While American horror often thrives on slasher elements and gore, and has this unmistakable feel of a campfire tale you share in the dark, French horror filmmakers tend to emphasize atmosphere. French horror cinema, with its roots dating back to the early 20th century, pulls from Gothic literature and avant-garde movements, where the horror is always subtle and never rushed.
French horror movies tend to dig deeper into the human psyche without being huge on plot points. The main events happen within the protagonist: identity struggles, trauma, and societal issues. It started way back with movies like Les Yeux sans visage (1960), where body horror is used to captivate rather than to frighten.
By the early 2000s, a bold wave of filmmakers had introduced the New French Extremity movement—a movement known for its very brazen depictions of violence, sexuality, and psychological torture. Films like Haute Tension (2003), Inside (2007), and Frontière(s) (2007) caused a lot of buzz for their graphic nature. But what sets them apart is how they challenge previous mainstream cinema taboos and force the viewer to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves.
In today’s compilation of French language horror movies, feature-length and short, contemporary filmmakers continue to push the limits of the genre, but stay true to slow-burn techniques.
Noctambule, 2023
Directed by: Adrien Caulier
The story follows Eva, the girl at the party who feels uncomfortable. As a seasoned horror lover would guess, she decides to head home alone in the middle of the night. But as she walks through the city, she starts noticing this strange figure following her.
What’s chilling about the film is how it creates all this tension without any actual violence. It’s all about the atmosphere, the lighting, and the sense of isolation. The way the filmmakers use shadows and the urban setting makes everything feel so much scarier than you’d expect.
It’s already been winning awards, like Best Horror Short Film at the Lonely Wolf Festival in 2024.
Evil With Evil, 2023
Directed by: Adam El Kamoun
The story starts with a burglary that goes horribly wrong. Three thieves break into a house, but things take a quick turn into chaos, and soon, they’re all spiraling into violence. But what makes this film interesting is how it plays with time—once the action unfolds, it takes you back to reveal the dark reasons behind the burglary, giving you a totally different perspective on the whole situation.
It’s only a short film, but it’s packed with high tension and really makes you think about morality, crime, and consequences.
A La Limite, 2024
Directed by: Clotilde Colson
19-year-old Jeanne attends a seemingly ordinary evening with friends at a countryside house. As the night goes on, her internal struggles with fear and self-doubt start to take over, and what was supposed to be fun turns into an unsettling, almost surreal experience.
Directed by Clotilde Colson, this short film delves deep into the psyche of an introverted young woman facing her personal demons. The narrative relies mainly on Jeanne’s emotional state and the cinematography that captures the claustrophobic pressure of Jeanne’s experience, wrapped in a haunting score.
À La Limite has been featured in various film festivals, including the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFFF) and Fantaspoa 2025.
Ossessione, 2008
Directed by: Guillaume Beylard
The story kicks off with Sonia and David, a couple from Paris, heading to a house Sonia inherited from her grandmother in the southwest of France. Right from the start, Sonia feels off with strange noises, eerie vibes, and a creepy presence she can’t shake. David brushes it off, but things take a dark turn when Sonia disappears.
Directed by Guillaume Beylard, who also stars in the film, Ossessione is a slow-burn horror that leans into atmospheric tension rather than jump scares. The pacing is deliberate, and the cinematography adds to the unsettling mood. It’s not your typical horror movie—more of a psychological unraveling with supernatural undertones.
The film’s reception has been mixed; some appreciate its moody, grindhouse-style approach, while others feel it drags in parts.
La Morte Amoureuse, 1996
Directed by: Alain Vézina
Based on Théophile Gautier’s 1836 novella, La Morte Amoureuse is a dark, atmospheric thriller with a retro vibe only a gothic novel can provide.
Marc, a young priest, is sent to a remote Quebec village after his predecessor mysteriously takes his own life. The village seems quiet at first, but Marc meets Catherine, a beautiful and enigmatic woman. As the days go by, Marc becomes more drawn to Catherine, only to discover a terrifying secret: Catherine is a vampire.
The film mixes gothic horror with a chillingly intimate story and creates an eerie atmosphere. The cinematography uses warm tones and shades of red, which adds to the unsettling vibe of the film.
While it may not be widely known, La Morte Amoureuse has a cult following for its unique take on vampire lore and its exploration of obsession and faith. And though the film might not have the polished production of a bigger studio film, its raw, atmospheric tension makes it stand out. Fans of classic vampire stories will enjoy how the film mixes traditional Gothic themes with a Quebec twist.
Ida, 2023
Directed by: Brandon Gotto
If you’re in the mood for a slow-burn thriller that gets under your skin, Ida is a way to go. Alice, a young woman dealing with the loss of her mother, crosses paths with Ida, an older woman living alone in a remote countryside house. But as their friendship grows, Alice uncovers some unsettling secrets about Ida’s past.
Directed by Brandon Gotto, who’s known for his intimate, independent films, Ida takes a very minimalist approach, letting the tension build through the atmosphere and the emotional performances. The film uses warm tones and a lot of red, which really adds to the isolation and the sense of grief. It’s definitely a slow burn—don’t expect action-packed scenes, but if you’re into a thriller that makes you think, this one delivers.
The movie has gotten a lot of praise for its storytelling, especially the performances by Margaux Colarusso and Annick Cornette. It won Best Drama at the 2023 Red Movie Awards, and it’s been featured at festivals like the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival.
Must-Watch for Horror Fans: Best French Horror Movies on UVOtv
With influences from surrealism, gothic aesthetics, and visual poetry, these French horror films don’t just terrify, they also dazzle. French horror creates an experience that is as much about visual atmosphere as it is about fear. Craving more? Check out horror movies and movies in French on UVOtv.
