What French Film to Watch Based on Your Astrological Sign
If your horoscope was a French film, it’d be this one…
Grab some popcorn and get ready to discover your next “coup de coeur”.
From cinematic classics to contemporary favorites, this diverse list includes the perfect French film to watch based on your astrological sign.
ARIES — Zéro de Conduite (1933)
This bold, passionate, and outspoken fire sign isn’t afraid to cause a bit of chaos in the pursuit of their goals.
Since Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac, it seems fitting to select an early, pioneering French film. The 1933 film Zéro de Conduite fits the bill, while also delivering a healthy dose of fire-sign-approved mischief.
The film follows several rebellious boys at a repressive French boarding school as they plan and execute a revolt against their teachers. They overtake the school in a flurry of pillow fights, makeshift flags, and loud (well-past-curfew) chanting.
Jean Vigo’s film proved influential for many French directors (particularly Francois Truffaut) and caused quite the controversy. The film was banned in France until 1945, due to its shocking portrayal of a school setting in crisis. This has “Aries rebellion” written all over it.
TAURUS — A Very Long Engagement (2004)
This Earth sign typically posses an intense internal drive, but isn’t always a fan of authority. They’re determined and brave on their own trajectory, valuing honesty and truth. Taureans can make dependable partners (and expertly cozy homemakers).
Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s A Very Long Engagement embodies these Taurean qualities well.
When Mathilde receives news that her fiancé has been killed in World War I combat, she refuses to believe the report. With the help of a private investigator, she sets out on an adventure, in search of the truth. In the process, she uncovers evidence around France’s morally bankrupt system, and extreme punishment, used to deal with war deserters.
This romantic war film was based on Sébastien Japrisot’s 1991 novel A Very Long Engagement (Un long dimanche de fiançailles in French). So Taurus bonus points if you curl up in an armchair with a cup of tea and read the book as well.
GEMINI — Paris, je t’aime (2006)
The social chameleons of the zodiac, Geminis are skilled at blending into many different groups. They’re often seen as the life of the party, always ready to engage in conversation — whether it’s the latest celebrity gossip or an hour-long philosophical debate.
Paris, je t’aime is the perfect film to satisfy the driving curiosity and excitement of any Gemini. It’s a compilation of 18 short films, each written and directed by a different filmmaker, with its own unique cast, spanning a wide variety of genres (including comedy, drama, romance, and even a dark sci-fi starring Elijah Wood).
The film (featuring work by twenty-two directors) offers a truly star-studded party. There’s a colorful comedy by the Coen Brothers starring Steve Buscemi, a poetic post-breakup film with Natalie Portman, a Wes Craven short that enlists the help of Oscar Wilde’s ghost, and many more delightful surprises.
Fun fact: The film was initially slated to include 20 short films, one for each arrondissement of Paris. But the shorts taking place in the 11th and 15th arrondissements were ultimately cut from the final feature.
CANCER — Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain (2001)
Cancers are like the heart of the zodiac. Highly perceptive of others’ emotions, they’re loyal, generous, and empathetic listeners. This water sign tends to have a rich internal life and active imagination, requiring sufficient alone time to explore their watery depths (and recharge before resurfacing in the “real world”).
With that in mind, Amélie is perhaps the quintessential Cancerian film. From the inventive mind of Jean-Pierre Jeunet, this colorful film follows a young French waitress, Amélie, played by Audrey Tautou.
Despite being caught in an imaginative inner world, Amélie remains highly perceptive of those around her. She goes out of her way to quietly help them find happiness (without taking any credit). Her good deeds return to her in the form of her own adventurous love story.
Set to a soundtrack of whimsical accordion music, this film is a delightful love letter to all imaginative introverts (and stereotypical Cancers). It’s overflowing with magical realism, colorful set design, and quirky characters.
LEO — Les Demoiselles de Rochefort (1967)
Leo’s are proud, courageous, and enthusiastic individuals. They thrive in the social limelight and love a good ol’ grand gesture. If Leo’s were a film genre, they’d most definitely be a musical (choreographed dance scenes and all).
Jacques Demy’s 1967 musical Les Demoiselles de Rochefort is guaranteed to be a good time. This French classic is brimming with colorful costumes, multiple dance numbers, and people breaking out into joyous song (as they often do in musicals…).
The film follows twins Delphine and Solange, as they make plans to leave the seaside town of Rochefort and head to Paris, both in search of the love of their life. And these optimistic romantics aren’t the only ones in high spirits. Seemingly every town member, including a recently-heartbroken sailor, are unwaveringly hopeful and bright.
This film is a perfect fit for any Leo (or Gene Kelly fan).
VIRGO — Les Émotifs anonymes (2010)
Smart, sophisticated, and responsible, this Pinterest-perfect Earth sign can sometimes comes across as shy. But this is likely just a result of Virgo’s busy inner world, which involves everything from presidential-length to do lists to well-scripted inner criticism.
Les Émotifs anonymes (Romantics Anonymous in English) is a charmingly perfect romcom that will pull on the well-organized heartstrings of any Virgo.
Set in a chocolate factory, the colorful film charts a budding romance between Jean-René, the owner of a failing chocolate shop, and Angélique, an incredibly talented — but debilitatingly shy— chocolatier.
The two suffer from severe social anxiety, but prove a match made in heaven when it comes to reviving the struggling chocolate shop. In order to avoid attention, Angélique claims she receives her unique recipes from a famous hermit chocolatier living in the mountains. Adorable awkwardness ensues, both in business and romance.
The colorful production design, heartwarming performances, and beautifully sensitive story come together in a film as perfectly sweet as Angélique’s chocolates.
