Want to learn French while being entertained? Netflix is packed with French films, dramas, thrillers, and comedies that make language learning not just effective, but fun. Whether you’re a beginner using English subtitles or an advanced learner practicing with French ones, streaming authentic content is one of the best ways to absorb the rhythms of the French language.
Below, we’ve selected some of the best French movies and shows currently on Netflix. Each one gives you a different window into the language — from Parisian slang to 18th-century elegance, from family comedies to dark thrillers. Along the way, we’ll point out useful tips and cultural notes to help you get the most out of your Netflix sessions.
Why Netflix is a Great Tool for Learning French
Watching French films isn’t just about memorizing vocabulary — it’s about hearing how real people speak. You’ll notice intonation, slang, accents, and cultural quirks that no textbook could teach you.
Some tips before you start:
- Begin with subtitles: Start with English subtitles if you’re a beginner, then switch to French subtitles as you progress.
- Repeat scenes: Comedy and dialogue-heavy films are perfect for replaying. You’ll notice new expressions each time.
- Take notes: Keep a small notebook for new words or idiomatic expressions.
- Listen for accents: Parisian French isn’t the only variety — listening to actors from different regions will help you understand real-life conversations.
Family Pack (Loups-garous) — Learning French with Kids
This light-hearted family comedy is a great choice if you’re learning French with your children or just starting out. The vocabulary is simple, the humor is visual, and the actors enunciate clearly.
Learner tip: Kids’ films are an underrated tool for beginners. Pause when you hear a repeated word — like maman (mom), papa (dad), or jouer (to play) — and repeat it aloud.
Cultural note: French family comedies often revolve around quirky situations and exaggerated characters, making them entertaining without being linguistically overwhelming.
Astérix & Obélix: The Middle Kingdom (Astérix et Obélix : L’Empire du Milieu) — Classic French Humor
Astérix and Obélix are legendary French comic book characters who have been adapted into countless films. Their adventures are filled with cultural puns, playful wordplay, and witty one-liners. This Netflix film is an ideal entry into French humor, which often relies on clever dialogue rather than slapstick.
Learner tip: Watch with French subtitles — you’ll pick up on the playfulness of the language, especially the invented words and wordplay that are unique to Astérix’s world.
Vocabulary to note: Gaulois (Gauls), empire (empire), ennemi (enemy).
Dangerous Liaisons (Les Liaisons Dangereuses, 2022) — Teen Slang and Modern Drama
Rachel Suissa’s modern retelling of the classic novel is set among French teenagers in Biarritz. It’s full of contemporary slang, text-message French, and teen banter — perfect if you want to hear how young people in France actually speak today.
Learner tip: This film is great for learners who already know some everyday French but want to update their vocabulary to modern expressions. Keep an ear out for words like kiffer (to like/love), mec (guy), and meuf (girl).
Cultural note: Slang evolves quickly in France, and Netflix is one of the easiest ways to stay up to date.
Nothing to Hide (Le Jeu) — A Very “Bavard” French Comedy
This witty comedy takes place almost entirely around a dinner table, where friends agree to share every text message they receive for one evening. The result? Rapid-fire conversations, arguments, and plenty of idioms. It’s a perfect example of how the French love a good debate at the dinner table.
Learner tip: Because the film is so dialogue-heavy, it’s ideal for intermediate and advanced learners. Try shadowing (repeating aloud in real-time) one of the conversations to practice fluency.
Vocabulary to note: portable (cell phone), mensonge (lie), trahison (betrayal).
Dear Mother (L’Origine du monde) — Clear French with Laurent Lafitte
Laurent Lafitte, a member of the prestigious Comédie-Française, is known for his impeccable diction. In this quirky dark comedy, his clear pronunciation makes it easier to follow the dialogue. Even advanced learners will benefit from hearing French delivered so cleanly.
Learner tip: Repeat after Lafitte’s lines — his speech is close to “textbook” French, perfect for improving your accent.
Cultural note: The Comédie-Française is one of the oldest active theaters in the world and a guardian of the French language. Watching an actor from this institution is like having a pronunciation teacher on screen.
