10 Must-Watch French Movies for High School Students

Longing to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of French cinema while turbocharging your language skills? You’re in the right place! By integrating the magic of French films into your language learning journey, you can accelerate your mastery of the French language while gaining a deeper understanding of the country’s rich culture. Let’s dive in and explore a curated selection of French movies for French class, perfect for beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners, and discover how to maximize your language learning with movie magic.

Key Takeaways

Watch French movies to enjoyably learn the language and culture of France!
Discover beginner, intermediate & advanced films for all levels of learning.
Maximize your French comprehension by watching with subtitles & jotting down new words.

Why French Movies Are Perfect for French Class

French movie theater with dimmed lights and audience watching a film

Consider this - wouldn’t learning French be more enjoyable if it involved engaging stories, cultural immersion, and memorable characters? That’s the beauty of using French movies for language learning. They bring the French language to life, making vocabulary and grammar more engaging and relatable. Moreover, they offer a unique peek into French culture, from colloquialisms and customs to the rich tapestry of modern French society.

Immersing yourself in authentic dialogues and diverse accents by deciding to watch French movies makes language learning more organic and enjoyable. Are you ready to explore the wonderful world of French cinema and boost your French language skills by deciding to learn French?

Top 5 French Movies for Beginners

Embarking on your French language journey with films can be highly rewarding. French movies serve as an entertaining medium to understand basic French language skills, utilizing visual storytelling and natural dialogues. Here are five French films that are not only entertaining but also perfect for beginners, offering simple dialogues and engaging stories.

1. Les Choristes (2004)

First on our list is ‘Les Choristes’ (2004), an inspiring drama/musical film that follows a music teacher who starts a choir in an all-boys boarding school, helping students discover their talents and emotions. The film’s songs are impactful and memorable, adding an emotional depth to the film and providing a glimpse into modern French society.

‘Les Choristes’ is a great starting point for beginners, as it combines an engaging story with easy-to-follow dialogues.

2. Le Petit Nicolas (2009)

Next up is ‘Le Petit Nicolas’ (2009), a delightful French film revolving around the thrilling adventures of a young schoolboy named Nicolas and his captivating experiences with his friends at school. The film’s simple dialogue and engaging storyline make it a perfect choice for beginners diving into the French language.

3. Kirikou et la Sorcière (1998)

‘Kirikou et la Sorcière’ (1998) is an animated film that tells a thrilling story of a little boy named Kirikou who bravely rescues his village from an evil sorceress. The film offers simple dialogue and visual storytelling, making it a great choice for beginners.

Its unique feature is the exposure to the French language spoken with an African accent, which enriches the learning experience.

4. La Famille Bélier (2014)

‘La Famille Bélier’ (2014) is a film about a talented young woman who discovers her singing ability, but her deaf parents become her main obstacle.

This film introduces viewers to both the French language and French sign language, providing a unique language learning opportunity.

5. Amelie (Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain) (2001)

Follows the whimsical and heartwarming story of a quirky waitress on a mission to spread happiness
Has a clear storyline and simple dialogues that make it easy to follow and understand
Is an ideal choice for beginners

Top 5 French Movies for Intermediate Learners

After mastering the basics, elevate your skills with more complex films. French movies for intermediate learners delve into deeper themes, showcase regional variations within France, and integrate modern social commentary with humor.

Looking to find French movies to learn ideal for intermediate learners? Here are five French films that provide more complex language and cultural insights, making them perfect movies to learn French.

1. Intouchables (2011)

First on our list for intermediate learners is ‘Intouchables’ (2011), a touching drama that follows a wealthy quadriplegic who hires a criminal as his caretaker, leading to an unlikely friendship.

This film is a testament to the power of friendship and unity, with engaging characters and a storyline that will keep you glued to the screen.

2. La Haine (1995)

Next, we have ‘La Haine’ (1995), a film that depicts a riot erupting over police brutality in a violent neighborhood, showcasing class differences in French society. This film not only offers a gripping plot but also provides an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the more complex aspects of the French language and culture.

3. Bienvenue Chez Les Ch'tis (2008)

‘Bienvenue Chez Les Ch’tis’ (2008) follows a French public servant as he discovers the warmth and charm of the North of France, forming unexpected friendships and finding joy in his new surroundings.

Watching French movies, like this particular French movie filled with humor and cultural references, provides a fun way to improve your French language skills.

4. Le Dîner de Cons (1998)

‘Le Dîner de Cons’ (1998) is a comedy film where guests compete to bring the dumbest person they can find to a dinner party. The film’s funny and witty script, combined with the strong acting performances, makes it an enjoyable way to improve your French language skills.

5. Persepolis (2007)

Lastly, for intermediate learners, we have ‘Persepolis’ (2007). This animated film beautifully depicts a young girl’s life during the Islamic Revolution and war with Iraq, offering simple yet engaging dialogue for intermediate learners. The film has received several accolades, testament to its quality and impact.

Top 5 French Movies for Advanced Learners

For those ready to explore more complex layers of the French language, here are five recommended French films for advanced learners. These films showcase complex language, wordplay, and cultural nuances, taking your French language skills to the next level.

1. La Vie en Rose (2007)

‘La Vie en Rose’ (2007) is a biographical film that delves into the remarkable life of French singer Edith Piaf. It beautifully captures her journey from poverty to fame and the captivating twists of her personal life.

The film’s nonlinear narrative structure keeps you engaged as it weaves together different periods of her extraordinary life.

