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If you’re searching for the Best 10 French series that combine gripping plots, strong performances, and cinematic production values, this curated guide is for you. In recent years, France has delivered a wave of shows that are no longer confined to domestic audiences but are making waves on Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+, and Canal+.
These new French series cover everything from historical dramas and political thrillers to dark mysteries and family comedies. Below, you’ll discover the strongest modern French series ranked and explained in detail. Each entry includes the title, cast, rating, genre, platform, and — most importantly — why it’s worth your time.
Why French Drama Now?
French television has entered what many critics call its “golden age.” With global platforms investing heavily, the popular French series you’ll find today rival Hollywood and British productions. Whether you want intrigue, history, or laugh-out-loud comedy, you’ll find the Top modern French show that suits your taste.
The Best 10 French Series (2023–2025)
1) Carême (2025)
Genre & Rating: Historical drama / political intrigue — 95% Rotten Tomatoes.
Year: 2025.
Director: Clovis Cornillac.
Main Cast: Benoît Magimel, Guillaume de Tonquédec.
Platform: Apple TV+.
Summary :
Carême (2025) transports you to Napoleonic France, where Antoine Carême, the first celebrity chef, rises to fame amid politics, espionage, and lavish feasts. As part of the Best French series, it combines food, history, and intrigue into an irresistible recipe. This is not just a costume drama but one of the strongest modern French series for anyone fascinated by power and culture. 🎬📽
2) D’Argent et de Sang / Of Money and Blood (2023)
- Genre & Rating: Crime drama — 8.2/10 IMDb.
- Year: 2023.
- Director: Xavier Giannoli.
- Main Cast: Vincent Lindon, Niels Schneider.
- Platform: Canal+.
Summary:
Of Money and Blood (2023) is based on the infamous “carbon tax fraud” scandal in France. This popular French series dramatizes real-life corruption with intensity and cinematic polish. It is widely considered one of the best modern French shows because it blends suspense with authentic history.
3) Furies (2024) — Netflix
Genre & Rating: Action / crime — 7.5/10 IMDb.
Year: 2024.
Main Cast: Lina El Arabi, Marina Foïs, Mathieu Kassovitz.
Platform: Netflix.
Summary:
Furies (2024) throws you into the violent underworld of Paris. When a young woman is forced to negotiate peace among rival gangs, chaos ensues. Stylish, bold, and binge-worthy, this is one of the new French series that global audiences have compared to “John Wick.” It’s easily among the strongest modern French series on Netflix. 🤩
4) Anthracite (2024) — Netflix
Genre & Rating: Mystery / thriller.
Year: 2024.
Creators: Fanny Robert, Maxime Berthemy.
Cast: Noémie Schmidt, Camille Lou, Sami Bouajila.
Platform: Netflix.
Summary :
Anthracite (2024) is set in the French Alps, where a small town is haunted by the memory of a cult. When a journalist investigates, secrets unravel. Among the Top 10 French series, this new French series blends folklore, crime, and supernatural tension into a compelling binge.
5) Fiasco (2024) — Netflix
Genre & Rating: Comedy / mockumentary — 83% Rotten Tomatoes.
Year: 2024.
Director: Igor Gotesman.
Cast: Pierre Niney, Vincent Cassel, Géraldine Nakache.
Platform: Netflix.
Summary :
Fiasco (2024) is a satirical gem about a film shoot that spirals into chaos. With Pierre Niney delivering comedic brilliance, this popular French series offers levity amidst darker dramas. As part of the Best French series, it proves that comedy is also a strongest modern French series export. 🎬
6) Cat’s Eyes (2024) — TF1 / Prime Video
Genre & Rating: Action / heist thriller — one of France’s most expensive TV productions.
Year: 2024.
Cast: Camélia Jordana, Constance Labbé, Claire Romain.
Platform: TF1 in France, Prime Video internationally.
Summary :
Cat’s Eyes (2024) adapts the iconic Japanese manga Cat’s Eye into a new French series about three sisters who become stylish art thieves. With glossy visuals and Parisian flair, it’s one of the Top 10 series and certainly among the strongest modern French series in terms of scale and budget.
7) Lupin (2021– ) — Netflix
Genre & Rating: Thriller / heist — 7.4/10 IMDb.
Year: 2021–2023 (continuing).
Cast: Omar Sy.
Platform: Netflix.
Summary :
Lupin follows Assane Diop, inspired by Arsène Lupin, the gentleman thief. This popular French series became a worldwide sensation, proving that Parisian style and clever storytelling can capture millions. It’s a must-watch within the Top 10 series lists and often called the Top modern French show of its era. 📺
8) Vortex (2023) — France 2 / Netflix
Genre & Rating: Sci-fi / police thriller.
Year: 2023.
Cast: Tomer Sisley, Camille Claris.
Platform: Netflix.
Summary :
Vortex (2023) combines police drama with a sci-fi twist. A detective communicates with his deceased wife through a virtual glitch that could change fate. This new French series offers a unique premise and emotional depth, earning its place among the strongest modern French series. 🎬
9) Tout va bien / Everything Is Fine (2023) — Disney+
Genre & Rating: Family drama / dark comedy.
Year: 2023.
Cast: Virginie Efira, Nicole Garcia, Sara Giraudeau.
Platform: Disney+.
Summary :
Tout va bien (2023) explores the struggles of a French family dealing with illness. Heartfelt and honest, this popular French series stands out as one of the Top modern French shows to stream when you want something deeply human.
10) Under a Dark Sun (2025) — Netflix
Genre & Rating: Thriller / drama.
Year: 2025.
Cast: Ava Baya, Isabelle Adjani, Guillaume Gouix.
Platform: Netflix.
Summary :
Under a Dark Sun (2025) places you in Provence, where a young mother becomes the prime suspect in a chilling murder. With a noir tone and gripping tension, this new French series cements its spot among the Top French series and is praised as one of the strongest modern French series of 2025.
Why These Shows Matter
Each of these popular French series highlights the diversity of French storytelling. From the elegance of Carême to the adrenaline of Furies and the warmth of Tout va bien, they prove that the best modern French show isn’t just about spectacle but also emotional connection.
FAQ — About the Best French Series
Q: Are these French series available with English subtitles?
Yes, almost all of them are available with English (and often Arabic) subtitles on Netflix, Apple TV+, and Disney+.
Q: Which is the best modern French show for action lovers?
You’ll love Furies and Cat’s Eyes, both high-energy and packed with style.
Q: What about historical drama?
Carême is the ultimate choice if you want history mixed with luxury and intrigue.
Q: Which of the Best 10 French series is the most globally popular?
Lupin has been a worldwide phenomenon and remains the flagship of popular French series.
Conclusion
From Carême to Under a Dark Sun, these Top French series showcase the richness of French creativity. They stand tall as the strongest modern French series across genres — action, history, mystery, and family drama. If you want to discover new French series that will keep you hooked, this list is your perfect starting point.
So, which one will you binge tonight? Share this guide with friends and let them pick their own Top modern French show.
