Best Movies About Paris

From Christopher Nolan, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Ken Watanabe
Rated PG-13

Inception is a science fiction action movie directed by Christopher Nolan and released in 2010. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Dom Cobb, a skilled thief who is given the opportunity to regain his old life by performing a task of immense importance: To implant an idea into the mind of a target. Along with his team of experts, Dom embarks on a journey into the depths of the subconscious mind, where they must face their inner demons and manipulate the laws of physics to succeed in their mission. In the end, they must decide whether the risk they are taking is worth the reward they hope to achieve.

From Jean-Pierre Jeunet, starring Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus, Lorella Cravotta
Rated R

Amélie is a 2001 French romantic comedy film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. The film follows the story of Amélie Poulain, a shy young woman living in Montmartre, Paris, who discovers a box of childhood treasures belonging to a boy who used to live in her apartment. Inspired by the mystery, she sets out on a mission to return the box to the boy, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and mischief along the way. Throughout her mission, Amélie meets a variety of quirky characters, discovers the beauty of life, and learns how to connect with others. In the end, she discovers that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact on the world around her.

From Richard Linklater, starring Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Vernon Dobtcheff, Louise Lemoine Torrès
Rated R

Before Sunset is a 2004 romantic drama written and directed by Richard Linklater. It is the sequel to the 1995 film Before Sunrise. The film follows Jesse and Céline, who had a passionate romance during a night in Vienna nine years prior. The two meet again in Paris, and spend an afternoon together before Jesse must board his flight back to the United States. During the course of their conversation, the two discuss the missed opportunities of their previous rendezvous, and share regrets and hopes for the future. Ultimately, Jesse and Céline must decide whether or not to take advantage of the one moment they have together or to go their separate ways.

From Directors: Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava, starring Brad Garrett, Lou Romano, Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm
Rated G

Ratatouille is an animated film by directors Brad Bird and Jan Pinkava, released in 2007. The film follows the story of Remy, an ambitious rat living in Paris who dreams of becoming a great chef. When he is separated from his family, he must find a way to make his dreams come true by teaming up with a young, struggling human chef named Linguini. Together they must find a way to overcome the obstacles placed in their path and create the best dish in the city. Along the way, Remy learns important lessons about friendship, loyalty, and following one's dreams.

From Jean-Pierre Melville, starring Lino Ventura, Paul Meurisse, Jean-Pierre Cassel, Simone Signoret
Rated Not Rated

Army of Shadows is a 1969 French-Italian war drama film directed by Jean-Pierre Melville. The plot follows a group of French Resistance fighters as they struggle to survive and carry out missions against the occupying German forces during World War II. Led by the enigmatic Philippe Gerbier (Lino Ventura), the group must contend with the constant threat of betrayal and capture while desperately trying to stay one step ahead of the Nazi forces. With its stark portrayal of the brutality and hopelessness of war, the film serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who risked their lives to fight for freedom.

From Tim Burton, starring Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange
Rated PG-13

Big Fish is a 2003 fantasy-drama film by director Tim Burton. It follows the life of Edward Bloom, a man with an extraordinary range of tall tales about his life and loves. His son, Will, is a more grounded realist who struggles to understand his father's wild stories. As Will tries to learn the truth behind his father's tales, he discovers a unique world filled with adventure, imagination, and love. The film follows Edward's life from childhood to his deathbed, revealing his larger-than-life tales through flashbacks. Ultimately, the film is an exploration of family, faith, and the power of storytelling.

From Doug Liman, starring Franka Potente, Matt Damon, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen
Rated PG-13

The Bourne Identity is a spy-thriller film directed by Doug Liman, starring Matt Damon as a man suffering from amnesia who is trying to figure out his true identity. After being pulled from the ocean with two bullets in his back, Jason Bourne discovers he has a remarkable set of skills in self-defense and language. He works with a former CIA operative, Marie Kreutz, to determine his identity as an assassin and uncover his past. As the CIA and the government become aware of his whereabouts and abilities, Bourne must use his skills to evade them and stay alive. Ultimately, he discovers that he is a former CIA assassin who was part of an illegal and highly dangerous operation. He must now find a way to survive the world of espionage and discover his true identity.

From Bernardo Bertolucci, starring Jean-Louis Trintignant, Stefania Sandrelli, Gastone Moschin, Enzo Tarascio
Rated R

The Conformist is a 1970 Italian drama directed by Bernardo Bertolucci. The film follows the story of Marcello Clerici, a weak-willed Italian man in the 1930s who is influenced by fascism and moves to Paris to prove his loyalty to the fascist party by assassinating his former professor. Throughout the movie, Marcello struggles with his internal conflict between wanting to conform to the fascist party and wanting to be true to himself. Along his journey, Marcello meets a range of people who help him to understand his own identity, including his friend, a gay man, and a strong-minded woman. In the end, Marcello has to choose between conforming to the fascist party or finding his own identity.

