Getting into French cinema doesn’t have to be as challenging as it seems. Recent successes like Intouchables and De Rouille et D’os have blown the stereotype set by Amélie well out of the water. Yes, there are about a billion French films which are kooky, ‘artsy’ and difficult to get into. But, if you’re interested in finding the hidden gems then here are my top five classic French films to start you on the path of discovery into modern French cinema:

No, he doesn’t want to take a stroll around Paris with you.

1) The Monochrome Drama: La Haine 

Arguably one of the most-talked about French films ever made, La Haine is as gritty and hard-hitting today as it was at its 1995 release. The story takes place over less than 24 hours in a grimy suburb of Paris, and follows the violent and dangerous world of Vinz, played by a young but frankly terrifying Vincent Cassel. If you want to see the side of Paris that Amélie forgot, then this is the film to do it: you can forget the carousels and frolicking around Montmartre and think alleyways and extremely dodgy dealings.

2) The Guide to Erasmus Life: L’Auberge Espagnol (The Spanish Youth Hostel)

This 2002 comedy about a French student on Erasmus in Barcelona is a truly ‘European’ comedy; Romain Duris’ flatmates cover most of the nationalities of central Europe and the film brilliantly portrays the trials and tribulations of the Erasmus experience, while stumbling over European stereotypes and clichés. It may have been made ten years ago, but this film hasn’t aged a day since its first release and easily makes it onto the list of the best films about student life ever made.

3) The Record-Breaker: Intouchables (The Untouchables)

By far the most watched film of 2011 in France, Intouchables exploded across British cinemas this year and has become the highest-grossing film in a non-English language film. The well-deserved praise came pouring in for this comedy-drama based on the true story friendship between a rich wheelchair-bound man and his working-class live-in carer. Top Tip: be aware that this is a film which frankly even the French need subtitles for thanks to the fast-paced slang language and jokes so don’t be intimidated by the speed of it all – the humour is worth the effort it takes to understand.

4) The Unappreciated Funny Film: Rien A Déclarer (Nothing to Declare)

If you’ve ever wondered what the French and Belgians really think of each other (and who hasn’t?), you’ll love Rien A Déclarer. It focuses on the comically tense relations at the French-Belgian border, and is stuffed full of fantastic acting. Benoît Poelvoorde and Dany Boon perfectly play their respective stereotypes, and although the film is brilliantly funny it is disappointingly unknown in Britain so it’s definitely worth tracking down a copy of the DVD.

5) The Rom-Com: L’Arnacoeur (Heartbreaker)

Have you ever seen Romain Duris and Vanessa Paradis recreate the famous dance scene from Dirty Dancing? No? Well, then you’re going to need to get a hold of this film. The story of a man who earns money by breaking up couples, this film showcases the amazing French actor Romain Duris at his best – all grown up from L’Auberge Espagnol, he steals the show in this comedy which has more in common with typical British/American rom-coms than French comedies.

So, there you have it: five of the best but sometimes underrated French films. Get yourself on the hunt for some of the DVDs of these fantastic films, and enjoy.