Léon: The Professional (1994)
Luc Besson's gripping crime thriller about a New York hitman and the young girl whose fate becomes entwined with his.
Léon: The Professional - Movie Information
- Original Title: Léon
- Release Year: 1994
- Directed by: Luc Besson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Action
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: English, French, Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 14, 1994 (Mexico), November 18, 1994 (United States - R), February 3, 1995 (United Kingdom - 18), January 19, 1995 (Germany - 16), June 26, 1996 (France), September 23, 1996 (India - A), April 27, 1995 (Australia - MA 15+), February 17, 1995 (Brazil - 14), April 7, 1995 (Italy - T), April 6, 1995 (Spain - 18), February 18, 1995 (South Korea - 19), November 1, 2024 (China)
- Alternative Titles: Léon: Der Profi (DE), Léon, a profi (HU), 這個殺手不太冷 (HK), レオン オリジナル版 (JP), 終極追殺令 (TW), Léon (US), Leon Zawodowiec (PL), 这个杀手不太冷 (CN)
- Production Companies: Gaumont, Les Films du Dauphin
- Production Countries: France
Léon: The Professional - Plot
Léon, the top hit man in New York, has earned a rep as an effective "cleaner". But when his next-door neighbors are wiped out by a loose-cannon DEA agent, he becomes the unwilling custodian of 12-year-old Mathilda. Before long, Mathilda's thoughts turn to revenge, and she considers following in Léon's footsteps.
Léon: The Professional - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see why this film endures as a genre landmark:
If you want the job done right, hire a professional.
Where to Watch Léon: The Professional
Looking for where to watch Léon: The Professional?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Léon: The Professional - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Luc Besson
Main Cast
- Jean Reno
- Natalie Portman
- Gary Oldman
- Danny Aiello
- Peter Appel
- Michael Badalucco
- Ellen Greene
- Elizabeth Regen
- Carl J. Matusovich
- Eric Challier
Writers
- Luc Besson
Producers
- Patrice Ledoux
Léon: The Professional - FAQs
Where can you stream Léon: The Professional?
Léon: The Professional is available to stream on fuboTV. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and FlixFling. Availability may vary by region, so check JustWatch for the most current options near you.
Is Léon: The Professional based on a true story?
No, Léon: The Professional is not based on a true story. Writer-director Luc Besson created the characters and plot entirely from his imagination. However, the film's New York setting, DEA corruption angle, and gritty street-level detail lend it a strong sense of authenticity and realism.
Who are the main actors in Léon: The Professional?
The film stars Jean Reno as the stoic hitman Léon Montana, Natalie Portman in her debut role as 12-year-old Mathilda Lando, and Gary Oldman as the menacing corrupt DEA agent Norman Stansfield. Danny Aiello also appears as Tony, Léon's mob-connected handler.
What is the age rating for Léon: The Professional?
Léon: The Professional is rated R in the United States, meaning viewers under 17 require accompanying parental guidance. The film contains strong violence, language, and mature thematic content. It is rated 18 in the United Kingdom and carries equivalent adult classifications in several other countries.
What is Léon: The Professional about?
The film follows Léon, a solitary New York hitman, who reluctantly takes in Mathilda, a 12-year-old girl whose family is slaughtered by a corrupt DEA agent. As Mathilda seeks revenge, an unlikely bond forms between them, blending tense action with an emotionally complex, morally charged relationship.
Who directed Léon: The Professional and wrote the screenplay?
Léon: The Professional was both written and directed by French filmmaker Luc Besson. Known for his kinetic visual style and genre-blending narratives, Besson crafted the story entirely himself. The film was produced under his banner Les Films du Dauphin and distributed by Gaumont.
How long is Léon: The Professional?
Léon: The Professional has a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes (111 minutes) in its standard theatrical cut. A longer international version, sometimes called the Director's Cut, runs approximately 133 minutes and includes additional scenes that expand on Mathilda and Léon's relationship.
What movies are similar to Léon: The Professional?
If you enjoyed Léon: The Professional, you may also like Nikita (1990), also directed by Luc Besson, as well as Pulp Fiction (1994), The Usual Suspects (1995), Se7en (1995), and City of God (2002). These films share similar themes of crime, moral ambiguity, and compelling character dynamics.
More About Léon: The Professional
Explore further details, ratings, and background information from trusted film databases.