10 French Horror Movies You Need To Watch

French cinema has remained remarkably consistent when it comes to reinventing the medium. The New Wave of the '60s saw French filmmakers experiment with cinematic traditions, finding new ways to tell intriguing stories and explore bold themes. This approach applied to many genres, including horror, which led to avant-garde classics like Les Diaboliques and Eyes Without a Face.

France defied convention yet again at the turn of the 21st century with a slew of controversial horror flicks that became known as the New French Extremity. Features during this period resonated with the masses, not just because of their visceral brutality but also due to their hard-hitting themes, which often involved feminism, spectatorship, and national politics.

Even though High Tension, Inside, and Martyrs are well recognised and highly regarded, there are plenty of other French frightfests that deserve a lot more attention. This list covers all sorts of films, including psychological thrillers, white-knuckle slashers, transgressive slow-burns, body horror, and pretty much everything in between. 

Anyone who wants to check out a French horror that defies taboos, offers a thought-provoking story, and pulls no punches with violence should give the ten entries on this list a shot.

Loosely based on a true story, Ils follows Clementine, a teacher living in Romania with her husband Lucas. One night, the couple awaken to learn their car has been stolen and their electrics have been disconnected. After a group of unseen figures begin terrorising them, Clementine and Lucas do everything they can to get to safety.

What makes Ils stand out over other slashers is its simplicity. Instead of putting on extravagant costumes and masks, the killers wear hoodies and trainers. Also, these assailants don't bother with banter or concocting theatrical methods to toy with their prey. They're just there to slaughter their victims as succinctly as possible.

Despite being released while the New French Extremity was in full swing, Ils favours atmosphere over gratuitous violence, and the tension never dips once the invaders show up. And since Clementine and Lucas are the only real characters in the story, it feels like the killers' identities won't have much of an impact. However, seeing the stalkers' faces during the climax is sure to rattle anyone to their core.