7 French films we can’t wait to see in 2025
The year 2025 promises to be a rich one for French cinema, with a diversity of genres and talents coming together on the big screen. Between dramas, comedies and science-fiction, a number of renowned directors and actors will be appearing. Here’s an overview of the French films that are set to make their mark this year.
Mercato – A dramatic gamble for Jamel Debbouze (February 19)
Jamel Debbouze moves away from comedy to play a soccer agent on the brink of disaster in Mercato, directed by Tristan Séguéla. This sports-inspired drama is reminiscent of works such as Uncut Gems and Jerry Maguire, and may well surprise with its intensity and take on the world of soccer.
Rembrandt – The artistic mystery (June 11)
Pierre Schoeller, director of Un Peuple et son Roi, returns with Rembrandt, a film starring Camille Cottin and Romain Duris as two physicists whose lives are turned upside down after the discovery of three paintings by the Dutch master. Also starring Céleste Brunnquell and the Podalydès brothers, this promises to be an intriguing and intellectually stimulating project.
La Mission de l’espace – A space comedy (June 25)
Jean-Pascal Zadi, after his success with Tout simplement noir, tackles a sci-fi comedy with La Mission de l’Espace. The film tells the story of Africa’s first rocket into space, and features an eclectic cast including Fary, Reda Kateb and Lous and the Yakuza. A film that promises humor and reflection on Africa’s space ambitions.
Partir un jour – A tender adaptation of a short film (June 27)
Amélie Bonnin adapts her award-winning short film in 2023 with Partir un jour, starring Juliette Armanet and Bastien Bouillon. The musical, distributed by Pathé, could appeal to a wide audience, following the success of Le Comte de Monte-Cristo the previous year.
Dog 51 – A science-fiction blockbuster (October 15)
After Bac Nord, Cédric Jimenez reunites with Adèle Exarchopoulos and Gilles Lellouche for Chien 51, a dystopian fresco set in 2045. Set in a futuristic France dominated by all-powerful artificial intelligence, the film promises an explosive mix of thriller and anticipation. With a colossal budget of 40-50 million euros and a cast including Louis Garrel, Xavier Dolan and Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, Chien 51 could well mark a turning point for French genre cinema.
Marcel et Monsieur Pagnol – An animated biopic about the writer (October 15)
Sylvain Chomet returns to feature films after a twelve-year absence with Marcel et Monsieur Pagnol, an animated work retracing the life of Marcel Pagnol. After his work on L’Illusionniste, the filmmaker once again favors a dreamlike, poetic approach, paying tribute to one of France’s greatest authors.
Kaamelott – Part 1, Part 2 (October 22)
Alexandre Astier makes his comeback with the sequel to Kaamelott – Premier Volet, which drew 2.6 million spectators. This second film, in two parts, promises an even more grandiose universe, and should be one of the major events in French cinema in 2025.
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