Je Voudrais un Film en Anglais
One of the most difficult parts about moving to a foreign country is learning a new language. When things are overwhelming, many students resort to familiar activities that bring them comfort. For me, an unofficial film connoisseur and someone who enjoys going to the movie theater every so often, finding cinemas in Paris that show films in English was sometimes a difficult task.
Where can you find English movies in Paris?
Many French theaters show movies in English with French subtitles; you just have to know where to look. If you find yourself confused searching through endless cinema websites, unaware of where to start, here’s a cheat sheet.
Say you want to see the new Zootopia 2 movie. The key is to look for VOST, which translates in English to original language with French subtitles. If a movie has VO, that means it’s solely in the original language and if it has VF, that means it’s been dubbed in French. If you’re looking for something a little more interesting or are a cinephile in search of something beyond the usual blockbuster lineup, here are a few English-speaker-friendly options that are unique and are here in Paris!
Filmotèque
First on the list is one of the most iconic cinemas in Paris: The Paris Filmotèque. This theater is located by the Sorbonne and attracts both students and cinephiles of all ages. This theater has a large selection of films and has showings all day long. It also has a large variety of both English and French films, depending on what you fancy.
There are two incredibly unique theaters, the blue Audrey Hepburn room and the rouge Marilyn Monroe room, an interesting and lovely way to honor two of Hollywood’s biggest starlets. The Filmotèque also offers the option of private film screenings for large groups or individuals for affordable prices, which makes for a one-of-a-kind experience. Overall, the Filmotèque is one of those places that make Paris fun to live in. It’s easy to get to, the programming is reliable and the atmosphere has that mix of old-school charm and student energy that makes you want to come back.
@youfoundchiara Hi. You found Chiara. This is Cinemas with Chiara where I bring you to all things cinemas in Paris, highlighting why these institutions should be preserved and how to enjoy them. Join the adventure and visit a retro cinema on your next trip! La Filmothèque du Quartier Latin: 📍9 Rue Champollion, 75005 Paris, France lafilmotheque.fr Highlights: Audrey and Marilyn Rooms, Student Cinema, All Day Screenings, Latin Quarter, Near Sorbonne #cinemaswithchiara #movietok #paris #filmtok #film ♬ original sound - chiara
Écoles Cinema
For any fans of "The Summer I Turned Pretty", you can visit and watch English movies at Écoles Cinema, the movie theater that the main character in the show, Belly, is seen at during her time in Paris. This unique theater is nestled in the heart of Paris’ 5th arrondissement and has a focus on highlighting both French and English titles. Once again, the key is to check the website and look for whether VO or VOST are listed next to the films. The theaters are small, cozy and incredibly classic. Each room is a taste of a small-town cinema in the big city. Red velour seats and popcorn. Who could ask for more?
@youfoundchiara Hi. You found Chiara. This is Cinemas with Chiara where I bring you to all things cinemas in Paris, highlighting why these institutions should be preserved and how to enjoy them. Join the adventure and visit a retro cinema on your next trip! Ecoles Cinéma Club 📍 23 Rue des Écoles, 75005 Paris, France pariscinemaclub.com Highlights: The Summer I Turned Pretty Location, Vintage Front, International Programming, Student Crowd, Latin Quarter #cinemaswithchiara #movietok #paris #filmtok #thesummeriturnedpretty ♬ original sound - chiara
Lost in Frenchslation
If you’re looking for something that can help transition you into being more of a native French speaker, look no further. My final recommendation is Lost In Frenchlation. The first place in Paris where English speakers can watch French Films with English subtitles. This allows English speakers to immerse themselves in French film while still understanding what’s going on.
Founders Manon and Matt started L.I.F. in 2015 when they realized how hard it was to share their love of French cinema due to language barriers. They hold these events at several different theaters, and you can find all information on how to buy tickets and where future events are taking place on their website!
Elysee Baker, a third-year film student at AUP, gave insight into her perspective on the Paris film scene. She's had many opportunities through the AUP film major to explore many amazing theaters, and these were her recommendations. For bigger, more well-known theaters with current Blockbuster viewings, she recommends UGC Cinemas such as Odeon, Les Halles, etc. For a smaller, more intimate setting, she recommends Le Grand Action in the 5th arrondissement. She says, "I saw Anora at that theater and loved the venue. I thought it was bright, beautiful and well-decorated. I definitely suggest trying to find a film to watch there." She mentions that the theater sometimes has special events like private experimental screenings, and is overall definitely a place to check out.
@youfoundchiara Hi. You found Chiara. This is Cinemas with Chiara where I bring you to all things cinemas in Paris, highlighting why these institutions should be preserved and how to enjoy them. Join the adventure and visit a retro cinema on your next trip! Le Grand Action 📍 5 Rue des Écoles, 75005 Paris, France legrandaction.com lostinfrenchlation.com allocine.fr Highlights: Spike Lee Mural, Tarantino Vibe, Film Buff Programming, Student Neighborhood, Local Eats #cinemaswithchiara #movietok #paris #filmtok ♬ original sound - chiara
Though not as heavily advertised, Paris has many interesting and unique movie-viewing options for native English speakers. Whether you're interested in working on your French or would rather relax with something familiar in the comfort of your native language, Paris has something for everyone.
