French cinema, Europe's oldest and most influential, began in 1895 with the Lumière brothers and quickly led the world through pioneers like Georges Méliès, creator of the first sci-fi film A Trip to the Moon (1902). After a post-WWI decline, French Poetic Realism emerged with masters like Jean Renoir, followed by the groundbreaking New Wave movement from the 1940s-1970s, which globally influenced cinema with directors such as Jean-Luc Godard (Breathless, 1960) and François Truffaut (The 400 Blows, 1959). This era also produced international stars like Brigitte Bardot and commercial hits.

In the 1990s, films like The Fifth Element achieved global success, making France the second largest film exporter by 2013. Although exports have since seen a decline, French cinema proudly ranks fourth on the all-time global box office chart, underscoring its enduring impact and rich legacy.