The Professional

Play trailer

2:28

The Professional

R

1994

1h 55m

Mystery & Thriller

Action

Crime

Drama

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Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

76%

Tomatometer

66 Reviews

95%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Mathilda (Natalie Portman) is only 12 years old, but is already familiar with the dark side of life: her abusive father stores drugs for corrupt police officers, and her mother neglects her. Léon (Jean Reno), who lives down the hall, tends to his houseplants and works as a hired hitman for mobster Tony (Danny Aiello). When her family is murdered by crooked DEA agent Stansfield (Gary Oldman), Mathilda joins forces with a reluctant Léon to learn his deadly trade and avenge her family's deaths.

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Critics Consensus

Pivoting on the unusual relationship between seasoned hitman and his 12-year-old apprentice -- a breakout turn by young Natalie Portman -- Luc Besson's Léon is a stylish and oddly affecting thriller.

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Ed Potton

The Times (UK)

Luc Besson's first English-language hit is, like much of the Frenchman's work, less than subtle, yet it is stylish, disturbing and weirdly moving.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 11, 2019

Full Review

Peter Travers

Rolling Stone

Leave it to french writer-director Luc Besson (La Femme Nikita) to put a kinky twist on Orphan Annie and Daddy Warbucks.

Jun 4, 2014

Full Review

Steven Rea

Philadelphia Inquirer

Ultimately, like La Femme Nikita, there may be less here than meets the eye. But what does meet the eye is pretty darn thrilling.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 4, 2014

Full Review

Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

As an action thriller, often stylized with violence and irony, never loses its pulse or sense of intrigue as it explores the urban tale about the professional killer who protects the orphan girl in the corrupt streets of New York. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 7/10

Jul 6, 2024

Full Review

Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

‘…Leon: The Professional is notable for a trio of iconic performances from Jean Reno, Natalie Portman and Gary Oldman, the latter setting a gold standard for manic villainy that’s rarely been bettered…’

Rated: 4/5

Jun 29, 2024

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a mostly enthralling thriller that captures the viewer’s interest and attention from the word go...

Rated: 3.5/4

Oct 13, 2022

Full Review

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Thiago N

Ótimo filme! Ação moderada, enredo que prende, e atuações marcantes de Jean Reno e Natalie Portman.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/02/25

Full Review

Anderson A

Natalie Portman já mostrava que era baita atriz mesmo jovem entregou uma atuação foda, o filme é muito bom um clássico de ação mas ficou datado pela sexualização infantil que o diretor fez mas enfim bom filme Nota: 8.4

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/29/25

Full Review

Jack F

Pretty iconic in the cinema world. I don't really understand audience score though. 95% Really? I'd say 80% for me

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/22/25

Full Review

J M

Natalie Portman's best work. In fact, the best acting by a child actor in the history of cinema. Of course, the movie is fantastic, but Ms. Portman is on a whole other level. This movie will never get old for the rest of time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/02/25

Full Review

Leprechaun K

Besson's masterpiece. The International Extended version adds more depth to the characters and enhances the storytelling. Excellent performances by Reno, Oldman, and a very young Portman. The camera work done by Besson is both creative and stylistic. It is a perfect movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/29/25

Full Review

Stephane c

This movie is a master piece, if you have not seen it go see it without any expectations! The cast plays well! The shooting of director is amazing! The story so unusual yet attaching! You go through all emotions!! Definitely in my top 10 beloved movies of all time!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/15/25

Full Review

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Luc Besson

Director

Jean Reno

Léon

Gary Oldman

Stansfield

Natalie Portman

Mathilda

Danny Aiello

Tony

Peter Appel

Malky

The Professional: Official Clip - I Love You

2:09

The Professional: Official Clip - From Mathilda

2:09

The Professional: Official Clip - Everyone!

2:11

The Professional: Official Clip - Hostage Exchange

2:12

The Professional: Official Clip - Bodyguard Takedown

2:10

The Professional: Official Clip - Sniper Lessons

2:06

The Professional: Official Clip - Do You Like Life, Sweetheart?

1:55

The Professional: Official Clip - One Minute Past

2:10

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Transformers: Actors In Disguise

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Leon: The Professional: Trailer 1

2:28

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Synopsis

Mathilda (Natalie Portman) is only 12 years old, but is already familiar with the dark side of life: her abusive father stores drugs for corrupt police officers, and her mother neglects her. Léon (Jean Reno), who lives down the hall, tends to his houseplants and works as a hired hitman for mobster Tony (Danny Aiello). When her family is murdered by crooked DEA agent Stansfield (Gary Oldman), Mathilda joins forces with a reluctant Léon to learn his deadly trade and avenge her family's deaths.

Director: Luc Besson
Screenwriter: Luc Besson
Distributor: Columbia Pictures, Columbia TriStar Home Video
Production Co: Gaumont, Gaumont International, Les Films du Dauphin
Rating: R
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Action, Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 18, 1994, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $19.0M
Runtime: 1h 55m
Sound Mix: Surround, SDDS, Dolby Digital

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