Why Short Films Are Your Secret Weapon for Learning French

Sep 10 / Eléonore Martin
Learning French can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with long grammar exercises and vocabulary drills. But what if we told you that watching short films could be one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to boost your French skills? 
Here’s why short films are a game-changer for language learning—and how to use them to accelerate your progress.
  All of the examples below come straight from short films available on 6pm in Paris.

1. They Expose You to Natural French in Context

Unlike textbook dialogues, which can feel robotic, short films offer real-life spoken French with natural rhythms, slang, and idiomatic expressions. This helps train your ear to understand how French is actually spoken.
Scene from “Telmah” with French slang
EXAMPLE
In Telmah, a character snaps: “Grouille, Louis, s’teuplaît !”
This slangy “grouille” replaces the textbook “dépêche-toi,” (hurry up!) while “s’teuplaît” shows how “s’il te plaît” (please) contracts in fast, natural speech.

2. They Are Easier to Digest Than Full-Length Movies

A full-length French movie can be intimidating, with its two-hour runtime and complex plots. Short films, however, usually last between 5 and 20 minutes, making them perfect for bite-sized learning sessions. You can watch them multiple times without feeling overwhelmed.

3. They Help You Improve Your Listening Skills

Understanding spoken French is one of the biggest challenges for learners. Short films allow you to:
  • Listen to different accents and speeds
  • Hear authentic conversations in different contexts
  • Pick up on intonation and pronunciation nuances
Since they’re short, you can rewatch scenes, focus on difficult parts, and slowly train your brain to recognize words and phrases.

4. They Make Vocabulary Learning More Effective

Vocabulary sticks when it’s tied to a real situation. In short films, a single word can come up again and again until it clicks for good.
Scene from “13 Euros with French vocab”
EXAMPLE
In 13 Euros, the line “Il manque 13 balles” comes up when friends realize they’re short on money for the check. Because “balles” (slang for “euros”) is repeated in this stressful, funny moment, you’ll never forget that in French, “balles” means cash!
  • Tip: Write down new words and phrases as you watch, then try to use them in a sentence.

5. They Reinforce Grammar Without Boring Exercises

Instead of drilling grammar rules from a textbook, short films allow you to see grammar in action. You’ll naturally absorb:
  • The difference between passé composé and imparfait
  • How negation works in everyday speech (“J’sais pas” instead of “Je ne sais pas”)
  • Common sentence structures used by native speakers
Scene from “Match” with subjunctive mood example
EXAMPLE
In Match, a character says “C’est bien que tu sois là” (“It’s nice that you’re here”). That little “sois” is the subjunctive mood, one of the trickiest topics for French learners. But instead of memorizing a chart, you see it land naturally in a warm, everyday exchange.

6. They Keep You Motivated

The biggest challenge in language learning isn’t grammar—it’s staying motivated. Short films solve this by making the process enjoyable. When you laugh, gasp, or feel moved, you want to keep watching—and keep learning.

7. They Introduce You to French Culture

Language and culture go hand in hand. Short films give you insight into French life, humor, traditions, and social norms—things that textbooks often overlook. This makes your learning experience more immersive and meaningful.
Scene from “Comme si de rien n'était” illustrating the apéro time
EXAMPLE
In Comme si de rien n’était, five women in their fifties share laughter and drinks — a perfect glimpse of “l’apéro.” Short for “apéritif,” it’s when friends or family gather before dinner to sip wine, nibble on snacks, and catch up. More than a drink, it’s a cornerstone of French social life — informal, convivial, and essential to how the French connect.

How to Use Short Films to Learn French

  • Start with subtitles – Begin with English subtitles if needed, then move to French subtitles and gradually remove them as you improve.
  • Watch actively – Take notes, repeat phrases aloud, and mimic pronunciation.
  • Rewatch strategically – Focus on difficult parts and challenge yourself to understand more each time.
  • Use shadowing techniques – Pause and repeat lines to practice pronunciation and rhythm.
  • Discuss what you watched – Try summarizing the story in French or discussing it with a language partner.

Where to Find French Short Films

  • 6pm in Paris – A curated selection of exclusive short films (comedy, drama, documentary and more), and original talk shows (“CinéPacks”) breaking down the expressions and cultural references of each film.
  • TV5 MONDE plus – A great platform for Francophone content
  • MyFrenchFilmFestival – A yearly online festival with short films
  • YouTube & Vimeo – Many independent filmmakers upload their work online

Final Thoughts

Short films are a fun, immersive, and highly effective way to improve your French. They provide real-world language exposure, cultural insights, and engaging content that makes learning feel effortless. So, grab some popcorn, press play, and start learning French—one short film at a time!
Looking for a great place to start? Check out 6pm in Paris, where we bring you the best French short films and fun original Talk Shows to help you finally understand real-life spoken French!
COMEDY
Sauce PiquanteJackpot
ROM-COM
Le PimentGrand garçon
DRAMA
La PiscineCloud Paradise
DOCUMENTARY
Sur les mainsAmar