Brigitte Bardot’s Top 10 Films That Changed Cinema Forever

“Films have never shown the kind of relationship that can exist between two women.” – Brigitte Bardot. Even decades after stepping away from the spotlight, Brigitte Bardot remains a symbol of cinematic influence and cultural transformation. Her legacy as a French actress and singer is woven into the fabric of modern film, with her bold performances and unapologetic persona inspiring countless artists. Bardot’s rise to fame in the 1950s and ‘60s was marked by roles that challenged social norms and redefined femininity. She used her allure not just for spectacle, but as a tool for empowerment. Simone de Beauvoir once called her the first truly liberated woman of postwar France. Bardot’s refusal of the Legion of Honor in 1985 only added to her mystique. Reflecting on her career, she once said,

The majority of great actresses met tragic ends. When I said goodbye to this job, to this life of opulence and glitter, images and adoration, the quest to be desired, I was saving my life.

Breaking Boundaries On and Off Screen

Bardot’s impact extended far beyond her filmography. She became a passionate advocate for animal rights, describing her activism as

a battle. A fight against cruelty, stupidity, and the indifference of humans. It ’s animals against man, a furious fight meant to better the conditions of animals in the world, to open people’s eyes, to fight their selfishness, and to protect the weakest from the most destructive forces.

In later years, her political views sparked controversy, but her influence on cinema and culture remains undeniable. Bardot’s confidence and independence inspired a new generation of actresses to break free from traditional roles and expectations.

Ten Essential Brigitte Bardot Films

The Bear and the Doll (1970, Michel Deville): Bardot shines as Felicia, a lively woman who tries to win over a reserved musician and single dad, Gaspard. Inspired by classic American screwball comedies, this film was one of Bardot’s personal favorites.

Une Parisienne (1957, Michel Boisrond): Playing the French president’s daughter, Bardot navigates a marriage filled with jealousy and infidelity. This comedy solidified her image as a modern icon and was praised for its daring portrayal of her charisma.

Plucking the Daisy (1956, Marc Allégret): As Agnès Dumont, Bardot escapes her strict upbringing and enters a striptease contest in Paris. The film, co-written by Roger Vadim, showcased Bardot’s comedic timing and rebellious spirit.

The Legend of Frenchie King (1971, Christian-Jaque & Guy Casaril): Bardot stars as an outlaw who teams up with her rival, played by Claudia Cardinale, to take on the men of their town. Cardinale once said,

I was a fan of Brigitte Bardot. Who could not be? When I was young, she was my idol. I loved her elegance and her natural power. She was unique.

Defining Moments in Bardot’s Career

Viva Maria! (1965, Louis Malle): Bardot and Jeanne Moreau play revolutionaries named Maria. Bardot’s performance earned her a BAFTA nomination, and Malle described the dynamic between the two leads as a study in contrasts and ideals.

Love Is My Profession (1958, Claude Autant-Lara): In this drama, Bardot plays a young woman accused of robbery, defended by a top Parisian lawyer. The film marked her transition into more serious roles and paired her with Jean Gabin.

And God Created Woman (1956, Roger Vadim): This groundbreaking film catapulted Bardot to international fame. Her portrayal of a free-spirited young woman challenged conventions and faced censorship in the U.S. Bardot later praised her co-star Jean-Louis Trintignant, saying,

Actors always want to look young. Jean-Louis doesn’t care. As a result, we’re talking about him again. He’s exceptional. Rare. I find that fantastic, that’s all.

The Night Heaven Fell (1958, Roger Vadim): Set in rural Spain, this crime drama focused on Bardot’s magnetic chemistry with Stephen Boyd. Boyd remarked,

She gives adults that same feeling of sneaking cookies out of the cupboard that they had at the age of six. They giggle and try to explain their interest as pure amusement, but actually it’s their animal adolescence showing… it’s the sort of thing that the man in the street can’t resist. It’s a symbol of things that are not openly discussed.

Iconic Performances and Lasting Influence

La Vérité (1960, Henri-Georges Clouzot): Bardot delivers a powerful performance as Dominique, a woman on trial for murder. The film earned an Oscar nomination and won her a David di Donatello Award. Bardot recalled,

When it was a comedy, I was in a fun mood, perky. But a dramatic role just wiped me out. When I was shooting The Truth, Clouzot was so good at persuading me that I was this loose woman, this tragic character, that I ended up believing it. I became Dominique. So much so, that a few months later I wanted to commit suicide myself.

Contempt (1963, Jean-Luc Godard): In this visually stunning film, Bardot gives what many consider her greatest performance. Despite a rocky relationship with Godard, their collaboration produced a landmark of French New Wave cinema. Bardot later said,

It’s common knowledge that [Godard] got on my nerves. I thought he looked stupid wearing that hat all the time. We were always having to make up dialogue at the last minute. There was no plot. It was a real free-for-all. Not to mention the hordes of paparazzi following me about. But it turned into a great film, and so much the better.