The 40+ Best Catherine Deneuve Movies, Ranked By Fans

Catherine Deneuve has one of those careers that makes you do the little double-take: “Wait… she’s in that too?”
From candy-colored French musicals to chilly psychological thrillers to late-career dramas where she’s basically the
elegant final boss of complicated feelings, Deneuve has spent decades turning “movie star” into an art form.

And because fans are wonderfully opinionated (and occasionally chaoticin the best way), this list leans into
fan-love: the movies people rewatch, recommend, argue about, and slip into group chats with “OK BUT HAVE YOU SEEN THIS??”
energy. If you’re building a Catherine Deneuve watchlist, you’re in exactly the right place.

How This “Ranked by Fans” List Was Built (No Velvet Rope Required)

“Best” is a dangerous word on the internetone wrong ranking and someone will write a 2,000-word rebuttal while eating
cereal at midnight. So here’s the approach: this is a fan-consensus ranking, shaped by a blend of
fan-voting and audience-driven movie hubs. We cross-checked fan-ranked lists and audience ratings, then balanced:
(1) popularity with fans, (2) rewatch value, (3) cultural footprint, and (4) how often a title shows up as a “starter”
recommendation for newcomers.

Translation: it’s not a “most awarded” listit’s a “fans keep putting these at the top of the pile” list.
And yes, it includes classics and a few deep cuts, because Deneuve’s filmography is a buffet.

The 47 Best Catherine Deneuve Movies, Ranked By Fans

Below, you’ll find a ranked list of 40+ Catherine Deneuve movies with quick notes on what they are, why fans love them,
and what kind of mood they match. If you only have time for a handful, start with the Top 10those are the “gateway”
picks that tend to convert casual viewers into full-time Deneuve believers.

1. #1. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)

   A romantic musical where the emotions are big, the colors are gorgeous, and the heartbreak is… politely French.
   Fans adore it because it’s both dreamy and brutally honestlike a love story that refuses to pretend time stands still.

2. #2. Belle de Jour (1967)

   A surreal, provocative character study that has launched a million debates: what’s real, what’s fantasy, and why does
   Deneuve look like she invented elegance? Fans rank it high because it’s mysterious, stylish, and endlessly discussable.

3. #3. The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967)

   If sunshine could tap-dance, it would look like this. Fans love the buoyant musical energy, the candy palette, and the
   way Deneuve makes “dreaming bigger” feel both charming and a little bittersweet.

4. #4. Repulsion (1965)

   A psychological thriller that’s tense, claustrophobic, and unforgettable. Fans often cite Deneuve’s performance as the
   anchor: she communicates fear and unraveling with a quiet intensity that sticks with you long after the credits.

5. #5. Indochine (1992)

   Epic romance and historical drama on a grand scale. Fans return to it for the sweeping storytelling and Deneuve’s
   commanding presenceshe’s the kind of lead who makes the whole movie feel “important” without ever begging for attention.

6. #6. Tristana (1970)

   A sharp, unsettling drama with Deneuve in a role that fans often describe as quietly fearless. The film’s tone is cool,
   the character shifts are fascinating, and the ending tends to inspire strong opinions (the best kind of movie).

7. #7. Donkey Skin (1970)

   A fairy tale that’s visually enchanting and undeniably strange. Fans love it for its storybook look, its musical whimsy,
   and its “did that really just happen?” weirdness that makes it a cult favorite.

8. #8. 8 Women (2002)

   A stylized ensemble mystery with music, melodrama, and razor-sharp performances. Fans rank it high because it’s fun,
   theatrical, and packed with iconic momentsplus Deneuve is superb in a cast full of heavy-hitters.

9. #9. The Last Metro (1980)

   A rich period drama with tension running under every conversation. Fans praise Deneuve’s layered performance and the way
   the film makes art, survival, and personal risk feel tightly intertwined.

10. #10. Dancer in the Dark (2000)

    Emotionally intense and not exactly a “cozy Sunday afternoon” pickyet fans keep recommending it because it hits hard.
    Deneuve’s presence adds gravity and warmth in a film that’s designed to leave a mark.

11. #11. Mississippi Mermaid (1969)

    Romance, deception, and the kind of star power that makes moral ambiguity look glamorous. Fans love the push-pull dynamic
    and Deneuve’s ability to be both magnetic and unreadable.

12. #12. The Hunger (1983)

    Stylish, moody, and famous for its cool factor. Fans revisit it for the atmosphere, the fashion, and the sleek
    “nighttime neon” vibeDeneuve feels like a myth walking through modern life.

13. #13. Place Vendôme (1998)

    A later-career standout that fans often recommend when they want “Deneuve with bite.” It’s dramatic, character-driven,
    and anchored by a performance that’s sharp without ever getting loud.

14. #14. Thieves (1996)

    A tense, emotionally tangled drama that fans appreciate for its seriousness and complexity. It’s not a lightweight watch,
    but it’s the kind of film that rewards attentionand Deneuve is all control and contradiction.

15. #15. Potiche (2010)

    A crowd-pleasing comedy where Deneuve gets to be witty, bold, and unexpectedly triumphant. Fans love it because it’s fun
    and satisfyingand because watching an underestimated character take charge never gets old.

