19 Best Alain Delon Movies: The Enigmatic Presence of a French Film Great

Alain Delon was a French actor and one of the most recognizable faces of international cinema. Born in 1935, he began his acting career in the 1950s and quickly rose to fame for his intense performances and striking good looks. He died in August 2024 at the age of 88.

He appeared in over 80 films throughout his career, including many classic works of French and international cinema.

Best Alain Delon Movies

We’ll explore some of the best Alain Delon movies, from his early breakout roles to his iconic collaborations with great directors.

Every film in this guide

1. Le Samouraï (1967)

Le Samouraï is a French crime drama film released in 1967, directed and written by Jean-Pierre Melville. The movie stars Alain Delon in the lead role, with supporting performances from François Périer and Nathalie Delon.

Set in Paris, the film tells the story of Jef Costello (played by Alain Delon), a hitman who is meticulous and methodical in his work.

After carrying out a hit, he finds himself pursued by the police and forced to rely on his wits and instincts to evade capture. Along the way, he begins to question his own identity and place in the world, leading to a dramatic and unforgettable conclusion.

Le Samouraï is widely regarded as a masterpiece of French cinema, known for its spare and stylish direction, intense atmosphere, and iconic performances.

The movie has been praised for its use of silence, minimalist storytelling, and innovative cinematography, as well as its exploration of themes of honor, loyalty, and betrayal.

The film has had a significant influence on the crime genre, with many filmmakers and critics citing it as a major influence on later works such as Drive and The American.

Its legacy has only grown in the decades since its release, with Le Samouraï continuing to captivate audiences with its timeless blend of style and substance.

2. Purple Noon (1960)

Purple Noon (original title: Plein Soleil) is a 1960 French-Italian crime thriller film directed by René Clément, based on the 1955 novel The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith.

The film stars Alain Delon as Tom Ripley, a charming and sociopathic con artist who travels to Italy to persuade his wealthy friend Philippe (Maurice Ronet) to return to the United States.

As Tom ingratiates himself into Philippe’s life, he becomes obsessed with Philippe’s wealth and glamorous lifestyle, and starts to develop a dangerous and manipulative plan to take over Philippe’s life.

The film explores themes of identity, deception, and the allure of wealth and luxury.

Purple Noon was a critical and commercial success, and is now considered a classic of French cinema. Delon’s performance as Tom Ripley has been widely praised, and the film is often cited as one of the best adaptations of Highsmith’s novel.

The film’s depiction of the Mediterranean coast and its luxurious villas has also become iconic, and has inspired numerous imitations in popular culture.

In 1999, a Hollywood adaptation of the novel, also titled The Talented Mr. Ripley, was released, starring Matt Damon as Tom Ripley and directed by Anthony Minghella.

However, many still consider Purple Noon to be the definitive adaptation of the novel, and a masterpiece of French cinema.

If you like Alain Delon’s performances, on our sister site AuteurGraph we have a profile page, a visual film timeline, and a ratings page that gives a tonne of info and data about their career in a visualized form.

3. Le battant (1983)

Le Battant is a 1983 French crime-thriller film directed by Alain Delon and starring Delon himself in the lead role.

The film tells the story of Jacques Darnay (Delon), a retired safecracker who is forced to come out of retirement when his friend is killed by a gang of criminals.

Darnay sets out to avenge his friend’s death and take down the criminal organization responsible, while also trying to protect his girlfriend (played by Carla Romanelli) and avoid being caught by the police.

The film is known for its suspenseful plot, stylish cinematography, and Delon’s cool and suave performance as the charismatic anti-hero. It was a commercial success in France and helped further cement Delon’s status as a leading figure in French cinema.

4. Rocco and His Brothers (1960)

Rocco and His Brothers (original title: Rocco e i suoi fratelli) is a 1960 Italian drama film directed by Luchino Visconti.

The movie stars Alain Delon and Annie Girardot, among others, and tells the story of a family of five brothers who move from rural Southern Italy to the industrial North in search of a better life.

