Buzz
This week, the picturesque French city on the Mediterranean coast will host the 66th Festival de Cannes, attracting celebrities, filmmakers, and journalists. While attending the world's most prestigious film festival might be out of reach, you can still enjoy past Cannes premieres from home, no formal attire required. Below are 10 exceptional films, each a recipient of the Palme d'Or or Grand Prix during their Cannes debut.
1. JOHNNY GOT HIS GUN (1971)
Where to watch it: Amazon
This powerful antiwar film, featuring Timothy Bottoms as a soldier trapped in his own consciousness after severe war injuries, gained renewed attention through its inclusion in Metallica's "One" music video. Directed by the formerly blacklisted Hollywood writer Dalton Trumbo, it is an adaptation of his own 1939 novel and remains his sole directorial work.
2. APOCALYPSE NOW (1979)
Where to watch it: Amazon/Hulu/iTunes
Francis Ford Coppola's ambitious and tumultuous Vietnam War masterpiece premiered at Cannes as a "work in progress," running longer than its final theatrical version but shorter than the Apocalypse Now Redux edition showcased in 2001. Despite its unfinished state, the film impressed the Cannes jury enough to win the Palme d'Or. It later earned Oscars for sound and cinematography, along with nominations in six other categories, including Best Director and Best Picture.
3. THE MISSION (1986)
Where to watch it: Amazon/iTunes
In Roland Joffé's reverent drama set in 1750s South America, Jeremy Irons portrays a Jesuit missionary alongside Robert De Niro, Aidan Quinn, and Liam Neeson. This film stands out as one of the rare faith-based movies to receive acclaim from both Hollywood and religious organizations. England's Church Times, established in 1863, hailed it as the finest religious film, and it earned a spot on the Vatican's list of 45 exceptional movies. When both the Pope and the Cannes jury endorse a film, it’s undoubtedly worth watching.
4. BARTON FINK (1991)
Where to watch it: Amazon/iTunes
The Coen Brothers' fourth film, featuring Jon Turturro as a struggling 1941 Hollywood screenwriter, debuted at Cannes, marking their first appearance at the festival. The visit was highly successful: the movie won the Palme d'Or, along with awards for Best Director (credited to Joel alone) and Best Actor—a unique triple victory never duplicated since. Despite its Cannes success and critical praise, Barton Fink struggled at the box office but secured three Oscar nominations.
5. PULP FICTION (1994)
Where to watch it: Amazon/iTunes/Netflix
Quentin Tarantino's debut film, Reservoir Dogs, premiered at Sundance, a notable achievement. Just two and a half years later, his second film, which revitalized John Travolta's career, made its debut at Cannes and captivated the jury, earning the Palme d'Or. It became only the fourth American film to win the prestigious award, proving that Tarantino's unique style resonated even with international audiences.
6. THE CLASS (2008)
Where to watch it: Amazon/iTunes
This understated French film, titled Entre les murs ("Between the Walls") in its home country, exudes an undeniable authenticity. The film's star and writer, François Bégaudeau, drew from his real-life experiences teaching French at a diverse middle school in a challenging Parisian neighborhood. Featuring non-professional actors as students, the movie offers an immersive, fly-on-the-wall perspective of life in a French classroom.
7. A PROPHET (2009)
Where to watch it: Amazon/iTunes
This gripping crime drama follows a young Arab man who enters prison filled with fear but emerges transformed. Directed by Jacques Audiard, who previously won Best Screenplay at Cannes for A Self Made Hero (1996) and later presented Rust and Bone in 2012, A Prophet solidified his reputation as a master filmmaker. His recent work, Dheepan, won the Palme d'Or in 2015, placing him among the elite directors with multiple Palmes d'Or. (Note: An American remake is in the works, written by Dennis Lehane and directed by Sam Raimi. Watch the original to stay ahead of the curve.)
8. REALITY (2012)
Where to watch it: Amazon/iTunes
Matteo Garrone, a celebrated figure at Cannes, secured the Grand Prix in 2008 with Gomorra and repeated the feat four years later with this surreal, satirical dramedy. The film follows a fishmonger convinced that fame on reality TV is his destiny. Despite its whimsical tone, the movie delivers sharp social commentary. (Note: This Italian Reality should not be confused with Quentin Dupieux's 2014 French film of the same title.)
9. AMOUR (2012)
Where to watch it: Amazon/iTunes
Michael Haneke, known for his chilling and unsettling films like Funny Games and The White Ribbon, takes a tender approach in this story of an elderly man caring for his wife after a stroke. The film earned the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and received nominations for Best Picture, Director, Actress, and Original Screenplay. While emotionally devastating, especially for those who have lost a loved one, the film's title, Love, emphasizes its focus on compassion rather than loss.
10. BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR (2013)
Where to watch it: Amazon/Hulu/iTunes
This French coming-of-age drama, notable for its explicit eight-minute lesbian love scene, received an NC-17 rating upon its theatrical release. Despite its controversial content, the Cannes jury, led by Steven Spielberg, was captivated by the raw and heartfelt performances of Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos. In a historic move, the jury awarded the Palme d'Or not only to director Abdellatif Kechiche but also to the two lead actresses, marking a rare recognition of their contributions.
