Alain Delon has had a remarkable career and is one of the true icons of French Cinema. Here are his fifteen best films ranked.

Alain Delon, the legendary French actor, was a central figure in the golden age of French cinema during the 1960s and 1970s. Known for his smooth, tough personality and striking good looks, Leon appeared in more than 100 films in his career. five decades. What made Delon so memorable was the unpredictable nature of his performances. Of the ruthless killer he played Le Samouraï, to the charismatic criminal in BorsalinoDelon shined especially when showing his seductive side in L'Eclisse and La Piscine. Hiss' filmography even includes iconic literary characters such as Zorro and Tom Ripley.

Delon passed away on August 18, 2024, at the age of 88. Since then, film scholars, journalists and fans have reflected on his remarkable work and the legacy that his powerful performances left in the history of cinema. Hand is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors of his generation and the rare international star to achieve global acclaim. While it's a challenge to narrow down his extraordinary filmography, Delon's best films truly showcase his unique talent and gravitas.

15

Spirits of the Dead (1968)

Role: William Wilson

A unique match for Alain Delon, Spirits of the Dead (Histoires Extraordinaire) is a horror anthology made up of three segments directed by cinema legends Federico Fellini, Louis Malle and Roger Vadim. Each of the films is based on the stories of Edgar Allen Poe and features an incredible cast, including Jane Fonda, Terrence Stamp, Peter Fonda and Bridgette Bardot.

While Fellini's film, Toby, damn it, a disturbing satire of horror films, it is the highlight of the three, the entry of Louis Malle William Wilson, starring Delon, is also immensely rewarding. Delon gives a chilling performance as a murderous psychopath who has a fateful confrontation with his doppelgänger. His scenes with Bardot, playing a courtesan, are the film's highlight, and Malle effectively captures the eerie atmosphere and macabre tone of Poe's best work.

14

Is Paris on fire? (1966)

Role: Jacqus Chaban-Delmas

This imposing World War II film unfolds during the liberation of Paris by the French Resistance. Delon plays real-life figure Jaques Chaban-Delmas, a resistance leader who is faced with a harrowing choice when he discovers that Hitler has appointed a general to destroy Paris if the Allies try to retake it.

The film provides a rare glimpse into lesser-seen aspects of World War II. Tension rises as Delon's Gaullist character adopts a cautious “wait and see” strategy, while communist leader Colonel Rol-Tanguy, played by the brilliant Bruno Kremer, advocates immediate action, forcing an uprising among Parisian civilians. Seeing the depiction of the German leadership fighting against the madness of Hitler's plan is especially memorable. The film also has a screenplay co-written by Francis Ford Coppola in one of his first credits.

13

The Black Tulip (1964)

Role: Julien de Saint Preux / Guillaume de Saint Preux

A change of pace for Alain Delon, The black tulip (La Tuilpe Negra) based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas, is a light-hearted, swashbuckling adventure where the public gets two Alain Delons for the price of one. Delon made the film to showcase his versatility after perfecting his smooth, intense personality in previous roles. He was also inspired by the success his friend Jean-Paul Belmondo had with swordsmanship Card a few years earlier.

In the film, Delon plays a nobleman who leads a double life as a masked bandit known as the Black Tulip, who goes around robbing local aristocrats. When his thug is scarred during a robbery, he enlists his twin brother to take on the role and wear the mask in order to hide his identity. While more frivolous than most of Delon's notable roles, it's still immensely fun and offers a refreshing opportunity to see Delon explore other types of characters.

12

The Sicilian Clan (1969)

Role: Roger Sartet

In this exciting film that mixes the gangster genre with a heist film, Alain Delon joins forces with two other heavyweights of French cinema, Lino Ventura and Jean Gabin. Delon plays a cold-blooded criminal who escapes from prison with the help of the Sicilian mafia. He teams up with the mafia boss (Gabin) to execute an intricate heist to steal priceless jewels from an exhibition in Rome.

While the elements of the heist seem a little familiar, the film stands out for its iconic soundtrack by Ennio Morriconne and the suspenseful climax in which the mobsters hijack a plane carrying the diamonds. Although Delon is part of an ensemble in the film, he still does a masterful job of creating a unique character, and the fun of the film is watching him navigate the treacherous criminal organization he is involved with.

11

Two Men in the City (1973)

Role: Gino Strabliggi

Two men in the city (Two men in the city) may be Alain Delon's darkest film. It's another hard-boiled crime story in which Delon plays a man trying to stay on the right path after being released from prison early. Most of the film focuses on his character, Gino Strabliggi's reintegration into society with the help of a compassionate social worker, played by Jean Gabin. However, things soon go wrong when Gino is harassed by a police officer from his past and is drawn back to his old life of crime.

