French cinema has a long and rich history, dating back to the late 19th century. Over the years, French filmmakers have made significant contributions to the art form, producing some of the most iconic and influential movies of all time.
French cinema is known for its unique style, creative storytelling, and bold experimentation, which has earned it a reputation as one of the world’s most influential and innovative film industries.
From classic dramas to romantic comedies, French movies have something for everyone. Some of the most iconic French films include Jean-Luc Godard’s “Breathless,” Francois Truffaut’s “The 400 Blows,” and Jean-Pierre Melville’s “Le Samourai.”
These movies, along with many others, have helped shape the world of cinema and continue to inspire filmmakers today.
French cinema has also produced some of the most renowned directors, actors, and actresses of all time, including Jean Renoir, Catherine Deneuve, Jean-Paul Belmondo, and Isabelle Huppert.
Their contributions have helped solidify the status of French cinema as a true cultural and artistic treasure.
Whether you are a fan of foreign films or simply looking to expand your cinematic horizons, exploring French cinema is a rewarding and enriching experience.
Best French Movies
With a wide range of genres and styles to choose from, there is no shortage of incredible French movies to discover and enjoy.
1. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” is a 2001 epic fantasy film directed by Peter Jackson and based on the novel of the same name by J.R.R. Tolkien.
The film is the first installment in the three-part film series, “The Lord of the Rings,” which also includes “The Two Towers” and “The Return of the King.”
The film follows the hobbit Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), who is tasked with destroying the One Ring, a powerful artifact created by the dark lord Sauron, which grants immense power to its bearer and can only be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom.
Frodo is accompanied by a fellowship of allies, including Gandalf the Wizard (Ian McKellen), Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), Gimli (John Rhys-Davies), and others, as they journey through Middle-earth to reach Mount Doom and destroy the Ring.
“The Fellowship of the Ring” was critically acclaimed upon its release and won numerous awards, including four Academy Awards.
It was praised for its stunning visual effects, outstanding performances, and faithful adaptation of Tolkien’s novel. The film’s success led to the subsequent production of two sequels, which were also critically acclaimed and successful at the box office.
Overall, “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” is a monumental achievement in filmmaking and a beloved classic in the fantasy genre.
Its enduring popularity has cemented its status as a cultural touchstone and an iconic work of cinematic art.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Viggo Mortensen, Christopher Lee, Andy Serkis (Actors)
- Peter Jackson (Director) - Philippa Boyens (Writer) - Barrie M. Osborne (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
2. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
“The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” is a 2002 epic fantasy film directed by Peter Jackson and the second installment in the three-part film series, “The Lord of the Rings,” based on the novel of the same name by J.R.R. Tolkien.
The film continues the journey of the fellowship, as Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) continue their quest to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom, while Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) search for their kidnapped friend, Merry (Dominic Monaghan) and Pippin (Billy Boyd).
If you like Ian Mckellen’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.
Meanwhile, the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) battles against the evil Saruman (Christopher Lee) and the armies of the dark lord Sauron.
“The Two Towers” was a critical and commercial success, with many praising the film’s action sequences, special effects, and the development of the characters. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards and won two, including Best Visual Effects.
Overall, “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” is a worthy continuation of the epic journey set forth in “The Fellowship of the Ring.”
It further builds upon the rich world and characters established in the first film, setting the stage for the climactic final chapter of the trilogy.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Viggo Mortensen (Actors)
- Peter Jackson (Director) - Fran Walsh (Writer) - Barrie M. Osborne (Producer)
- Danish, English, Spanish, Croatian, Hungarian (Playback Languages)
- Danish, English, Spanish, Croatian, Hungarian (Subtitles)
3. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” is a 2003 epic fantasy film directed by Peter Jackson and the third and final installment in the three-part film series, “The Lord of the Rings,” based on the novel of the same name by J.R.R. Tolkien.
The film concludes the journey of the fellowship, as Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) inch closer to Mount Doom, while Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) leads his army in a final battle against Sauron’s forces.
