Last Updated on April 9, 2025 by Karis Tavernier-Nicholas
Some are adverse to watching films in a foreign-language because they’re put off by the prospect of reading the subtitles. But that is to miss out on what foreign-language films provide, such as offering a glimpse into life in other countries and an exploration of different cultures through the lens of cinema – plus, they’re also a great way for a person with tight purse strings to escape to other countries multiple times a year. Here’s my guide to just some of the best films to watch.
The Innocent/L’Innocent (2022)
Starring Louis Garrel and Noemie Merlant, this French comedy-drama follows a young man (Garrel) who becomes suspicious of his mother’s new husband, recently released from prison. Has his new step-father really changed his ways or if he is still secretly living a life of crime?
Everybody Loves Jeanne/Tout Le Monde Aime Jeanne (2022)
Struggling with depression following the death of her mother and collapse of her business, Jeanne heads to Portugal to sell her mother’s apartment. While there, she bumps into an old classmate, Jean, who only adds to the quirky and chaotic drama of the film.
The Worst Person in the World/Verdens Verste Menneske (2021)
Julie is approaching her 30th birthday but seems dissatisfied with where she’s at – and where she might be heading – in life. The Worst Person in the World is set in Oslo, Norway and is in turns a melancholic and joyful story of self-discovery.
France (2021)
Starring Lea Seydoux, this comedy-drama film follows the eponymous France, a TV journalist, as her life spirals downward following a negligent car crash with a delivery driver.
Untouchable/Intouchables (2011)
Based on a true story, Untouchable follows a young man with a criminal record as he’s hired as a carer by a quadriplegic man who has lost his mobility (as well as his wife) in a paragliding accident. This is a heartwarming drama starring Omar Sy who people may know as playing the gentleman thief Lupin.
Parasite/Gisaengchung (기생충) (2019)
There was a lot of hype surrounding Bong Joon-ho’s 2019 black comedy, but it more than lived up to it. Parasite follows the Kim family as they attempt to scheme their way out of poverty by taking jobs in the wealthy Park family household. Carnage ensues when they discover the secret of the former housekeeper.
One Fine Morning/Un Beau Matin (2022)
Sandra is a single mother struggling to find her father, who has been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative illness, an adequate care home, while also beginning an affair with a married friend. Mia Hansen-Løve directs this romantic and moving drama.
Full Time/À Plein Temps (2021)
In keeping with some of the aforementioned films, this movie isn’t necessarily what I’d call “happy escapism”. At times watching this, I felt increasing levels of stress for the main character, Julie. But it’s a brilliant and interesting film that follows a mother who finally secures an interview for a better-paid job, but she must contend with using public transport at a time of France’s national strikes, threatening to ruin everything. An interesting, worthwhile watch.
(Usage of the still is courtesy of MUBI. One Fine Morning is available to stream now on MUBI).