The film is quite discreet, with a relatively simple plot, but its strength lies in the connection between Delon and Gabin's characters. Their relationship is full of emotion and emotion, making the ending even more tragic. It's a scary film that will stay with you after watching.

10

Zorro (1975)

Role: Don Diego/Zorro

A direct adaptation of Johnston McCulley's classic novel Duccio Tessari Zorro combines the director's Spaghetti Western style with a traditional swashbuckling tone. Alain Delon stars as the title character, and it might be the most fun he's ever had on screen. He plays the governor of a city under martial law who is forced to face the villainous Colonel Huerta. Eventually, Deleon dons the iconic mask and embarks on his quest to free the city.

Watching Delon wear the mask for the first time is tremendously satisfying, and Tessari films the action scenes with great visual flair. However, the real heart of the film lies in the romance between Zorro and Hortensia (played by Ottavia Piccolo), who is also determined to stop Huerta from destroying her beloved city. Delon is perfectly cast as the legendary hero. His charm and sex appeal elevate the film, which, while it walks the line between adventure and camp, never quite crosses that line thanks to Tessari's careful direction.

9

The Eclipse (1962)

Role: Piero

Directed by master filmmaker Michaelangelo Antonioni, The Eclipse (The Eclisse) is a minimalist but seductive drama about a newly single translator who begins a relationship with an arrogant stockbroker, played by Alain Delon. What starts out as a standard romance quickly becomes increasingly interesting as the couple's relationship is severely tested throughout the film. Although the plot is relatively simple, what makes the film special is its dreamlike quality, which often seems poetic. The film draws the viewer in and casts a spell with its hypnotic production.

The Eclipse is part of a trilogy of films made by Antonioni, which also includes La'Aventura and La Notte. It was shown at the 1962 Cannes Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Palme d'Or. The film is widely considered Antonioni's most important film, with admirers including Martin Scorcese. In your documentary My trip to ItalyScorcese shared how The Eclipse “it haunted and inspired him as a young moviegoer.“

8

Rocco and His Brothers (1961)

Role: Rocco Parondi

Rocco and his brothers (Rocco ei suoi fratelli) is an epic family crime drama that helped put Alain Delon on the map. Despite its nearly three-hour running time, the film remains captivating thanks to its ambitious narrative and excellent performances. Its exploration of themes such as the fight for a better life, family loyalty, and violence passed down from generation to generation feels timeless and incredibly relevant.

Delon stars as Rocco, the eldest of five brothers who move with their mother to the northern region of Italy after their father's death. As the brothers work hard to find opportunities, they gradually fall into crime. A fierce rivalry develops between Rocco and his brother Simone when they both fall in love with the exquisite Nadia.

The film can be difficult to watch due to its bleakness, but it remains immensely compelling from beginning to end. Initially received mixed reviews in Italy Rocco and his brothers It is today considered one of the greatest Italian films ever made. It was even a great inspiration for Francis Ford Coppola when making The godfather.

7

Dirty Money (1972)

Role: Édouard Coleman

Dirty Money (Un Flic) is the latest film by French master and frequent collaborator of Alain Delon, Jean-Pierre Melville. While it may be considered a lesser work compared to their previous films, it remains a tense and worthwhile crime thriller, serving as an intriguing footnote in both artists' careers.

The most interesting aspect the film is that it is a complete inversion of his previous works. Although Delon often played roguish criminals in Melville's films, this time he takes on the role of police chief. Your character befriends the owner of a local nightclub, only to discover that the man is a bank robber planning one final heist. Watching Delon pursue the ruthless criminal is fun to watch, especially as he embodies the despondent lawman he has so often been pitted against in previous roles. Catherine Deneuve is also memorable in the role of the femme fatale par excellence, beautiful as always.

6

The Swimming Pool (1969)

Role: Jean-Paul Leroy

In The Swimming Pool (La Piscine)Alain Delon and Romy Schneider play lovers on vacation in a luxurious French villa in this seductive, slow-burn thriller. What begins as a romantic character drama takes a darker turn when the couple receive a visit from an old friend and his teenage daughter. The film is full of juicy twists and turns. its charm lies in watching its handsome cast misbehave for two hours in an incredibly picturesque setting.

The character work is excellent, delving into raw human insecurities with surprising depth. Delon and Schneider, who dated before making this film, radiate unusual chemistry. Their scenes together sizzle and it's fun to see a new side of Delon. His character maintains his rugged charm, but is looser and more self-assured than usual, which makes the film more unpredictable, especially in the second half, when everything starts to unravel for the central couple.

