11 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Léon: The Professional

Léon: The Professional is an intense and gripping cinematic masterpiece that combines action, crime, drama, and thriller genres into one unforgettable experience. This French film tells the story of a 12-year-old girl named Mathilda, who finds herself under the wing of Léon, a seasoned hitman, after her family is tragically killed. As their unconventional bond develops, Mathilda begins to learn the ways of the assassin, leading to thrilling and unexpected twists.

1) Get Carter

Get Carter, released in 1971, is a rough, tough, and no-nonsense British gangster flick that shares similarities with Léon: The Professional. While Léon follows a hitman who takes in a young girl after her family is murdered, Get Carter revolves around London gangster Jack Carter, who investigates his brother's mysterious death in Newcastle. Both films explore the themes of revenge and loss, with the main characters seeking justice for the deaths of their loved ones. However, where Léon delves into the unconventional relationship between the hitman and the young girl, Get Carter takes a hard-boiled detective approach as Carter broods with a quiet menace. Michael Caine delivers a captivating performance, showcasing a sense of businesslike violence and always being ready for some casual sex. Director Mike Hodges adds a documentary-like setting and gritty atmosphere to the film, incorporating lurid touches and humor amidst the brutal underworld.

Release date: March, 1971
IMDB Rating: 7.3

2) The Killer

The Killer is reminiscent of Léon: The Professional in several ways. Both movies fall under the genres of Action, Crime, Drama, and Thriller, and they both revolve around the lives of hitmen. Additionally, they explore themes of revenge, loss of family, and the unusual relationships formed between assassins and young proteges. However, there are notable differences between the two films. While Léon is set in France and follows the story of a hitman who takes in a 12-year-old girl after her family is murdered, The Killer is set in Hong Kong and follows a disillusioned assassin who accepts one last hit to restore a singer's vision. Furthermore, Léon has a longer runtime and a higher people vote average, while The Killer showcases John Woo's signature style of action scenes, complete with flying doves and strong Catholic symbolism.

Release date: July, 1989
IMDB Rating: 7.8

3) In the Line of Fire

"In the Line of Fire" is reminiscent of "Léon: The Professional" in its thrilling cat and mouse game between a protagonist and an antagonist. Clint Eastwood, plagued by John Malkovich, tries to prevent an assassination attempt on the president. Malkovich brings a cold and intelligent mindset to his character, constantly pushing Eastwood's buttons and questioning his ability to protect someone. Similarly, "Léon" features a young Natalie Portman seeking revenge with the help of Jean Reno, a professional assassin who takes her under his wing. Both movies create suspenseful atmospheres that keep you on the edge of your seat. However, while "Léon" explores the unlikely relationship between a hitman and a young girl, "In the Line of Fire" focuses on the determination of a Secret Service agent to catch the assassin.

Release date: November, 1993
IMDB Rating: 7.2

4) Awara Paagal Deewana

Awara Paagal Deewana, a Bollywood film released in 2002, bears some resemblance to the French movie Léon: The Professional. Both movies fall under the genres of Action, Comedy, Crime, Drama, and Thriller. However, while Léon tells the story of a hitman who takes in a young girl as his protegee after her family is murdered, Awara Paagal Deewana is about a dentist who unwittingly gets caught up in gang wars. Despite their differences in plot, both movies share the common theme of ordinary individuals being thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Léon captivates its audience with its emotional depth and intense action sequences, while Awara Paagal Deewana entertains with its humor and fast-paced narrative. If you enjoyed Léon's unique blend of action and drama, Awara Paagal Deewana offers a similar thrill with its own comedic twist.

Release date: June, 2002
IMDB Rating: 6.2

5) Gambler

Gambler, released in 1995, is reminiscent of Léon: The Professional in terms of its genre, which includes action, crime, drama, and thriller. However, Gambler takes a comedic approach to these genres as it follows the story of Police Inspector Dayashanker Pandey, a slacker who unexpectedly becomes a hero every time he steps outside. This unlikely turn of events brings him accolades but also attracts the attention of underworld gangsters. While Léon tells a gripping and emotional story of a hitman and a young girl forming an unusual bond, Gambler combines action, comedy, and drama in a lighthearted manner. Despite their differences, both movies captivate audiences with their unique storytelling and memorable characters. If you enjoyed Léon: The Professional, Gambler offers a delightful twist on the genre that is worth watching.

