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Léon: The Professional

Léon: The Professional

If you want the job done right, hire a professional.

1994110 minRMidcredits score: 99th percentile of all films
Director
Luc Besson
Starring
Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, Gary Oldman, Danny Aiello

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.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Léon: The Professional?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Léon: The Professional streaming on Sony Pictures Core via Prime Video and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Léon: The Professional?

Léon: The Professional earns 11 badges, led by Top 1% of films and Stood the test of time.

Show 3 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Léon: The Professional worth watching?

Léon: The Professional's Midcredits score is the 99th percentile of all films, from 2.9M ratings across 6 sources. 94% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

99th percentile

Better received than 99% of films

99th percentile among Action99th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)98th
Approval (how many liked it)99th

82 /100

98th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Action99th percentile among 1990s

Critics 64 · Audience 83

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

Ratings pile up at 9–10 with almost no detractors — near-universal love.

94% liked it

99th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Action99th percentile among 1990s
94% rated it 7–106% rated it 1–6

Critics 76% · Audience 95%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 5 wins / 16 noms overall

99th percentile

2.9M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Action99th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 73% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$16M
Opening weekend$5.3M
Domestic gross$20M
Worldwide gross$20M

Returned 1.3× its budget — 68th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film features a hitman who protects a young girl and Gary Oldman's wildly over-the-top performance.

Fans praised

  • Central father-daughter bond feels tender and authentic
  • Visually stylish, with European flair and atmospheric grit
  • Career-defining performances from the entire trio

Detractors panned

  • Disturbing sexualization of the 12-year-old character
  • Plot relies on implausible logic and cartoonish villainy
  • Uncomfortable romantic tension undermines the core relationship

What stands out

Acting90

Reno, Portman, and Oldman all deliver standout performances

Cinematography85

Stylish framing, lighting, and use of close-ups heighten emotion

AtmosphereDivisive82

Grungy, claustrophobic New York with a European sensibility

Tension82

Sustained suspense through cat-and-mouse and final siege

Emotional impactDivisive78

Deeply moving for fans; manipulative or undercut by discomfort for others

PacingDivisive75

Fast-paced with effective balance of action and slower character beats

CharactersDivisive72

Leon's childlike innocence vs Mathilda's forced maturity; Stansfield a one-note cartoon to detractors

Plot and storyDivisive45

Simple revenge story riddled with logical gaps and conveniences

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users even
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Léon: The Professional like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention and room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseBittersweetCathartic
Heaviest: late
Register
Tender · 13% of filmsBrutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its violent and emotional material straight, balancing tender character moments with brutal action, always sincere.
The rideThe film maintains a tense atmosphere through action sequences, but the emotional weight peaks in the climax and its aftermath.
StructureThe narrative follows a conventional beginning, middle, and end, from Léon's isolated life through the partnership and final confrontation.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: BittersweetHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's violent yet tender story lingers, leaving a poignant mix of loss and the redemptive power of love.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% (this title) · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Oppressive state: A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).

21% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

Why this archetypeThe story is driven by Mathilda's quest for revenge against the corrupt DEA agent who killed her family, with Léon's arc of redemption and sacrifice as a secondary rebirth.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfRevengeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% (this title) · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% (this title) · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Revenge · 4% of filmsRedemption · 6% of films: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Family bonds
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeMathilda's quest for revenge against her family's killer forces Léon to confront his own humanity and morality.
StanceThe film celebrates the redemptive power of human connection even within a violent, corrupt world.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral modernAmbientSupportive music · original score · Éric Serra
SettingLittle Italy, New York City – a dingy apartment building and its surroundings
MusicThe score blends haunting piano themes with atmospheric electronic textures, underscoring the film's emotional contrasts.

Content guide

Is Léon: The Professional okay for kids?

R

Léon: The Professional is rated R: “Rated R for scenes of strong graphic violence, and for language” (MPAA). As of October 5, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (85/100), sexual content at moderate (38/100), language at intense (65/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (63/100) and frightening material at intense (68/100). Overall it is heavier than 66% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 27 other countries
  • UK18
  • Canada18A
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany16
  • France12
  • Ireland18
  • JapanPG12
  • South Korea19
  • Brazil14
  • Argentina16
  • Czechia12+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-18
  • Hong KongIIB
  • Hungary18
  • IndiaA
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoC
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway18
  • PhilippinesR-18
  • PortugalM/16
  • Russia16+
  • Spain18
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland16
  • Taiwan輔15
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 80% of all filmsHeavier than 66% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 73%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 34%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 47%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 80%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 62%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Heavy almost across the board: violence, frightening material, language, and drug and alcohol content. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Léon: The Professional have?

MovieCove found 6 depicted content warnings in Léon: The Professional: Gun violence (severe), Gore or body horror (moderate), plus 4 withheld here because they would spoil the plot. A missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

SevereGun violence
ModerateGore or body horror

Cast and crew

Who is in Léon: The Professional?

Cast

At least 3 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Jean Reno
as Leon
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Natalie Portman
as Mathilda
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Gary Oldman
as Stansfield
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Danny Aiello
as Tony
Peter Appel
as Malky
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Michael Badalucco
as Mathilda's Father
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.
Ellen Greene
as Mathilda's Mother
Frank Senger
as Fatman
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Elizabeth Regen
as Mathilda's Sister
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Carl J. Matusovich
as Mathilda's Brother

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Léon: The Professional?

Movies like Léon: The Professional include Get Carter (1971), Gloria (1980) and Carlito's Way (1993). Of the 12 closest matches, half are stories about gangsters, and most are films set in New York.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

8 of these 12 share its subject: revenge. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Léon: The Professional?

445 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: hitman. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.