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Movies about Paris have a certain magic to them. Paris, often dubbed the “City of Lights” and “City of Love”, has served as an enchanting backdrop for countless films over the years.
Its cobblestone streets, iconic landmarks, and romantic ambiance have bewitched filmmakers and audiences alike.
Whether you’re a cinephile, a Francophile, or someone who simply loves a good story, this curated list of movies set in Paris promises to transport you to its charming boulevards and bustling cafés.
As you delve in, you’ll discover timeless classics that capture the city’s old-world charm and contemporary tales offering a fresh perspective.
Also interesting: 16 wonderful books set in Paris
Each film is a unique love letter to this unforgettable metropolis. Dive in and let Paris unfold before your eyes.
23 Movies about Paris for your next movie night
Here’s for you, without further ado the list of the best 23 movies set in Paris. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below this article, if you can think of another movie that deserves to be on this list.
#1 Amélie (2001)
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This charming tale is one of the most iconic movies set in Paris. It introduces us to Amelie Poulain, a shy waitress who discovers her mission to bring happiness to those around her.
The Montmartre neighborhood shines as Amelie touches lives with her whimsical interventions. A tribute to love, loneliness, and imagination, this film captures the heart and soul of Paris.
Starring: Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, and Rufus.
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#2 Paris je t’aime (2006)
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A collection of vignettes from various directors, this film offers diverse takes on love and life within the City of Lights.
Each story takes place in a different Parisian arrondissement, painting a unique and vivid tableau of the city. It’s a beautiful reminder of why movies about Paris are always so enchanting. If you loved the movie “Love, Actually”, you will like “Paris je t’aime” as well.
Starring: Juliette Binoche, Steve Buscemi, and Natalie Portman.
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#3 2 Days in Paris (2007)
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An offbeat romantic comedy, this film offers a fresh look at relationships through the lens of a Franco-American couple visiting Paris.
As they navigate culture clashes and ex-lovers, the city around them buzzes with life. It’s a delightful addition to the canon of movies in Paris, especially for those who enjoyed films like “Before Sunrise.”
Starring: Julie Delpy, Adam Goldberg, and Daniel Brühl.
#4 Midnight in Paris (2011)
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This whimsical journey by Woody Allen delves into the romanticized past of Paris. A writer finds himself mysteriously traveling back to the 1920s, meeting the luminaries of the era.
It’s a testament to the timeless allure of Paris, making it one of the best movies about Paris for lovers of literature and history.
Starring: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, and Marion Cotillard.
#5 Before Sunset (2004)
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A poignant continuation of the love story started in “Before Sunrise”, this film captures a reunion in Paris. As the couple rekindles their connection, they wander through the city, sharing intimate conversations.
It’s not just a film about love, but also one of the most authentic movies that take place in Paris.
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, and Vernon Dobtcheff.
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Timeless Charm: Classic Movies Set in Paris
#6 An American in Paris (1951)
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This classic musical is one of the timeless movies about Paris, France. An ex-GI becomes a painter in post-war Paris and gets entangled in a love triangle with a beautiful dancer and her fiancé.
The movie is a symphony of George Gershwin’s music, dance, and the vibrant city of Paris.
Starring: Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, and Oscar Levant.
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#7 Ratatouille (2007)
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Pixar’s delightful tale is a reminder of Paris’s culinary world. Following Remy, a rat with a passion for cooking, the film captures the heart of Parisian gastronomy.
It’s not just one of the best movies about Paris for kids; it’s a love letter to anyone who’s ever dreamed big.
Starring: Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, and Lou Romano.
#8 Moulin Rouge! (2001)
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Baz Luhrmann’s extravagant musical is set in the iconic Moulin Rouge. Amid the glitz and glamour, a love story unfolds between a writer and a cabaret actress.
This film redefines the classic movies of Paris with its unique blend of contemporary music and historical setting.
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, and John Leguizamo.
#9 La vie en Rose (2007)
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Chronicling the life of Edith Piaf, this biographical film delves deep into the life of France’s national chanteuse.
It’s a testament to the city’s influence on music and culture, making it one of the best movies set in Paris. The movie won 2 Oscars!
Starring: Marion Cotillard, Sylvie Testud, and Pascal Greggory.
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#10 Intouchables (2011)
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A heartwarming tale of friendship, this film depicts the unlikely bond between a quadriplegic aristocrat and his caregiver.
Their adventures against the backdrop of Paris make it not only one of the movies showing in Paris but also a global phenomenon.
Starring: François Cluzet, Omar Sy, and Anne Le Ny.
Paris on Screen: Romantic and Dramatic Interludes
#11 Marie Antoinette (2006)
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Sofia Coppola’s visually sumptuous take on the life of France’s ill-fated queen beautifully captures the extravagance of the Versailles court.
The film offers a unique blend of historical events with a modern soundtrack, creating a contemporary resonance. One of the classic movies set in Paris, it portrays the decadence, politics, and emotions surrounding Marie Antoinette.
Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, and Judy Davis.
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#12 Funny Face (1957)
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A delightful musical set amidst the fashion world of Paris. An intellectual bookstore clerk is discovered by a fashion photographer and is whisked away to Paris for a major fashion event.
Featuring iconic dance numbers and picturesque Parisian scenes, it’s undoubtedly one of the movies to watch before visiting Paris.
Starring: Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire, and Kay Thompson.
#13 Paris (2008)
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Director Cédric Klapisch offers a mosaic of stories interwoven in the city of lights. From the bustling market streets to the quiet rooftop views, this film showcases the various faces and emotions of the city.
For anyone seeking movies about Paris France, this is a genuine treat. And if you are interested in knowing more about the famous actors in France, you find a plethora of them in this film.
Starring: Juliette Binoche, Romain Duris, and Fabrice Luchini
#14 Le Divorce (2003)
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Navigating the cultural differences between America and France, this film humorously showcases an American woman’s experiences in Paris as she aids her sister through a messy divorce.
This delightful dramedy offers viewers a peek into Parisian high society, making it a staple among English speaking movies in Paris.
Starring: Kate Hudson, Naomi Watts, and Stockard Channing
#15 Charade (1963)
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This suspense-filled romance is set against the backdrop of Paris, combining elements of mystery, comedy, and drama.
A woman finds herself pursued by multiple parties who believe she has a fortune her murdered husband stole. It remains a standout among movies filmed in Paris, blending intrigue with the charm of the city.
Starring: Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, and Walter Matthau.
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A Cinematic Journey: Contemporary Movies About Paris
#16 The Da Vinci Code (2006)
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Based on Dan Brown’s best-selling novel, this thrilling mystery takes us through iconic Parisian landmarks in search of the Holy Grail.
With cryptic clues and relentless danger, it offers a unique blend of fiction and history, making it one of the famous movies set in Paris.
Starring:Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, and Ian McKellen.
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#17 Inception (2010)
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While not entirely set in Paris, pivotal scenes take place in the city. As characters navigate dreamscapes, Paris becomes a mutable playground of the mind.
Director Christopher Nolan’s imaginative use of the city’s architecture makes it one of the movies based on Paris that transcends reality.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Elliot Page.
#18 Julie & Julia (2009)
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Telling parallel stories of Julia Child’s journey in French cooking and a modern-day blogger’s attempt to recreate her recipes, the film beautifully captures the culinary soul of Paris.
A delicious treat for anyone looking for movies about Paris on Netflix or other platforms.
Starring: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, and Stanley Tucci.
#19 Les Misérables (2012)
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Based on Victor Hugo’s monumental novel, this musical adaptation captures the heart, soul, and turmoil of post-revolutionary Paris.
It’s a powerful portrayal of love, redemption, and revolution, making it one of the best movies based in Paris.
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and Anne Hathaway.
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#20 Three Colors: Blue (1993)
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The first of Krzysztof Kieślowski’s Three Colors trilogy, this film delves deep into themes of liberty and emotional healing.
With Paris as its backdrop, it’s a poetic and visually stunning exploration of grief and rediscovery. An essential addition to any list of movies taking place in Paris.
Starring: Juliette Binoche, Zbigniew Zamachowski, and Julie Delpy.
#21 Taken (2008)
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This adrenaline-pumping action thriller showcases a former spy’s desperate quest to save his kidnapped daughter from human traffickers in Paris.
The city’s darker underbelly comes to the fore in this gripping narrative, proving that movies set in Paris can span a broad range of genres and tones.
Starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, and Famke Janssen.
#22 Dreamers (2003)
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Set against the backdrop of the 1968 Paris student riots, “Dreamers” delves into the intricate relationship between three young cinephiles.
Their shared love for cinema intermingles with their evolving feelings for each other, providing a deep dive into passion, politics, and personal growth, akin to movies like 2 days in Paris.
Starring: Michael Pitt, Eva Green, and Louis Garrel.
#23 Eiffel (2022)
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This historical romance takes viewers back to late 19th-century Paris during the construction of the Eiffel Tower. The film delves into the life of the iconic tower’s creator, Gustave Eiffel, who is at the peak of his career.
A picturesque representation for those searching for movies set in Paris France that beautifully intertwine historical elements with romantic undertones.
Starring: Romain Duris, Emma Mackey, and Pierre Deladonchamps.
In the tapestry of cinema, Paris has consistently emerged as a city that enthralls and inspires. Through the lens of these remarkable movies about Paris, you’ve journeyed through its iconic streets, embraced its romance, and witnessed its multifaceted character.
As the final credits roll, remember that the magic of Paris is eternal. Whether on screen or in person, the City of Lights beckons with stories waiting to be discovered and memories waiting to be made.
I have lived in Paris since 2005, and I am happy to show you around. Join me on Facebook for updates and news about Paris.