The film follows the family as they struggle to adapt to the fast-paced, competitive city life. Rocco (Delon), the third of five brothers, is the most sensitive and vulnerable of the siblings, and becomes embroiled in a complicated love triangle with his brother’s girlfriend, Nadia (Girardot).

Rocco and His Brothers is a powerful and emotionally charged drama that explores themes such as family, migration, and the challenges of urbanization.

The film is known for its vivid portrayal of the Italian landscape and society of the time, as well as its poignant performances and striking cinematography.

The movie was highly acclaimed upon its release, and has since become a classic of Italian cinema. Its influence can be seen in the work of many subsequent filmmakers, both in Italy and around the world.

Rocco and His Brothers is a must-watch for fans of Italian cinema and powerful family dramas.

5. Mr. Klein (1976)

Mr. Klein is a French drama film released in 1976, directed by Joseph Losey and starring Alain Delon, Jeanne Moreau, and Francine Bergé.

The film is set in Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II and tells the story of Robert Klein (Alain Delon), a wealthy art dealer who becomes embroiled in a mystery when he receives a Jewish newspaper addressed to him.

As Klein investigates the matter, he becomes increasingly paranoid and obsessed, convinced that he is being mistaken for a Jewish man with the same name who is wanted by the Gestapo.

As the story unfolds, Klein is forced to confront the reality of his own complicity in the Nazi regime, and the devastating consequences of his actions.

Along the way, he becomes involved with a number of other characters, including a young woman named Florence (Jeanne Moreau) and a Jewish man named Nagel (Michel Lonsdale).

Mr. Klein is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of identity, guilt, and complicity in the face of fascism. Alain Delon delivers a memorable performance as Klein, capturing the character’s descent into paranoia and madness.

The film has been praised for its intelligent and nuanced portrayal of a dark chapter in French history, and its commentary on the human capacity for denial and self-deception.

6. Le Cercle Rouge (1970)

Le Cercle Rouge is a 1970 French crime film directed by Jean-Pierre Melville and starring Alain Delon, Gian Maria Volontè, and Yves Montand.

The film follows the story of a recently released convict named Corey (Delon), who teams up with a former police officer named Jansen (Montand) and a sharpshooter named Vogel (Volontè) to pull off a daring jewelry heist.

As the three men plan and execute the heist, they face a series of challenges and obstacles that test their loyalty and trust in each other.

The film explores themes of crime, justice, and morality, and is noted for its stylish cinematography, sparse dialogue, and minimalist approach to storytelling.

Delon delivers a strong and charismatic performance as Corey, while Montand and Volontè bring depth and complexity to their respective roles. Melville’s direction is praised for its masterful use of suspense and tension, with the heist scene in particular considered a standout moment in the film.

Le Cercle Rouge is widely regarded as one of the greatest crime films ever made and a classic of French cinema. It has influenced many subsequent films and remains a powerful and memorable work that continues to captivate audiences to this day.

7. The Sicilian Clan (1969)

The Sicilian Clan is a 1969 crime film directed by Henri Verneuil, in which Alain Delon plays the role of a young and ambitious criminal named Roger Sartet.

The film also stars Jean Gabin and Lino Ventura and follows the story of a family of Sicilian gangsters who plan a daring heist on a jewelry store in Paris.

Delon’s performance as Sartet is one of the highlights of the film, as he brings a sense of cool confidence and charisma to the role of a criminal mastermind.

His chemistry with the other members of the cast, particularly Gabin and Ventura, adds depth and nuance to the complex relationships between the characters.

Overall, The Sicilian Clan is a classic heist film that showcases the talents of its talented cast and director.

Delon’s appearance in the film helped cement his reputation as one of the most popular and talented actors of his generation, and the film remains a beloved work of French cinema to this day.

8. La Piscine (1969)

La Piscine is a French-Italian drama film released in 1969, directed by Jacques Deray and written by Jean-Claude Carrière. The movie stars Alain Delon, Romy Schneider, Maurice Ronet, and Jane Birkin.

Set in the French Riviera, the film tells the story of a love triangle between a wealthy couple, Jean-Paul and Marianne (played by Alain Delon and Romy Schneider), and their friend Harry (played by Maurice Ronet).

