81 French Crime Films to Watch

For nearly two decades, Mesrine captivated France as its most notorious criminal, skillfully cultivating a public image while pursuing his own ambitions for fame. However, increasing paranoia and isolation drive him to a final, dramatic clash with the authorities, solidifying…

December 1994. On Saturday, December 24th, four terrorists from the Islamic Group of Algeria (GIA) hijack an Air France A300 Airbus en route to Paris. The plane carries 227 passengers and is seized at Algiers airport.

This drama follows a couple whose peaceful life is disrupted by a mysterious stranger. He claims to have a secret that makes him both a target and desperate. His story creates doubt and suspicion, challenging their relationship. As they become…

This is the story of a man who provides information to the French border patrol.

Vigilante, a small armored truck company, is facing a severe crisis. Three violent robberies in the past year, all resulting in fatalities, have pushed the company to the brink of bankruptcy, leaving employees deeply worried and even suspecting inside involvement.…

Narue, a cheerful high school student, hides a big secret: she's from another galaxy. With incredible abilities like something out of a comic book, her life has become an adventure beyond Earth. Being a teenager is hard enough, but it’s…

In Marseille, a community mourns the loss of a beloved member. His absence creates a deep void for those who knew him. The film explores loyalty through the story of a man who once fiercely defended his team, now grappling…

The film tells the intense story of Philippe Gerbier, betrayed by someone within his own group. After enduring brutal conditions in a Nazi prison camp, Gerbier escapes and returns to Marseille, a French city under Nazi occupation. Initially driven by…

Charlie, a former classical pianist living under a new identity as a jazz musician in a rough Paris bar, is drawn back into his past when his brothers, Richard and Chico, seek his help. They're fleeing from gangsters after a…

In the 1920s, a family from Algeria is separated when they lose their home. The father and his three sons, along with their mother, find themselves living in different countries. Messaoud enlists in the French army to fight in Indochina.…

Simon, a skilled Swiss thief, lives a life of crime marked by exciting heists and difficult situations. He expertly executes daring thefts in glamorous places, but also faces betrayal, dangerous enemies, and the risk of being caught by determined police.…

Mendizábal, a well-known assassin, takes on a job to kill Rodolfo Kulpe, a minor criminal.

Max, a seasoned gangster, and his partner Riton pull off their biggest heist yet, planning to finally retire. Max shares the details with his young mistress, Josey, who then becomes involved with ambitious rival gangster Angelo. When Riton is kidnapped…

Silien, a mysterious man, denies any role in Faugel's betrayal. Newly released from prison, Faugel participates in what appears to be a simple robbery. However, the heist quickly becomes complex, revealing unexpected twists and layers of deceit. As lies are…

Detective Paul Nerteaux investigates the third death of a woman from an illegal Turkish immigrant community, and seeks help from retired detective Jean-Louis Schiffer to catch the killer. They go undercover within the Turkish mafia to uncover the truth. At…

Rhino, a seasoned criminal, and his violent gang transport 250 kilograms of gold to a remote Mediterranean hideaway in July. Their plans for a quiet respite are disrupted by the sudden appearance of Bernier, a writer, along with his muse…

In 2200, private detective Aline Ruby and her android partner Carlos Rivera are hired by a wealthy businessman to find a notorious hacker. Their search takes them to the hidden depths of Mars' capital city, where they discover a disturbing…

Nadine and Manu are two highly organized women with a penchant for perfection. They share a lifestyle that includes intense sexual experiences, drug use, alcohol, and firearms. When faced with difficulties, they resort to using guns and are fiercely protective…

A dedicated police officer finds himself caught between corrupt cops and rival gangs in Marseille. When his unit is threatened, he's forced to act outside the law to protect them.

After 25 years of exemplary service, a police superintendent is unexpectedly arrested by internal affairs and detained for four days. Following this, the investigating magistrate indicts him on charges of criminal conspiracy, drug trafficking, theft, and embezzlement.