LIBRA — Faces Places (2017)
Represented by the scales, Libra strives for balance and harmony in all aspects of their life. They’re able to see both sides of an argument, and will openly consider all the facts before jumping to a rigid conclusion or decision. This air sign is a naturally gifted socializer, and finds enjoyment in rich conversations and new experiences that broaden their world view.
The sociability, creativity, and balance of Libras makes the award-winning Faces Places a fantastic addition to any Libra’s watchlist.
This charming documentary follows prolific director Agnès Varda and photographer/muralist JR, as they roadtrip through rural France, creating large-scale photographic portraits and murals of the people they meet.
The fun, energetic personalities of Varda and JR match beautifully, making them the ideal roadtrip companions for this heartwarming, photographic journey. The pair’s optimism and lust for life is contagious; you can’t help but laugh along with all their jokes and banter.
Both their artist-to-artist conversations, as well as their interactions with the diverse locals they photograph, make for a heartwarming, informative, and ultimately uplifting ride.
SCORPIO — Belle de Jour (1967)
Scorpios are powerful, passionate, and naturally mysterious. They know what they want and go for it — and their intriguing magnetism sets them up for success in any passionate pursuit. Unafraid to flirt with darkness, this water sign often stirs up the depths of our most hidden fears and desires.
The sexy, surreal trip that is Luis Buñuel’s Belle de Jour will fit fluidly into any Scorpio’s watchlist.
This controversial 1967 psychological drama follows a housewife (played by Catherine Deneuve) plagued by masochistic, BDSM-style fantasies. She begins fulfilling her fantasies by spending afternoons as a high-class prostitute, while her prim and proper doctor husband is at work.
Based on the 1928 novel of the same title, Belle de Jour is one of Buñuel’s most successful films. It won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival the year of its release, and continues to be critically acclaimed as an integral part of both French New Wave and general cinematic history.
Like a true Scorpio, this film found its success in embracing it’s darkest (and sexiest) side.
SAGITTARIUS — L’Auberge Espagnole (2002)
Sagittarius is the traveler of the zodiac — in constant pursuit of new destinations, both literally and metaphorically.
This trailblazing fire sign loves learning new languages, studying other cultures, and traveling. They have a strong appreciation for books, museums, and intellectual pursuits.
Cédric Klapisch’s L’Auberge Espagnole has Saggittarrius written all over it.
The film follows Xavier, a French university student who moves to Barcelona for the Erasmus program. He finds lodging in a shared apartment with an Englishwoman, an Italian, a Spaniard, and a German — a diverse combination that proves rife with culture shock, humour, and memorable moments.
Xavier navigates a new city, unfamiliar culture, and linguistic barriers, all while strengthening both his newfound friendships and passion for writing.
The film, lead by a young Romain Duris, is the first of a trilogy. So once you’ve finished this one, you can set your cinematic GPS for two more destinations: Russian Dolls (2005) and Chinese Puzzle (2013).
CAPRICORN — Coco Before Chanel (2009)
When Capricorns set a goal, they achieve it. This Earth sign’s polished sophistication makes their impressive achievements look deceptively effortless. Behind every Capricorn’s sparkly resumé is a diligence and tenacity unmatched by most.
The ambitious historical drama Coco before Chanel will appeal to the hardworking nature (and innate classiness) of Capricorn.
This epic biopic follows the rise of fashion designer Coco Chanel — from her early days as a seamstress to her reign as empress of Parisian haute couture.
The film’s attention to detail, historic scope, and real-life success story will motivate any Capricorn to continue climbing their proverbial mountain.
And regardless of your level of ambition, watching Audrey Tautou (aka Amélie) in a perfectly-tailored Chanel suit, set to a score by Alexandre Desplat, is a true plaisir.
AQUARIUS — Les Choristes (2004)
Aquarians are the creative, big-picture thinkers that help us open our hearts and minds to the beautiful potential around us. With a strong sense of social justice, and belief in the innate good of people, this air sign is here to heal the collective in unexpected and revolutionary ways.
Intuitive and highly creative, Aquarius will enjoy the moving, musical story of Les Choristes.
In this award-winning drama, Clément, an unemployed music teacher, accepts a position as supervisor at a repressive French boarding school. In true Aquarian style, he decides to shake up the system by starting a choir.
Based on a true story, this film demonstrates the power of music to positively impact and enrich our lives. Combined with a beautiful soundtrack and choral music, Les Choristes’ inspiring story transforms into a truly moving, musical experience.
Word of warning: You may end up in an Aquarian pool of happy tears.
PISCES —Naissance des Pievures (2007)
Pisces are deeply intuitive people who value meaningful and intimate connections. Highly imaginative, this water sign needs sufficient solo time to swim laps in their rich inner world.
Naissance des Pievures (Waterlilies in English) is a cinematic swim through Piscean-level connections, intimacy, and youthful fantasies.
Written and directed by Céline Sciamma (who you may know from her award-winning Portrait of a Lady on Fire), this coming of age story beautifully captures the sexual awakenings of three girls in a Parisian suburb.
The film takes place over the course of a sultry summer, kicking off with Marie attending a friend’s synchronized swimming event. She becomes infatuated by the “bad girl” of the team (played by Adèle Haenel) and asks to join the team.
A complicated love triangle ensues, which Sciamma paints with the upmost delicacy and care. The film beautifully captures the emotions and uncertainty of coming of age and questioning one’s sexuality.
Bonne spectacle! If you have a French movie recommendation you’d like to share, leave it in the comments for others to find.
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