The tension between the characters escalates as they spend their days lounging by the pool and enjoying the luxurious lifestyle, leading to a dramatic and tragic conclusion.

La Piscine is known for its sumptuous visuals, striking cinematography, and intense performances, particularly from Delon and Schneider.

The film has been praised for its exploration of themes of desire, jealousy, and class conflict, as well as its commentary on the decadence and ennui of the French bourgeoisie.

The movie was a commercial and critical success, and it helped to establish Alain Delon and Romy Schneider as two of the most iconic actors of their generation.

La Piscine remains a beloved classic of French cinema, and it continues to be celebrated for its captivating storytelling and timeless style.

9. Boomerang (1976)

Boomerang (Comme un boomerang, 1976) is a French-Italian crime drama directed by José Giovanni and starring Alain Delon—not the American Boomerang! courtroom thriller.

Delon plays Jacques Batkin, a prosperous businessman whose criminal past resurfaces when his teenage son kills a policeman while under the influence of drugs. Batkin will do almost anything to save the boy—pressuring the widow, hunting the dealers—only to find his old life bouncing back on him. Carla Gravina and Charles Vanel co-star.

Giovanni’s tough moral thriller gives Delon a father-in-crisis role that trades cool hitman glamour for guilt, class judgment, and desperate loyalty.

10. Any Number Can Win (1963)

Any Number Can Win (original title: “Mélodie en sous-sol”) is a 1963 French crime film directed by Henri Verneuil and starring Jean Gabin, Alain Delon, and Viviane Romance.

The film follows Charles (Gabin), an aging thief who plans a heist on a casino with the help of a younger accomplice named Francis (Delon).

The two men must navigate their differences in age, personality, and style, while also dealing with unexpected obstacles and the risk of getting caught by the police.

The film is known for its suspenseful plot, clever twists, and strong performances by its cast, particularly Gabin and Delon.

It was a critical and commercial success in France and helped establish Delon as a rising star of French cinema. The film was later remade in Hollywood as The Good Thief (2002) starring Nick Nolte.

11. Two Men in Town (1973)

Two Men in Town (original title: Deux hommes dans la ville) is a 1973 French-Algerian crime drama directed by José Giovanni.

The movie stars Alain Delon and Jean Gabin in the lead roles, and tells the story of a former criminal, Gino (Delon), who is released from prison and tries to start a new life.

However, he is constantly hounded by a police inspector, Germain (Gabin), who believes that Gino will inevitably return to a life of crime.

The film explores themes such as redemption, justice, and the possibility of change. As Gino struggles to adjust to life outside of prison, he faces many challenges and setbacks, including pressure from his old criminal associates and a lack of support from society.

Germain, meanwhile, is torn between his duty as a police officer and his sympathy for Gino’s situation.

Two Men in Town is a gritty and powerful crime drama that offers a nuanced and complex portrayal of its characters and themes. The movie is known for its strong performances, particularly from Delon and Gabin, as well as its intense and suspenseful sequences.

While the film was not a commercial success upon its release, it has since gained a reputation as a classic of French cinema.

Its influence can be seen in the work of many subsequent filmmakers, particularly those working in the crime and drama genres. Two Men in Town is a must-watch for fans of gritty crime dramas and powerful character studies.

12. The Black Tulip (1964)

The Black Tulip (La Tulipe noire) is a French adventure film released in 1964, directed by Christian-Jaque and starring Alain Delon, Virna Lisi, and Dawn Addams. It borrows the Dumas title but does not follow the novel’s Dutch horticulture plot.

Set in 1789 France, Delon plays twin aristocrats Guillaume and Julien de Saint Preux. Guillaume leads a double life as the masked bandit “the Black Tulip,” a Robin Hood figure to the peasantry. When Baron La Mouche scars him during a robbery and suspects his identity, Guillaume has the gentler Julien impersonate him—drawing Julien into romance, revolution, and the cost of Guillaume’s deception.

Black Tulip is a visually lush swashbuckler and a clear Delon star vehicle, with dual-role swordplay and period intrigue rather than a faithful Dumas adaptation.

