Top 6 Must-See Isabelle Huppert Movies You Shouldn't Miss

Elle follows the life of a middle-aged woman who, as a child, was sexually abused by her father, a trauma that has led to a series of tragic events throughout her life.

In Elle, Michèle LeBlanc is the successful CEO of a video game company. Her team is working on a violent game centered around a female warrior who, despite enduring horrific violence, survives and ultimately triumphs. However, Michèle's personal life is far from peaceful. She is betrayed by a trusted colleague who creates a pornographic video and superimposes her face onto it. On another day like any other, she is sexually assaulted in her own home by a masked intruder. Michèle then embarks on a personal mission to uncover the identity of her attacker. Her journey into the truth exposes the darker, hidden sides of this troubled woman.

At the New York Film Festival screening of Elle, French actress Isabelle Huppert, who plays Michèle, expressed how she viewed the character as a modern woman, one who shapes her own actions and thoughts, a portrayal that motivated her to bring the role to life. Huppert’s powerful performance earned her the Best Actress award at the 74th Golden Globe Awards.

IMDb Rating: 7.1

Tomatometer Rating: 97%

Audience Score: 73%

Amour is a French-language film directed and written by Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke, starring Isabelle Huppert, Jean-Louis Trintignant, and Emmanuelle Riva. The film won the prestigious Palme d'Or at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival on May 28, 2012.

Amour is a poignant story about an elderly couple in Paris confronting the inevitable tragedy of death. The narrative focuses on Anne and Georges, a retired music teacher couple, whose only daughter lives abroad. One day, Anne suffers a stroke, leaving one side of her body paralyzed. From this moment on, love becomes the driving force behind every decision and action in their lives.

Isabelle Huppert plays the role of their daughter in the film. With her versatile acting skills, Huppert delivers an unforgettable performance in Amour, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

IMDb Rating: 7.9

Tomatometer Score: 93%

White Material is a 2009 French drama film directed by Claire Denis and co-written with Marie NDiaye. The story centers around Maria Vial, played by Isabelle Huppert, a French farmer living in an unnamed African country. She manages her father-in-law's coffee plantation, but as harvest season approaches, the country descends into civil war, and the citizens are urged to evacuate for safety.

Despite the danger, Maria insists on staying to complete the coffee harvest. The workers on the plantation have already left, yet Maria remains. Why does she put herself at risk? Why does she choose to stay in a place that doesn't even belong to her, especially when the war could render the harvest unsellable?

To find the answers, press play and watch White Material yourself! This gripping film, with its action-packed scenes and psychological depth, is a must-watch for fans of war-themed action and thrillers.

IMDb Rating: 6.9

Tomatometer Score: 86%

Audience Rating: 64%

Frankie premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2019. Set in the picturesque city of Sintra, Portugal, the film unfolds during the final vacation of a family before Frankie must face her terminal illness. Frankie seeks to manipulate the future of her son, Paul, hoping he will marry Illene, an American hairstylist she met while filming in New York.

The film captivates with its skillful portrayal of the characters' emotional journeys. As the psychological tension builds, viewers are kept on edge, wondering what will happen next. The conclusion offers a poignant reflection on the mysteries of life, death, and human limitations. The film moved many to tears during its theatrical release, with its raw, authentic portrayal of the human condition deeply resonating with audiences.

IMDb Rating: 5.4

Tomatometer Score: 56%

Audience Rating: 31%

Greta is a psychological thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, waiting for the intense twists and unexpected turns. Under the skillful direction of Neil Jordan, the suspense builds to a satisfying climax, making the wait worthwhile.

In this film, Isabelle Huppert plays the role of Greta, a widowed woman living alone in a dilapidated house. Her loneliness has twisted her mind, turning her into an obsessive, manipulative character. Haunted by the past and driven by selfishness, she becomes a dangerous figure, responsible for several murders, including that of her own daughter.

The film focuses on the psychological transformation of its characters. The unsettling emotions and instability within them create a tense atmosphere that keeps the audience on edge. The director cleverly ties together early oddities and, towards the end, reveals the truth behind them. With well-placed twists and suspenseful moments, the film keeps viewers fully engaged, unable to look away from a single scene. If you're intrigued, turn on the film and see if Mytour’s description rings true!

IMDb Rating: 6.0

Tomatometer Score: 60%

Audience Rating: 41%

Things to Come (2016) is a thoughtful and emotional drama directed by Mia Hansen-Løve. Starring Isabelle Huppert, André Marcon, Roman Kolinka, and others, the film follows Nathalie, a middle-aged woman facing challenges in her marriage, career, and her complex relationship with her overbearing mother.

Though Nathalie’s struggles may seem familiar to many, they are rarely portrayed with such depth on screen, making this role a perfect fit for Isabelle Huppert. In a world that moves at an unrelenting pace, have you ever stopped to ask: What is happiness? How can one achieve it? Things to Come explores these questions, diving into the search for meaning in a life full of uncertainty. The film doesn't just follow one woman's journey to find new paths, but also delves into what makes a fulfilling life truly successful.

IMDb Rating: 7.0

Tomatometer Score: 99%

Audience Rating: 70%