France has a long and proudfilmmaking tradition across every genre, and thebest French comedy moviesshowcase the unique style of hilarity funny films from the nation have become renowned for. There have been French comedy movies since the dawn of cinema, with the earliest examples coming from the silent era with the likes of 1895’sWatering the Gardener.
Even as far back as the turn of the 20th century, French comedy developed and became known for its unique style, with many traditions (such as an appreciation of combining physical comedy with acute satires) continuing into the modern day. While many films from France like 2001’sAmelieand 2006’sParis, Je T’aimeare incredibly popular internationally, the best French comedy movies include many delightful and hilarious viewing experiences that more than match them.
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No list of the best French comedy movies would be complete withoutMon Oncle,the 1958 comedy from director Jaques Tati. It was the movie that earned the respected French filmmaker the most awards, and the first of his works to be released in color. However, this isn’t why it’s one of the funniest French comedies of all time - it earns this based entirely on its own merits, even without Tati’s name attached.
Mon Onclestands out for several reasons. It manages to perfectly blend slapstick physical comedy with cutting social satire, and the exploration of themes like strained family relationships gives it plenty of emotional depth too.Even though it released over 7 decades ago,Mon Oncleremains a laugh-out-loud viewing experience from start to finish.
French comedy is known for being unafraid of dealing with complex themes, finding humor in subjects that, on the surface, don’t seem funny at all. Few titles demonstrate this quality quite as clearly asThe Intouchables,the 2011 buddy-comedyfrom directors Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache.The Intouchablesfocuses on the friendship between the criminal Driss (Omar Sy) and quadriplegic Philippe (Francois Cluzet).
From the very opening scenes,The Intouchablesmanages to create comedic situations from the complications of Philippe’s condition and the lengths Driss must go to as his newly employed live-in carer. The film never falls into the trap of being insensitive, however, and manages to remain heartfelt and authentic to the lived experience of quadriplegic individuals like Philippe throughout. What’s more,the performances of Omar Sy and Francois Cluzet are among the strongest (and funniest) in the history fo French comedy films.
French cinema is known for many things, among them a strong tradition of experimental filmmaking in every genre. When it comes to comedy, one of the most boundary-redefining movies is 2011’sThe Artist,from director Michel Hazanavicius.The Artisthas almost no dialogue - a deliberate choice to reflect the fact that one of the two central characters is George Valentin (Jean Dujardin), a movie star from thesilent era of filmmaking.
The other character, Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), is an actress on the rise, and the plot focuses on the relationship between the two and their contrasting careers. Like many of the best French comedy movies,The Artistis as much an exploration of complex themes as it is a hilarious watch, as Michel Hazanavicius uses Peppy and George’s story to explore how the changing world impacts the lives of both characters.
Ruby & Quentinis one of several great French comedy movies from director Francis Veber, and is his take on the classic set-up of a mismatched criminal couple. In this case, the couple in question is Ruby (Jean Reno) and Quentin (Gerard Depardieu), and their hapless and often fruitless illegal capers make for a laugh-a-minute viewing experience.
While the chemistry between leading cast members Reno and Depardieu is one of the greatest strengths ofRuby & Quentin,there are plenty of other elements that also ensure the 2003 film stands as one of the best French comedy movies. Veber manages to perfectly blend moments of cutting satirical dialogue with slapstick humor, andmany considerRuby & Quentinto be a perfect example of the unique tone that makes comedy films from France feel so distinct.
When it comes to classic French comedy movies, 1976’sThe Wing or the Thigh(released in France asL’aile ou la cuisse)is always deserving of a mention. Directed by Cluade Zidi, who co-wrote the script alongside Michel Fabre,The Wing or the Thighfocuses on an incredibly important foundation of French culture - food. France is known for its gourmet cuisine, andThe Wing or the Thighdelves into the world of fine dining to create a hilarious and unforgettable story.
