Animated movies are really memorable, plus they make you feel good and are simply a joy to watch. French animated movies and cartoons have captivated audiences worldwide for decades with their unique storytelling and cultural depth. But did you know these charming creations can also be your secret weapon for mastering the French language? Beyond their entertainment value, these films offer a fun and engaging way to improve your French language skills. Let’s explore some of the best French animated movies of all time and discover how they can help you learn French.
Top French Animated Movies of All Time
1. Persepolis (2007)
You wouldn’t want to miss this award-winning masterpiece based on Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novel. This French animated film tells a powerful story of a young girl growing up during the Iranian Revolution. With its striking black-and-white animation, Persepolis captures the complexities of growing up in a turbulent time. The film won the Jury Prize at Cannes.
2. I Lost My Body (2019)
It’s a unique story of a severed hand searching for its owner. Sounds weird, right? But it’s actually a really beautiful and thought-provoking story. You’ll follow a young guy who’s falling in love, and see how his story connects to the hand’s journey. This French animated film is like a puzzle that comes together in the most unexpected way, revealing a story about love, loss, and finding your place in the world. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves a good mystery with a touch of romance.
3. The Triplets of Belleville (2003)
Imagine a grandmother set on a mission to rescue her grandson from the kidnappers. This is the quirky plot directed by Sylvain Chomet. With minimal dialogue and rich visual storytelling, it’s an incredibly easy and satisfying watch, even for viewers who aren’t accustomed to foreign films with subtitles. Fun fact: The film was nominated for two Oscars and is celebrated for its blend of humour and drama.
4. The Illusionist (2010)
Falling in love is magical but what happens when you fall in love with a magician?? From the creator of The Triplets of Belleville, The Illusionist is a heartwarming tale of a struggling magician who travels to Scotland and falls head over heels for a princess. It’s a perfect blend of magic.
5. My Life as a Zucchini (2016)
Romance, and mystery, and it’ll leave you wanting more. So, grab your popcorn, sit back, and let the magic begin!
This charming stop-motion film tells the poignant story of Zucchini, a young boy sent to an orphanage after losing his mother. Despite the heavy themes of loss and hardship, the film delicately balances emotion with hope as Zucchini learns to trust and love again among new friends. With its stunning Claymation style, this film will touch your heart.
6. Ernest & Celestine (2012)
This heartwarming film tells the story of an unexpected friendship between a big bear, Ernest, and a small mouse, Celestine. Despite their different worlds, the two form a close bond while navigating a series of misadventures, including a life of (surprisingly wholesome) crime. The film’s watercolor-style animation is particularly impressive.
7. A Cat in Paris (2010)
Nominated for an Oscar, this visually stunning 2D-animated film feels like a children’s book come to life. The film is a delightful blend of mystery and humour where a cat lives a double life – pet by day and cat burglar’s accomplice at night. Discover how the story turns into a thrilling crime adventure on the rooftops of Paris.
8. Azur & Asmar (2006)
Ever wanted to tag along on a magical adventure with two best friends? This French animated gem is a magical carpet ride through French and Arab cultures. Azur and Asmar, raised together in a world of fairy tales, set off on a quest to find a magical creature who grant wishes. It’s a beautiful tribute to mythology and fantasy. And hey, did you know it was made with a surprisingly small budget?
9. Kirikou and the Sorceress (1998)
A tiny hero with a big heart taking on an evil sorceress in a magical African village. That’s Kirikou for you! The simple dialogue and catchy music make it easy to follow, even if you’re just starting out with French. The story is so engaging you’ll forget you’re learning a new language and will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
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Modern French Cartoons and TV Series Worth Watching
These modern cartoons are not just entertaining but also provide exposure to everyday spoken French, regional accents, and contemporary expressions.
1. Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir (2015 – Present)
This globally loved series follows two Parisian teenagers, who transform into superheroes to protect the city while juggling their everyday school life. With its engaging dialogue and everyday conversational phrases, it’s ideal for learning contemporary French while enjoying an action-packed storyline.
2. Zombillénium (2017)
In this fun, horror-comedy set in an amusement park run by monsters, a man accidentally becomes part of the undead workforce. Its mix of casual and witty dialogue makes it a fantastic
resource for learners looking to pick up everyday French expressions and slang.
3. The Little Prince (2015)
Based on a novel, this animated series brings to life the adventures of the Little Prince as he travels from planet to planet, solving problems and battling evil forces. The dialogue stays true to the poetic tone of the original book, making it a good resource for learners who want to explore more sophisticated French, different accents and cultural nuances.
4. Oggy and the Cockroaches
This slapstick comedy revolves around a lazy cat, Oggy, and his hilarious battles with pesky cockroaches. Though it’s light on dialogue, the expressive sound effects and occasional French words are great for beginners to catch on to simple expressions while enjoying laugh-out-loud moments.
5. Long Way North (2015)
This visually stunning film follows a young girl’s adventurous journey from Russia to the North Pole. The clear and straightforward dialogue, combined with the gripping plot, makes it a great watch for learners improving their listening skills.
Here are a few more highly recommended animated films: The King and the Mockingbird, Fantastic Planet, The Old Lady and the Pigeons, A Town Called Panic, The Summit of the Gods, Mune: Guardian of the Moon, Wakfu etc.
Learning French Through Animation!
How These Can Help with Contemporary French Learning?
Learning French through animated movies offers a fun and effective approach to language mastery. You’ll pick up everyday vocabulary and phrases not found in textbooks, making your French more conversational. Regularly hearing native accents helps you get accustomed to the language’s tone and rhythm. As you follow the dialogues, your comprehension naturally improves, even if you’re just starting out.
To make the most of it,
- Watch with subtitles: Turn on French subtitles to practice reading and listening simultaneously.
- Focus on dialogues: Pay attention to how the characters speak and use their vocabulary.
- Repeat phrases: Practice saying the lines out loud to improve your pronunciation.
- Take notes: Write down new words and phrases to review later.
- Discuss the content: Talk about the story with a friend or language partner to practice speaking and understanding.
Conclusion
Why not combine entertainment with learning? French animated movies offer the perfect mix of both! These films are not only engaging and visually stunning, but they also immerse you in authentic French language and culture. Whether you’re a beginner or at an advanced level, watching these movies can enhance your vocabulary, improve listening skills, and boost your understanding of French accents and expressions. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and let these charming animations turn your language learning journey into an enjoyable adventure!
If you’re looking for more ways to immerse yourself in the French language and culture, be sure to check out our list of 12 Must Watch French Movies on Netflix in 2024 for a cinematic experience like no other.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What animated movie is based in France?
Ans: One popular animated movie based in France is Ratatouille (2007). Set in the heart of Paris, this delightful Pixar film follows a rat named Remy with a passion for cooking as he teams up with a young chef to create culinary masterpieces. The film beautifully captures the essence of French culture, from its vibrant depiction of Paris to its homage to French cuisine.
2. What is the French animated movie about aliens?
Ans: Fantastic Planet (1973) is a unique gem in French animation that won the Special Jury Prize at Cannes. The story takes place on the planet Ygam, where the giant blue-skinned Draags rule over the small human-like Oms, who are treated as pets or slaves. As tensions rise, the Oms plot a rebellion against their oppressive captors. Its blend of sci-fi and social commentary, making it a must-watch for fans of French animation.
