Best of Louis de Funes
50 major films of Louis de Funès ranked (early bit parts and supporting roles are mostly not included)
List activity
3K views
• 17 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
50 titles
- DirectorGérard OuryStarsBourvilLouis de FunèsClaudio BrookSeveral ordinary Frenchmen go on an epic voyage through the occupied country to the free zone as they help British pilots avoid German captivity.What can one add to everything that has already been said about this film? It's an absolute masterpiece.
- DirectorJulien DuvivierStarsFrançoise ArnoulCharles AznavourJean-Claude Brialy1) Jerôme Chambard, a retired man, taken in by nuns in a convent, swears like a trooper. 2) Françoise takes a lover because he has promised her a diamond necklace. 3) Denis, a seminarist, decides to renounce his vows to avenge his sister. 4) God in person lands at a remote farm and works miracles there. 5) Pierre learns that his mother is not his mother, but a famous actress. 6) Didier, a bank clerk, teams up with a bank thief after being fired by the manager 7) Jerôme Chambard is invited to Sunday lunch by his friend the bishop and by dint of drinking to their friendship the holy man cannot remember the ten commandments anymoreUnderrated late gem from great Julian Duvivier. “Who is who” of French cinema in perhaps the best, the most balanced and finely structured omnibus film of all time. Special mention to the great music score by Georges Garvarentz.
- DirectorÉdouard MolinaroStarsLouis de FunèsClaude RichMario DavidNeurotic businessman must find the right man for his pregnant daughter. In fact, it is little bit complicated.One of the funniest films of all time. Yes, it's stagy adaptation of a stage play and I love every minute of it. A real tour de force of de Funes.
- DirectorGérard OuryStarsLouis de FunèsMiou-MiouSuzy DelairA bigoted Frenchman finds himself forced to impersonate a popular rabbi while on the run from a group of assassins - and the police."A film with a message" done right. Hilarious, inventive, good-natured and optimistic. Peace to the world and now let's dance!
- DirectorAndré HunebelleStarsJean MaraisLouis de FunèsMylène DemongeotThe best men of France - a brave journalist and an extremely energetic commissioner - attack the trail of a mysterious criminal mastermind.Louis Feuillades silent serial is a masterpiece, but so is this comic book and James Bond-inspired re-imagining by André Hunebelle. All 3 of Funes/Marais Fantomas films are great, with great cast, great music (by Michel Magne), wonderful locations and crazy gadgets, and they all deserve to be seen again and again.
- DirectorGérard OuryStarsBourvilLouis de FunèsVenantino VenantiniCriminals have chosen an ordinary man to carry drugs and jewels in his car across the border. The problem is that this man turned out too much ordinary.Some pretentious clowns among the french wannabe film critics have dismissed this delightful and very popular film just to prove how better then everyone else they are. One Maoist nitwit even declared that this film made him want to puke. Well the film is still here, it is still one of the best comedies of all time and hardly anyone cares about those morons anymore. I hope in the hell they all will have to watch latest american puke and fart comedies on a constant loop so they can get their priorities right.
- DirectorAndré HunebelleStarsJean MaraisLouis de FunèsMylène DemongeotFamous but unlucky pursuers of Fantomas from France go to weird Scotland for a final attempt to bring the impudent criminal to justice.Memorable quotes and scenes from this film could fill a book. Superb!
- DirectorClaude Autant-LaraStarsJean GabinBourvilLouis de FunèsTwo men carry at night four suitcases of contraband meat across German-occupied Paris during WWII. Their opposite personalities and strange encounters provoke different adventures - until they are arrested by the police.Masterpiece, Louis has just a supporting role here, so this is not exactly a FuFu comedy, but the film is a must-see.
- DirectorÉdouard MolinaroStarsLouis de FunèsMichael LonsdaleClaude GensacA rich businessman faces a quite weird problem - his wife's grandfather has been revived thanks to science. But he is not aware that many decades have passed.Molinaro’s companion piece to Oscar seems to be relatively underrated and unjustly so – it’s a delight from start to finish. Louis is in the top form, and so is the gang of regular on-screen partners like Claude Gensac and Paul Préboist. It’s pity the titular "frozen guy" Bernard Alane did not make it bigger in french cinema – here he was both amusing and touching. The only shortcoming I could see with this film – it is too short, with extra 20 minutes they could have explored more possibilities of the story. But that’s a minor issue, just a wishful thinking.
