A Thirst Trap Tribute to Alain Delon, the Sexiest Man in French History
To describe Alain Delon as “sexy” would be an understatement. He was absurdly sexy. Incomprehensibly sexy. Excruciatingly sexy. Put simply, he was—hands down—France’s sexiest man, both on screen and off. With eyes that could stop time and a gaze that commanded every frame, he became one of the defining faces of European cinema. Born in France in 1935, Delon’s striking looks paired with his cool intensity made him a legend by the early 1960s, and he went on to star in some of the most compelling films of his era.
Delon didn’t just act — he embodied roles with a smoldering mix of vulnerability and danger. Whether playing reluctant heroes or stylish rogues, he radiated charm that spun cinematic gold. Whether he’s watching over femme fatales, playing the part of a protective dad, or getting stuck in a vault with Charles Bronson, Delon had a rare ability to make audiences melt with a single glance. In today’s parlance, “his face card never declines.” If you need proof, here are six standout films available on Kino Film Collection that showcase his range, charisma, and unrivaled good looks.
The Black Tulip (1964)
Alain Delon leaps into action in this colorful swashbuckling adventure from the pen of Alexandre Dumas. On the eve of the French Revolution, France's most daring masked avenger, "The Black Tulip," part Zorro, part Robin Hood, emerges as a local hero to fight the tyrannical aristocracy. A buccaneer for justice aided by revolutionaries, he has a clever ace up his sleeve: a twin brother!
Half A Chance (1998)
Screen legends Jean-Paul Belmondo and Alain Delon get roped into saving Alice (Vanessa Paradis) in this action-comedy from Patrice Leconte. Upon learning one could be her father, Alice seeks them on the Côte d’Azur, but faces Russian mobsters after stealing a car with $50M. Luckily, these men are an ex-Legionnaire and a master thief. Together, they’ll have half a chance to stay alive.
Joy House (1964)
A scorching love triangle ignites between the iconic Jane Fonda, sultry Lola Albright and Alain Delon in René Clément’s "Joy House." Delon stars as Marc, a dashing young con man on the run from the mob. After seeking refuge in the Riviera villa of the widowed Barbara and her curvaceous cousin, Melinda, Marc becomes trapped in the passionate snares of both women, who are full of sinister surprises.
Rocco and His Brothers (1960)
Five brothers move north with their mother to Milan, finding fame in the boxing ring and love in the same woman. Labeled by Scorsese as “one of the most sumptuous black-and-white pictures,” this is a timeless story of modernity, class tension, and family drama by director Luchino Visconti and starring Alain Delon.
The Girl on a Motorcycle (1968)
Newly married Rebecca (Marianne Faithfull) leaves her husband on her prized motorbike to visit her lover (Alain Delon) in Heidelberg. En route, she indulges in psychedelic and erotic reveries as she recalls her changing relationship with herself and with the two men.
Un Flic (1974)
From Jean-Pierre Melville comes this action-packed neo-noir. When tipped off on an upcoming heist, a Parisian police chief (Alain Delon) discovers a nightclub owner friend is leading the group of bank robbers. Meanwhile, while racing to defeat the plan, the police chief engages in some double-crossing himself—by sharing the same woman (Catherine Deneuve) with the man he calls his friend.