French cinema has a rich history, and its contributions to the world of animation are no exception. Not only have French animated films been celebrated for their storytelling and visual artistry, but they often push the boundaries of the medium, offering unique and powerful experiences that standout within the genre. Below is a ranking of the 10 best French animated movies that have left an indelible mark on the industry:

1. The Triplets of Belleville (2003)

Directed by Sylvain Chomet, ‘The Triplets of Belleville’ is an eccentric adventure following Madame Souza as she embarks on a quest to rescue her kidnapped grandson with the help of three aging music hall stars.

2. Persepolis (2007)

A profoundly personal story, ‘Persepolis’ is an adaptation of Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novel which portrays her experiences before and after the Islamic Revolution in Iran.

3. Fantastic Planet (1973)

This surreal and mesmerizing film directed by René Laloux is set on a far-off world where human-like creatures are kept as pets by giant alien beings known as Draags.

4. The Illusionist (2010)

Another gem from Sylvain Chomet, ‘The Illusionist’ is a touching tale about the waning career of a stage magician and his deepening bond with a young girl during the early 1960s.

5. Ernest & Celestine (2012)

This charming movie tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a bear and a young mouse, challenging societal norms in their respective communities.

6. Kirikou and the Sorceress (1998)

Michel Ocelot’s ‘Kirikou and the Sorceress’ stands out with its vibrant colors and distinct African cultural motifs, telling the story of a precocious newborn boy who sets out to save his village from an evil sorceress.

7. The Red Turtle (2016)

A beautiful co-production with Studio Ghibli, ‘The Red Turtle’, directed by Michaël Dudok de Wit, is a dialogue-free meditation on life’s stages set against the backdrop of a deserted island.

8. A Cat in Paris (2010)

An Academy Award-nominee for Best Animated Feature, ‘A Cat in Paris’ follows a cat who lives a double life – pet by day and accomplice to a burglar by night.

9. April and the Extraordinary World (2015)

Set in an alternate steampunk universe, this film takes viewers on an adventure with April as she tries to find her missing scientist parents in a world dominated by coal and steam engines.

10. I Lost My Body (2019)

In this Cannes Critics’ Week Grand Prize winner, director Jérémy Clapin tells an unconventional story about a severed hand that escapes from a Parisian laboratory in search of its body.

These animated films represent some of the best work coming out of France over the years; they vary widely in tone, art style, and narrative complexity but are bound by their creativity and their ability to captivate audiences worldwide. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, each film has contributed to France’s prestigious position within the global arena of animation.