Luc Besson – Biography, Best Movies, Net Worth and Controversy

Luc Besson is one of the most commercially successful French filmmakers in history. Born in Paris on 18 March 1959, he has directed and produced over 76 films, shaping the visually driven style known as Cinéma du look. His works range from cult classics like Léon: The Professional (1994) to blockbusters such as The Fifth Element (1997) and the Taken franchise.

Besson’s early life was unconventional. With both parents working as scuba diving instructors, he spent much of his childhood travelling the world, describing his upbringing as “entirely aquatic”. A diving accident at 17 ended his dream of becoming a marine biologist and pushed him toward cinema. At 19, he moved to Hollywood to study American film before returning to Paris to start his own production company.

Today, Besson remains a polarising figure. Admired in the United States as an “ersatz French Steven Spielberg”, he has often been criticised by French critics who accuse him of prioritising spectacle over narrative. Yet his influence on European action cinema is undeniable.

Who Is Luc Besson?

Besson’s career spans more than four decades. He first gained attention with Le Dernier Combat (1983) and broke through internationally with The Big Blue (1988). His ability to blend high-octane action with visual flair led to a string of hit films, many of which have achieved cult status.

Key Insights

• Luc Besson is one of the most commercially successful French filmmakers, known for high-octane action and sci-fi.
• He founded EuropaCorp, a major European film production and distribution company.
• Besson has been nominated for multiple César Awards but has faced legal controversies in recent years.
• His filmography spans over 30 years, with notable works like Léon: The Professional and The Fifth Element achieving cult status.
• He has directed or produced more than 76 films across multiple genres.

Snapshot Facts

What Are the Best Luc Besson Movies?

Besson’s filmography includes both critically acclaimed works and massive commercial hits. Below are some of his most celebrated films, arranged by their impact and awards.

Léon: The Professional (1994)

Perhaps his most famous film, Léon: The Professional stars Jean Reno as a hitman who takes in a young girl, played by Natalie Portman in her debut role. The film won Besson the César Award for Best Director and became a global cult classic.

The Fifth Element (1997)

This sci-fi action masterpiece, starring Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich, earned Besson the César for Best Director and the Lumière Award for Best Director. Its visual style and humour remain influential.

La Femme Nikita (1990)

Besson’s first major action hit followed a female assassin trained by the government. The film launched a franchise and showcased his talent for combining style with suspense.

The Big Blue (1988)

A visually stunning epic about freediving, The Big Blue won several César Awards and cemented Besson’s reputation as a director who prioritises striking imagery.

Taken (2008)

Although Besson only co-wrote and produced Taken, it became a worldwide phenomenon, grossing hundreds of millions and revitalising Liam Neeson’s career as an action star.

Other Notable Works

• Subway (1985) – a cult classic set in the Paris metro.
• The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999) – a historical epic starring Milla Jovovich.
• Lucy (2014) – starring Scarlett Johansson, grossed $463 million worldwide.
• Arthur and the Invisibles (2006) – the first of a children’s fantasy series.

What Is Luc Besson Net Worth and Career?

Besson’s net worth is not publicly confirmed in official filings. Estimates vary between $40 million and $60 million, reflecting his involvement in over 50 films as writer, director, or producer. The blockbuster success of Taken, Léon, and The Fifth Element suggests substantial earnings.

How He Became a Director

After the diving accident at 17, Besson turned to film. He moved to Hollywood at 19 to study American cinema. Returning to France, he founded the production company Les Films du Loup (later Les Films du Dauphin) in 1980. His debut feature Le Dernier Combat (1983) was a black-and-white sci-fi drama shot on a tiny budget.

EuropaCorp

In 1999, Besson co-founded EuropaCorp, a production and distribution company that became a major force in European cinema. The studio produced the Taxi series, Transporter films, and Taken. After financial difficulties in the 2010s, EuropaCorp restructured but remains active in film and television.

Key Awards and Recognition

• César Award for Best Director – The Fifth Element (1997)
• Lumière Award for Best Director – The Fifth Element (1997)
• BAFTA Award (1 win)
• César Award for Best Director – Léon: The Professional (nominated)
• César Award for Best Picture – The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (nominated)

Who Are Luc Besson Family and Relationships?

Besson has been married four times. His first wife was actress Anne Parillaud, who starred in La Femme Nikita. He was later in relationships with director Maïwenn and actress Milla Jovovich, whom he married in 1997. The marriage to Jovovich ended in 1999.

Since 2004, Besson has been married to film producer Virginie Silla. They have three children: Thalia, Sateen, and Mao Besson. In total, Besson has five children from his relationships.

The Relationship with Milla Jovovich

Milla Jovovich starred in The Fifth Element and later married Besson in 1997. The marriage lasted two years. Despite their divorce, Jovovich continued to work with Besson on The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999). Their professional relationship has remained amicable.

Is Luc Besson Directing a Dracula Movie?

Yes, Besson is actively working on a Dracula film, serving as director, screenwriter, and producer. The project, sometimes referred to as Dracula: A Love Story, was announced in 2023. As of early 2025, no confirmed release date has been set, and the cast has not been finalised.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 54% critics’ score and an 82% audience score, but these ratings are based on limited early data and may change. Two other 2025 projects are also in development: June and John (director, screenwriter, producer) and Hell in Paradise (producer).

Other Upcoming Projects

EuropaCorp is developing a Valerian TV series, continuing the universe of Besson’s 2017 film Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. Besson remains active as a writer and producer, though no directorial projects beyond Dracula have been publicly confirmed for the near future.

What Are the Key Milestones in Luc Besson’s Career?

1. 1959 – Born in Paris, France.
2. 1983 – Directorial debut: Le Dernier Combat.
3. 1988 – Breakthrough: The Big Blue wins César Awards.
4. 1994 – International success: Léon: The Professional.
5. 1997 – The Fifth Element premieres at Cannes.
6. 1999 – Founds EuropaCorp.
7. 2008 – Taken (producer/writer) becomes global hit.
8. 2014 – Lucy grosses $463 million worldwide.
9. 2023 – Announces Dracula: A Love Story project.
10. 2025 – Active development on Dracula film; Valerian TV series in pre‑production.

What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About Luc Besson?

What Is Luc Besson’s Legacy and Controversy?

Besson has had a transformative effect on European action cinema. His films prioritise visual spectacle, kinetic editing, and stylised violence, a formula that has inspired countless imitators. EuropaCorp became a model for European genre production, though its later financial struggles highlighted the risks of a studio built around one creative voice.

Controversy has shadowed his career. In 2018, multiple women accused Besson of sexual assault. He denied the allegations, and a French investigation was stopped due to lack of evidence. The case reignited debates about power dynamics in the film industry. Despite the controversies, Besson remains active, with several projects in development.

What Has Luc Besson Said About His Work?

“For years, people who do not know me speak for me. As if everyone wanted to model me in his own way, make me the outlet of his own dream or his own bankruptcy.”

Luc Besson, Facebook statement (2023)

“I am a filmmaker who has always been passionate about telling stories that are visual, emotional, and entertaining.”

Luc Besson, interview with The Guardian (2017)

What Is the Bottom Line on Luc Besson?

Luc Besson remains one of the most prolific and commercially successful directors Europe has produced. His filmography includes enduring classics like Léon: The Professional and The Fifth Element, and his influence on action cinema is hard to overstate. While controversy and critical scorn have followed him, his output continues to draw audiences worldwide. For a deeper dive into other filmmaker biographies, see Orson Welles – Biography, Movies, War of the Worlds and Cause of Death and James Whale – Two Men, One Name, Confusion Solved.

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