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.
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 Woman of: Mélanie Thierry, in theaters, in David Roux's new drama
La Femme de, a drama by David Roux starring Mélanie Thierry, hits theatres on April 8, 2026. An adaptation of the novel Son nom d'avant by Hélène Lenoir. [Read more]
The Cry of the Guards: Claire Denis adapts Bernard-Marie Koltès for the cinema
Claire Denis teams up with Le Cri des gardes for a drama starring Isaach de Bankolé and Matt Dillon, set for release in theaters on April 8, 2026 after a festival run. [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]
A Day with My Father: The acclaimed film unveiled at Cannes hits theaters
Premiered at Cannes 2025, where it received a special mention for the Caméra d’Or, A Day with My Father hits theaters on March 25, 2026. [Read more]
**Stronger than the Devil: A French black comedy as wild and unpredictable as it is free-spirited**
Stronger Than the Devil, a dark comedy directed by Graham Guit starring Melvil Poupaud, Asia Argento, and Marine Vacth, 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]
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]
Romería: Carla Simón's film, showcased at Cannes in 2025, due to hit cinemas in April 2026.
Presented in competition at Cannes 2025, Romería, Carla Simón's new film, arrives in cinemas on April 8, 2026, starring Llúcia Garcia. [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]
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]
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]
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