- DirectorAndré HunebelleHaroun TazieffStarsJean MaraisLouis de FunèsMylène DemongeotWhen Professor Marchand, a famous scientist, mysteriously disappears, the commissioner, Juve, immediately suspects Fantomas.Fantomas goes to Italy! The most “James Bondish” film of the trilogy. Great and extremely underrated Michel Magne adds some new pieces to his already wonderful film score.
- DirectorGérard OuryStarsLouis de FunèsYves MontandAlice SapritchIn 17th-century Spain, the Minister of Finance tries to dishonor the queen with an overly complex plan.Pairing of de Funes and Montand really works, even if it can’t match the chemistry between Funes and Bourvil. Great supporting cast, unusual score and lots of fun.
- DirectorYves RobertStarsLouis de FunèsNoëlle AdamFrédéric DuvallèsIn a small French village, everything would be quiet if the local wildlife cop was not being ridiculed by a smart poacher.Delightful early leading role of de Funes.
- DirectorSerge KorberStarsLouis de FunèsNoëlle AdamOlivier De FunèsManager of female dance group and his cousin leads the group on a tour in the Rome and prohibit them to socialize with men. Problems occur when we see that one of the girls has a baby in Rome.Piti-piti-paaa!!!!! Underrated gem. Yes it is slightly chaotic and doesn’t quite match the level of Oscar or La grande vadrouille but on its own terms it’s a great film. Serge Korber deserved a better film career and should have been more careful with the artistic choices he made in the late 70's. Of all the films where Olivier De Funès acted alongside his father, this one gives him the plumiest role – and he is quite good at it. And did I mention the great score by François de Roubaix? Piti-piti-paaa!!!!!
- DirectorJacques BesnardStarsLouis de FunèsBernard BlierMaria-Rosa RodriguezTop-notch french restaurant owner Monsieur Septime is involved into crime when one of his famous guests disappears.Certain elements of this film were cannibalized by later, super- successful L'aile ou la cuisse, and even if Zidi film seems to have “higher” concept and generally feels like more “major” picture, I still like this one more.
- DirectorJean GiraultStarsLouis de FunèsGeneviève GradMichel GalabruGendarme Ludovic Cruchot is re-assigned to the French Riviera seaside resort town of Saint-Tropez where petty criminals and his own daughter give him a hard time.When speaking of de Funes many people immediately think of Gendarme series. I understand why but I can not quite share this sentiment. Of course, the Gendarme series has acquired almost a subconscious sentimental value for many French and francophones, but I must admit I have always considered them lesser films, charming fluff, far inferior to films de Funes made with Oury, Hunebelle and Molinaro. But one had to admit, this was the series that made de Funes a superstar. And Jean Girault was clearly a favorite director of de Funes – maybe because he didn’t challenge him that much? Anyway, this first outing of the gendarme is actually quite a nice film, Geneviève Grad is delightful, and unlike later, sloppier offerings from Jean Girault it shares some traits with previous “quality” cooperation between Funes and Girault ( Puic-Puic and Faites sauter la banque!). It really makes you wish you were there and then, maybe even as one of the kids Geneviève Grad hangs out with.
- DirectorRobert DhéryStarsLouis de FunèsAndréa ParisyFranco FabriziLouis-Philippe Fourchaume, another typical lead-role for French comedy superstar Louis de Funès, is the dictatorial CEO of a French company which designs and produces sail yachts, and fires in yet another tantrum his designer André Castagnier, not realizing that man is his only chance to land a vital contract with the Italian magnate Marcello Cacciaperotti. So he has to find him at his extremely rural birthplace in 'la France profonde', which proves a torturous odyssey for the spoiled rich man; when he does get there his torment is far from over: the country bumpkin refuses to resume his slavish position now the shoe is on the other foot, so Fourchaume is dragged along in the boorish family life, and at times unable to control his temper, which may cost him more credit then he painstakingly builds up...Offbeat and unusual, Robert Dhéry has different approach compared to other directors de Funes is usually associated with and it shows. It may not work for everyone but I like it a lot.
