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Discover the funniest French comedies you need to watch

French comedy offers a delightful escape with its unique blend of wit, charm, and often, a touch of heartwarming humanity. These films showcase the best of Gallic humor, proving laughter truly is a universal language.

The Dinner Game
The Chorus
The Closet

French cinema has a long and storied history, and its contribution to comedy is particularly rich and diverse. From sharp social satire to broad physical humor and poignant character studies, French comedies often delve into the quirks of human nature and societal norms with insightful wit.

Think of the global phenomenon of films like The Intouchables, which masterfully blends humor with emotional depth, or the whimsical, visually enchanting world of Amélie. These movies aren't just funny; they often leave you with something to ponder, exploring themes of friendship, class, love, and the simple joys and absurdities of everyday life.

The genre isn't afraid to tackle sensitive subjects or push boundaries, often finding comedy in awkward situations or cultural misunderstandings, as seen in hits like Welcome to the Sticks or The Dinner Game. Whether it's through clever dialogue, memorable characters, or laugh-out-loud scenarios, French comedy has a distinct flavour that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Get ready to discover some truly hilarious and memorable films from France.

13. Populaire (2012)

Populaire is a delightful romantic comedy set in the late 1950s, centered around Rose Pamphyle (Déborah François), a clumsy secretary who discovers she has an incredible talent for speed typing. Her boss, Louis Echard (Romain Duris), decides to coach her to become the fastest typist in the world, seeing it as a way to win a bet. The film is a stylish homage to classic Hollywood romantic comedies, with stunning period detail and costumes. It's not just about typing; it's a charming story about breaking free from expectations, finding your passion, and the unexpected romance that blossoms between the ambitious coach and his determined protégé. It's visually appealing and genuinely sweet.

Populaire

12. Serial (Bad) Weddings (2014)

Serial (Bad) Weddings (Qu'est-ce qu'on a fait au Bon Dieu ?) is a huge hit that tackles cultural differences with bold, often politically incorrect, humor. It follows a conservative Catholic couple, the Verniels, whose lives are turned upside down as their four daughters each marry men of different ethnic and religious backgrounds – an Algerian Muslim, a Sephardi Jew, an Ivorian Catholic, and a Chinese Buddhist. The comedy stems from the parents' (played by Christian Clavier and Chantal Lauby) struggle to accept their sons-in-law, leading to numerous funny misunderstandings and family clashes. Despite the controversial premise, the film aims for a message of tolerance and acceptance, wrapped in a very French style of rapid-fire, often outrageous, jokes.

Serial (Bad) Weddings

11. The Visitors (1993)

The Visitors (Les Visiteurs) is a wildly popular time-travel comedy that sees a 12th-century knight, Godefroy de Montmirail (Jean Reno), and his squire, Jacquouille la Fripouille (Christian Clavier), accidentally transported to the late 20th century after a wizard's spell goes awry. The humor comes from their complete inability to understand modern life, leading to chaotic and hilarious encounters. The film spawned sequels and a Hollywood remake, but the original remains a French comedy classic thanks to the brilliant physical comedy and chemistry between Reno and Clavier, particularly Clavier's unforgettable portrayal of the crude and bewildered Jacquouille.

The Visitors

10. Welcome to the Sticks (2008)

Welcome to the Sticks (Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis) was an absolute cultural phenomenon in France, breaking box office records left and right! It tells the story of a post office manager from the south of France who is reluctantly transferred to a small town in the far north, a region often stereotyped as cold and populated by unsophisticated people speaking an impenetrable dialect ('Ch'ti'). Directed by and starring Dany Boon, the film finds its humor in cultural misunderstandings and clichés, ultimately revealing the warmth and hospitality of the people in the north. It's a feel-good comedy that celebrates regional identity and challenges prejudices with a lot of heart and genuine laughs.

Welcome to the Sticks

9. Heartbreaker (2010)

Heartbreaker (L'Arnacœur) is a slick and entertaining romantic comedy starring Romain Duris as Alex, who runs a unique business with his sister and brother-in-law: breaking up relationships for hire. Their latest target is Juliette (Vanessa Paradis), a wealthy heiress about to marry a man Alex deems unsuitable. The catch? They only have ten days to succeed. The film is set against the beautiful backdrop of Monaco and features some fun, elaborate schemes as Alex tries to win Juliette over just to break her heart. Duris and Paradis have great chemistry, and the film is full of witty dialogue and stylish set pieces, including a particularly fun sequence involving a tribute to Dirty Dancing.

Heartbreaker

8. The Valet (2006)

The Valet (La Doublure), another gem from director Francis Veber, centers on François Pignon (yes, him again!), this time a humble parking valet who is paid to pose as the lover of a famous supermodel (played by the stunning Alice Taglioni) to help a wealthy businessman hide his affair from his wife. The film expertly plays with class differences and appearances versus reality, generating plenty of laughs from Pignon's awkward attempts to navigate the world of the rich and famous. Gad Elmaleh is endearing as Pignon, and Daniel Auteuil provides solid support as the scheming businessman. It's a classic Veber setup with mistaken identities and escalating complications leading to comedic chaos.