Release date: December, 1995
IMDB Rating: 5.1

6) Skin Traffik

"Skin Traffik" is a movie that can be compared to "Léon: The Professional". Both films revolve around a protagonist who is a killer for hire and is searching for purpose in their lives. While "Léon" tells the story of a hitman who takes in a young girl and forms an unusual relationship with her, "Skin Traffik" follows the journey of Bradley, a traumatized hitman who roams the dangerous streets of a tough inner city ghetto. "Léon" is known for its gripping and enjoyable storyline, with a mix of sadness, humor, and violence, while "Skin Traffik" aims to deliver action at a breakneck pace. Although the plot progression in "Skin Traffik" may not be the greatest, it compensates with large doses of entertaining action scenes and a talented cast including Mickey Rourke, Eric Roberts, and Daryl Hannah.

Release date: October, 2015
IMDB Rating: 3.9

7) Sagar Alias Jackie: Reloaded

Sagar Alias Jackie: Reloaded is reminiscent of Léon: The Professional because both movies revolve around a protagonist who is skilled in the world of crime. In Léon, we have a professional assassin named Léon who takes in a young girl named Mathilda after her family is murdered, and they develop an unusual mentor-protégée relationship. Similarly, in Sagar Alias Jackie: Reloaded, Sagar, also known as Jackie, is a well-known figure in the criminal underworld. When his friend Indu asks for his help in rescuing her husband from a rival gang, Jackie effortlessly saves him, but it leads to a gang war. While both movies explore themes of revenge and the dark side of humanity, their differences lie in their settings and cultural contexts. Léon takes place in France and delves into the life of a hitman, highlighting his isolation and the emotional connection he forms with Mathilda.

Release date: March, 2009
IMDB Rating: 5.3

8) Fled

Fled is reminiscent of Léon: The Professional in its action-packed storyline and the dynamic between the main characters. Just like Léon and Mathilda, the two prisoners in Fled, chained together, embark on a thrilling escape attempt gone wrong. Both movies keep you on the edge of your seat with their fast-paced action sequences and intense chase scenes. While Léon explores themes of revenge and loss, Fled incorporates elements of romance and adventure into its storyline. The chemistry between the characters in both movies is palpable, drawing you into their journey. While Léon: The Professional is a critically acclaimed film with a score of 8.5, Fled is a more light-hearted and entertaining option, perfect for a fun movie night. So if you enjoyed the gripping and emotional journey of Léon, Fled offers a similar adrenaline rush with a different flavor.

Release date: March, 1997
IMDB Rating: 5.4

9) Angel's Dance

Angel's Dance, released in 1999, is reminiscent of Léon: The Professional. Both movies fall under the genres of Action, Crime, and Drama, and share the key topics of hitmen and assuming new identities. However, Angel's Dance takes a more comedic approach to the hitman storyline, offering a twist with a young hitman being asked to prove himself by killing an innocent woman. In contrast to Léon's intense and emotional plot, Angel's Dance provides a darker humor that keeps the audience engaged. While Léon: The Professional is a critically acclaimed film with a runtime of 6600 seconds and an average rating of 8.5 out of 10, Angel's Dance, with a runtime of 5940 seconds and an average rating of 6.2 out of 10, may not reach the same level of cinematic excellence, but it still manages to entertain with its offbeat and quirky style.

Release date: February, 1999
IMDB Rating: 6.2

10) The Loner

The Loner is reminiscent of Léon: The Professional in many ways, but with its own unique twists. Both movies fall under the genres of Action, Crime, Drama, and Thriller, and they both involve revenge as a key topic. However, while Léon centers around the unusual relationship between a hitman and a young girl seeking revenge for her family's murder, The Loner focuses on a cop's quest to find the killer of his friend. Despite their different plots, both films capture the gritty atmosphere and suspenseful action that audiences love. Léon boasts an impressive 8.5 average rating, while The Loner falls a bit short at 5.8. Nevertheless, fans of Léon should give The Loner a chance for its unique take on the genre and Jean Paul Belmondo's engaging performance as a determined cop. It's a thrilling ride that's worth the watch.

Release date: March, 1987
IMDB Rating: 5.8

11) Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects

"Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects" shares some similarities with "Léon: The Professional" in terms of genre and themes. Both movies fall into the action, crime, drama, and thriller genres, and they explore dark and gritty subject matter. While "Léon" focuses on the relationship between a hitman and a young girl seeking revenge for her family's murder, "Kinjite" revolves around a determined police lieutenant trying to dismantle an organization involved in underage prostitution. Both films touch on themes of revenge and the loss of family, portraying the dark underbelly of society. However, "Léon" offers a more nuanced and emotionally captivating narrative, with a compelling portrayal of the bond between the two main characters. On the other hand, "Kinjite" falls short in its execution, with plot holes and a lack of depth in its characters.

Release date: February, 1989
IMDB Rating: 5.5

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