Once again,The Wing or the Thighis a French comedy movie that’s as concerned with dissecting complex ideas as it is with creating laughs. In this case, it’s the dawn of the fast-food industry and its impact on traditional restaurants.This aspect feels just as poignant in the 2020s as it did in 1976, makingThe Wing or the Thighfeel like an incredibly witty, intelligent, and timely film despite releasing almost 50 years ago.
The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob(released asLes Adventures de Rabbi Jacobin France) combines many elements French comedy movies have become known for. The outlandish setup of the plot, the memorable and bombastic characters, and blend of razor-sharp satire with slapstick physical comedy ensure the 1973 film is remembered both as one of the best works from director Gerard Oury and one the funniest French films ever.
Starring Louis de Funes and Claude Giraud,The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacobfocuses on an odd pairing of a kidnapped revolutionary and politically incorrect businessman. After the duo become the target of assassins, they disguise themselves as rabbis to escape.This utterly bizarre premise makes for a hilarious watch, and is a key reason thatThe Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacobis now considered a cult classic both in France and internationally.
Director Gerard Oury helmed many of the best French comedy movies, and one of the highlights of his filmmaking career is 1966’sLa Grande Vadrouille(which translates toThe Great Stroll,though was also released asDon’t Look Now… We’re Being Shot Atin some English-speaking regions). Setduring the Second World War,La Grande Vadrouillefocuses on a group of French civilians trying to smuggle the pilots of a downed British bomber out of Nazi-occupied France.
La Grande Vadrouilleis one of the most satirical French comedies of all time, with the French, British, and German characters all being at the receiving end of the film’s many, many punchlines.It’s also a strong example of French filmmakers finding hilarity in seemingly unfunny settings, as the horrors of WW2 and life in Nazi-occupied Europe are never a hindrance to director Gerard Oury’s ability to create laugh-out-loud moments.
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The holiday season is intrinsically tiedto funny Christmas filmsno matter the language or territory of origin, and when it comes to French comedy movies, it’s 1982’sSanta Claus is a Stinkerwhich inarguably stands out as the best. Directed by Jean-Marie Poire,Santa Claus is a Stinker(released in France asLe père Noël est une ordure) is adapted from the 1979 play of the same name, and once again is a French comedy movie that takes a dark premise and finds plenty of light within it.
Santa Claus is a Stinkerfocuses on two phone operators as a suicide hotline who find themselves working on Christmas Eve. Throughout the movie, multiple people show up at their office and get trapped due to a malfunctioning elevator.The humor is incredibly dark, even by the standards of French comedy movies, though this cementsSanta Claus is a Stinkeras an absolutely unforgettable (and hilarious) film.
Released asLe Folie des Grandeursin France,Delusions of Grandeuris another unforgettable French comedy movie from director Gerard Oury. Based on the Victor Hgo playRuy Blas, Delusions of Grandeurtakes place in 17th-century Spain, and stands out among the best French comedies for its particularly strong character-driven humor (though there’s still plenty of satire and physical comedy too).
The period setting also ensures thatDelusions of Grandeurfeels unique among funny French films, and makes for some unique contextual jokes that movies in the present day aren’t able to include.Also of note is thatDelusions of Grandeuris an especially masterful comedy of errors, with many hilarious mix-ups and misunderstandings throughout, leading to some of the best moments of situational comedy in the history of French cinema.
The 2006 anthology movieParis, Je T’aimeis one of the most well-known French comedy movies internationally and was released in many English-speaking territories asParis, I Love You.There are 18 separate stories inParis, Je T’aime,each with a different director. It’s not only French filmmakers behind the segments either, as thelikes of The Coen Brothers, Wes Craven, and Alexander Payne are also included as directors. What’s more, many U.S. actors like Steve Buscemi, Natalie Portman, and Maggie Gyllenhaal also star in the cast.
Every segment ofParis, Je T’aimefocuses on romance in some way. The individual stories blend together seamlessly too, with the final shot of one leading directly into the opening shot of the next. It’s a truly unique viewing experience, both within the context of French comedy movies and more generally, and there’s no film out there quite like it.
