Films and TV shows to improve your French in January

The start of the new year often comes with resolutions, and committing to the use of your target language everyday is a great way to make small gains towards fluency.

It is possible for everyone to incorporate French into their everyday life, by consuming the language in a media form you enjoy such as via music, radio, books, TV shows, or films.

January can be a slow month after all the festivities, so here are a few French films and TV series to have up your sleeve for when you find yourself with a quiet moment.

French media platform Canal+ offers a wide range of options, including British and American series that have been dubbed into French, meaning you can even rewatch your favourite series in French.

In addition, Netflix also has a host of shows, including new releases and even French-language exclusives, particularly for those watching from an account based in France.

Alternatively, those in the UK or elsewhere can access ‘French’ Netflix (which naturally has a much larger pool of French-language films and TV shows) using a VPN.

Budapest

Starring two of France’s most prolific comedic actors - Jonathan Cohen and Manu Payet - Budapest is the story of two best friends who launch a business hosting outrageous bachelor parties in Hungary.

The operations of course do not run entirely to plan and the pair end up in all sorts of trouble, both in their business and personal lives.

Billed as an easy watch, it is a good option for a cold, gloomy January day and is available on Netflix.

Braqueurs (The Crew)

If you are looking for a more ‘serious’ show, Braqueurs (‘The Crew’ in English), may be what you are looking for.

With a run time of less than 90 minutes, the film is short and sharp, and follows a group of armed robbers in Paris who get involved with a powerful crime group and are forced to carry out a risky heist.

You can also find Braqueurs on Netflix.

Anatomie d’une Chute (Anatomy of a Fall)

The newly crowned double Golden Globe winner, Anatomie d’une Chute takes a look at an intense relationship between a French-German couple after the husband is found dead.

The court case which ensues the suspicious death traces of the pair’s lives together and the difficulties they have faced.

You can find Anatomie d’une Chute on Amazon Prime, Canal+ or Apple's streaming service.

Read also: Golden Globe awards for French film Anatomy of a Fall

Moi, Capitaine

Another Golden Globe nominee, Moi Capitaine is currently showing in cinemas, and won a silver award for the best director at the Venice Film Festival.

It is inspired by the story of Fofana Amara from Guinea who was imprisoned in Sicily after being forced to drive a boat with hundreds of refugees from Libya.

It follows two teenagers from Senegal, Seydou and Moussa, who seek to escape to Europe on a boat which Seydou ends up involuntarily captaining, and the nightmare that ensues.

Read more: Readers share their French film and TV recommendations

Drôle (Standing Up)

If a series is more to your liking, Drôle (Standing Up in English) revolves around four friends struggling to make it in the comedy world.

With six episodes each around 45 minutes long, it can easily be binged – or you can watch one episode a night – and offers a ‘drôle’ take on the sometimes-awkward stand-up comedy scene.

It also focuses on the difficulties of competing with your friends in a world where everyone is fighting for a limited spotlight.

The 2022 show can also be found streaming on Netflix.

Marie Antoinette

For those who love a period drama, the BBC2 Marie Antoinette series will likely be up your street.

The series shows the soon-to-be Queen arrive in Versailles to marry Prince Louis (future King Louis XVI), and how their lives evolve as they settle into their new roles.

Although the original is actually in English, you can change the audio and subtitles to French when watching it on Canal+.

But equally, if you fancy watching it in English, it still offers a good insight into a very important section of French history.

It is not to be confused with the 2006 film directed by Sofia Coppola of the same name.

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