22 Best Movies Set In Paris That Will Inspire You To Visit The City

Looking for the best movies set in Paris to add to your watch list? From drama, and musicals, to thrillers, this list has all the best movies filmed in Paris.

Paris is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities worldwide earning the name City of Love.

Hence, it’s no wonder its charming architecture, dreamy locales, rich history, and sophisticated culture have constantly appeared as movie backdrops.

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From classic black-and-white films to modern-day blockbusters, Paris has been the main character of them all.

If you want to get a glimpse of Paris on the big screen, want to relive your trip, or just want to get inspired, in this article, I’ve listed the 22 best movies set in Paris that will transport you to the city’s iconic streets, stunning landmarks, and vibrant culture to offer you a peek into the beauty and magic of Paris from the comfort of your home.

Best Movies Set in Paris

Paris has inspired countless poets, artists, writers, and filmmakers for centuries, making it a backdrop for many cinematic masterpieces.

Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic comedy, an animated feature, or an action thriller, there’s something for everyone on this list of best movies set in Paris.

So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be whisked away to the enchanting streets of Paris without leaving your couch.

1. The Intouchables/Les Intouchables (2011)

Genre: Comedy/Drama

IMDB Rating: 8.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 76%

This French comedy-drama, Les Intouchables is a great start to the best movies set in Paris guide.

Starring François Cluzet (Philippe) and Omar Sy (Driss), both from very different backgrounds, they form an unlikely friendship when Philippe hires Driss as his caretaker.

Despite their differences, Philippe, a wealthy aristocrat but sadly a quadriplegic, and Driss, who grew up in the projects, form a deep and meaningful bond that changes their lives forever.

It is a heart-warming and uplifting tale of friendship, laughter, and the power of the human spirit. Omar won a César and Lumiere Award for this.

Even though most of the scenes are indoors in a Paris home, they show a glimpse of the countryside of France meaning that it also makes it on the list of best movies set in France.

2. Amélie (2001)

Genre: Romance/Comedy

IMDB Rating: 8.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

Amélie, played by Audrey Tautou, is a shy and introverted young woman who decides to bring happiness to the people around her.

This feel-good film is a celebration of life’s simple pleasures and the beauty that can be found in the everyday.

The story follows Amélie, a waitress in a Montmartre cafe who finds hidden antiques in her apartment and makes it her mission to return them to their owner.

But on her way to bringing happiness to other people, she finds happiness of her own.

Set in Paris, particularly in Café des Deux Moulins, Abbesses Station, Sacré-Coeur, and other attractions in Montmartre, it is a whimsical and charming tale of love, joy, and the power of kindness.

Amélie, with its beautiful cinematography, beautiful soundtrack, and a standout performance from Audrey won the BAFTA, César, and Lumiere awards.

3. Ratatouille (2007)

Genre: Animation/Comedy

IMDB Rating: 8.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 96%

Ratatouille, which won an Academy Award and a BAFTA award for Best Animated Film is a wonderful example of a kids’ movie set in Paris.

This heart-warming animated Pixar film tells the story of a rat named Remy who loves cooking and dreams of becoming a chef in a famous Parisian restaurant.

He teams up with a garbage boy at Gusteau’s restaurant in Paris above the sewer he lives in to create culinary masterpieces and realize his dream.

With a fun storyline and beautiful animation, it is sure to entertain children of all ages and adults alike.

The movie celebrates the art of cooking with a focus on a highly popular French food of the same name (Ratatouille) and shows you the joys of chasing your dreams.

This movie was such a success that it got an attraction in Disneyland Paris just dedicated to it.

4. Before Sunset (2004)

Genre: Drama/Romance

IMDB Rating: 8.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 94%

Before Sunset is the second part of a trilogy following Before Sunrise and preceding Before Midnight.

It follows the story of two former lovers, Jesse and Céline who reunite in Paris 9 years after their first encounter.

The movie captures the essence of Paris as a city of love with its beautiful locales. It is a poignant exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the bittersweet moments of life, making it a perfect pick for anyone looking for beautiful and romantic movies set in Paris. It got an Academy Award nomination.