- DirectorClaude ZidiStarsLouis de FunèsColucheAnn ZachariasCharles Duchemin, a well-known gourmet and the publisher of a famous restaurant guide, is waging a war against fast-food entrepreneur Tricatel to save the French art of cooking. After having agreed to appear on a talk show to show his skills in naming food and wine by taste, he is confronted with two disasters: his son wants to become a clown rather than a restaurant tester and he, the famous Charles Duchemin, has lost his taste.A great comeback film for de Funes after the hiatus because of his health problems. Perhaps his last "Great" film.
- DirectorRobert DhéryPierre TcherniaStarsAlfred AdamColette BrossetRobert BurnierMarcel, a simple-minded factory worker, is tricked into buying a high-priced American convertible by a widow determined not to let it fall into the hands of her late husband's secretary/secret lover. Once in possession of the car, Marcel only encounters one bad luck episode after another with the excessive gasoline consumption, his wife trying to sell it to make ends meet, getting into traffic jams, accidentally riding into a car wash with the top down, and more.There is something very charming and appealing about this farce by Robert Dhéry. Again, not a typical Fufu comedy but delightful nonetheless.
- DirectorJean GiraultStarsLouis de FunèsMireille DarcRoger DumasLéonard Monestier has made his fortune trading on the stock exchange. His eccentric wife Cynthia almost bankrupts him by selling some of his shares to buy an oil concession in South America. Convinced that the concession is a fake, Monestier decides to sell it on to a friend of the family, the naive millionaire Antoine Brévin. Antoine wants to marry his daughter, Patricia. However, Patricia has a different opinion on the matter. She manages to persuade the car delivery guy, Simon Guilbaud, to pretend to be her husband. Unaware of this development, Monestier invites Antoine to his house in order to get him to agree to buy the oil concession. After the invitation to Antoine, the butler Charles informs Monestier of the rushed marriage of Patricia. To prove that the concession is genuine, Monestier hires his son-in-law Simon to pretend to be his son, Paul, who is currently in South America. At this point, the real Paul turns up, with a Latin showgirl, Palma. Monestier has to resort to ever more desperate schemes to get Antoine to sign his cheque.A proof that Jean Girault can make a good film when he wants to. If you like Oscar and are looking for something in a similar vein - this is a film for you. Great ensemble cast. Mireille Darc never looked more charming.
- DirectorJean-Paul Le ChanoisStarsRobert LamoureuxGaby MorlayFernand LedouxThe film tells how a young lawyer Robert Langlois fell in love with a student Catherine and how they both managed to "tame" their parents and get their consent to marriage.Funes has just a supporting role but a very memorable one. Charming little film.
- DirectorJean GiraultStarsLouis de FunèsFerdy MayneMartine KellyA strict French headmaster sends his frivolous son to England to learn English. But the student has a better idea of how to spend his summer holidays.Another charming little gem. It is not up to the standards of some heavy-hitters released just before and after it and seems to be more openly targeting family/youth audience but still it's a charmer. Good but not great.
- DirectorMaurice RégameyStarsLouis de FunèsNadine TallierChristian DuvaleixPierre Cousin, a depressive compositor, wants to die. After five vain attempts at committing suicide, he decides to hire professional hit men to do the job on him.This seems to be the earliest film where de Funes has a leading role and it's surprisingly enjoyable for such and underrated film. It's also unusual to see de Funes character in love.
- DirectorGilles GrangierGeorges LautnerStarsLouis de FunèsBernard BlierMireille DarcA film consisting of three short stories: "The Closure", "The Trial", "Men of Good Taste". The events of all three parts develop around an ordinary street lamp.Delightful omnibus film.
- DirectorLouis de FunèsJean GiraultStarsLouis de FunèsFranck Cabot-DavidHervé BellonAn incredible miser fights against the whole world to multiply his wealth.The film is much better then it is given credit to. It is not a top tier de Funes and maybe more visual inventiveness could have been used but overall it is enjoyable and fun. Good film for sure.
- DirectorJean GiraultStarsLouis de FunèsJean LefebvreGeneviève GradThe gendarme Cruchot meets the widow Josepha. They quickly fall in love but Cruchot's daughter doesn't like Josepha and is determined to prevent the wedding by all means necessary.Another unusual case of de Funes character being in love.
