2026’s Most Anticipated French Films: Classics & Historical Dramas Revealed!

The year 2026 is shaping up to be an extraordinary one for French cinema. Beyond the highly anticipated comedies, several major projects stand out: a biopic dedicated to a historical figure, a psychological thriller starring Pierre Niney, Angelina Jolie’s return to French cinema, and an ambitious animated film. Here’s a look at the French films you won’t want to miss.

The Legendary – January 28, 2026

Directed by Guillaume Ivernel, “The Legendary” brings the beloved comic series by Patrick Sobral to the big screen for the first time. Scheduled for early in the year, the film draws from the first two volumes, telling the story of five heroes turned back into children by a curse. Danaël, Jadina, Gryf, Shimy, and Razzia must battle the sorcerer Darkhell to save their world. The voice cast includes notable actors such as Roman Doduik, Damien Witecka, Dorothée Pousséo, and Lucien Jean-Baptiste. A legendary French adventure premiering on January 28.

Guru – January 28, 2026

Following 2025’s “Dalloway,” Yann Gozlan returns with “Guru,” a psychological thriller led by Pierre Niney, with whom he previously worked on “An Ideal Man” and “Black Box.” Originating from an idea by the actor, the film explores the rise of a self-help guru whose dark side gradually emerges. Co-written with Jean-Baptiste Delafon, “Guru” delves into themes of power, paranoia, and psychological downfall, familiar from Gozlan’s earlier films. Pierre Niney draws inspiration from Tom Cruise in “Magnolia” and Jake Gyllenhaal in “Nightcrawler” to portray this complex character. Anthony Bajon and Marion Barbeau also star.

Children of the Resistance – February 11, 2026

Christophe Barratier, director of “The Chorus,” returns to the big screen in 2026 with the adaptation of the popular comic series “Children of the Resistance” by Benoît Ers and Vincent Dugomier. This first installment covers the saga’s initial two volumes and might be followed by a sequel if successful. Set during the German occupation in World War II, the film follows three determined children engaging in sabotage and resistance activities. The cast includes Artus, Gérard Jugnot, Pierre Deladonchamps, Leslie Medina, Julien Pestel, Julien Arruti, and Vanessa Guide, with the young heroes portrayed by Lucas Hector, Nina Filbrandt, Octave Gerbi, and Oscar Boissière.

Seams – February 18, 2026

After directing Virginie Efira in “Paris Memories,” Alice Winocour is set to unveil her new film, this time starring Angelina Jolie. “Seams,” set against the backdrop of Paris Fashion Week, is announced as a drama within the fashion industry. Shot in both French and English, the film follows the intertwined fates of three women, with a cast that includes Ella Rumpf, Louis Garrel, Garance Marillier, and Finnegan Oldfield. In this elegant and cinematic setting, “Seams” promises to be a stylish film, reinforcing Angelina Jolie’s growing connection with French cinema.

The Battle of De Gaulle – June 10, 2026

“The Battle of De Gaulle” consists of two parts: “The Age of Iron,” releasing on June 10, 2026, and “I Write Your Name,” hitting theaters on July 3, 2026. Directed by Antonin Baudry (“The Wolf’s Call”), the film offers an intense look at the 1940-1945 period, immersing viewers in a pivotal moment in history. From London to Paris and Lyon, the movie intertwines General De Gaulle’s struggles with those of young resistance fighters ready for anything. Inspired by historian Julian T. Jackson’s book, the diptych promises a more human, political, and also more vulnerable De Gaulle. Simon Abkarian plays the General, with a supporting cast including Niels Schneider, Thierry Lhermitte, Karim Leklou, Anamaria Vartolomei, and Benoît Magimel. A grand historical narrative that revisits the legend on a human scale.