Meanwhile, Gandalf (Ian McKellen) confronts the treacherous wizard Saruman (Christopher Lee), and the hobbits Merry (Dominic Monaghan) and Pippin (Billy Boyd) play a crucial role in the outcome of the war.
“The Return of the King” was a critical and commercial success, winning a record-breaking eleven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Peter Jackson, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
The film was praised for its epic scale, emotional depth, and outstanding performances, particularly by Andy Serkis as the CGI character Gollum.
Overall, “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” is a cinematic masterpiece that brings the epic story of Middle-earth to a satisfying and emotional conclusion. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest film trilogies of all time and a monumental achievement in the history of cinema.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Viggo Mortensen (Actors)
- Peter Jackson (Director) - Fran Walsh (Writer) - Barrie M. Osborne (Producer)
- Danish, English, Spanish, Croatian, Hungarian (Playback Languages)
- Danish, English, Spanish, Croatian, Hungarian (Subtitles)
4. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is a 2012 epic fantasy adventure film directed by Peter Jackson, based on the 1937 novel “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien. The film serves as a prequel to “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, also directed by Jackson.
The film follows the hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) as he embarks on a quest to reclaim the lost dwarf kingdom of Erebor, aided by the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and a group of thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage).
Along the way, they encounter a host of dangers, including trolls, goblins, and the dragon Smaug.
“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” was a commercial success, grossing over $1 billion at the box office. It received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the visuals and performances, while others criticized the film’s pacing and deviations from the source material.
Overall, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is a visually stunning and entertaining adventure that expands upon the world of Middle-earth established in “The Lord of the Rings.”
While it may not reach the same heights as its predecessor, it still provides an enjoyable journey for fans of Tolkien’s work and epic fantasy in general.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage (Actors)
- Peter Jackson (Director) - Peter Jackson (Writer) - Peter Jackson (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
5. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” is a 2013 epic fantasy adventure film directed by Peter Jackson, and the second installment in the three-part film series based on the novel “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien.
The film continues the journey of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), Gandalf (Ian McKellen), and the dwarves as they make their way towards the Lonely Mountain to confront the dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch) and reclaim their homeland.
Along the way, they encounter new allies and enemies, including the elf Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly) and the shape-shifter Beorn (Mikael Persbrandt), and face numerous obstacles, including the deadly forest of Mirkwood.
“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances, visuals, and action sequences, as well as the expanded world-building compared to the source material. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $960 million worldwide.
Overall, “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” is an exciting and visually stunning continuation of the story begun in “An Unexpected Journey.”
While some fans criticized the changes made from the book, the film’s thrilling action and excellent performances make it an entertaining addition to the Middle-earth cinematic universeal.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage (Actors)
- Peter Jackson (Director) - Fran Walsh (Writer) - Peter Jackson (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
6. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” is a 2014 epic fantasy adventure film directed by Peter Jackson, and the third and final installment in the three-part film series based on the novel “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien.
The film picks up immediately after the events of “The Desolation of Smaug,” as Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and the dwarves must now face the consequences of awakening the dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch) and the ensuing chaos that erupts in Middle-earth.
The film culminates in the eponymous Battle of the Five Armies, as the dwarves, elves, men, and other factions fight to claim the treasure hoard of the Lonely Mountain and defend their respective interests.
“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the action sequences and performances, while others criticized the film’s pacing and lack of emotional depth compared to its predecessors.
The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $956 million worldwide.
Overall, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” provides a satisfying conclusion to the story begun in “An Unexpected Journey,” although it may not reach the same heights as the original “Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
Fans of Tolkien’s work and epic fantasy in general will still find plenty to enjoy in this epic conclusion to the Middle-earth cinematic universe.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage (Actors)
- Peter Jackson (Director) - Guillermo del Toro (Writer) - Carolynne Cunningham (Producer)
- German, English, Italian (Playback Languages)
- German, English, Italian (Subtitles)
7. Gods and Monsters (1998)
“Gods and Monsters” is a 1998 biographical drama film directed by Bill Condon, based on the life of James Whale, the director of such classic horror films as “Frankenstein” and “Bride of Frankenstein.” The film stars Ian McKellen as Whale, along with Brendan Fraser and Lynn Redgrave.
