From surreal fairy tales to unflinching spy thrillers, these 15 films offer a glimpse into the worldwide impact French cinema has made over the decades.

“Nouvelle Vague” may be French New Wave fan service, which works fine for me because I’m a fan of the French New Wave. If you care about film history, chances are you qualify as well.

“Involves four of the most outrageously photogenic actors to ever appear on screen… We sit and revel in the glamour of it all, waiting for those hormonal and homicidal impulses to boil over – as, of ...