Lady J (Mademoiselle de Joncquières) — Elegant 18th-Century French
This period drama transports viewers to 18th-century France, where formal language and elaborate phrasing were the norm. While it may be challenging, it’s also a fascinating way to hear French at its most elegant.
Learner tip: Treat this like listening practice rather than vocabulary building. Pay attention to the rhythm and cadence of formal French speech.
Vocabulary to note: monsieur, madame, marquise, vengeance, trahison.
Stuck Together (8 Rue de l’Humanité) — Everyday French in Paris
Set during lockdown in a single Paris apartment building, this ensemble comedy offers a crash course in everyday French. The film is full of quick exchanges between neighbors — perfect for picking up daily expressions and the flow of casual conversation.
Learner tip: Keep an ear out for filler words like ben or bah that don’t translate directly but are common in spoken French.
Cultural note: French comedies often reflect real social situations — here, the pandemic becomes a backdrop for exploring how Parisians interact in close quarters.
Under Paris (Sous la Seine) — Thrills with a Parisian Accent
This action-thriller about a shark in the Seine River combines suspense with a heavy dose of Parisian French. The accents are urban and fast-paced, which makes it a good challenge for learners aiming to train their ear.
Learner tip: Don’t worry if you don’t catch every word in thrillers — focus on tone and repeated phrases. Subtitles will help you bridge the gap.
Vocabulary to note: danger, policier, enquête, attaque.
I Am Not an Easy Man (Je ne suis pas un homme facile) — Parisian Comedy and Social Satire
This satirical comedy flips gender roles, placing a chauvinistic man into a world where women hold all the power. It’s witty, sharp, and full of Parisian slang.
Learner tip: Comedies are perfect for catching colloquial expressions. Write down a few phrases that make you laugh — you’re more likely to remember them.
Cultural note: Satire is a cornerstone of French cinema. This film is both a comedy and a playful critique of gender norms in modern Paris.
Tips for Learning French with Netflix
- Start with English subtitles, then switch to French as you gain confidence.
- Rewatch comedies — their quick dialogue helps you catch idiomatic expressions.
- Use the pause button: stop and repeat sentences aloud.
- Don’t focus only on vocabulary — pay attention to rhythm, intonation, and body language.
Final Thoughts
Learning French doesn’t have to feel like studying. By diving into French films and TV shows on Netflix, you’ll hear real speech, discover cultural nuances, and experience the richness of French cinema. Whether you’re watching Astérix with kids, laughing through a Parisian dinner in Nothing to Hide, or savoring the elegance of Lady J, each film offers a different way to learn.
So next time you open Netflix, switch on a French film, turn on the subtitles, and let the language come to you.
Mini Glossary: Useful Phrases from Netflix French Films
- Kiffer – To like or love (teen slang, from Dangerous Liaisons)
- Mec / Meuf – Guy / Girl (informal, modern French)
- Mensonge – Lie (Nothing to Hide)
- Portable – Cell phone (Nothing to Hide)
- Ben / Bah – Filler words often used in casual French (Stuck Together)
- Marquise – Marchioness, noble title (Lady J)
- Vengeance / Trahison – Revenge / Betrayal (Lady J, Nothing to Hide)
- Gaulois – The Gauls, iconic ancestors in French culture (Astérix & Obélix)
FAQ: Learning French with Netflix
Yes — while it won’t replace structured study, Netflix is an excellent immersion tool. You’ll absorb pronunciation, rhythm, slang, and cultural references naturally.
If you’re a beginner, start with English subtitles. Once you’re comfortable, switch to French subtitles — this bridges the gap between listening and reading.
You can start at any level. Kids’ films like Family Pack are perfect for beginners, while advanced learners can challenge themselves with Lady J or Nothing to Hide.
Comedies often use colloquial language and slang, while dramas are better for clear diction and formal speech. Mix both for the best results.
I Am Not an Easy Man and Stuck Together are excellent choices to hear modern Parisian accents and everyday slang.
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