From Krzysztof Kieslowski, starring Juliette Binoche, Zbigniew Zamachowski, Julie Delpy, Benoît Régent
Rated R

Three Colors: Blue is a 1993 French-Polish art drama film directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski. It is the first installment of the Three Colors trilogy, which examines the French Revolutionary ideals; it is followed by White and Red. Julie, a woman whose life has been shattered by the sudden death of her husband and daughter, withdraws from the world. She attempts to cut herself off from everything and live in isolation, but soon discovers that she can not escape life's complexities. She meets a variety of characters who provide her with insight into life, love and loss, and helps her to re-engage with the world. In the end, Julie finds a way to move on with her life and rediscover joy.

From Doug Liman, starring Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson
Rated PG-13

Edge of Tomorrow is a thrilling science-fiction movie starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt. The story follows Major William Cage, a marketing specialist with no combat experience, who is thrust into a suicide mission to fight an invading alien race. Cage is killed within minutes, but he finds himself in a time loop that sends him back to the same day in an effort to survive and conquer the enemy. With the help of an elite soldier, Rita Vrataski, Cage must fight his way through an ever-changing battlefield. Eventually, Cage discovers that the aliens possess a time-travel device, and the only way to save humanity is to destroy the device. With bravery and determination, Cage must battle an alien race that can anticipate his every move in an effort to save the world.

From Bryan Singer, starring Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy
Rated PG-13

X-Men: Days of Future Past is a 2014 superhero film based on the X-Men comic book series published by Marvel Comics. Directed by Bryan Singer, it is the seventh installment of the X-Men film series and is a sequel to 2006's X-Men: The Last Stand. The film follows the main characters from the original X-Men trilogy, including Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), Professor X (Patrick Stewart) and Magneto (Ian McKellen), as they travel back in time to 1973 in order to change a major historical event that could globally impact the future of the mutant race. Along the way, they must confront their younger selves, join forces with a new group of mutants and battle the Sentinels, robotic killing machines created to exterminate mutants. The film was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $747 million worldwide and receiving acclaim from critics and fans alike. It also earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects.

From Pierre Morel, starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Leland Orser
Rated PG-13

Taken is a 2008 action-thriller film directed by Pierre Morel, starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, and Famke Janssen. The film follows ex-CIA agent Bryan Mills (Neeson), as he embarks on a dangerous mission to find his daughter Kim (Grace), after she is kidnapped by human traffickers while vacationing in Paris. With only 96 hours to find her, Mills uses his particular set of skills to track down the kidnappers and rescue his daughter before it is too late. Along the way, he must face off against a ruthless team of criminals, led by a mysterious and powerful figure known only as “The Wolf”. The film is a thrilling race against time, where the stakes are high and the outcome is uncertain.

From Jim Jarmusch, starring Winona Ryder, Gena Rowlands, Lisanne Falk, Alan Randolph Scott
Rated R

Night on Earth is a 1991 comedy-drama film directed by Jim Jarmusch. It follows five separate taxi rides in five different cities across the globe: Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Rome and Helsinki. Each ride is narrated from the perspective of the taxi driver, allowing the audience to experience a unique slice of life in each of the different cities. The film explores themes of humanity, connection, and chance as the stories of the different characters intersect in unexpected ways. Despite its comedic moments, Night on Earth is a poignant meditation on life and the beauty of human connection.

From Woody Allen, starring Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Kurt Fuller
Rated PG-13

Midnight in Paris is a 2011 romantic comedy-fantasy film written and directed by Woody Allen. The film centers around Gil Pender, a successful but creatively unsatisfied Hollywood screenwriter who finds himself in Paris with his fiancée, Inez. While in Paris, Gil takes a late night stroll which results in his being taken back in time to the 1920s, where he meets an array of historical figures including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Salvador Dali, and Pablo Picasso. Through his interactions in the past, Gil discovers a newfound appreciation for the present and a new understanding of the meaning of life.

From Krzysztof Kieslowski, starring Irène Jacob, Wladyslaw Kowalski, Halina Gryglaszewska, Kalina Jedrusik
Rated R

The Double Life of Véronique is a 1991 French-Polish drama film written and directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski. Set in France and Poland, the film follows two identical women, Weronika and Véronique, who share a mysterious and spiritual connection. Weronika is a Polish singer who dreams of becoming an opera star, and Véronique is a French teacher. Both women experience similar situations and feelings, despite their physical separation. As their lives intertwine, they are faced with difficult choices that will determine the course of their destinies. Ultimately, The Double Life of Véronique is a visually stunning story of human connection, destiny, and understanding the true nature of reality.