- DirectorJean GiraultStarsLouis de FunèsYvonne ClechJean-Pierre MarielleA grouchy shopkeeper made an unsuccessful financial investment, and now he is on the verge of bankruptcy. In order to avenge oneself he engages his own family into a plan to rob a next door bank.Small old-fashioned gem - actually one of the best of Jean Girault / de Funes collaborations. Has a rather old-fashioned "family" feel to it - feels like 1950s instead of 1960s.
- DirectorJean GiraultStarsLouis de FunèsClaude GensacMichel GalabruA writer of detective stories desperately trying to hide a corpse in his house - and at the same time to know exactly who he killed accidentally.I am confclicted about this film. The material is good and maybe if Molinaro directed it it would have been up there with Oscar and Hibernatus, but in Jean Girault's hands it never really comes off. However de Funes is in top form and really sells you the film.
- DirectorJean GiraultStarsLouis de FunèsMichel GalabruChristian MarinAfter being chosen to represent France in an international congress, Cruchot and his troops must go to New York, and adapt to its social and cultural aspects.Great collection of comic gags and situations. West Side Story gag is worth price of admission alone.
- DirectorStenoStarsTotòAldo FabriziCathia CaroMr. Pezzella owns and operates a well-established luxury-clothing store. He does not like and does not consider it right to pay taxes and therefore uses a tax consultant to be able to evade more taxes.Second, infinitely better collaboration between Toto, Steno and de Funes after a rather poor Toto in Madrid. The main characters are actually played by Toto and great Aldo Fabrizi, de Funes is more like prominent supporting character. Apparently french edit of the film has scenes with him that are not included in the Italian one, and the Italian has more scenes with Aldo Fabrizi. I am not quite sure which version I saw but it was a solid, respectable comedy with few really inspired bits. Not a masterpiece but definitely worth checking to see Toto, Fabrizi and Funes working together.
- DirectorJean GiraultStarsLouis de FunèsMichel GalabruMaurice RischIn St. Tropez, French gendarme Cruchot and his men battle petroleum-drinking, human-looking, metallic aliens.Now, this is a special case - a film that clearly is inferior to its predecessors but somehow brings so many good memories and positive associations that becomes one of the favorite late-period de Funes outings.
- DirectorJean GiraultStarsLouis de FunèsJean LefebvreGuy GrossoThe entire squad of gendarmes from Saint-Tropez has been retired. But there is no such power that could stop them from protecting the law and public order.Again, the film gets extra points for sentimental value and the charm, even if the story and direction are quite uneaven.
- DirectorJean-Paul Le ChanoisStarsRobert LamoureuxGaby MorlayFernand LedouxRobert Langlois is now married to Catherine, the former housemaid. And they would live happily ever after if the housing crisis did not force them to live together with Gabrielle and Fernand, Robert's parents. For, despite the good will on either side, tension soon arises. What else to expect when there is too little space in their Montmartre apartment for four people (then for six then eight, the couple having... two pairs of twins!) ; the continued presence there of Fernand (who loves peace and quiet) after he is driven to retirement ; the difficult beginnings of Robert as a lawyer in a room of the apartment, etc... Other troubles follow and the harried family is on the verge of implosion...A nice sequel to the excellent 1954 film.
- DirectorMaurice DelbezStarsLouis de FunèsPierre DudanMarthe MercadierPaul fishes out of the water the body of his greatest enemy. To avoid accusations that he is a killer, taking steps that will clear his good name.Here is an unusual, dark comedy where de Funes is just a part of a greater ensemble cast. I feel this film, perhaps more than most of de Funes films, is pretty much an acquired taste. In my opinion, not everything works but overall this is one of the better pre-superstardom films with de Funes.
- DirectorAndré HunebelleStarsLouis de FunèsRaymond BussièresAnnette PoivreA chaotic family go on holiday to Spain and get mixed up with a gang of diamond thievesThis Hunnebelle film seems to be a clear inspiration for the Le Corniaud - the smugglers, the diamond, the Cadillac, vocation in a foreign country, sightseeing combined with comedy gags, hey you even have fountains of Alhambra that anticipate a set piece in Villa Borghese in Le Corniaud. Of course it lacks the finesse of the latter, and is not as funny, but overall this is a pleasant and enjoyable film if you wish to explore the de Funes back catalog beyond the more familiar titles.
