Films to watch with children and improve your French
From the Astérix series to Le Petit Nicolas, we look at the French films that can be an accessible way of learning
French films aimed at children are a great way for the whole family to improve their language skills
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Whatever your age, content aimed at a younger audience can be a very accessible way of improving your language skills.
It could also mean sitting down and sharing some quality time with a child in your life.
Watching a French film is a great way to practise listening skills because you are aided by the visuals, which help you to understand what is going on.
Listening skills can often be the part of language learning children dread the most. However, by using films, you can help them to practise without them even realising;
Here are some French films suitable for children and adults.
Astérix et Obélix: L’Empire du Milieu
The latest instalment of the Astérix series is a great place to start and the good news is that if it proves popular with your family, there are five films in total, the first having been released in 1999.
Read also: The best books to read to children and improve your own French
Belle et Sébastien
Set during World War Two, Belle et Sébastien is a series of three films that tells the story of orphaned Sébastien who meets an abandoned dog that villagers in his Alpine village believe is killing their sheep.
Sébastien names the dog Belle and a friendship is established between them as German soldiers arrive in the village in an attempt to find people who are thought to be helping Jewish people fleeing persecution.
Le Petit Nicolas
Petit Nicolas’ world falls apart when his mother falls pregnant and he learns he is to become a big brother; the film follows his concerns that his parents will abandon him upon the arrival of his little brother.
Once again, there is a sequel to this comedy: Les Vacances du Petit Nicolas.
Les Malheurs de Sophie
Les Malheurs de Sophie (The Misfortunes of Sophie) is a franchise that has transcended generations: the book was first published in 1858 and has been recreated in many forms over the years.
The 2016 film is a good choice for children and adults alike; it tells the story of Sophie who lives in a castle and is constantly annoying her cousin Paul and trying to get rid of her mean stepmother.
Dilili à Paris
Released in 2018, this animation follows Dilili, a young girl who investigates the mysterious disappearances of little girls during La Belle Epoque in Paris.
Along the way, she meets lots of interesting characters who help her with her investigation.
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