5. The Lower Depths (Les Bas-Fond) | 1936

The Lower Depths is another example of Renoir using his naturalistic, comedic style to address social class relationships, focusing on the contrast between the life of the upper class and the lower class. This film won a National Board of Review, USA award for Top Foreign Film in 1937. This was the first time Renoir worked with Jean Gabin, who eventually made three more films with the French director.

6. The Grand Illusion (La Grande Illusion) | 1937

The Grand Illusion is one of Jean Renoirs most influential films. Based on the book by British journalist, Norman Angell, the film explores class relationships among a small group of French officers who are prisoners of war during World War I. This film is considered to be one of the masterpieces of French cinema and one of the greatest films ever made.