The film explores the final days of Whale’s life, as he struggles with his past, his sexuality, and his increasing sense of isolation.
Whale forms a close friendship with his handsome gardener, Clayton Boone (Brendan Fraser), and together they delve into Whale’s memories and fantasies, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
“Gods and Monsters” received critical acclaim upon its release, with particular praise directed towards McKellen’s performance as Whale, for which he received an Academy Award nomination.
The film also explores themes of homosexuality, aging, and the nature of creativity, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant work.
Overall, “Gods and Monsters” is a beautifully crafted and poignant film that provides a unique glimpse into the life of one of cinema’s most influential and misunderstood figures.
It is a must-see for fans of classic horror films, biographical dramas, and the work of Ian McKellen.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser, Lynn Redgrave (Actors)
- Bill Condon (Director) - Christopher Bram (Writer) - Paul Colichman (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
8. X-Men (2000)
“X-Men” is a 2000 superhero film directed by Bryan Singer and based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. The film stars Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, and Ian McKellen.
The film follows the story of two powerful mutants: Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), the founder of the X-Men, a team of mutants who use their powers to protect the world; and Magneto (Ian McKellen), a mutant terrorist who seeks to establish a new world order in which mutants reign supreme.
The conflict between the two escalates when Magneto plans to use a machine that he has built to turn all humans into mutants, leading to a showdown between the two sides.
“X-Men” was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $296 million worldwide and receiving positive reviews for its strong performances, action sequences, and themes of prejudice and discrimination.
The film helped kick-start the modern superhero film genre and has been credited with revitalizing interest in the X-Men comic book series.
Overall, “X-Men” is a must-see for fans of superhero films and the X-Men franchise in particular. It provides a great introduction to the world and characters of the X-Men, while also delivering thrilling action and tackling important social issues.
![X-Men [DVD] [2000]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51MR6MKZrlL.jpg)
- Czech, Danish, Finnish, Hebrew, Hungarian (Subtitles)
9. X2: X-Men United (2003)
“X2: X-Men United” is a 2003 superhero film directed by Bryan Singer and the sequel to the 2000 film “X-Men.” The film stars Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and Halle Berry.
The film continues the story of the X-Men as they face a new threat: Colonel William Stryker (Brian Cox), a military scientist who seeks to eradicate all mutants from the world.
As the X-Men race to stop Stryker, they must also confront personal struggles and tensions within their own ranks.
“X2: X-Men United” received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its strong performances, complex storytelling, and impressive action sequences. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $407 million worldwide.
Overall, “X2: X-Men United” is a thrilling and well-crafted sequel that expands on the mythology of the X-Men franchise while also delivering compelling character arcs and social commentary. It is a must-see for fans of superhero films and the X-Men franchise in particular.
- X-Men United
- Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry (Actors)
- Bryan Singer (Director) - Bryan Singer (Writer)
- English, Spanish (Subtitles)
- English (Publication Language)
10. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
“X-Men: The Last Stand” is a 2006 superhero film directed by Brett Ratner and the third installment in the X-Men film series. The film stars Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellen, and Patrick Stewart.
The film follows the X-Men as they face a new threat: a cure for mutation, which has been developed by a pharmaceutical company and is being promoted by the government as a way to “cure” mutants.
While some mutants see this as a solution to their problems, others see it as a threat to their identity and way of life.
The conflict between the two sides comes to a head when a mutant named Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) develops incredibly powerful and dangerous abilities.
“X-Men: The Last Stand” received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its action sequences and emotional moments, while others criticized its convoluted plot and lack of character development.
Nevertheless, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $459 million worldwide.
Overall, “X-Men: The Last Stand” is a flawed but still entertaining entry in the X-Men franchise. While it may not be as strong as the first two films, it still offers plenty of thrilling action and thought-provoking themes about identity and acceptance.
- Marvel Kids X-Men 3: The Last Stand
- Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry (Actors)
- Brett Ratner (Director) - Simon Kinberg (Writer)
- English, Spanish (Subtitles)
- English (Publication Language)
11. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
“X-Men: Days of Future Past” is a 2014 superhero film directed by Bryan Singer and the seventh installment in the X-Men film series. The film stars Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, and Patrick Stewart.