The Whims of the Child King – June 24, 2026

Michel Leclerc returns with “The Whims of the Child King,” an original historical film about the youth of Louis XIV. In 1651, as the Fronde rebellion threatens, the young future Sun King is secretly replaced by a look-alike and entrusted to D’Artagnan. Hidden by Cyrano de Bergerac among the troupes of Madeleine Béjart and Molière, he discovers life, art, courage, and strategy that will shape his legendary reign. Artus plays Cyrano, alongside Franck Dubosc as D’Artagnan, Julia Piaton as Madeleine Béjart, and Nemo Schiffman as Molière. With a budget of 8.5 million euros and distributed by Le Pacte, the film is a promising addition to literary adaptations on screen, following the genre’s success in 2025.

The Phantom of the Opera – September 23, 2026

A new adaptation of “The Phantom of the Opera” is set to hit theaters in 2026, featuring Julien de Saint-Jean, Deva Cassel, and Romain Duris in leading roles. Directed by Alexandre Castagnetti, the film takes place at the Opéra Garnier and follows Anastasia (Deva Cassel), a promising young dancer who encounters the mysterious Phantom (Julien de Saint-Jean) during the staging of an opera inspired by the legend of Orpheus. This French version, aimed at young adults and influenced by the “Twilight” style, places love at the heart of the story and humanizes the Phantom. With a budget of 20 million euros, the production includes dancers from Dorothée Gilbert’s company, promising a visually grand and intense spectacle.

Moulin – October 28, 2026

Gilles Lellouche continues to impress in 2026, portraying Jean Moulin in the historical film “Moulin,” directed by László Nemes (“Son of Saul”). The movie follows the resistance fighter parachuted into occupied France to unify resistance networks under General de Gaulle’s guidance. Betrayed and captured by the Gestapo led by Klaus Barbie (Lars Eidinger), Moulin endures torture and pressure without ever yielding, inspiring courage and freedom among his peers. Written by Olivier Demangel and produced by Alain Goldman, the film explores the very essence of resistance and sacrifice. With László Nemes at the helm, this adaptation promises to rediscover the strength and humanity of this great World War II hero.

Les Misérables – December 9, 2026

Following the success of “The Count of Monte Cristo” and “The Three Musketeers,” “Les Misérables” makes its grand return to the cinema with an ambitious adaptation by Fred Cavayé, scheduled for December 9, 2026. Inspired by Victor Hugo’s novel, Cavayé presents a modern reinterpretation, blending suspense, adventure, and still-relevant social issues. The prestigious cast includes Vincent Lindon, Tahar Rahim, Camille Cottin, Benjamin Lavernhe, Noémie Merlant, Megan Northam, and Vassili Schneider. With a budget of 37 million euros, this adaptation, straddling the line between thriller and heritage epic, is set to be one of the most ambitious French films of 2026.

Stories of the Night – Throughout 2026

Léa Mysius returns to directing with “Stories of the Night,” a tense chamber drama featuring a stellar cast: freshly awarded César winner Hafsia Herzi, Benoît Magimel, Monica Bellucci, Bastien Bouillon, and Paul Hamy. The filmmaker of “Ava” and “The Five Devils” adapts Laurent Mauvignier’s novel, a moody thriller where tension simmers in an isolated hamlet. The story follows Bergogne, Marion, their daughter Ida, and their neighbor Christine as they prepare for a birthday party… until unknown figures start lurking around. Another adaptation of Laurent Mauvignier’s work (following “Keep Going” by Joachim Lafosse and “Des hommes” by Lucas Belvaux) that promises to be as claustrophobic as it is captivating.

Changing the Water of the Flowers – Throughout 2026

The director of “Amélie” stages “Changing the Water of the Flowers,” an adaptation of the global bestseller by Valérie Perrin. Leïla Bekhti plays Violette, a big-hearted graveyard caretaker in Burgundy, soon surrounded by a prestigious cast: Matthias Schoenaerts, Melvil Poupaud, Alban Lenoir, Anouk Grinberg, and Sergio Castellitto. The film follows the encounter between Violette and Julien, a police officer who unwittingly delves into the shadows of this woman’s past marked by disappearance, violence, and radiant resilience. “Changing the Water of the Flowers” marks a significant return for the filmmaker—without a precise release date yet, but already one of the most anticipated French projects.