Les Misérables - Watch Order: 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 beloved stage musical to screen, featuring sung-through performances, while earlier versions focus on the dramatic elements of Hugo's original prose.

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, Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee a relentless policeman named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and soon Valjean finds himself in the midst of the student revolutions in France.

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, Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee a relentless policeman named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and soon Valjean finds himself in the midst of the student revolutions in France.

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, Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee a relentless policeman named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and soon Valjean finds himself in the midst of the student revolutions in France.

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, Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee a relentless policeman named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and soon Valjean finds himself in the midst of the student revolutions in France.

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, Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee a relentless policeman named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and soon Valjean finds himself in the midst of the student revolutions in France.

DramaHistory
6
Les Miserables poster

Les Miserables

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

In France during World War II, a poor and illiterate man, Henri Fortin, is introduced to Victor Hugo's classic novel Les Misérables and begins to see parallels between the book and his own 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, Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee a relentless policeman named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and soon Valjean finds himself in the midst of the student revolutions in France.

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

An adaptation of the successful stage musical based on Victor Hugo's classic novel set in 19th-century France. Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee a relentless policeman named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and soon Valjean finds himself in the midst of the student revolutions in France.

HistoryDrama