5. The Red Balloon / Le ballon rouge (1956)

Genre: Fantasy/Drama

IMDB Rating: 8.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 96%

In addition to Ratatouille, if you’re looking for more classic kids’ movies set in Paris, Le Ballon Rouge (The Red Balloon) captures the imagination of kids and adults alike.

This 34-min charming fantasy featurette tells the story of a young boy who befriends a sentient red balloon.

Together, the boy and his balloon explore the city of Paris, particularly in the neighborhood of Menilmontant encountering a range of interesting characters and beautiful locations along the way.

The wonderful cinematography and moving storyline will surely swell your hearts.

It is a must-watch for anyone seeking an endearing short film. The film won an Academy Award for Best Writing and Original Screenplay, a BAFTA, and Palme d’Or at Cannes.

6. Three Colors: Blue / Trois couleurs: Bleu (1993)

Genre: Drama/Mystery

IMDB Rating: 7.9/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 98%

One of the best movies based in Paris is the critically acclaimed Three Colors: Blue. Like Before Sunset, this movie is also a part of a trilogy, albeit the first one.

The film tells the story of Julie, a woman struggling to come to terms with the death of her husband and daughter who lost their lives in an accident, that she survived.

In a bid to put her past sad life behind, she moves into a Parisian apartment. What follows is her trying to move on but her past catches up with her and eventually completes her late husband’s work and finds new love in the end.

This Paris movie explores the themes of grief, loss, and redemption. The hauntingly beautiful depiction of human emotions and powerful performance by Juliette Binoche (Julie), who won a César Award for Best Actress make this a poignant and thought-provoking film. The movie won 2 other César Awards.

7. Taken (2008)

Genre: Action/Crime

IMDB Rating: 7.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 85%

The high-octane action thriller Taken follows a retired CIA operative, Bryan Mills, who travels to Paris to save his daughter after she is kidnapped by a human trafficking ring.

Unlike the other films filmed in Paris on this list, this film not only shows you Parisian attractions, but also how they get destroyed with explosive car chases, intense fight scenes, and action sequences.

The thrilling adventure will keep you on the edge of your seat and warrants an addition to the list of American movies set in Paris.

8. Jules and Jim (1962)

Genre: Drama/Romance

IMDB Rating: 7.7/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 94%

Jules and Jim is one of the numerous romantic films set in Paris. It takes place before, during, and after World War I and explores the intricacies of love and friendship.

The film revolves around the love triangle between two friends, Jules and Jim, with a woman named Catherine, leading to complications and heart-breaking situations.

As the years pass by, the three characters face several obstacles and challenges that push the boundaries of their relationships.

The movie features various famous Parisian landmarks like the Seine, Cimetière du Père Lachaise, and other parts of France.

9. Breathless / À bout de souffle (1960)

Genre: Crime/Drama

IMDB Rating: 7.7/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 96%

When one thinks of movies that revolutionized the way films were created, Breathless comes to mind.

A classic movie of the French New Wave cinema, this timeless masterpiece has inspired many filmmakers over the years.

The film revolves around Michel, a young criminal who, after shooting a police officer flees to Paris and tries to persuade his American lover, Patricia, to run away with him.

The handheld camera style shooting improves the cinematic experience, and jump cuts add to its thrill factor.

The movie was soo good that it has been named one of the best French movies ever made.

10. The Triplets of Belleville / Les triplettes de Belleville (2003)

Genre: Animation/Adventure/Comedy

IMDB Rating: 7.7/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 94%

Next on the list of best films set in Paris is an animated adventure film, The Triplets of Belleville.

It depicts the story of Madame Souza and her dog, Bruno, who embark on a journey to rescue her cyclist grandson, Champion after the French mafia kidnaps him during the Tour de France and takes him to Belleville, a neighborhood in Paris.

The surreal humor provides a light-hearted atmosphere in a film with little dialogue.

That, and the creative use of sound makes this a charming movie that appeals to audiences of all ages. It won a César for Best Film Music and a Lumiere Award.

11. Midnight in Paris (2011)

Genre: Comedy/Fantasy/Romance

IMDB Rating: 7.7/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 93%

Midnight in Paris is one of those romantic films filmed in Paris that transports you back in time like it does the protagonist.