- DirectorFrancis RigaudStarsMichel SerraultLouis de FunèsClaude BrasseurComical adventures of two pairs of friends during their stay in Deauville, Normandy.I know some might dislike this film but somehow I enjoy it a lot. It's an early entry in french on vocation sub-genre. Monsieur Hulot's Holiday it is not, and not even Les Bronzes, but It has some nice interplay between the characters, great atmosphere and nostalgic feel. If you don't start watching it expecting another Rabbi Jacob, you will enjoy it.
- DirectorDenys de La PatellièreStarsJean GabinLouis de FunèsPaul MerceyAn art dealer wants to buy a Modigliani, which is tattooed on the back of an old soldier.Uneven but interesting (3rd?) pairing of two giants of french cinema. Lesser film for them both but enjoyable.
- DirectorSerge KorberStarsLouis de FunèsGeraldine ChaplinOlivier De FunèsA politician picks up a couple of hitch hikers on the road. After a scary driving accident the car ends up on a tree above the sea.Not the best de Funes, but much better than it is given credit to.
- DirectorGilles GrangierStarsJean GabinMadeleine RobinsonFrank VillardThe story takes place in the racecourses around Paris. A so-called major sells his tips to naive characters.A solid, respectable vehicle for Jean Gabin, de Funes has a prominent supporting role
- DirectorClaude ZidiStarsLouis de FunèsAnnie GirardotMaurice RischGuillaume has made it: A machine that can clean dirty air by simply sucking all dirt into air balloons and then shipping them far far away so his explanation. Some Japanese business guys, after dinner with a lot of alcohol, order 5,000 pieces. His only problem: His production capacity is way to small so he gets to produce the machines in his private house. His wife Bernadette is far from being happy about it. Her private life goes down the line so she decides to leave Guillaume and to finally have revenge she candidates for major against her husband...This film has a couple of good scenes (especially the pool table episode) but overall it doesn't work for me. Just like the previous Claude Zidi film with de Funes (L'aile ou la cuisse) it has a solid, respectable "mainstream" production feel to it but unlike that film this one simply is not that funny. Still interesting for pairing of Fufu with great superstar of french cinema of that period - Annie Girardot
- DirectorPhilippe de BrocaJean GiraultJacques PinoteauStarsFrance AngladeFrancis BlancheBlanchette BrunoyEvery day, the newspaper reports the story of a man or woman especially in vein, who won a prize or a spectacular contest.Collection of sketches with some familiar faces, mostly nice and pleasant to watch, however pretty forgettable. Episode with de Funes has some superficial similarities with Oscar.
- DirectorJean GiraultStarsLouis de FunèsJean CarmetJacques Villeret2 buddy farmers are visited by aliens who like their domestic cabbage soup.Now, I know this film has become a cult movie in France and it is often referred by many as one of their favorite de Funes films. I have to admit, I hated it when I saw it as a kid. I have warmed up to it since but not completely.
- DirectorJean GiraultStarsLouis de FunèsMichel GalabruMaurice RischCruchot and his gendarmes from Saint-Tropez receive a highly responsible government mission - to ensure the safety of four young beautiful female gendarmes officers. In a few days they begin to be abducted by mysterious villains.The last and unquestionably the worst of Gendarme series but because it is the last film in the series, the last film of Jean Girault (who died during filming) and last film of Louis de Funes, in the collective memory of people who were fond of the series and of these people this film will always hods a special place and get some extra, not necessarily deserved, points.
- DirectorYves RobertStarsJean-Marie AmatoJean BellangerLouisa ColpeynAlfred is in love, but shy. Desperate not to have the audacity to express his passion to the woman of his dreams, Nicole, a young dairyman, he enthusiastically accepts the proposal of Don Juan to make his sentimental education.Uneven directing debut of great Yves Robert. Surprisingly frank about sex for 1954. The first half is just en endless collection of flirting/ getting a woman situations, while Louis de Funes appears in the later part of the film, that is clearly a homage to silent movies - the chase scenes with de Funes (including the part on the Parisian rooftops) is quite delightful.
- DirectorJean ChérasseStarsFrancis BlancheOlivier HussenotLouis de FunèsDuring the course of a vendetta on Corsica, a mainlander is persuaded to stand for election as mayor.This is the last film on this list that I have genuinely enjoyed. It is a lesser film, role of de Funes is odd, but I like the location, the atmosphere and the quirkiness. Definitely not a masterpiece but quite alright.
