Les Misérables Movies: Release Order

Other Watch Orders:
1934 - 20128 Films23h 11m4 Average

Victor Hugo's 1862 masterpiece Les Misérables has been adapted for cinema across nearly a century (although the silent era films are not listed here), with each generation of filmmakers bringing their own interpretation to the epic tale of Jean Valjean, Inspector Javert, and the struggle for redemption in 19th-century France. These adaptations span from classic Hollywood productions to acclaimed European films to the blockbuster musical adaptation.

Each film stands alone as a complete retelling of Hugo's novel, with directors choosing different aspects to emphasize - from intimate character studies to sweeping historical epics. The 2012 adaptation uniquely brings the popular stage musical to screen, featuring sung-through performances, while earlier versions focus on the dramatic elements of Hugo's original prose.

There is 1 other watch order available – see the link up above.

1
Les Misérables poster

Les Misérables

19344h 41m4.7
Director: Raymond Bernard
Cast: Harry Baur, Paul Azaïs, Florelle, Josseline Gaël, Jean Servais

In 19th century France, ex-convict Jean Valjean struggles to rebuild his life while being relentlessly pursued by the obsessive police inspector Javert. Their cat-and-mouse game unfolds against the backdrop of social upheaval and student revolution.

DramaHistory
2
Les Misérables poster

Les Misérables

19351h 48m4.2
Director: Richard Boleslawski
Cast: Fredric March, Charles Laughton, Cedric Hardwicke, Rochelle Hudson, Florence Eldridge

In 19th century France, ex-convict Jean Valjean seeks redemption while being relentlessly pursued by the obsessive policeman Javert. Their cat-and-mouse chase unfolds against the backdrop of social upheaval and student revolution.

DramaHistoryRomance
3
Les Miserables poster

Les Miserables

19521h 45m2.7
Director: Lewis Milestone
Cast: Michael Rennie, Debra Paget, Robert Newton, Edmund Gwenn, Sylvia Sidney

In 19th century France, ex-convict Jean Valjean seeks redemption while being relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert. Their lifelong cat-and-mouse chase unfolds against the backdrop of social upheaval and revolution.

AdventureDramaHistoryRomance
4
Les Misérables poster

Les Misérables

19583h 30m4.2
Director: Jean-Paul Le Chanois
Cast: Jean Gabin, Bernard Blier, Béatrice Altariba, Giani Esposito, Bourvil

In 19th century France, ex-convict Jean Valjean struggles to rebuild his life while being relentlessly pursued by the obsessive police inspector Javert. Set against the backdrop of social upheaval and student revolutions, this adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic explores themes of redemption, justice, and mercy.

5
Les Misérables poster

Les Misérables

19823h 40m4
Director: Robert Hossein
Cast: Lino Ventura, Michel Bouquet, Jean Carmet, Évelyne Bouix, Françoise Seigner

In 19th century France, ex-convict Jean Valjean struggles to rebuild his life while being relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, ultimately becoming entangled in the student uprisings of Paris.

DramaHistory
6
Les Miserables poster

Les Miserables

19952h 55m3.8
Original Title: Les Misérables
Director: Claude Lelouch
Cast: Jean-Paul Belmondo, Michel Boujenah, Alessandra Martines, Salomé Lelouch, Annie Girardot

During World War II in France, an illiterate man discovers Victor Hugo's classic novel Les Misérables and begins to see striking parallels between the story and his own difficult life.

DramaHistory
7
Les Misérables poster

Les Misérables

19982h 14m4.2
Director: Bille August
Cast: Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, Uma Thurman, Claire Danes, Hans Matheson

In 19th century France, ex-convict Jean Valjean struggles to rebuild his life while being relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert. Set against the backdrop of social upheaval and revolution, this epic tale explores themes of redemption, justice, and human dignity.

CrimeDramaHistoryRomance
8
Les Misérables poster

Les Misérables

20122h 38m4.3
Director: Tom Hooper
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Sacha Baron Cohen

Based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, this musical follows Jean Valjean, a man who must evade the relentless pursuit of police inspector Javert after being imprisoned for stealing bread. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, their cat-and-mouse chase becomes intertwined with the student revolutionary movement.

HistoryDrama