The film combines the casts of the original X-Men trilogy and the prequel film “X-Men: First Class.”
The story follows the X-Men as they send Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) back in time to prevent an event that would lead to a dystopian future in which mutants are hunted and killed by Sentinels, advanced robotic beings designed to eradicate all mutants.
“X-Men: Days of Future Past” received widespread critical acclaim for its strong performances, complex storytelling, and impressive visual effects. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $747 million worldwide.
Overall, “X-Men: Days of Future Past” is a thrilling and well-crafted film that successfully combines the casts of both the original trilogy and the prequel film.
It delivers impressive action sequences, emotionally resonant character moments, and a thought-provoking message about the importance of fighting for a better future. It is a must-see for fans of superhero films and the X-Men franchise in particular.
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12. Mr. Holmes (2015)
“Mr. Holmes” is a 2015 mystery drama film directed by Bill Condon and based on the novel “A Slight Trick of the Mind” by Mitch Cullin.
The film stars Ian McKellen as an aging Sherlock Holmes, who is struggling with his fading memory and attempting to solve one final case before retirement.
The film takes place in 1947, with a 93-year-old Sherlock Holmes living in retirement in Sussex. As he tries to remember the details of his final case, which led to his retirement 30 years earlier, he develops a close relationship with his housekeeper’s young son, Roger.
Through his interactions with Roger, Holmes begins to confront his own mortality and the limitations of his once-sharp mind.
“Mr. Holmes” received positive reviews from critics, with many praising Ian McKellen’s performance and the film’s poignant exploration of aging and memory. The film grossed over $29 million worldwide.
Overall, “Mr. Holmes” is a moving and thoughtful film that offers a unique perspective on one of the most iconic characters in literature.
Ian McKellen’s performance is a standout, and the film’s themes of memory, mortality, and the power of storytelling make it a must-see for fans of both Sherlock Holmes and thoughtful drama films.
13. The Golden Compass (2007)
“The Golden Compass” is a 2007 fantasy adventure film directed by Chris Weitz and based on the novel “Northern Lights” by Philip Pullman.
The film stars Dakota Blue Richards, Nicole Kidman, and Daniel Craig.
The story takes place in an alternate universe where every human has a daemon, a physical manifestation of their soul in animal form.
The story follows Lyra Belacqua, a young girl who sets out on a quest to rescue her friend and uncover a conspiracy involving a mysterious substance known as Dust.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its visuals and world-building, while others criticized its convoluted plot and lack of emotional depth.
Despite its mixed reception, “The Golden Compass” was a moderate commercial success, grossing over $372 million worldwide.
Overall, “The Golden Compass” is an ambitious and visually impressive film that offers a unique take on the fantasy genre.
While it may not be as emotionally resonant as some other fantasy films, it still offers plenty of thrilling action and imaginative world-building that should appeal to fans of the genre.
![Mr. Holmes [DVD + Digital]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/511WglwbuxL.jpg)
- Ian McKellen, Laura Linney, Milo Parker (Actors)
- Bill Condon (Director) - Mitch Cullin (Writer)
- English (Publication Language)
- Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
14. The Da Vinci Code (2006)
“The Da Vinci Code” is a 2006 American mystery thriller film directed by Ron Howard and based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Dan Brown.
The movie stars Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon, a symbologist who gets caught up in a complex web of conspiracy and intrigue after a murder in the Louvre museum in Paris.
Along with Sophie Neveu (played by Audrey Tautou), a cryptographer and the granddaughter of the murder victim, Langdon sets out to decipher a series of clues that lead them to a secret society known as the Priory of Sion and the Holy Grail.
The film was met with controversy due to its fictional depiction of religious history and beliefs, and was criticized by some religious groups for its portrayal of the Catholic Church and its practices.
Despite this, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $758 million worldwide.
In addition to Hanks and Tautou, the film also features an ensemble cast that includes Ian McKellen, Jean Reno, and Paul Bettany.