The Valet

7. Priceless (2006)

Priceless (Hors de prix) is a charming romantic comedy with a touch of classic Hollywood glamour, channeling films like Breakfast at Tiffany's. Audrey Tautou stars as Irène, a cunning gold digger who is mistaken for a wealthy woman by a shy bartender, Jean (Gad Elmaleh). When he falls for her and spends all his savings, he's forced to adapt to her lifestyle, leading to a funny exploration of relationships, money, and mistaken identity on the French Riviera. The film benefits greatly from the sparkling chemistry between Tautou and Elmaleh and the luxurious setting, making it a stylish and witty take on the romantic comedy genre.

Priceless

6. OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies (2006)

Prepare for a dose of retro spy spoof with OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies. This film is a brilliant parody of classic spy movies, particularly early James Bond, with Jean Dujardin as the incredibly clumsy, politically incorrect, and utterly clueless French secret agent Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath, a.k.a. OSS 117. Set in 1955 Cairo, the film perfectly captures the aesthetics and sensibilities of the era while hilariously skewering colonial attitudes and spy genre clichés. Jean Dujardin's deadpan performance is sublime, earning him a César nomination. Directed by Michel Hazanavicius (who later directed The Artist), it's a laugh-out-loud comedy for anyone who enjoys sharp satire and spot-on impersonations of cinematic history.

OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies

5. The Closet (2001)

The Closet (Le Placard) is a clever and often hilarious satire from director Francis Veber (the master behind The Dinner Game). Daniel Auteuil plays François Pignon (yes, that name again!), a meek accountant who, fearing he's about to be fired, pretends to be gay to make himself 'untouchable' in his workplace. The film gets a lot of comedic mileage out of the reactions of his colleagues, particularly his homophobic boss Félix Santini, played brilliantly by Gérard Depardieu. It's a sharp look at prejudice and corporate culture, wrapped in a genuinely funny premise that escalates in increasingly absurd ways. The ensemble cast is fantastic, delivering Veber's signature blend of farce and social commentary with perfect timing.

The Closet

4. The Chorus (2004)

The Chorus (Les Choristes) is a heartwarming tale set in a boarding school for troubled boys in post-WWII France. When a new supervisor, Clément Mathieu (Gérard Jugnot), arrives, he uses music to connect with the difficult students, forming a choir that changes their lives. The film's success was huge, both critically and commercially, even earning Academy Award nominations for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Song. The music itself, composed by Bruno Coulais, is incredibly moving and central to the film's emotional core. It's a film about the power of art, mentorship, and finding hope in challenging circumstances, featuring genuinely touching performances from both the adult actors and the young cast.

The Chorus

3. The Dinner Game (1998)

The Dinner Game (Le Dîner de Cons) is a masterclass in comedic pacing and witty dialogue! The premise is simple but brilliant: a group of Parisian businessmen organizes a weekly dinner party where each guest must bring along an unsuspecting 'idiot' for the others to mock. However, things go hilariously wrong for our protagonist Pierre Brochant when he invites François Pignon, a man whose talent for causing chaos is unparalleled. Thierry Lhermitte and Jacques Villeret are absolutely pitch-perfect in their roles. Villeret's portrayal of Pignon is iconic and earned him a César Award. The film originated as a play by Francis Veber, who also directed the movie, and its theatrical roots are evident in its tight structure and sharp, laugh-out-loud script. It's a classic case of the hunter becoming the hunted, executed with impeccable comedic timing.

The Dinner Game

2. Amélie (2001)

Step into a world of whimsical charm and delightful quirks with Amélie. Audrey Tautou is utterly captivating as Amélie Poulain, a shy waitress in Montmartre who decides to secretly orchestrate the lives of those around her. The film's distinctive visual style, with its lush colors and playful special effects, creates a fairy-tale version of Paris. Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet crafted a truly unique cinematic experience, perfectly complemented by Yann Tiersen's enchanting and instantly recognizable score. It's a film that celebrates the small joys and eccentricities of life, leaving you with a warm, fuzzy feeling and a renewed appreciation for the magic hidden in the everyday.

Amélie

1. The Intouchables (2011)

Get ready for a film that will absolutely steal your heart! The Intouchables is based on the true story of a wealthy quadriplegic aristocrat and the ex-convict from the projects he hires as his caregiver. The chemistry between François Cluzet and Omar Sy is simply electric, making their unlikely friendship feel incredibly genuine and hilarious. Omar Sy's performance, full of charisma and warmth, won him the César Award for Best Actor, making him the first Black actor to receive the honor. The film masterfully blends humor and pathos, showing that connection can be found in the most unexpected places. It's a global phenomenon for a reason – it's pure joy and profoundly moving.

The Intouchables

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