Alain Delon delivers a solid dual performance as the twins. Overall, Black Tulip is an engaging adventure film for fans of classic French costume thrills.

13. Le retour de Casanova (1992)

“Le retour de Casanova” is a 1992 French period drama directed by Édouard Niermans and starring Alain Delon as the aging Giacomo Casanova, with Fabrice Luchini as his valet Camille and Elsa Lunghini as Marcolina.

Adapted from Arthur Schnitzler’s novella Casanova’s Homecoming, it follows Casanova as he wanders near Venice hoping for a pardon that will let him return home. Impoverished and past his prime, he becomes obsessed with Marcolina, whose rejection and the schemes around her young lover drive the film’s bitter romantic intrigue.

“Le retour de Casanova” is notable for its lavish production design and costumes. Delon delivers a charming and charismatic performance as Casanova, while Luchini’s Camille is a sharp comic foil.

While not as critically acclaimed as some of Delon’s other films, “Le retour de Casanova” remains an entertaining and enjoyable entry in the actor’s filmography.

14. The Widow Couderc (1971)

The Widow Couderc is a 1971 French drama film directed by Pierre Granier-Deferre, in which Alain Delon plays the role of Jean Lavigne, a young man who becomes romantically involved with a much older woman, the widow Couderc (Simone Signoret).

The film is set in the rural French countryside and explores themes of love, passion, and betrayal.

Delon’s performance in the film is praised for its nuance and sensitivity, as he portrays a complex character who is torn between his desire for the widow Couderc and the secrets of his own past.

His chemistry with Simone Signoret adds depth and emotion to the story.

The Widow Couderc is considered one of the best films of Alain Delon’s career, showcasing his range as an actor and his ability to convey powerful emotions through subtle gestures and expressions.

The film is a timeless classic of French cinema and a must-watch for fans of Delon and Signoret alike.

15. Cop’s Honor (1985)

Cop’s Honor (Parole de flic, 1985), directed by José Pinheiro and produced by and starring Alain Delon, is a French vigilante crime thriller—not an American buddy-cop picture with Timothy Dalton.

Delon plays Daniel Pratt, a former police officer living abroad who returns to Lyon after his daughter is murdered by a hooded gang. He hunts the killers one by one while colliding with old colleagues and a conspiracy that reaches into the force itself.

The film marked Delon’s return to hard action after more intimate roles, trading Melville cool for blunt, 1980s revenge mechanics and a star vehicle built around his weathered authority.

16. The Passage (1986)

The Passage (Le Passage, 1986) is a French supernatural thriller written and directed by René Manzor and starring Alain Delon—not J. Lee Thompson’s WWII refugee drama with Anthony Quinn.

Delon plays Jean Diaz, a once-famous animator living with his son after separating from his wife (Christine Boisson). After a fatal crash, Death offers Jean a bargain to save the boy: finish a violent film he abandoned years earlier. The deal turns into a fight to reclaim his son from a digital otherworld.

Odd, pulp-tinged, and driven by Delon’s haunted paternal intensity, Le Passage is one of his stranger late-career vehicles—and a commercial success in France.

17. Borsalino and Co. (1974)

Borsalino and Co. is a 1974 French-Italian crime film directed by Jacques Deray and starring Alain Delon and Riccardo Cucciolla.

The film is a sequel to the 1970 film Borsalino (in which Jean-Paul Belmondo played François Capella). Capella is already dead as this film opens; Roch Siffredi (Delon) hunts the Marseille gang that ordered the hit, led by Giovanni Volpone (Cucciolla), in a revenge-driven power struggle.

The film is known for its stylish portrayal of 1930s gangster culture, its impressive ensemble cast, and its action-packed scenes.

Although not as commercially successful as its predecessor, the film was still a box-office hit in France and helped further cement Delon’s status as a leading star of French cinema.

18. L’Eclisse (1962)

L’Eclisse is an Italian drama film released in 1962, directed by Michelangelo Antonioni and starring Monica Vitti, Alain Delon, and Francisco Rabal.