2. OSS 117: Le Caire, nid d'espions (2006)

Next is ‘OSS 117: Le Caire, nid d’espions (2006)’, a comedic spy parody that follows a French secret agent on a mission to Cairo. This film combines:

slapstick humor
comedic physical situations
clever wordplay
witty dialogue

making it a perfect choice for advanced learners looking for a laugh.

3. Un air de Famille (1996)

‘Un air de Famille’ (1996) unfolds the intricate dynamics of a family as they come together at a restaurant, bringing to light a mix of tensions, grudges, delights, and memories during their evening meal. This film not only presents complex dialogues but also provides a rich cultural context for advanced learners.

4. La Belle Verte (1996)

‘La Belle Verte’ (1996) is a sci-fi comedy about a friendly alien promoting environmentalism and harmony in Paris. The film’s slow and clear French dialogue provides advanced learners with a unique language learning opportunity.

5. Le Père Noël est une Ordure (1982)

Lastly, we have ‘Le Père Noël est une Ordure’ (1982). This dark comedy follows two neurotics working at a suicide hotline on Christmas Eve, and it’s filled with famous one-liners that will challenge your French comprehension skills.

Tips for Maximizing Language Learning with French Movies

To optimize your movie-watching experience, consider these tips. Begin with French subtitles to understand the language, and as you progress, challenge yourself by turning them off to test your comprehension. Focus on the dialogue, jot down new words or phrases, and practice the actors’ pronunciation and intonation to boost your french speaking skills.

Remember, the key to effective learning is enjoyment. So, choose films you truly enjoy, like watching movies, to keep yourself engaged and motivated.

Lingopie is amazing for French class

Lingopie is an innovative language learning platform that can be highly beneficial for both school-based French classes and language schools. Here's how its features align with language studies:

Immersive Learning Experience: Lingopie specializes in using TV shows and movies in the language being learned. This approach provides an immersive experience, allowing students to hear native speakers, understand cultural nuances, and learn french colloquial expressions. In a French class, this could enhance french listening skills and cultural understanding.
Customizable Subtitles: The platform offers subtitles in both the target language and the student's native language. This feature helps in building vocabulary and understanding sentence structures. In a classroom setting, teachers can customize lessons around the content, focusing on specific vocabulary or grammatical concepts.
Interactive Features: Lingopie allows students to click on words in the subtitles to get instant translations and add them to a personalized vocabulary list. This interactivity is great for reinforcing new words and phrases.
Varied Content: The diversity of content on Lingopie, ranging from documentaries to TV series, caters to different interests and learning levels. This variety keeps students engaged and makes learning more enjoyable.
Language Learning Tools: Tools like flashcards and quizzes are integrated into Lingopie, making it easier for teachers to assess progress and for students to review and consolidate their learning.
Accessible Anywhere: Being an online platform, Lingopie can be accessed from anywhere, making it suitable for homework or additional practice outside the classroom.
Cultural Exposure: Lingopie's content provides an authentic view of French culture, which is an essential component of language learning. This helps students understand the context in which the language is used.
Suitable for All Levels: Lingopie can be tailored to suit different proficiency levels, from beginners to advanced learners, making it a versatile tool for language schools.

In summary, Lingopie's innovative approach to language learning, focusing on native content and interactive features, makes it an excellent tool for enhancing French language education in schools and language institutions. Its focus on cultural immersion, interactive learning, and accessibility aligns well with the goals of language education.

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Incorporating French Movies into Your French Class

Adding French movies to your French class can be highly beneficial. They not only provide a platform for learning new vocabulary but also spark engaging discussions, allowing students to express their thoughts and communicate in French. Also, they expose students to various accents, speech patterns, and cultural expressions, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the French culture.

Summary

We’ve journeyed through the world of French cinema, exploring films suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners. We’ve seen how French films can be an entertaining and effective tool for learning the French language, offering authentic dialogues, cultural exposure, and a variety of accents.

Remember, the key to successful language learning is to make it enjoyable and immersive. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and dive into the captivating world of French movies. Bon film!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I learn French by watching French movies?

Yes, watching French movies is a great way to improve your French. It can help you learn grammar and sentence structure, everyday slang and colloquial language, as well as various accents and dialects. Combining it with other language learning methods is the best way to maximize its effectiveness.

What is the most popular French movie genre?

Laughter is the most popular language, and it's no wonder that comedies are France's most popular movie genre.

What are some beginner-friendly French movies?

For those looking for an entertaining and educational introduction to French cinema, consider 'Les Choristes' (2004), 'Le Petit Nicolas' (2009), 'Kirikou et la Sorcière' (1998), 'La Famille Bélier' (2014), and 'Amelie' (2001). These beginner-friendly films have simple dialogues and engaging stories.

What Types of French Movies Are Available on Lingopie and How Suitable Are They for Classroom Use?

Lingopie offers a wide range of French movies, including genres like drama, comedy, documentary, and more. This variety caters to different interests and learning levels, making it easy for teachers to find content that is appropriate and engaging for their class. The platform ensures that the movies are not only entertaining but also culturally and educationally relevant, which is crucial for language learning. Teachers can select films based on the proficiency level of their students and the specific learning objectives of their curriculum.

Are There Any Tools on Lingopie to Track Student Progress When Using French Movies for Language Learning?

Yes, Lingopie offers several tools to track student progress. Teachers can use built-in features like quizzes and flashcards that are based on the content of the movies. These tools help in assessing students' understanding of the language, vocabulary retention, and listening comprehension skills. Additionally, the platform provides analytics to monitor individual student engagement and progress. This feedback is valuable for teachers to tailor their instruction and provide targeted support where needed.