Gil, a disillusioned Hollywood screenwriter visits the city of love with his fiancée, Inez, and her parents.

A chance encounter with party-goers from the 1920s transports him back every night at midnight where he meets some of his literary idols from the golden era. He then begins to question his own life and priorities.

This whimsical and nostalgic love letter to Paris shows us the power of a place to transport us to another world. It won an Academy Award for Best Writing.

12. La Vie En Rose (2007)

Genre: Biography/Drama/Music

IMDB Rating: 7.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 74%

La Vie En Rose, one of the best historical movies based in Paris, is a biopic based on the legendary French singer, Édith Piaf. The movie is named after her famous French song, La Vie En Rose.

Édith’s life was marked by tragedy, difficulties, and hardships which she channeled into her singing.

Despite struggling with pain, addiction leading to illness, and a tumultuous love life, when Édith took the stage, she could move the audience to tears through her powerful renditions and this is exactly what the movie shows.

From her upbringing in Normandy, her time singing in a Parisian club to becoming a popular singer who is now regarded as one of the most famous French women of all time.

Marion Cotillard’s portrayal of Édith is a tour de force, leading to her winning several BAFTA, César, and Lumiere awards, continuously proving that she is indeed one of the best French actresses.

13. Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Genre: Romance/Drama/Musical

IMDB Rating: 7.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 75%

Moulin Rouge! is a visually stunning musical extravaganza set in 19th-century Paris, specifically in Montmartre, with a story that’s both a love letter to the city and a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of chasing one’s dreams.

A struggling writer (Ewan McGregor) falls for the enchanting Satine (Nicole Kidman), a courtesan at the infamous Moulin Rouge cabaret.

The film, a joyful yet tragic celebration of love, music, and the bohemian spirit of Paris is a delight for the senses with dazzling dance numbers, lavish costumes, and a soundtrack that mixes contemporary pop hits with classic tunes.

It won several BAFTA and Academy awards and a Grammy nomination.

14. Les Misérables (2012)

Genre: Romance/Drama/Musical

IMDB Rating: 7.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 69%

This 19th-century musical drama film set in Paris tells the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) who is hunted by the ruthless Inspector Javert (Russell Crowe) as he tries to find redemption while taking care of a young girl named Cosette (Amanda Seyfried).

Les Misérables, based on Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name and set in Montfermeil is a powerful and emotional exploration of love, justice, and sacrifice.

Besides the stunning performances by a stellar cast, the sweeping music and striking cinematography provide a fitting backdrop for this epic tale.

Anne Hathaway stood out in her supporting role as Fantine, winning several BAFTA, Academy, and Golden Globes for the film.

15. Hugo (2011)

Genre: Adventure/Drama

IMDB Rating: 7.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 93%

Hugo, an adaptation of Brian Selznick’s novel, “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” follows the story of a young orphan boy named Hugo who lives alone in Montparnasse train station in Paris.

He finds an automaton made by his late father left for him to fix. What follows is him stealing parts to work on the watch, a new job, and a new friendship!

How will this young boy survive in a world alone juggling work and taking care of himself? You’ll have to watch it to find out.

What makes Hugo a must-see among kids’ movies set in Paris is the heart-warming tale about friendship coupled with stunning visuals and glimpses of the beautiful views of Paris from the train station’s clock tower.

The film won several Academy and BAFTA awards.

16. The Last Metro (1980)

Genre: Drama/Romance/War

IMDB Rating: 7.4/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 88%

This historical drama is one of the best movies based in Paris starring Catherine Deneuve (Marion) and Gérard Depardieu (Bernard) a famous French actor, as the lead couple.

The film shows Paris during the Nazi occupation with the story revolving around the reopening of a theater in Montmartre and the struggles of its Jewish director and his wife as they hide from the Nazis. You’ll also find sprinkles of love here and there.

The powerful performances by the lead couple and the emotional depiction of life in wartime Paris plus the storyline earned the movie a whopping 10 César awards including best actor and actress for the lead couple, best music, best writing, best cinematography, and more.