Jacques Mesrine, a devoted son and soldier, returns home after fighting in the Algerian War. He's quickly drawn to the allure of 1960s Paris and the promise of quick wealth. Under the guidance of Guido, Mesrine abandons a conventional life…

A successful businessman's life unravels after he murders his employer, the husband of his mistress. This single act triggers a series of unforeseen and escalating disasters. He becomes entangled in a dangerous world of lies, love, and violence, forced to…

Malik El Djebena receives a six-year prison sentence. Having never learned to read or write, he feels isolated and vulnerable upon entering prison. He quickly becomes drawn to a dominant group of Corsican inmates who control life within the prison…

Paris, 1960s. A wave of unsettling crimes disrupts the city. On March 22, 1968, executioner Louis Guilbeau carries out the sentence on Hélène Picard, a prostitute convicted of multiple murders two years prior. Soon after, crimes mirroring Hélène's begin again.…

Two women traveling by hitchhiking find themselves entangled with a group of thieves and their stolen jewelry.

Four inmates, bound by a fragile truce, devise a daring escape from their maximum-security prison cell. Their plans are complicated by the arrival of Claude Gaspard, a volatile newcomer who ultimately joins their scheme. Over three tense days, they labor…

A diverse team of international criminals carries out a carefully orchestrated ransom plan in Spain. The operation proceeds smoothly at first, but underlying conflicts within the team begin to surface.

This suspenseful French thriller centers on Ferrot, a determined but tough police detective. He becomes interested in Sylvia, a woman who captures his attention, unaware she is having an affair with Ganay, his boss. Ganay's marriage to Therese, a woman…

Facing the loss of everything, ordinary man Anthony Roca hatches a daring scheme that evolves into the heist of the century. As he becomes deeply involved in the criminal world, he navigates a treacherous landscape of betrayal, violence, and difficult…

Edmond Vidal, known as Momon, grew up in a poor gypsy community, holding onto strong family ties, loyalty, and pride in his heritage. He remained close to Serge Suttel, with whom he first experienced prison as young boys, after stealing…

Julie Kohler’s life is shattered by a sudden act of violence, leaving her to grieve the loss of her husband and contemplating ending her own life. Her mother’s intervention changes her course, prompting Julie to leave her hometown and pursue…

In New York City, Léon is a highly skilled hitman who carefully eliminates targets. His life changes when a DEA raid mistakenly kills his neighbors' family, leaving their 12-year-old daughter, Mathilda, orphaned. Léon reluctantly takes her in. A close bond…

A psychological thriller about Ben, a serial killer who invites a documentary team to film his crimes. He appears articulate but deeply disturbed, sharing his disturbing motivations and interests with the crew. As the filmmakers gain closer access to Ben's…

A group exploits Marina, a young dancer, during a tour of Asia to create a microfilm. Upon her arrival at Orly Airport, she is immediately shadowed by smugglers.

A compelling individual receives an unforeseen chance to end a life sentence for killing a police officer. Instead of prison, they are offered a covert mission: working for the government as a political assassin. The protagonist navigates a dangerous world…

This crime thriller follows Dobermann, a mysterious antihero who began collecting weapons as a child and now leads a dangerous gang, orchestrating elaborate heists. Following a daring bank robbery in Paris, law enforcement intensifies its efforts to capture him and…

Sebastien Grenier, a former top French spy now working as a financial analyst in Zurich, lives a quiet life until he's unexpectedly contacted by a high-ranking intelligence officer. He's drawn back into the world of espionage to investigate the brutal…

Reichau, a former army captain, returns to France after a three-year prison sentence for his involvement with the OAS, a paramilitary group during the Algerian War. Disillusioned with his country, he's adrift and struggling to find purpose. He reluctantly agrees…

When the glamorous Evelyne Ducat vanishes during a blizzard in the French countryside, five people connected to her are drawn into the investigation. The local police work to uncover what happened to her, and the search has devastating consequences for…

Ariel, a young French Jew, joins Israel's Mossad, determined to serve his new homeland. He undergoes intense training and becomes a highly skilled agent. His first mission brings him back to Paris: retrieve sensitive information from Remy Prieur, a leading…

