Since its inception, French cinema has released many comedies. These feature films are often very successful in cinemas. From Louis de Funès to Christian Clavier, passing by Thierry Lhermitte and Jacques Villeret, the great figures of the French seventh art have made the heyday of these productions. Here is our selection of the 10 best French comedies of all time.
The dinner of fools
It is a cruel concept, to say the least, which is used in The dinner of fools. Indeed, a Parisian publisher (Thierry Lhermitte) organizes a dinner every week with good clients whom he secretly makes fun of. He then meets François Pignon (Jacques Villeret), a passionate match collector whom a friend cynically describes to him as “a world champion”. This is the beginning of a touching and hilarious story that has marked several generations of spectators.
The big mop
We are dealing here with a very great classic of French cinema carried by the legendary duo Louis de Funès and Bourvil. In this feature film, we are immersed in the heart of the Second World War in occupied France. A renowned conductor and a house painter muster up their courage to lead British army pilots to safety. If you haven’t seen this masterpiece yet, go for it.
Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra
Succeeding in bringing a comic strip to the big screen is not always easy, and Guillaume Canet can attest to that. However, Alain Chabat succeeded tremendously with Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra. The Gauls are summoned by the Egyptian monarch to help her build a Palace in three months as she promised Caesar. If this film hits the bull’s eye, it’s mainly thanks to its incredibly inspired cast. Special mention to Édouard Baer and Jamel Debbouze at the top of their game.
The Bronzed
The Bronzés saga is once again one of the great classics of French cinema. If the third film is not very inspired, Les Bronzés first of the name where the merry band goes on vacation to the beach, and the second where they leave for winter sports are full of mythical scenes. You have surely already seen them and seen them again, but viewing these feature films is never superfluous.
OSS 117
Jean Dujardin found a role worthy of him by playing the French spy Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath. The first two parts directed by Michel Hazanavicius are simply jubilant. This spy movie parody is full of caustic references to our country’s history, and it’s remarkably written. The success of the saga made it possible to release a third part signed by the filmmaker Nicolas Bedos.
Visitors
In Visitors, Christian Clavier and Jean Reno excel in the roles of Jacqouille and Godefroy de Montmirail. Everything changes when these two inhabitants of the Middle Ages travel in time to our time. It’s a mind-blowing clash of cultures for them, and it leads to some very offbeat scenes. This feature film marked the spirits when it was released, and its references still pursue us today: It’s Okay!
Welcome to the Ch’tis
Dany Boon’s comedy was a real hit at the French box office when it was released in 2008. We follow a director of the Parisian Post Office (Kad Merad) who is transferred to Nord-Pas-de-Calais. While he imagines living a real hell, he is welcomed with hospitality by the inhabitants. The film multiplies clichés and references to the region. Touching and funny, it has established itself as one of the best French comedy films in history.
The three brothers
Released in 1995, The three brothers is a real “masterclass” signed by the comic trio of the Inconnus. We follow the journey of a sibling who ignores each other. They then inherit an immense fortune left by their mother. They will then get to know each other by force of circumstance.
The Adventures of Rabbi Jacob
In this feature film, Victor Pivert (Louis de Funès), a wealthy industrialist, wants to go to Paris for his daughter’s wedding. He is taken hostage by a mysterious organization. The man manages to escape and takes refuge in a synagogue disguised as a rabbi. Remarkably written, this film goes far beyond simple comedy and tackles humanist themes against racism and anti-Semitism.
An Indian in the city
Stéphane Marchado (Thierry Lhermitte), a very snobby Parisian businessman, travels to the Amazon to settle divorce proceedings with his former wife. There, he meets his child Mimi-Siku and decides to bring him back with him. But for the latter, life in the capital is not easy. The film shows us grating and touching scenes and a real clash of cultures.
Santa Claus is garbage (bonus)
Here again we find the Splendid troupe at work in this feature film. We follow a duo who manage the telephone service of SOS Détresse-Amitié. Christmas evening is very hectic, not to say incredible. It will allow them to meet colorful characters and in particular Zézette and Félix.
