6 compelling international movies to add to your summer watchlist

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Film fanatics and movie buffs, come in close. With the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival underway, now feels like the perfect time to dive into international cinema (or to brush up on some existing favourites).

TV5MONDE+ is a streaming service that makes it simple to watch a curated collection of highly-rated films – all for free. You can enjoy them on various devices, and a great place to begin is their special section dedicated to films from Cannes.

We’ve created a list of six French films – all previously shown at the Cannes Film Festival – to help you discover something new and avoid endlessly searching through reviews and recommendations.

Un marathon de cinéma anyone?

Ava

Looking for a unique and heartfelt story about growing up? Check out the movie Ava. It’s both powerful and emotional.

The story centers around 13-year-old Ava (Noée Abita) and her eventful summer vacation. While on holiday with her family, she unexpectedly begins to lose her vision.

Rather than letting illness or fear limit her, she chose to embrace life with a bold, rebellious spirit, seeking adventure and finding herself. Along the way, she found love and a devoted canine companion.

The film is also visually stunning, fitting for a story focused on seeing. With a grainy, almost blurry aesthetic that reflects the main character’s vision, this Cannes award-winning feature (starring Laure Calamy) is highly recommended, especially for its beautiful cinematography.

La mer au loin (Across the Sea)

If you enjoy movies that tell multiple stories that connect, with a little bit of time travel thrown in, then the highly praised drama La mer au loin is a great choice.

This film, told in three parts named after its central characters, tells the story of Nour, a young immigrant trying to find his place in 1990s Marseille. After a close call with the police that nearly leads to his deportation, his life becomes deeply connected to Serge and Noémie, a married couple, and their relationships quickly become complex.

Experience a story filled with desire, hidden truths, and passion. You’ll be captivated by its thoughtful look at who we are, the feeling of being lost, and the challenges of love that seems out of reach.

You can watch the movie live on the TV5MONDE channel inside the app this Sunday, May 31st, at 8pm if you’re looking for a cinema-like experience. If you can’t watch it live, it’s also available to stream on demand right now.

Dalva (Love According to Dalva)

The movie Dalva immediately grabs your attention with a surprising arrest, a heartbreaking goodbye, and plenty of emotional moments.

The story gradually reveals why Dalva was arrested, and by that point, you’ll likely be fully drawn in. The film is told through the eyes of Dalva, a 12-year-old girl, and follows her as her world is turned upside down when she’s sent to a group home. There, the difficult truths about her past slowly come to light.

Honestly, this movie just grabs you and doesn’t let go – even when things get really intense and tough to watch. I found myself glued to the screen the whole time.

Des hommes et des dieux (Of Gods and Men)

If you enjoyed the suspenseful atmosphere of films like Conclave and Calvary, you’ll love Des hommes et des dieux. This award-winning film – it took home the Grand Prix at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival – is a great choice for a cozy night in.

As political tensions rise in Algeria, a group of French monks are pressured by locals and officials to escape for their safety. The film isn’t about if they’ll leave, but about what sustains their commitment to staying, even in the face of danger. While it features exciting moments, the movie is ultimately a powerful story about dedication, faith, and the bonds of brotherhood.

Okay, so this game is seriously based on a real conflict – the Algerian Civil War. And the whole thing takes place almost entirely inside a monastery, hidden away from everything. Trust me, it’s one of those games that really sticks with you long after you’ve finished playing.

Home

If you’re looking for a heartwarming and funny movie, check out the Swiss drama Home, which features a performance by Isabelle Huppert and was a selection at the Cannes Film Festival.

The story centers on a family whose peaceful life is thrown into turmoil when a long-abandoned motorway unexpectedly reopens next to their home. It’s a darkly funny and emotionally charged tale of how this disruption causes each family member to struggle and fall apart.

Le plus bel âge (Those Were the Days)

The charming French film Le plus bel âge offers a nostalgic look at the style and feel of 1990s movies.

Seventeen-year-old Delphine (Élodie Bouchez) experiences a shocking loss when a classmate dies while she’s attending private school. When the school dismisses the event, she decides to investigate what really happened. This critically acclaimed film, selected for the Cannes Film Festival, beautifully captures the complexities of teenage life – friendships, first loves, and the pressures of growing up – and offers a poignant look at the bittersweet nature of adolescence.

Mystery with a side of emotional intensity? Yes please.

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2026-05-21 18:39