From Baz Luhrmann, starring Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, John Leguizamo, Jim Broadbent
Rated PG-13

Moulin Rouge! is a musical romantic drama directed by Baz Luhrmann set in the Montmartre Quarter of Paris in the year 1899. Christian (Ewan McGregor), a young writer, arrives in the city with dreams of fame and fortune. He soon discovers the titular night club, owned by the manipulative Harold Zidler (Jim Broadbent), which is home to an array of colorful characters, amongst them the beautiful courtesan Satine (Nicole Kidman). In a desperate attempt to secure funding for his play, Christian finds himself caught in a dangerous love triangle between Satine and the wealthy duke (Richard Roxburgh). The story follows their passionate, tragic and ultimately doomed romance, set against a backdrop of jealousy, rivalry and forbidden love. The film is also known for its unique visual style, blending lavish sets and costumes with modern editing techniques and a diverse selection of popular music from the Beatles to Madonna.

From Krzysztof Kieslowski, starring Zbigniew Zamachowski, Julie Delpy, Janusz Gajos, Jerzy Stuhr
Rated R

Three Colors: White is a 1994 Polish-French comedy-drama film written, co-produced, and directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski. It is the second film in the Three Colors trilogy, which examines the French Revolutionary ideals; it is preceded by Blue and followed by Red. The film focuses on Karol Karol, a Polish-born French hairdresser who is left penniless and homeless after his French wife Dominique leaves him for another man. In his attempt to reclaim his status and wealth, he travels to Paris, Madrid and Warsaw, and leads an increasingly absurd and comic journey of self-discovery. The film is an exploration of identity, freedom, and human rights, as Karol learns to find his place in the world and in his own life. It features a great deal of black humor, while also exploring themes of revenge, racism, and revenge in a manner that is both humorous and deeply profound.

From Francis Veber, starring Thierry Lhermitte, Jacques Villeret, Francis Huster, Daniel Prévost
Rated PG-13

Le Dîner de Cons is a 1998 French comedy film directed by Francis Veber. The plot follows Pierre Brochant and his friends who, every Wednesday night, take turns hosting a dinner for the purpose of telling stories and jokes. When Pierre invites Francois Pignon, an affable but socially inept accountant, he does not expect Pignon to be the main attraction - but that is exactly what happens. Through a series of humorous situations, Pignon manages to disrupt the dinner and teach Pierre and his friends the importance of understanding and compassion. The film culminates in a hilarious dinner between Pignon and his would-be employers, and an unexpected surprise.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Asa Butterfield, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Lee, Ben Kingsley
Rated PG

Hugo is a 2011 fantasy drama directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. The film follows the adventures of a young orphan boy named Hugo Cabret who lives in the walls of a Paris train station and repairs the station’s clocks in order to survive. After stealing from a toy booth, Hugo is caught and forced to spend time with the shop’s owner, an old man who works in the same train station. Through his interactions with the man, Hugo discovers that the old man is actually Georges Méliès, a pioneering filmmaker and one of the first special effects masters. Hugo teams up with Georges' goddaughter, a young girl named Isabelle, and the two set out to uncover a mysterious notebook and its secret message. Along the way, Hugo and Isabelle discover more about Georges' work and legacy, and the two help restore the legacy of the legendary filmmaker.

From Lone Scherfig, starring Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina, Olivia Williams
Rated PG-13

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Charlotte Le Bon, Guillaume Baillargeon, Émilie Leclerc
Rated PG

From Directors: Olivier Assayas, Frédéric Auburtin, Gurinder Chadha, Sylvain Chomet, Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, Isabel Coixet, Wes Craven, Alfonso Cuarón, Gérard Depardieu, Christopher Doyle, Richard LaGravenese, Vincenzo Natali, Alexander Payne, Bruno Podalydès, Walter Salles, Oliver Schmitz, Nobuhiro Suwa, Daniela Thomas, Tom Tykwer, Gus Van Sant, starring Juliette Binoche, Leonor Watling, Ludivine Sagnier, Fanny Ardant
Rated R

From Michel Gondry, starring Gael García Bernal, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Miou-Miou, Alain Chabat
Rated R

From Joel Schumacher, starring Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson, Miranda Richardson
Rated PG-13

From Bernardo Bertolucci, starring Michael Pitt, Louis Garrel, Eva Green, Anna Chancellor
Rated NC-17