- DirectorGeorges LautnerStarsMichel SerraultMaurice BiraudLouis de FunèsJockey Jack has a bill open with a gangster just released from jail. He somehow manages to parry the gangster's knife attack backstage at a theatre and the latter ends up dead being put into a double bass case. A day later the gangster mysteriously has disappeared, but it turns out that he was carrying a bet ticket for a horse race now worth over a million. A turbulent run for the money begins.Early Lautner. He has done better films. This one has some nice parts but somehow it never fully comes off as a whole. Mirelle Darc scene was "recycled" to much better effect by Yves Robert in "The tall blond..". An OK film.
- DirectorJacques PoitrenaudStarsDany SavalLouis de FunèsMaurice BiraudTwo burglars are surprised by a girl from a good family who imposes on their collaboration.This film had all the elements for a good comedy - two unlucky thieves are joined by giggly funny young woman while they attempt to rob a mall. Quite possibly the source novel could be actually really fun - but here it simply doesn't work. The scene with insect enthusiast lady is fun, but that's it. All the actors and actresses involved are good but the screenplay and the direction doesn't let them shine. The botched ending (many films of that period - including almost all de Funes films at the bottom of this list) have this bizarre farcical ending when the story is suddenly thrown out of the window and everybody starts just running around and throwing things. If you think this kind of ending did not work in Casino Royale, just wait until you see this one.
- DirectorMarcel BluwalStarsLouis de FunèsJean-Claude BrialyMichel SerraultThe story takes place in a luxury building of about ten floors where the "321" agency has its headquarters. The company watches over the holidays of its customers.De Funes - Brialy pairing that did wonders in Le Diable et les Dix Commandements doesn't work here at all. The film has a great premise for a dark comedy but ends up oddly structured and pretty dull. I would never expect to says this but this is a film I wish was remade by someone in France or even in America.
- DirectorJean BastiaStarsLouis de FunèsPierre DudanFrancis BlancheOn his death-bed in 1759, the Marquis de Valmorin writes his will, leaving his vast fortune not to his children but to his descendents in 200 years' time. In 1959, the possible beneficiaries of the will learn that the entire estate will pass to the one who has an incurable illness.Again, great premise for "It's a mad, mad, mad world" style comedy, some great actors in the cast, nice period camerawork and locations - and a completely mediocre film. Not a horrible disaster but completely negligable.
- DirectorJean BastiaStarsJean RichardRoger PierreLouis de FunèsÉmile Durand, an insecticide manufacturer, is appalled to learn that his son Gérard has fallen in love with Suzy, the daughter of a theatre company. Realising his father will never favour the union, Gérard joins the company on their tour.I like the core concept - the actors travelling by small provincial trains to small provincial towns to give performances in local event halls - one could have made a great film out of this premise. This is not that film. Somehow the director Jean Bastia managed to make two of the worst Louis de Funes films (see #48 on this list) in just one year! The only reason I rated this one above the Toto in Madrid is that I liked the aforementioned travelling troupe premise.
- DirectorStenoStarsTotòAbbe LaneMario CarotenutoWhen swindler La Spada and his accomplice José are released from jail in Madrid, they decide to pull a really great swindle: nothing less than to discover and sell a third picture of Goya's "Maya in Camison" (Maya in a nightgown). They engage the renowned Scorcelletti who lives in Rome and can forge any artwork. Afterwards, with help from the beautiful Eva, they convince celebrated art critic Francisco Montiel of the existence of a third Maya and let him find the picture. When the swindlers are at the point of selling the fake to an American millionaire, Scorcelli returns from Rome to sell one of his six other maya pictures.Steno made far better films. De Funes made far better films. Toto made far better films. If you want to see a better collaboration between three of them - check I Tartassati made the same year. This one is awkward, and honestly quite bad despite all the talent involved. I admit it could be funnier for those who are fluent in Italian as some humor seems to be derived from the Italian characters misunderstanding the Spanish words because of similarities between the two languages. De Funes has a small role and is not given much to do. The great Italian comedian Toto is almost desperately trying to save the film, and it feels that half of the film is improvised on the spot but this film is simply not worth the trouble.