genre: Drama
Awards: César Awards Most Promising Actor (2006)
14. Juste une mise au point
A fascinating documentary series profiling iconic French filmmakers, from Baya Kasmi to Coline Serreau, offering insights into their careers and cinematic impact.
Director: Raphaëlle Catteau, Sébastien Labadie (France, 2022-2023)
Genre: Documentary
15. Romy Schneider, face à son destin —
Now streaming on TV5MONDEplus and live on TV5MONDE May 21 at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
A look at the life and legacy of Romy Schneider, delving deep into her journey from screen icon to tragic figure.
Director: Sophie Agacinski (France, 2023)
Genre: Documentary
When is 2025 the Cannes Film Festival?
As the 78th Cannes Film Festival unfolds from May 13 to 24, 2025, the world of cinema turns its gaze to the French Riviera, where the red carpet is once again the stage for cinematic excellence. Under the discerning eye of Jury President Juliette Binoche, a diverse panel—including Halle Berry, Jeremy Strong, Payal Kapadia, and Carlos Reygadas—will deliberate over a lineup that spans genres, geographies, and generations.
This year’s competition is a tapestry of storytelling: Wes Anderson’s “The Phoenician Scheme” promises his signature whimsy; Ari Aster’s “Eddington” ventures into western comedy; Julia Ducournau returns with the anticipated “Alpha”; and Richard Linklater’s “Nouvelle Vague” offers a French-language exploration of cinematic themes. Notably, Scarlett Johansson makes her directorial debut with “Eleanor the Great,” featured in the Un Certain Regard section.
Beyond the premieres and paparazzi, Cannes remains a crucible for recognizing talent—be it through the prestigious Palme d’Or, the Caméra d’Or for best debut, or the Cinéfondation selections spotlighting emerging filmmakers. The festival’s commitment to independent cinema and its celebration of both actor and actress performances continue to set the benchmark for global film festivals.
Where to watch the red carpet of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in America?
For audiences in the U.S., TV5MONDE USA brings the glamour of Cannes directly to your living room. Tune in to experience the red carpet arrivals, exclusive interviews, and the electric atmosphere that only the Festival de Cannes can offer.
Whether you’re drawn to the allure of the Croisette, the anticipation of award announcements, or the discovery of groundbreaking cinema, Cannes 2025 reaffirms its status as the pinnacle of the film festival circuit.
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