17. Irréversible (2002)

Genre: Crime/Drama/Mystery

IMDB Rating: 7.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 58%

Unlike other French films set in Paris, Irréversible will provide you with an unconventional storytelling experience. It begins with the end and moves backward in time.

I should also let you know that there is graphic violence and sexual assault in a Paris metro involved so if this is not your cup of tea, you might want to skip it. This is also why the movie has been controversial since its release.

Having said that, it is a thought-provoking film that explores the concept of time, destiny, and the consequences of our actions.

The movie was nominated at the Cannes Film Festival for a Palme d’Or.

18. An American in Paris (1951)

Genre: Musical/Drama/Romance

IMDB Rating: 7.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 95%

After Moulin Rouge! and Les Misérables, this is the 3^rd musical on this list of best films about Paris.

What happens when a war veteran and struggling painter (Gene Kelly) falls for a struggling French singer, Leslie Caron? We find out in An American in Paris.

However, things get complicated when the painter is courted by a wealthy heiress (Nina Foch), but he falls for the girlfriend of his close friend.

The film gained fame for its elaborate dance sequences, musical numbers, and an unforgettable soundtrack. It also won 6 Academy awards and a Golden Globe for Best Movie.

19. Paris, Je T’aime (2006)

Genre: Comedy/Drama/Romance

IMDB Rating: 7.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 86%

The only anthology film on this list of movies made in Paris is Paris Je T’Aime, an amalgamation of 18 short films set in each of the 18 Parisian arrondissements (initially meant to feature all 20 but 2 could not be integrated and hence were left out).

Each story captures a unique perspective of the City of Love and the stunning cinematography of Paris adds to the charm.

The ensemble cast comprises Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe, Natalie Portman, Gaspard Ulliel, Steve Buscemi, and Gérard Depardieu, among others.

If you want to get a deeper insight into the city of love, this is one of the best movies about Paris not to miss.

20. The Dreamers (2003)

Genre: Drama/Romance

IMDB Rating: 7.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 60%

The Dreamers is set against the backdrop of the 1968 student riots in Paris. An American student, Matthew befriends a young French brother and sister duo, Theo and Isabelle, both avid cinephiles.

As they spend more time together bonding over movies and literature, the trio’s relationship evolves unexpectedly and the lines between their friendship and romantic feelings blur.

This thought-provoking film is a sensual exploration of youthful passions, political activism, and rebellion.

21. The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

Genre: Animation/Drama

IMDB Rating: 7.0/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 71%

The last musical on this list of famous movies set in Paris is The Hunchback of Notre Dame, an animated film like Ratatouille and The Triplets of Belleville.

The story, loosely based on the famous novel by Victor Hugo, follows Quasimodo, a deformed bell-ringer at Notre Dame who falls in love with a beautiful traveler, Esmeralda.

Set against the backdrop of medieval Paris, the movie explores themes of social injustice, love, and acceptance with beautifully animated sequences, though it faced criticisms for its dark theme — something that is not common in Disney movies.

The film’s musical score earned it Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.

22. Marie Antoinette (2006)

Genre: Biography/Drama/History

IMDB Rating: 6.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 57%

Marie Antoinette is a visually stunning period drama recounting the life of the (in)famous and last queen of France. It is one of the few historical movies set in Paris available on Netflix.

It offers an extravagant and glamorous portrayal of 18th-century France where we see Marie Antoinette’s journey, portrayed beautifully by Kirsten Dunst, from her arrival in Versailles as a young woman to her eventual execution.

It also captures her personal struggles and challenges as a woman in a position of great power.

If you want to get a glimpse of the French royal’s history right through to the French revolution, this is one of the best movies that take place in Paris that you should watch.

Its outstanding costume design earned the movie an Academy Award.

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Final Thoughts on the Best Movies Filmed in Paris

For those who dream of visiting the city of lights and love but haven’t been able to yet or those who have and miss its appeal, I hope that watching any of these 22 best movies set in Paris transports you to the city’s iconic landmarks and charming streets.

And who knows, maybe they’ll inspire you to plan your next trip to this magical city.

As always, if I’ve missed any movie set in Paris that you believe deserves to be on this list, drop it in the comments below and I’ll give it a watch and later add it.

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