Dramas explore intense human narratives, rooted in reality, often carried by French or international stories that echo our times. If you like sensitive portraits and major societal issues, this guide lists the films to see right now and upcoming releases, with regular updates.
Reminders of Him: Colleen Hoover’s adaptation hits theaters
Adapted from Colleen Hoover's novel, Reminders of Him, directed by Vanessa Caswill, hits theaters on March 18, 2026, starring Maika Monroe. The story follows a mother determined to reconnect with her daughter. [Read more]
Light and Shadows: Jean Dujardin Stars in a Historical Drama
On March 18, 2026, in theaters, Xavier Giannoli presents Les Rayons et les ombres, a historical drama starring Jean Dujardin that explores the lives of Jean and Corinne Luchaire during World War II. [Read more]
The Dance of the Foxes: The sports drama screened at Cannes hits theaters
Valéry Carnoy's The Dance of the Foxes, the first Belgian film to be selected for the Directors' Fortnight 2025, hits theaters on March 18, 2026. [Read more]
Scarlet and Eternity: Mamoru Hosoda’s Latest Animated Film
Mamoru Hosoda directs Scarlet and Eternity, a Japanese animated film showcased at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. Featuring Mana Ashida and Masaki Okada, it hits theaters on March 11, 2026. [Read more]
What’s Left of Us: Cherien Dabis’ Palestinian-Inspired Portrait
What Remains of Us, a historical drama directed by Cherien Dabis starring Saleh Bakri and Adam Bakri, traces the story of three generations of a Palestinian family from 1948 to the present day. [Read more]
Pillion, a groundbreaking queer drama starring Alexander Skarsgård, wins an award at Cannes and hits theaters in March 2026
Pillion, a queer drama by Harry Lighton starring Alexander Skarsgård, follows a young man exploring life in a gay motorcycle club. The film is scheduled for release on March 4, 2026. [Read more]
Victor, like everyone else: Fabrice Luchini stars in Pascal Bonitzer's heartfelt dramedy
Victor, like everyone else, a dramatic comedy by Pascal Bonitzer starring Fabrice Luchini and Chiara Mastroianni, follows an actor haunted by Victor Hugo as he deals with his daughter's return. [Read more]
Il Maestro: Pierfrancesco Favino stars in a compelling tennis drama
Il Maestro, a drama directed by Andrea Di Stefano and starring Pierfrancesco Favino, tells the story of a former tennis player who coaches a young prodigy amidst the intense pressures of 1980s Italy. [Read more]
Orphan: László Nemes explores post-1956 Hungary
Orphan, a historical drama by László Nemes starring Bojtorján Barabás and Grégory Gadebois, follows a teenage boy whose world is turned upside down when a man claiming to be his father enters his life. [Read more]
The Testament of Ann Lee: historical and musical biopic by Mona Fastvold starring Amanda Seyfried
The Testament of Ann Lee, a biopic by Mona Fastvold starring Amanda Seyfried, is released in theaters on March 11, 2026. The true story of the founder of the Shakers. [Read more]
Christy: an intense boxing biopic driven by Sydney Sweeney's compelling performance
Biopic by David Michôd starring Sydney Sweeney as Christy Martin, icon of women's boxing. In theaters in France on March 4, 2026. [Read more]
The House of Women: an ensemble drama starring Karin Viard hits theaters
French drama by Mélisa Godet, La Maison des Femmes explores the story of a dedicated team supporting women who have suffered violence. The film is set to hit theaters on March 4, 2026. [Read more]
Julian: Cato Kusters' Romantic Drama Hits Screens
Romantic drama directed by Cato Kusters, starring Nina Meurisse and Laurence Roothooft, Julian hits French theaters on March 25, 2026. [Read more]
Key Players: A Dramatic Comedy Starring Sandrine Kiberlain and Pierre Lottin
Movies & series
Those Who Matter, a heartfelt dramedy directed by Jean-Baptiste Leonetti, starring Sandrine Kiberlain and Pierre Lottin, hits theaters on March 25, 2026. [Read more]
The Lady's Island: a historical drama starring Salomé Dewaels
In 1542, Marguerite de la Rocque is left stranded on an island after her voyage to Canada. Micha Wald directs a historical drama featuring Salomé Dewaels, set to hit theaters on March 25, 2026. [Read more]
Girls of the Sky: A Nighttime Sisterhood in Focus
Drama by Bérangère McNeese starring Héloïse Volle and Shirel Nataf, Les Filles du ciel follows four young women sharing a flat, hitting theaters on March 25, 2026. [Read more]
An Indian Youth — Homebound: a poignant drama by Neeraj Ghaywan
An Indian Youth – Homebound is the latest film by Neeraj Ghaywan, unveiled at Cannes 2025 in the Un Certain Regard section. Starring Ishaan Khatter, it hits theaters on March 25, 2026. This is Ghaywan’s second film featured in the Un Certain Regard lineup at Cannes 2025. [Read more]
Compostelle: Alexandra Lamy on the road to Santiago de Compostela
Movies & series
_Compostelle_, directed by Yann Samuell and starring Alexandra Lamy and Julien Le Berre, is based on a true story and hits theaters on April 1, 2026. [Read more]
The Drama: Zendaya and Robert Pattinson team up on the big screen
Directed by Kristoffer Borgli, The Drama stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson in a captivating romantic drama. The film is set to hit French theaters on April 1, 2026. [Read more]
The Call of the Guards, a drama by Claire Denis, set for release in theaters in April 2026
The Cry of the Guards, a gripping drama by Claire Denis starring Isaach de Bankolé and Matt Dillon, hits theaters on April 8, 2026. The film was selected for the New York Film Festival. [Read more]
Romería, a drama by Carla Simón, set to hit theaters in April 2026
Carla Simón’s Romería, an Spanish drama competing in the official Cannes 2025 lineup, hits theaters on April 8, 2026. [Read more]
Caravane, a drama by Zuzana Kirchnerová, hits theaters
Caravane is Zuzana Kirchnerová’s feature debut, making its debut in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes 2025. Starring Aňa Geislerová, the film hits theaters on April 22, 2026. [Read more]
The Dog Stars: Ridley Scott explores a post-pandemic world
Ridley Scott brings The Dog Stars to the big screen, starring Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, and Josh Brolin. This post-apocalyptic thriller hits theaters on August 26, 2026. [Read more]
Gisèle – In the Name of All: The Bobigny Trial Comes to the Big Screen
A dramatic biopic by Lauriane Escaffre and Yvo Muller featuring Charlotte Gainsbourg, Gisèle – In the Name of All recounts the Bobigny trial. Coming to theaters on November 4, 2026. [Read more]
Les Misérables: Fred Cavayé brings Victor Hugo’s classic to the big screen
Les Misérables, a gripping adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic novel directed by Fred Cavayé and starring Vincent Lindon, Tahar Rahim, and Camille Cottin, hits theaters on December 9, 2026. [Read more]
Dramatic films focus onemotion, realism and character depth. Often close to comedy-drama, it tackles universal themes (family, justice, resilience) and offers great roles for actors to discover on the big screen.
This guide offers a selection of dramas, whether already in theatres or soon to be announced. The list is regularly updated according to the latest cinema news. You'll find :
A film focused on human and social issues, with an emphasis on emotion, realism and character development.
Yes. The sections above are updated in real time whenever a new article tagged "drama" is published on Sortir à Paris.
Also read: Biopics to see in theaters - Comedy dramas: in theaters and coming soon - Thrillers: suspense & upcoming releases
