18 Movies That Will Inspire You to Visit Paris

You’re planning a trip to Paris, and you want to get in the mood by watching some movies set in the city of love.

Luckily, there are plenty of films that capture the magic of the French capital. From classic musicals to gritty dramas, there’s something for everyone on this list of the best movies set in Paris.

Let’s dive into some of the 18 most iconic films set in Paris!

Romantic Movies Set in Paris

Paris, the city of love, has been the setting for some of the most romantic movies ever made.

Here are some of the best romantic movies set in Paris that will make you fall in love with the city all over again.

1. Amélie

Amélie is a French romantic comedy directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. It tells the story of Amélie Poulain, a young woman living in the Parisian district of Montmartre who decides to help those around her and ultimately finds love. The movie showcases the beautiful streets of Montmartre, including the famous Moulin Rouge. Audrey Tautou plays the lead role of Amélie, and her performance is simply outstanding. If you’re looking for a romantic movie that will make you laugh and cry, Amélie is the perfect choice.

2. Before Sunset

Before Sunset is a romantic drama directed by Richard Linklater. It is the sequel to Before Sunrise and stars Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke. The movie takes place nine years after the events of Before Sunrise, and the two main characters, Jesse and Celine, meet again in Paris. The movie showcases some of the most beautiful places in Paris, including the Seine River, the Eiffel Tower, and the Shakespeare and Company bookstore. The chemistry between Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke is palpable, and their conversations are deep and meaningful. If you’re looking for a romantic movie that will make you think, Before Sunset is the perfect choice.

3. An American in Paris

An American in Paris is a classic MGM musical that best captures the romance of the post-World War II city. The movie stars Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron and takes place in the Montmartre district of Paris. The music and dance numbers are simply outstanding, and the chemistry between Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron is electric. The film features stunning dance sequences choreographed by Kelly, including a 17-minute-long ballet. The movie showcases many iconic Parisian landmarks, such as the Seine River and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. If you’re looking for a classic romantic movie that will make you want to dance, An American in Paris is the perfect choice.

4. Funny Face

Funny Face is a romantic musical comedy starring Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire. The movie takes place in Paris and showcases some of the most beautiful places in the city, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. The chemistry between Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire is simply magical, and the dancing scenes are simply outstanding. If you’re looking for a romantic movie that will make you want to dance, Funny Face is the perfect choice.

5. Midnight in Paris

Midnight in Paris is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Woody Allen. The movie takes place in Paris and stars Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams. The movie showcases some of the most beautiful places in Paris, including the Seine River and the Eiffel Tower. The movie is a love letter to Paris, and the writing is simply outstanding. If you’re looking for a romantic movie that will make you fall in love with Paris, Midnight in Paris is the perfect choice.

6. Sabrina

Sabrina is a romantic comedy-drama starring Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, and William Holden. The movie takes place in Paris and showcases some of the most beautiful places in the city, including the Seine River and the Eiffel Tower. The chemistry between Audrey Hepburn and William Holden is simply magical, and the writing is simply outstanding. If you’re looking for a classic romantic movie that will make you laugh and cry, Sabrina is the perfect choice.

Musicals Set in Paris

If you’re a fan of musicals and Paris, you’re in luck. There are several movies that combine the two, transporting you to the City of Light with their catchy tunes and stunning visuals.

Here are two of the best musicals set in Paris:

7. Moulin Rouge

Baz Luhrmann’s “Moulin Rouge” is a vibrant and visually stunning musical set in Paris in the early 20th century. The movie follows the story of Christian, a young writer who falls in love with Satine, a dancer at the Moulin Rouge. The film features Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor in the lead roles, and their chemistry is electric. The movie showcases many iconic Parisian landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Montmartre neighborhood. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

8. Gigi

“Gigi” is a charming musical set in turn-of-the-century Paris. The movie follows the story of Gigi, a young girl being groomed to become a courtesan, and her relationship with Gaston, a wealthy playboy. The movie stars Leslie Caron and Louis Jourdan in the lead roles. The film showcases many iconic Parisian landmarks, such as the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. The movie won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

All three of these musicals offer a unique and captivating glimpse into Parisian life and culture. With their stunning visuals, catchy tunes, and talented casts, they are sure to transport you to the City of Light and leave you humming their songs for days.

Family-Friendly & Animation Movies Set in Paris

If you’re a fan of animation movies, then you’re in luck because Paris has been the backdrop for some of the best animated films ever made.

Here are three must-see animated movies set in Paris that will transport you to the City of Light.

9. Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a 2007 Pixar classic that tells the story of a rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a chef. The movie is set in Paris and takes place in the present day. You’ll get to see the Eiffel Tower, the Seine River, and the beautiful Parisian architecture as Remy navigates his way through the city’s culinary scene. This movie is a must-see for foodies and anyone who loves a good underdog story.

10. The Red Balloon

The Red Balloon is a 1956 French movie directed by Albert Lamorisse. It’s a heartwarming story about a young boy who befriends a red balloon that seems to have a life of its own. The movie takes place in Paris in the mid-1950s, and you’ll get to see some iconic Parisian landmarks like the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and the Montmartre neighborhood. This movie is a classic and a must-see for anyone who loves a good coming-of-age story.

11. Hugo Cabret

Hugo Cabret is a 2011 movie directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the book The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. The movie takes place in Paris in the 1930s and tells the story of a young orphan named Hugo who lives in a train station and dreams of fixing a broken automaton left to him by his late father. You’ll get to see the beautiful Parisian train station as well as other iconic Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. This movie is a must-see for anyone who loves a good adventure story.

