Film production in Canada is a growing industry as our big cities, beautiful landscapes, and cheaper production costs attract many Hollywood TV and film producers northward. In fact, the Canadian cities of Toronto and Vancouver have both been nicknamed “Hollywood North.” These classic and modern films are set in Canada, providing insight for newcomers into our culture and history and a great view of our stunning natural landscapes. Settle in for movie night with these famous Canadian flicks to familiarize yourself with a bit of Canadian culture.
Watching Canadian TV shows and reading Canadian books, as well as listening to Canadian podcasts, can also help newcomers practice their English and become familiar with various Canadian accents. We have included Canadian movies in both of Canada’s official languages, English and French.
Tip: Turn on subtitles (English, French, or your mother tongue, depending on your language level) to assist in your comprehension of these great movies.
Famous movies that are set in Canada
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
Setting: Toronto, ON, in the mid-2000s
Where you can find it: Available for paid streaming on Netflix
Description: This action-based rom-com (romantic comedy) is inspired by a series of graphic novels. The film shows off some of Toronto’s lesser-known neighbourhoods as well as renowned landmarks like the Casa Loma and the CN Tower.
The Sweet Hereafter
Setting: A small town in British Columbia in 1989
Where you can find it: Available for paid streaming on Amazon Prime Video, and Crave TV
Description: One of the most awarded Canadian movies of all time, this emotional movie follows a small town’s struggle to cope and pursue legal action after a school bus accident results in the death of 14 children.
Bon Cop, Bad Cop
Setting: The Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec
Where you can find it: Available for paid streaming on Netflix
Description: Bon Cop, Bad Cop is an action-packed comedy in which a straight-laced English-speaking police officer from Toronto is paired up with a rebellious French-Speaking police officer from Montreal. Together, they try to solve a hockey-related crime that occurred right on the border of their two provinces.
The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz
Setting: Montreal, QC, in the mid-twentieth century
Where you can find it: Available free on Youtube
Description: Duddy Kravitz is a young Jewish man living in Montreal and struggling to make ends meet in this dark comedy-drama film based on the novel of the same name, written by famous Canadian author Mordecai Richler.
Les Boys
Setting: The province of Quebec
Where you can find it: Order on DVD
Description: This funny French-language film revolves around the misadventures of an amateur men’s hockey team getting ready for their big game.
The Shipping News
Setting: The province of Newfoundland and Labrador
Where you can find it: Available for paid streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Description: After his life falls apart, a newspaper reporter decides to relocate to his ancestral home of Newfoundland to start his life over with his two young daughters.
La grande séduction (2003), The Grand Seduction (2013)
Setting: A fishing village in Quebec | Tickle Head, Newfoundland and Labrador
Where you can find it: Original French available on DVD, Remake available for paid streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Description: In the original French-language version of the film set in Quebec, the residents of a fishing village in hard times need a doctor living in town to be able to open up an important factory, so they attempt to persuade a young doctor to take up residence in the small town in this heartwarming comedy. The 2013 English remake was highly acclaimed and moved to the fictional town of Tickle Head, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Starbuck
Setting: The province of Quebec
Where you can find it: Available for paid streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Description: This French-language comedy for mature audiences follows 42-year-old David trying to get his life together in time for his girlfriend to give birth to their baby, only to find he is actually the father to over 500 children through his donations to a fertility clinic in his early years.
Tip: Tou.tv and Club Illico are paid streaming services for French-language Canadian TV where you can find all genres of French-language shows and movies.
These beloved Canadian films are a great starting point for getting to know Canadian culture. For more Canadian films, you can visit the Toronto International Film Festival website, the National Canadian Film Day website, or CBC Gem.