Mr. Winter, a ruthless gang leader known for his involvement in extreme prostitution, is driven from Hong Kong by escalating gang violence. He relocates to Paris and begins a new operation, kidnapping and coercing women into prostitution to rebuild his…

This film explores the world of Tom Ripley, a skilled con artist who excels at impersonation and deception. As the story progresses, it reveals hidden depths and potential beneath his cunning facade. The narrative follows Ripley as he engages in…

In Paris, two police officers vie for the promotion to chief of police while simultaneously hunting a dangerous gang of thieves. Directed by Olivier Marchal, a former police officer who drew upon his 12 years of experience with the French…

Five small-time gangsters plan a daring heist: robbing a high-stakes card game between two powerful drug organizations. They're blinded by the promise of wealth and power, unaware of the danger they face. Navigating the dangerous world of organized crime, they…

For three generations, the Gamache family has been the exclusive tailors for the Paternò Mafia family. Vincent "Vince" Gamache works with his older brother Giaco, serving as an agent for the godfather, Frank, alongside Giaco's son. Impulsive and eager to…

Jef Costello is a highly skilled assassin known for his precise and clever methods. After completing what appears to be an easy job, his carefully planned life falls apart. He becomes the target of a determined detective and his demanding…

In a world where loyalty is rare, French secret service agent Josselin Beaumont faces an unexpected crisis. Tasked with stopping the ruthless African warlord N'Jala, his mission is suddenly called off. Handed over to local authorities, Beaumont realizes the betrayal…

Corey tries to start a new life after prison, but his freedom is threatened when he meets Vogel, a murderer who has escaped. Vogel pulls Corey back into crime, and together with Jansen, a former police officer struggling with alcoholism,…

Franz and Arthur, devoted fans of film noir and Westerns, live in a world inspired by their favorite movies. They drift through Paris seeking adventure and meet Odile, a captivating woman who draws them into her orbit. The three form…

The film chronicles the difficult life of young Antoine Doinel as he struggles with situations often caused by his own actions, but frequently worsened by the indifference of the adults around him. Living with neglectful parents and depending on his…

During a chaotic night of rioting in the Parisian suburbs, the lives of three young friends – Vinz, Hubert, and Saïd – become intertwined. They anxiously await news about a friend seriously injured during a clash with police. The film…

A doctor, previously disbarred for assisting with euthanasia, is asked by a man to help his son who is deeply depressed after his partner's death. While examining the deceased woman's handbag, the doctor finds an undeveloped film and begins to…

A prisoner escapes and takes a woman hostage, and they develop a romantic connection. He is deeply involved in a dangerous world where politicians and organized crime are intertwined. His fate will be tragic, like the albatross in Baudelaire's poem.

Two ex-convicts flee prison and begin a dangerous journey. Haunted by a friend's death, Mickey seeks out Noel, who is now retired and happily married to Nicole. Mickey relentlessly demands money, and his reckless actions lead to escalating tensions and…

In 1930s Marseilles, two small-time criminals form an unlikely partnership after a fight over a woman. Starting with minor offenses like manipulating horse races and boxing matches, they become increasingly involved with powerful local gangsters. As they gain confidence and…

Marco goes to Paris after his brother-in-law dies, and he seeks out the person his sister blames for his death. However, he's unprepared for the secrets she keeps, which complicate the situation.

A former police officer in Marseille (Auteuil), struggling with his past, gets a chance to make amends when he agrees to protect a woman. Her father was murdered, and the killer is about to be released from prison.

In Paris, known for its elegance and gambling, Bob Montagne is a successful and respected gambler, even by Inspector Ledru of the police. But Bob's luck changes drastically, leading to financial ruin. Desperate, he plans a daring heist: robbing the…

Two French journalists investigating the disappearance of a high-ranking United Nations diplomat become entangled in a dangerous criminal plot in New York City. Their investigation leads them through international power circles and the city’s hidden world, revealing a story of…

A hardened special forces operative is sent undercover to infiltrate a criminal organization. While working deep within the syndicate, he forms an unexpected connection with the boss's young son, forcing him to confront his own values.