The movie was nominated for numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Score, and spawned a sequel, “Angels & Demons,” also directed by Ron Howard and based on another Dan Brown novel.
- Paris symbologist phone call murder painter
- Brown, Dan (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 597 Pages - 03/31/2009 (Publication Date) - Anchor (Publisher)
15. Beauty and the Beast (I) (2017)
“Beauty and the Beast” is a 2017 American musical romantic fantasy film directed by Bill Condon and based on the classic fairy tale of the same name.
The movie stars Emma Watson as Belle, a young woman who becomes the prisoner of a prince-turned-beast (played by Dan Stevens) in his enchanted castle.
As Belle starts to see beyond the beast’s exterior and into his heart, she discovers that he was cursed by an enchantress and can only be saved if he learns to love and be loved in return.
The film features an ensemble cast that includes Luke Evans as Gaston, Belle’s suitor who becomes jealous of her relationship with the Beast, and Josh Gad as LeFou, Gaston’s loyal but bumbling sidekick.
The movie also features the voices of Ewan McGregor, Ian McKellen, and Emma Thompson as the enchanted household objects in the Beast’s castle.
“Beauty and the Beast” was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $1.2 billion worldwide.
The film’s visual effects, production design, and musical score were widely praised, and it received numerous award nominations, including two Academy Award nominations for Best Production Design and Best Costume Design.
The movie also sparked controversy over a minor character being portrayed as gay, which led to some backlash in certain countries.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans (Actors)
- Bill Condon (Director) - Stephen Chbosky (Writer) - David Hoberman (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
16. The Good Liar (2019)
“The Good Liar” is a 2019 mystery thriller film directed by Bill Condon and based on the novel of the same name by Nicholas Searle.
The movie stars Ian McKellen as Roy Courtnay, a career con artist who meets wealthy widow Betty McLeish, played by Helen Mirren, online and begins a relationship with her.
However, as their relationship deepens, secrets from their pasts come to light, and Roy’s true intentions are called into question.
The film received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for the performances of McKellen and Mirren. The movie grossed over $34 million worldwide and was considered a modest box office success.
In addition to McKellen and Mirren, the movie also stars Russell Tovey, Jim Carter, and Mark Lewis Jones. The film was noted for its twist ending and the chemistry between its two lead actors.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Helen Mirren, Ian McKellen, Russell Tovey (Actors)
- Bill Condon (Director) - Jeffrey Hatcher (Writer) - Bill Condon (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
3 Reasons To Watch Ian McKellen Movies
Versatility: Ian McKellen is a versatile actor who has played a wide range of characters in his career, from Shakespearean heroes to comic book villains.
He brings depth and nuance to each of his performances, creating memorable and captivating characters that stay with audiences long after the movie has ended.
Artistic Excellence: McKellen is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation, with a career spanning several decades and numerous accolades, including multiple Tony Awards, Olivier Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
His performances are marked by their emotional honesty and technical precision, showcasing his mastery of the craft of acting.
Cultural Impact: McKellen is not only an accomplished actor but also an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and an active supporter of numerous charitable causes.
He has used his platform and celebrity to raise awareness and funds for important social issues, becoming a beloved and influential figure in the entertainment industry and beyond. His work on and off-screen has made a lasting impact on the world and serves as an inspiration to many.
Best Ian McKellen Movies – Wrap Up
In conclusion, Ian McKellen is a legendary actor whose career has spanned decades and includes a wide range of roles in film, television, and theater.
He is known for his versatility, artistic excellence, and cultural impact, making him a beloved and influential figure in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Some of Ian McKellen’s best movies include “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “X-Men” series, “Gods and Monsters,” “Richard III,” “Apt Pupil,” “The Good Liar,” and “Bent.”
These movies showcase his range and skill as an actor, from his commanding presence as a superhero or villain to his subtle and nuanced portrayals of complex characters.
Ian McKellen’s performances have left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike, earning him numerous awards and nominations throughout his career.
His legacy as an actor, activist, and humanitarian is a testament to his talent, passion, and dedication to his craft and to making the world a better place.