Dramatic Movies Set in Paris

If you’re looking for a dramatic movie set in Paris, you’re in luck. Paris has been the backdrop for some of the most captivating and emotional films in history. Here are some of the best dramatic movies set in Paris that you shouldn’t miss.

12. Elle

Elle is a French psychological thriller directed by Paul Verhoeven. The movie stars Isabelle Huppert as a successful businesswoman who is raped in her home. The movie takes place in modern-day Paris and features notable locations such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. Elle is a suspenseful and thought-provoking movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

13. La Haine

La Haine is a French black-and-white drama film directed by Mathieu Kassovitz. The movie follows the lives of three young men from different ethnic backgrounds who live in a low-income housing project in the outskirts of Paris. La Haine takes place in the aftermath of a riot and explores themes of police brutality, racism, and social inequality. The movie features notable locations such as the Montmartre district and the Champs-Élysées.

14. The Dreamers

The Dreamers is a romantic drama film directed by Bernardo Bertolucci. The movie takes place in Paris in 1968 during the student riots. The movie follows the lives of three young people who share a love for movies and spend their time exploring the city. The Dreamers features notable locations such as the Cinémathèque Française and the Pont des Arts. The movie is a beautiful tribute to Paris and its artistic heritage.

15. La Vie en Rose

La Vie en Rose is a French biographical musical film directed by Olivier Dahan. The movie tells the life story of French singer Édith Piaf and takes place in Paris during the 1930s and 1940s. The movie features notable locations such as the Moulin Rouge and the Paris Opera. La Vie en Rose is a moving and emotional movie that showcases the beauty and tragedy of Parisian life.

16. Les Intouchables

Les Intouchables is a French comedy-drama film directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano. The movie tells the story of a wealthy quadriplegic man who hires a young man from the projects to be his caregiver. The movie takes place in modern-day Paris and features notable locations such as the Château de Versailles and the Bois de Boulogne. Intouchables is a heartwarming and uplifting movie that celebrates the power of friendship and human connection.

Thriller Movies Set in Paris

Paris is a city that is full of intrigue and mystery, making it the perfect backdrop for thriller movies.

Here are two of the best thriller movies set in Paris that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

17. The Da Vinci Code

If you’re a fan of Tom Hanks or the intrigue surrounding the Holy Grail, then you’ll love The Da Vinci Code. Based on the best-selling novel by Dan Brown, this movie takes you on a thrilling journey through the streets of Paris as Robert Langdon (played by Tom Hanks) tries to solve a murder and uncover the secrets of the Holy Grail.

The movie is set in modern-day Paris, but it takes you back in time to the days of the Knights Templar and the Crusades. You’ll see many notable places in Paris, including the Louvre Museum, the Saint-Sulpice Church, and the Église Saint-Sulpice.

The Da Vinci Code is one of the best movies set in Paris because it combines history, mystery, and action into one thrilling adventure. You’ll be on the edge of your seat from start to finish, trying to solve the mystery along with Robert Langdon.

18. Mission Impossible – Fallout

Tom Cruise stars in the action-packed thriller Mission Impossible that takes place in the heart of Paris. Ethan Hunt (played by Tom Cruise) is on a mission to stop a terrorist attack on the city, and he’ll stop at nothing to get the job done.

The movie takes you to many notable places in Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and the Seine River. You’ll also see some of the city’s famous landmarks, such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Mission Impossible is one of the best movies set in Paris because it combines action, suspense, and humor into one thrilling adventure. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as Ethan Hunt tries to save the city from a catastrophic attack.

In conclusion, if you’re a fan of thrillers and love Paris, then you need to watch The Da Vinci Code and Mission Impossible. These movies will take you on a thrilling journey through the streets of Paris and keep you entertained from start to finish.

Iconic Locations Featured in Paris Movies

Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world, and it has been the backdrop for countless movies over the years. Some of the most iconic movies set in Paris feature locations that have become synonymous with the city’s charm and beauty.

Here are some of the most famous Parisian locations featured in movies:

Montmartre

Montmartre is a hill in the northern part of Paris, known for its bohemian vibe and artistic history. It’s also the location of the iconic Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, which offers stunning views of the city. Montmartre has been the setting for many movies, including the classic French film “Amélie.” This charming movie follows the life of a shy waitress who lives in Montmartre and helps those around her find love and happiness. The movie showcases many of the neighborhood’s landmarks, including the Moulin Rouge and the Café des Deux Moulins.

Louvre

The Louvre is one of the world’s most famous museums, and it’s also been the setting for many movies set in Paris. One of the most notable is “The Da Vinci Code,” which takes place in the Louvre Museum and follows the story of a symbologist who uncovers a conspiracy involving the Catholic Church. The movie features many of the museum’s most famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge is a cabaret in the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris, known for its red windmill and extravagant shows. It’s been the setting for many movies, including the musical “Moulin Rouge!” which takes place in the early 1900s and follows the story of a young writer who falls in love with a courtesan at the Moulin Rouge. The movie features many of the cabaret’s famous performances, including the can-can dance.

These are just a few of the many iconic locations featured in movies set in Paris. Each movie captures the essence of the city in a unique way, showcasing its landmarks, history, and charm.

Whether you’re a fan of classic French films or Hollywood blockbusters, there’s a Paris movie out there for you!

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