5

Borsalino (1970)

Role: Roch Siffredi

In this gangster film set in the 1930s, Alain Delon teams up with another iconic French actor, Jean-Paul Belmondo. It's the most entertaining of Delon's many gangster films, thanks in large part to the compelling bromance that develops between the two leads. Director Jacque Deray masterfully navigates the shifting tones, as what begins as a light-hearted, light-hearted crime film slowly turns into a film steeped in brutal violence by its conclusion.

Delon plays another criminal recently released from prison, who finds himself at odds with another gangster who lived with his girlfriend while incarcerated. However, the two men soon join forces in an attempt to dominate Marseille's criminal underworld.

Delon took on the project out of his desire to work with his friend Belmondo. However, the two had a falling out during production due to Delon's controlling nature.

4

Dead End (1973)

Role: Tony Arzenta

No way out is a high-octane, no-holds-barred crime film in which Alain Delon stars in one of his rare pure revenge roles. It's a violent and exaggerated film, elevated by Duccio Tessari's assured direction and relentless pacing. Delon stars as Tony Arzenta, a contract killer who is possibly the best assassin in the game.

He works for a syndicate made up of some of the world's most ruthless crime bosses. However, when he decides to retire and leave his life of crime behind, his employers become nervous because he knows too much and try to eliminate him. But things don't go as planned when his wife and son are accidentally killed.

What follows is a brutal series of set pieces as Delon's assassin kills the syndicate's colorful assortment of crime bosses one by one. Tessari stages the action masterfully, with each sequence raising the stakes and escalating the violence while remaining grounded and believable. Delon seems to revel in the role, displaying a level of freedom rarely seen in his other films. Quentin Tarantino is a notable fan of No way out, praising the film for its breakneck pace and strong direction. (through The New Beverly).

3

The Leopard (1963)

Role: Prince Tancredi Falconeri

A beautiful sweeping epic, Luchino Visconti The Leopard (Il Gattopardo) is one of Alain Delon's most acclaimed films. The historical drama stars Burt Lancaster as Prince Don Fabrizio Salina, an elderly aristocrat who slowly adapts to major social changes during the unification of Italy in the 1860s. Don Fabrizio reluctantly allows his nephew Tancredi (Delon), a hero war fighter with ambitious political aspirations, marries the radiant Angélica, daughter of the clumsy, middle-class Don Calogero, in order to secure his family's future and maintain his lifestyle usual.

Giuseppe Rotunno's photography is stunning, with everything from the costumes to the set design immersing the viewer in the period. The film is an introspective meditation on the passage of time, the loss of status and the contemplation of one's legacy. Although Delon plays more of a supporting role, his charisma is used effectively and he delivers a handful of standout scenes. The Leopard is truly a masterpiece and is another film often cited as an inspiration for modern filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola.

2

Purple Noon (1960)

Role: Tom Ripley

Alain Delon was the first actor to play the masterful and manipulative conman Tom Ripley in this loose adaptation of Patricia Highsmith The Talented Mr. Ripley. It's the perfect role for Delon, allowing him to showcase the many complex facets of his personality throughout the film.

It's no surprise that this is the film that catapulted Delon to instant stardom. Delon's Ripley is more self-confident and charming than Matt Damon and Andrew Scott's portrayal in the other famous adaptations. Because of Delon's appeal, the audience roots more for Ripley to get away with her crimes, a testament to Delon's captivating performance.

The plot of Purple Noon (Plein Soleil) follows familiar rhythms: Ripley is sent to Italy to convince wealthy playboy Phillippe Greenleaf (known as Dickie in the other adaptations) to return home. However, Tom quickly falls in love with Philippe's luxurious lifestyle and hatches a cunning plan to usurp Philippe's charmed life. Director Rene Clément gives the film a visually striking aesthetic and a happier tone, giving this adaptation a livelier feel than its successors. It's no wonder audiences continue to debate which version of Highsmith's novel is the definitive adaptation.

1

Le Samouraï (1967)

Role: Jeff Costello

Alain Delon's definitive performance and one of the greatest crime thrillers of all time, Jean-Pierre Melville's riveting film Le Samouraï is as impactful today as it was when it was released 57 years ago. The film influenced everyone from John Woo to David Fincher with its groovy atmosphere, incredible tension, and Delon's impeccable performance.

Although light on plot and told with minimal dialogue, the film follows killer Jef Costello (Alain Delon), who sees his meticulously planned life destroyed after a witness sees him kill a club owner. The calm and collected Costello goes from hunter to hunted as he is pursued by the police and his employers. Le Samouraï is a true classic of the French detective genre and a great testament to Delon's remarkable career.