Best French Films of the 1980s

The Decade of Near-Terminal Decline

By the mid-1980s, French cinema was coming close to being dealt a lethal blow from the combined onslaught of television and Hollywood. Declining audiences and a worsening economic situation forced the government to intervene to prevent the film industry from going into a deadly tailspin. The major French television channels also stepped in, providing a second financial lifeline to reverse the decline. The impact of these drastic measures would not be felt until the 1990s, and so the 1980s represents something of a sustained nadir for French cinema, the public's dwindling interest in home-grown cinema reflected in the quality and variety of films on offer. A new wave of young filmmakers (Luc Besson, Jean-Jacques Beineix, Pierre Jolivet and Leos Carax) had some impact with their stylish Cinéma du Look, but, with public interest waning, the auteur was becoming less noticeable. The decade's most surprising hit was Coline Serreau's low-key comedy Trois hommes et un couffin (1985), which enjoyed an America remake (Three Men and a Baby). That French cinema managed to survive this most difficult of decades can be put down to the commercial nous of producers like Claude Berri and the unwavering appeal of its latest irresistible icons, Gérard Depardieu and Catherine Deneuve. For a more complete list consult our best films index and complete films index.

Le Dernier métro (1980)

An emotionally charged drama in which the experiences of Nazi occupied France are seen through the lives of a closely knit community of theatre personnel. Depardieu and Deneuve are united on screen for the first time.

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Mon oncle d'Amérique (1980)

A bizarre synthesis of conventional drama and natural history documentary, in which human behaviour is related to basic animal needs and responses.

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Coup de torchon (1981)

A disturbing black comedy set in a French African colonial town. The superb Philippe Noiret plays a police chief who, after years of humiliation, decides to clean up crime - by shooting people.

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Diva (1981)

With its sylish photography, awesome sets and adrenaline-pumping action scenes, Diva was the most highly rated French thriller of the 1980s, showing impressionist and existentialist influences.

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L'As des as (1982)

This action comedy set on the eve of World War II contains a poignant story of love and heroism, and also one of the best screen caricatures of Hitler. Great family entertainment.

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La Balance (1982)

Strong acting performances and well choreographed action scenes makes this one of the best and most realistic French crime thrillers of the 1980s.

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Le Retour de Martin Guerre (1982)

A compelling period drama based on a true story set in the 16th century. The sets and costumes give the film a rare authenticity, and it also features one of Depardieu's best performances.

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L'Argent (1983)

Bresson's final film, based on a short story by Tolstoy, is a minimalist masterpiece which illustrates the corrupting power of money on the human soul.

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Vivement dimanche! (1983)

Fanny Ardant dazzles in this off-the-wall comedy thriller from one of France's greatest directors. For his final film, Truffaut manages to unite his passion for film noir, Hitchcockian suspense and comedy romance.

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Sans toit ni loi (1985)

A shockingly realistic portrait of a young woman's search for freedom, superbly directed by Agnès Varda, and featuring a truly moving performance from Sandrine Bonnaire.

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Trois hommes et un couffin (1985)

The original Three Men and a Baby was this hilarious satire on fatherhood and modern living. It proved to be a staggering box office success in France.

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Jean de Florette / Manon des sources (1986)

This complex tale of thwarted optimism, cruel trickery and revenge, with its beautiful Provence setting and great acting, was a major international success for French cinema in the 1980s.

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L'Ami de mon amie (1987)

The final film in Rohmer's widely acclaimed Comédies et proverbes series is this beautifully filmed and engaging comedy romance about friendship and infidelity.

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Au revoir les enfants (1987)

Drawing on his own experiences as a child, Louis Malle paints this tender and highly poignant portrayal of childhood at the time of the Nazi occupation of France.

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Le Grand Bleu (1988)

Luc Besson's love for the sea is evident in every shot of this film, a stunning visual masterpiece. Despite being mauled by the critics for its apparent superficiality, the film proved to be a major box office success.

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Monsieur Hire (1989)

By merging psychological thriller and comedy romance, Patrice Leconte creates one of his best films, a dark yet tender study in loneliness and desire.

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