10 films starring Jean Reno that are definitely worth watching (11 photos)

Today, July 30th, we celebrate Jean Reno's birthday. This Spanish-born Frenchman's talent and charisma earned him worldwide fame, playing numerous unforgettable film roles. This website invites you to celebrate this beloved actor's birthday by reminiscing about his best films. Get ready for an unforgettable cinematic journey with one of the most talented actors of our time!





Leon (1994)

This cult action film directed by Luc Besson stars Jean Reno as Leon, a withdrawn, lonely professional assassin living in New York City. Leon leads a spartan lifestyle and devotes himself entirely to his work. His life changes dramatically when the girl next door, Mathilda (played by a young Natalie Portman in one of her most striking film debuts), is orphaned after her family is murdered by corrupt police officers.



Léon decides to care for Mathilda and teaches her his craft, and she, in turn, helps him discover the feelings and emotions he's long suppressed. The film, a blend of action, drama, and neo-romance, is renowned for its tense atmosphere and powerful performances. This role proved pivotal for Jean Reno, and after the film's release, the actor gained attention in Hollywood.

Subway, 1985

This stylized 1985 thriller, directed by Luc Besson and starring Jean Reno as "The Drummer," tells the story of outcast Fred (starring Christopher Lambert), who hides in the Paris subway from his pursuers, meeting and engaging with a variety of characters along the way, including a group of musicians that Reno's character joins.





This film presented Jean Reno as not only charismatic but also adept at playing unconventional, eccentric roles, allowing him to showcase his mastery of comedy. His role in "Subway" proved to be a turning point in his career, confirming his talent and versatility. This role caught the attention of Luc Besson, who subsequently invited Reno to work on his films on numerous occasions, which in turn led to collaborations on such significant projects as "Nikita" and "Léon." Renaud, for his part, proved he could bring his unique charisma and personality to any role, whether comic or dramatic.

The Big Blue (Le grand bleu), 1988

Renaud's next collaboration with Besson was the romantic drama "The Big Blue," in which the actor played a key role. It tells the story of the friendship and rivalry between two freedivers, Jacques Mayol and Enzo Maiorchi.



Jean Reno brings to life the role of Enzo Molinari, a tireless and passionate diver whose life goes hand in hand with danger and risk. Reno beautifully conveys his character's dynamism and energy, while also revealing his complex inner world.

"The Big Blue" is not just a story about sports and rivalry, but also a film about love for the sea, friendship and complex relationships, and self-discovery. Despite the simplicity of the plot, the film impresses with its atmosphere, the beauty of the underwater footage, and the profound emotions experienced by the main characters. "The Big Blue" became one of the most recognizable films in Jean Reno's filmography and played a significant role in his career.

Nikita (1990)

"Nikita" is another famous Luc Besson film starring Jean Reno. This spy thriller tells the story of a hopeless drug addict and criminal who is turned into a professional killer by a government agency. Not only was the film a commercial success, but it also received widespread critical acclaim, won numerous awards, and has become a cult classic in the action genre.



In this film, Jean Reno appears on screen as Victor, a mysterious and ruthless "cleaner" who specializes in eliminating people after operations. In this role, Reno demonstrated his ability to create convincing and memorable characters, even in supporting roles.

The Visitors (Les visiteurs), 1993

In this comedy, Jean Reno plays Godefroi de Montmirail, a noble knight from the 12th century. It's a captivating story about a time loop that transports the hero and his servant (played by Christian Clavier) from the Middle Ages to modern-day France. Reno, portraying the brave but somewhat lost knight, displays incredible comedic talent and unique acting charisma.



"Nevsedoma" was a huge success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films in French history. Its popularity was so great that it led to several sequels and remakes. In 1998, "E.T. 2: Corridors of Time" was released, with Jean Reno and Christian Clavier reprising their roles. In 2016, "E.T. 2: Revolution," the third installment in the original French series, was released. A remake of "Just Visiting" (2001) was also filmed for the American market, featuring the same actors.

Despite its comedy, this film allowed Reno to demonstrate his acting versatility and ability to handle a variety of roles. His character became one of the most memorable of his career, and "E.T. 2" has rightfully earned its place in the ranks of French cinema.

French Kiss (1995)

In this romantic comedy, Jean Reno played police officer Jean-Paul Cardon. The film tells the story of a woman named Kate (Meg Ryan), who travels to Paris to win back her boyfriend, who ran off with another woman. Along the way, she meets Luc, a charming con man played by Kevin Kline, and police officer Cardon, played by Reno.



For Jean Reno, this role was one of his first in English-language cinema, a significant milestone in his career, expanding his reach beyond France. French Kiss became one of the cult films of the 1990s and is still regarded as a classic romantic comedy.

Mission: Impossible (1996)

Mission: Impossible (1996) is the first installment in the famous spy film franchise, in which Renaud plays the French accomplice of Tom Cruise's character. It is an American action thriller based on the 1960s television series of the same name. Directed by Brian De Palma and starring Tom Cruise, the film follows Special Agent Ethan Hunt (Cruise), who attempts to clear his name after his team is framed and destroyed.



In this film, Jean Reno plays Franz Krieger, a technical expert and Hunt's personal assistant on his mission. A role in a major Hollywood project like Mission: Impossible was a major step in Reno's international career, opening him up to a global audience. Joining a stellar cast and proving himself a reliable performer in a major film helped cement his reputation in Hollywood and elevate him to the ranks of international film royalty.

The Crimson Rivers (Les Rivières pourpres) 2000

"The Crimson Rivers" (2000) is a tense crime thriller directed by Mathieu Kassovitz, starring Jean Reno as the lead character, Inspector Pierre Niemans. The film is a gritty story intertwining horror with criminal intrigue.



The plot centers on the investigation of two horrific crimes that occurred in remote university towns in France. Niemans, along with his younger colleague (Vincent Cassel), must solve these complex murders. Their investigation leads them to a confrontation with a dark secret hidden deep within the country's academic elite.

This film allowed Reno to demonstrate his ability to interpret complex and dark characters. His powerful role in "The Crimson Rivers" cemented his status as one of France's leading actors, capable of bringing intensity and drama to thrillers and detective stories.

Wasabi (2001)

"Wasabi" is a fast-paced action film directed by Gérard Krawczyk. In the film, Jean Reno plays a Parisian police officer named Hubert Fiorentini. Hubert receives news of the death of his former lover, who lived in Japan, and discovers that he has a Japanese daughter, whose existence he never knew existed.



The film "Wasabi" captivates audiences with its action-packed plot, witty humor, and dynamic fight scenes, where Jean Reno showcases his hand-to-hand combat skills. The ease with which he combines comedy and action scenes makes his character unforgettable.

This film allowed Reno to showcase his acting abilities in a new genre, combining comedy and action, and highlighted his versatility as an actor. "Wasabi" brought Reno to the attention of a new audience and cemented his status as one of the world's leading actors.

The Unlucky Ones (Tais-toi!) 2003

"The Unlucky Ones" is a fast-paced, comedic crime story directed and written by Francis Veber. The plot centers on two men with very different temperaments: Jean Reno and Gérard Depardieu.



Jean Reno, as Ruben, a career criminal with years of experience, gets the chance to once again showcase his masterful performance, this time in a comedic setting. On the other hand, we see Gérard Depardieu as Quentin, a man far removed from the criminal world and endowed with a very simple mind.

Entered into the same prison, the characters form a very unusual alliance, forced to work together to break free. The film is distinguished by the humor typical of French cinema, and the inimitable duo of Reno and Depardieu adds a special touch.

Which Jean Reno role do you particularly remember? Be sure to share in the comments.