16. #16. Persepolis (2007)

    Animated, poignant, and widely loved. Fans include it because Deneuve’s voice work contributes to a film that feels
    personal, political, and emotionally precise.

17. #17. My Favorite Season (1993)

    A mature family drama that fans recommend for its emotional realism. Deneuve excels in stories where love is present,
    but messyand this is one of those.

18. #18. A Christmas Tale (2008)

    A family gathering that’s funny, tense, and painfully human. Fans love the ensemble energy and the way Deneuve’s
    performance makes complicated relationships feel real rather than “movie dramatic.”

19. #19. The Midwife (2017)

    A later-era favorite for fans who want something grounded and heartfelt. Deneuve brings nuance and charisma to a film
    that balances emotion without turning syrupy.

20. #20. Hotel America (1981)

    A quieter, mood-driven drama that fans often discover and then passionately defend. It’s reflective, intimate, and
    powered by Deneuve’s ability to make interior emotion feel cinematic.

21. #21. Genealogies of a Crime (1997)

    For fans who like their mysteries twisty and their psychology layered. This one earns points for its unsettling tone
    and Deneuve’s cool, intellectual screen presence.

22. #22. A Matter of Resistance (1994)

    A serious story rooted in moral pressure and historical stakes. Fans who admire Deneuve’s dramatic range often rank this
    among her strongest “quiet power” performances.

23. #23. The Wild Woman (1975)

    Offbeat and energeticfans like it when they want Deneuve in a more playful, adventurous mode. It’s a reminder that she
    can do comedy and chaos without losing her signature poise.

24. #24. The Cop (Un flic) (1972)

    Cool, sleek, and minimalist. Fans who love stylish crime cinema often include it because it’s moody, controlled, and
    perfectly cast for Deneuve’s icy elegance.

25. #25. The April Fools (1969)

    A lighter early-era pick for fans who want charm and romantic energy. It’s not always the “first” title people name,
    but it tends to win hearts once discovered.

26. #26. The Truth (2019)

    A later-career gem for fans who enjoy character-based stories about art, family, and reputation. Deneuve plays
    complexity like it’s a native language.

27. #27. Scene of the Crime (1986)

    Tense and dramaticoften recommended by fans who like darker, grounded stories. This is Deneuve in “serious mode,” where
    a single look can do a whole paragraph.

28. #28. On My Way (2013)

    A road-movie-ish story that fans like for its human warmth and late-life perspective. It’s reflective without being
    preachy, with Deneuve as a compelling center.

29. #29. The Girl on the Train (2009)

    A heavy drama with real-world tension under the surface. Fans include it because it’s serious, impactful, and
    anchored by Deneuve’s disciplined performance style.

30. #30. Kings and Queen (2004)

    A thoughtful pick for fans who like French films that feel emotionally textured and a bit unpredictable. Deneuve’s work
    adds gravitas in a story full of messy humanity.

31. #31. Nearest to Heaven (2002)

    Quietly moving and introspective, this is a fan favorite for “late-night, think-about-life” viewing. Deneuve’s presence
    is subtle, affecting, and beautifully controlled.

32. #32. The Convent (2000)

    A darker, moodier choice that pops up in fan lists for people who like genre-leaning European cinema. Not a universal
    crowd-pleaser, but memorable if you’re into eerie atmosphere.

33. #33. Army of Shadows (1969)

    A revered classic of resistance-era cinema that fans often cite for its seriousness and cinematic restraint. Deneuve’s
    appearance adds star power to a film known for moral intensity.

34. #34. Us Two (1979)

    An under-the-radar pick that fans champion for its drama and character focus. If you like discovering “why haven’t I
    heard of this?” titles, this is for you.

35. #35. Liza (1972)

    A romantic drama that fans often recommend for Deneuve completistsespecially those who enjoy her early-’70s era.

36. #36. Paroles et musique (1984)

    A lighter, music-adjacent entry for fans who like their Deneuve with a softer, more mainstream glow.

37. #37. Drama of the Rich (1933; appearance in later framing/compilation contexts)

    A historical oddity on fan-ranked listsmore curiosity than cornerstone. It’s included for completists and for anyone
    who enjoys the “how does this even connect?” rabbit hole.

38. #38. Le choc (1982)

    Crime-leaning and tense, this shows up for fans who like sleek thrillers and Deneuve’s cooler, more guarded screen persona.

39. #39. Le héros de la famille (2006)

    A later-career ensemble-style film that fans include for its family dynamics and Deneuve’s steady, sharpening presence.

40. #40. March or Die (1977)

    A more international-feeling pick that fans mention when talking about Deneuve’s wide-ranging career.

41. #41. Le Bon Plaisir (1984)

    Often recommended by fans who enjoy political intrigue and elegant satire. Deneuve fits stories of secrecy and power like
    a tailored coat.

42. #42. Beloved (2011)

    A multi-decade romantic drama that fans appreciate for its emotional sweep and the way it plays like a memory you can’t
    fully control.

43. #43. Courage – Let’s Run (1979)

    A fan pick for people who like offbeat, era-specific French storytellingless famous, but part of the broader Deneuve map.

