Holiday Movie Night, à la Française - 5 French Films to Watch Now
Whether you’re in the mood for something funny and chaotic, something nostalgic and wintery, or something deeply emotional set around Christmas itself, French cinema has incredible stories to offer. Here are a few winter and holiday-themed French (or French-related) films worth watching this season. Full of humour, snow, nostalgia, family, and beautiful storytelling.
Le père Noël est une ordure (1982)
A dark holiday comedy that’s become a cult classic in France. It follows the absurd misadventures of volunteers working a Christmas Eve hotline as increasingly bizarre characters show up looking for help - with chaos, cringe and iconic lines piling up along the way. Its comedy is very French and often very weird, which is exactly why people love it. IMDb: 7.5/10.
Le père Noël est une ordure
Les Bronzés font du ski (1979)
Not strictly a Christmas movie, but this snowy ski-trip sequel to Les Bronzés is a winter staple for many French viewers. A group of friends reunite for a ski holiday in the Alps, and, as you might guess, everything goes delightfully wrong. It’s a great way to feel that off-season French comedy vibe even in deep winter. IMDb: 7.4/10; RT audience score ~83%.
Les Bronzés font du ski (1979)
Un singe en hiver (1962)
A quieter, bittersweet classic about friendship and nostalgia rather than holiday cheer. After World War II, an ex-drinker hotel keeper is tempted back into old habits when a lively stranger arrives in town. It’s set in winter and gives that introspective, smoky, windswept French vibe that feels perfectly seasonal. IMDb: 7.4/10
Un singe en hiver (1962)
Un conte de Noël (2008)
This isn’t a light family holiday movie, but it is a deep, richly acted story about a family forced together at Christmas when the matriarch is gravely ill. Emotions run high, old wounds reopen, and the result is often funny, sometimes painful - a very “real” take on what Christmas feels like for many adults. Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus: ~86% positive; IMDb: 6.9/10.
Un conte de Noël
La tour de glace (2025)
A very different kind of winter movie: part fantasy, part arthouse drama. Set around the snowy filming of a Snow Queenadaptation, it follows a teenage orphan drawn in by the mysterious lead actress. Critics praise its atmospheric visuals and chilly fairy-tale feel, though it’s more artful and slow-burn than your typical holiday film. Rotten Tomatoes critics score: 81%; IMDb: 6.0/10 RT: ~81%
La tour de glace
If you watch any of these, let me know which one becomes your new favourite - I’m always curious to hear which films others connect with. And until then: bonne séance! ✨