A charming 70-year-old former spy, residing in a luxurious hotel on the French Riviera, is shaken when his neighbor, a mysterious woman, vanishes. Her disappearance forces him to confront the ghosts of his past – a world of filmmaking, faded…

In 1945, with World War Two ending, five petty criminals band together to form a gang. Following a series of daring robberies, they gain a reputation as "the front-wheel drive gang." The police struggle to halt their criminal activities, but…

This intricate thriller follows an ordinary man who becomes involved in the Cold War's most significant information theft, set immediately after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Pierre Froment, a French businessman in Moscow, forms an unexpected alliance with Grigoriev, a…

A journalist tries to bring down a mysterious criminal known as "Barbe rousse."

This drama follows a quiet man with literary aspirations who tries to support his younger lover as her mental health deteriorates. The film explores their relationship amidst the difficulties of mental illness, examining themes of strength and the vulnerability of…

An ex-police officer, battling Alzheimer's, finds himself confined to a nursing home plagued by disappearances. He must fight his fading memory to uncover the identity of a killer in this intricate mystery.

After a woman is brutally raped, her lover and her ex-boyfriend decide to take matters into their own hands. Driven by the belief that some wrongs can't be forgiven, fueled by primal rage, and frustrated by the failures of the…

Six strangers on an overnight train from Marseilles to Paris find themselves in a deadly game. When one passenger is killed, Inspector Grazzi and his team must investigate the remaining five. The killer isn't done, and more passengers start dying.…

While on duty, police constables Julie and Simon injure a wealthy man who had killed their partner. The man is the son of a politician, leading to accusations of brutality from their superiors. Left with no support, Julie and Simon…

A ruthless gangster orchestrates an elaborate prison escape to restart his criminal empire elsewhere. He doesn't realize a determined inspector is personally hunting him, relentlessly tracking him across the city as he causes disruption. This suspenseful film examines persistence, justice,…

Katja's world falls apart when her husband and son are killed in a bombing. Following a period of grief and feeling wronged, Katja begins to pursue revenge.

When a man is killed, his wife becomes the prime suspect. Their blind son holds the key to the truth, forced to grapple with a difficult choice as the only one who saw what happened.

Undercover detectives Franck Chaievski and Nina Delgado, members of a French special force, are working to expose corruption within the Paris Police Force. Franck assumes the identity of a gangster, while Nina poses as his prostitute companion, participating in a…

Max, tired of his carefree life, plans to marry Muriel and start a new life. But his plans are disrupted when he unexpectedly meets the woman who was once his great love, someone he thought he'd forgotten. Her reappearance ignites…

This film blends adventure, crime, and mystery, featuring dialogue reminiscent of comic books and some sexually explicit scenes. It's a playfully provocative and action-packed story centered on Yoko and the captivating Francoise Blanchard.

In Paris, a veteran police chief becomes involved in a dangerous world of crime. While having a secret affair, he doesn't realize his lover is connected to a notorious bank robber planning a major heist. The chief struggles to balance…

A member of a group of thieves makes a critical error, forcing them into service for a dangerous drug trafficking organization. This puts the entire team, their lives, and their families at risk.

An ex-mercenary and a former legionnaire doctor reconnect after their time in the French Foreign Legion. They get involved in a dangerous heist targeting millions of dollars in a secure safe. During a tense holiday weekend, the pair becomes trapped…

"Au revoir les enfants" is a deeply moving story set in Nazi-occupied France, exploring friendship, betrayal, and loss. The film unfolds in a provincial Catholic boarding school where two young boys develop a strong bond amidst the surrounding conflict. Their…

This is a brutal look inside the world of gangsters. Following a robbery, a series of betrayals unfolds. A woman seeking revenge systematically dismantles the ruthless gang responsible.

Two French police officers, one investigating a gruesome murder at a secluded mountain college and the other investigating the desecration of a young girl's grave by skinheads, are connected by clues from their cases. After they begin collaborating, additional murders…