44. #44. Agent Trouble (1987)

    A spy-leaning thriller that pops up in fan rankings as a “solid watch” titleespecially for those who like cool, tense
    plotting with Deneuve at the center.

45. #45. Beach House (2002)

    A character-forward drama that fans recommend when they want something quieter, more intimate, and emotionally shaded.

46. #46. The Big Picture (2010)

    A modern-era entry for fans who like stories about ambition, identity, and consequences. Deneuve’s involvement adds
    stature and weight.

47. #47. Park Benches (2009)

    An ensemble snapshot that fans include for its gentle observation of everyday livesmore “slice of life” than big drama,
    but charming in the right mood.

What Fans Consistently Love About Catherine Deneuve Performances

1) She can play warmth without losing mystery

Some actors “explain” their characters. Deneuve doesn’t. She suggests. She implies. She lets you lean forward and do the
emotional math. That’s why fans rewatch her films: the performance keeps changing depending on your own mood and age.

2) Her screen presence works across genres

Musicals? She’s luminous. Thrillers? She’s chilling. Family dramas? She’s devastating with a single pause before a sentence.
Fans love that you can watch five Deneuve movies in a row and never feel like you’re getting the same character twice.

3) She makes “complicated” look effortless

Many of her most beloved roles are people with contradictions: poised but wounded, controlled but impulsive, loving but
impossible to fully reach. Fans don’t just watch her charactersthey argue about them, defend them, and quote them like
they’re real people.

Quick-Start Viewing Paths (Pick Your Mood)

If you’re brand-new to Deneuve

• The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (romance + style)
• Indochine (epic drama)
• Potiche (crowd-pleasing comedy)

If you want “classic French cinema” energy

• Belle de Jour (surreal character study)
• Tristana (sharp, provocative drama)
• Mississippi Mermaid (romance with teeth)

If you like darker, intense watches

• Repulsion (psychological thriller)
• Thieves (serious, complex drama)
• Dancer in the Dark (emotionally heavy)

Conclusion: The “Best” Deneuve Movie Is the One You Watch Next

A fan-ranked list is really a love letter in disguise. It’s proof that Catherine Deneuve’s movies don’t just sit politely
in film historythey keep getting rewatched, reevaluated, and recommended to new audiences who weren’t even born when some
of these classics premiered.

Start with the Top 10, follow a mood-based path, and don’t worry about doing it “right.” The most authentic fan experience
is simple: watch one film, fall down the rabbit hole, and suddenly you’re the person saying, “No, seriouslyshe’s incredible.”

Experiences: How to Turn “40+ Best Catherine Deneuve Movies” Into a Real-Life Fan Journey

Watching Catherine Deneuve movies isn’t just “watching movies.” It’s more like stepping into a series of carefully designed
worlds where the lighting, the costumes, the silence between sentences, and the way a character turns their head can feel as
important as the plot. If you’ve never done a Deneuve deep dive, the experience can sneak up on you: you start with one
famous title, and a week later you’re casually debating which era of her career has the sharpest style choices.

One of the most fun ways to do it is to pick a theme night. Not a stressful, spreadsheet kind of thememore like a “vibes”
theme. For example: a “Technicolor Heartbreak” night with The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and
The Young Girls of Rochefort. You’ll notice how fans talk about color like it’s a character, because it kind of is.
After that, try a “Cold Glamour” night with Belle de Jour and Repulsion, and suddenly you’ll understand why
people say Deneuve can look elegant while also making you uneasysometimes in the same scene.

If you’re watching with friends, the fan-ranked angle becomes a game. Before you hit play, have everyone guess what they
think will land in the top fiveand why. After the movie, do a “two-minute hot take” round: everyone gets a short turn to
say what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d recommend next. The funniest part is that the group usually splits into
categories: Team “I like the glossy classics,” Team “I want psychological intensity,” and Team “Give me the weird fairy-tale
one immediately.”

Another fan experience that’s surprisingly addictive: keeping a tiny watch journal. Nothing fancy. Just write three lines:
(1) the mood you were in before the film, (2) the moment you’ll remember, and (3) whether you’d rewatch it or recommend it.
Deneuve’s performances are great for this because they often reveal more on a second viewingfans don’t just rewatch for
comfort; they rewatch to catch the nuance.

If you want to make your watchlist feel less overwhelming, treat the 40+ ranking like a playlist, not a homework assignment.
Watch a heavy drama, then cleanse your palate with something lighter. Watch an early-era classic, then jump forward to a
later-career film and notice how her screen presence changes while her control stays the same. That’s the core fan pleasure:
seeing the through-line of an icon without feeling like you’re stuck in one genre, one decade, or one version of “movie star.”

Finally, the most realistic experience tip: give yourself permission to have a “not for me” reaction. Fans don’t all agree.
That’s the point. Some people will swear a certain film is her peak; others will say it’s overrated. The real win is
discovering your personal Deneuve favoritesthe ones that feel like they were made for your exact taste. And once you find
those, congratulations: you’re officially part of the “ranked by fans” tradition, because you’ll start ranking them too.