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The 400 Blows

The 400 Blows

Angel faces hell-bent for violence.

195999 minNot RatedMidcredits score: 98th percentile of all films
Director
François Truffaut
Starring
Jean-Pierre Léaud, Claire Maurier, Albert Rémy, Georges Flamant

For young Parisian boy Antoine Doinel, life is one difficult situation after another. Surrounded by inconsiderate adults, including his neglectful parents, Antoine spends his days with his best friend, Rene, trying to plan for a better life. When one of their schemes goes awry, Antoine ends up in trouble with the law, leading to even more conflicts with unsympathetic authority figures.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The 400 Blows?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The 400 Blows streaming on HBO Max, The Criterion Channel and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about The 400 Blows?

The 400 Blows earns 10 badges, led by Stood the test of time and Top 5% of films.

Show 2 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is The 400 Blows worth watching?

The 400 Blows' Midcredits score is the 98th percentile of all films, from 429K ratings across 4 sources. 86% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

98th percentile

Better received than 98% of films

98th percentile among Crime97th percentile among 1950s
Acclaim (how much people like it)97th
Approval (how many liked it)96th

82 /100

97th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Crime98th percentile among 1950s

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

86% liked it

96th percentile of all films

95th percentile among Crime96th percentile among 1950s
86% rated it 7–1014% rated it 1–6

Critics 99% · Audience 94%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 6 wins / 4 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen
  • NominatedBAFTA Awards· Best Film from any Source

Reach

How many have seen it

97th percentile

429K ratings across platforms

97th percentile among Crime99th percentile among 1950s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 16% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$11K
Domestic gross$509
Worldwide gross$288K

37th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A stark, realistic portrait of a neglected boy drifting into delinquency, told with an episodic, slice-of-life approach.

Fans praised

  • Jean-Pierre Léaud's natural, vulnerable performance captures adolescent confusion and defiance
  • Truffaut's location shooting of Paris creates an immersive, documentary-like realism
  • Final freeze-frame on the beach is an unforgettable, emotionally resonant image

Detractors panned

  • No character development or plot; the protagonist is boring and unlikable
  • Overly long, pointless shots and slow pacing make the film a tedious slog
  • Self-pitying, pretentious, and overrated; lacks a clear theme or moral

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

Jean-Pierre Léaud as Antoine is praised as natural, vulnerable, and charismatic; detractors find him unlikable or stiff

CinematographyDivisive85

Expressive widescreen black-and-white photography; iconic tracking shots and freeze-frame ending

OriginalityDivisive85

Groundbreaking for its era as a founding work of the French New Wave, but now feels familiar to modern viewers

EndingDivisive80

Ambiguous freeze-frame on the beach is hailed as poetic and resonant; some find it unsatisfying

AtmosphereDivisive80

Gritty, wintry Paris streets and cramped interiors convey alienation and urban realism

Emotional impactDivisive75

Deeply moving for most viewers due to Antoine's plight; detractors call it unearned or cold

CharactersDivisive70

Antoine is a sympathetic but flawed protagonist; adults are realistically indifferent but some call them caricatures

Plot and storyDivisive55

Episodic, no traditional arc; slice-of-life structure praised for realism but panned as aimless

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 7 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is The 400 Blows like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Quiet and reflective: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are in a patient, quiet mood.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Quiet and reflective.

Moods
MelancholicContemplativeHopeful
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Deadpan · 1% of films: Delivered flat and unsmiling, which is the joke.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneTruffaut plays the material straight, treating Antoine's suffering with documentary-like realism and quiet, deadpan humour that never undercuts the emotional weight.
The rideA quiet, observational sadness dominates, building toward a final dash to the sea that is both cathartic and uncertain.
StructureThe story follows Antoine chronologically from school and home troubles through truancy, theft, and detention to his escape—a conventional linear arc.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

Haunting · 14% of filmsThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe freeze‑frame of Antoine facing the sea lingers long after the film ends, while the bleak portrait of systemic neglect encourages reflection on youth and authority.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Tragedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3% (this title)
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Crushed by fate: Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.

9% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeAntoine Doinel is trapped by neglectful parents and a repressive school system; his downward spiral into delinquency feels like a fate imposed from outside, culminating in a life of confinement from which he fleetingly escapes.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfComingof age
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% (this title) · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5% (this title)
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Coming of age · 5% of filmsFamily bondsFreedom · 5% of films
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeAntoine's restless rebellion is a search for identity and warmth in a world that offers neither.
StanceThe film mourns a lost childhood, grieving the cruelty and indifference that shape Antoine's world.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Jean Constantin
SettingParis in the late 1950s, from cramped apartments and schoolyards to the streets and a seaside escape
MusicThe buoyant, playful main theme contrasts poignantly with the weight of Antoine's story.

Content guide

Is The 400 Blows okay for kids?

Not Rated

The 400 Blows is not rated. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (30/100), sexual content at mild (23/100), language at mild (32/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (50/100) and frightening material at moderate (36/100). Overall it is heavier than 24% of unrated films.

Ratings in 14 other countries
  • UKPG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • JapanG
  • South Korea15
  • BelgiumAL
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • GreeceΚ
  • Hungary18
  • Poland18
  • SpainAPTA
  • Sweden15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 20% of all filmsHeavier than 24% of unrated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for an unrated film
heavier than 20%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 30%
Profanity
Mild
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 40%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 74%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 26%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is drug and alcohol content, heavier than 74% of unrated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The 400 Blows have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The 400 Blows?

Cast

At least 4 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Jean-Pierre Léaud
as Antoine Doinel
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Claire Maurier
as Gilberte Doinel - la mère d'Antoine
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Albert Rémy
as Julien Doinel - le beau-père d'Antoine
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Georges Flamant
as Mr. Bigey - le père de René
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Patrick Auffay
as René Bigey
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Robert Beauvais
as Le directeur de l'école
Yvonne Claudie
as Mme Bigey - la mère de René
Pierre Repp
as Le professeur d'anglais
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Guy Decomble
as 'Petite Feuille' - l'instituteur
Daniel Couturier
as Bertrand Mauricet - un élève
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The 400 Blows?

Movies like The 400 Blows include Stolen Kisses (1968), Jules and Jim (1962) and Bed & Board (1970). Of the 12 closest matches, most are films set in Paris, and several are teen dramas.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

François Truffaut wrote and directed 3 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The 400 Blows?

1.7K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: parent and child estranged. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.