Louis De Funès was a French actor who is considered one of the greatest comedians in the history of French cinema. He was known for his energetic and physical performances, as well as his ability to portray a wide range of characters.
De Funès appeared in over 100 films during his career, and many of them have become cult classics in France and beyond.
Here are the top 10 movies starring Louis De Funès:
10The Gendarme of Saint-Tropez (1964)
This film was the first in a series of six movies about a bumbling police officer named Ludovic Cruchot, played by De Funès. The Gendarme of Saint-Tropez was a huge box office success in France, and it cemented De Funès’ status as a leading actor in the country.
9The Gendarme Gets Married (1968)
This sequel to The Gendarme of Saint-Tropez sees Ludovic Cruchot getting married and trying to start a family, while also dealing with a series of absurd crises in the town of Saint-Tropez.
8The Gendarme in New York (1965)
In this third installment of the Gendarme series, Ludovic Cruchot is sent to New York to represent France at an international police conference.
7The Gendarme and the Creatures from Outer Space (1968)
In this absurdist comedy, Ludovic Cruchot must defend the town of Saint-Tropez from an invasion of extraterrestrial creatures.
6The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob (1973)
In this classic comedy, De Funès plays a bigoted French businessman who is mistaken for a rabbi and ends up in the middle of an international plot.
5Don’t Look Now… We’re Being Shot At! (1966)
During World War II, two French civilians and a downed British Bomber Crew set out from Paris to cross the demarcation line between Nazi-occupied Northern France and the South. From there they will be able to escape to England. First, they must avoid German troops – and the consequences of their own blunders.
4The Restaurant (1966)
A great French restaurant’s owner, Monsieur Septime, is thrust into intrigue and crime, when one of his famous guests disappears.
3Fantomas vs. Scotland Yard (1967)
In the third and final episode of the trilogy, Fantômas imposes a head tax on the rich, threatening to kill those who do not comply.
2The Cabbage Soup (1981)
Two buddy farmers are visited by aliens who like their domestic cabbage soup.
1Oscar (1967)
This film originated as a play in Paris. The story focuses on the one-day adventures of Bertrand Barnier played with a genius of French cinema, Louis de Funes. In the same morning he learns that his daughter is pregnant, an employee stole a large amount of money from his company, his maid is about to resign in order to marry a wealthy neighbor and his body builder is interested in marrying his daughter. The seemingly complicated story-line is full of comedy or errors and some of the most hilarious mime scenes of the French cinema.
Conclusion
Louis De Funès left a lasting legacy in French cinema with his remarkable talent, versatility, and comedic genius. Through his iconic performances in over 100 films, including the top 10 movies listed, he charmed audiences with his energetic portrayals of a wide range of characters.
From the slapstick humor in “The Gendarme of Saint-Tropez” series to the absurdity of “The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob” and the witty comedy of “Oscar,” De Funès showcased his unparalleled skills as one of the greatest comedians in the history of French cinema. His timeless work continues to entertain and delight audiences both in France and beyond, solidifying his place as a true legend in the world of film.