The film is set in Rome and tells the story of a young woman named Vittoria (Monica Vitti) who is experiencing a sense of disillusionment with her life and her relationship with her boyfriend, Riccardo (Francisco Rabal). When Vittoria meets a stockbroker named Piero (Alain Delon), the two begin a passionate and intense affair.

As the story unfolds, Vittoria and Piero are shown wandering through the empty and alienating streets of Rome, searching for meaning and connection in a world that seems to be increasingly fragmented and disconnected.

Eventually, the couple’s relationship begins to falter, leading to a poignant and bittersweet conclusion.

L’Eclisse is widely regarded as one of Antonioni’s masterpieces and is considered a classic of Italian cinema.

The film is notable for its innovative and influential cinematography, which makes extensive use of long takes, wide shots, and striking compositions to create a sense of emptiness and alienation.

The performances by Vitti, Delon, and Rabal are also widely praised, with each actor bringing a unique intensity and depth to their characters. Overall, L’Eclisse is a powerful and haunting meditation on the human condition, and a must-see for fans of Italian cinema.

19. No Way Out (1973)

No Way Out (Tony Arzenta, also released as Big Guns, 1973) is an Italian-French gangster film directed by Duccio Tessari and starring Alain Delon—not Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s 1950 race drama or any Virgil Tibbs picture.

Delon plays Milan hitman Tony Arzenta, who wants out of the mob. His bosses try to silence him and instead kill his wife and child; Tony answers with a cross-Europe campaign of revenge. Richard Conte, Carla Gravina, and Marc Porel co-star.

A commercially successful Euro-crime vehicle, it trades Melville-style cool for blunt poliziottesco violence while still centering Delon’s solitary, black-clad killer persona.

3 Reasons To Watch Alain Delon Movies

Iconic Performances: Alain Delon is widely regarded as one of the most charismatic and talented actors of his generation.

He has played a wide range of characters throughout his career, from romantic leads to tough guys and anti-heroes, and has created some of the most iconic performances in French and international cinema.

His good looks, suave demeanor, and powerful screen presence make him a joy to watch on screen.

Classic French Cinema: Alain Delon is one of the most iconic figures of French cinema, which is known for its artistic and intellectual qualities, as well as its unique storytelling and visual style.

His films are often set in iconic locations across France and offer a glimpse into the cultural and social history of the country. For fans of cinema, Delon’s work is a must-see, and his impact on French cinema and beyond is undeniable.

Collaborations with Great Directors: Alain Delon has worked with many of the greatest directors in the history of cinema, including Jean-Pierre Melville, Luchino Visconti, and Michelangelo Antonioni.

His collaborations with these filmmakers have resulted in some of the most memorable and acclaimed films of his career, showcasing his versatility as an actor and his ability to bring complex characters to life on screen.

Watching Alain Delon movies is a great way to explore the work of these great directors and to appreciate the artistry of their filmmaking.

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Best Alain Delon Movies – Wrap Up

Alain Delon has had a remarkable career as an actor, starring in numerous films that have become classics of French cinema. Here are some of his best movies:

Le Samouraï (1967) – This stylish and atmospheric crime drama directed by Jean-Pierre Melville is widely regarded as one of Delon’s best performances.

The Leopard (1963) – In this epic historical drama, directed by Luchino Visconti, Delon delivers a memorable turn as a dashing young nobleman caught up in the tumultuous events of 19th-century Sicily.

Purple Noon (1960) – Based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Talented Mr. Ripley, this psychological thriller directed by René Clément features Delon in the lead role as a charming con artist.

La Piscine (1969) – This steamy and suspenseful drama directed by Jacques Deray stars Delon alongside Romy Schneider in a story of love, jealousy, and betrayal.

Rocco and His Brothers (1960) – In this powerful family drama directed by Luchino Visconti, Delon plays the third of five brothers struggling to survive in the gritty world of postwar Milan.

These are just a few examples of the many outstanding films that Alain Delon has starred in over the years. With his striking good looks, intense screen presence, and magnetic charisma, Delon remains one of the most iconic actors in the history of French cinema.

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