5 iconic Jean Reno movies A look back at a career between French humor and US thrillers on the occasion of the actor’s 77th birthday

77 years ago to the day, France and its seventh art welcomed a talent who would quickly establish himself as one of the finest actors of his generation: Jean Reno. Not limited to France or French cinema, he soon conquered international audiences, notably in the United States. On the occasion of this actor’s 77th birthday—whose cult lines are still quoted today, and who in our hearts seems to grow only younger—here are five memorable films, French and beyond, in which Jean Reno made us laugh until we cried, or simply moved us to tears.

1. The Visitors

It’s impossible to mention Jean Reno without immediately thinking of Godefroy Amaury de Malefète, Count of Montmirail, Apremont and Papincourt, known as "the Hardy", loyal companion of Jacquouille la Fripouille. A cult character from the film Les Visiteurs by Jean-Marie Poiré, which propelled Reno to the status of comedic icon. Victims of a botched spell, Godefroy and his 12th-century servant find themselves transported to 1993. Bewildered by modernity, they wreak havoc until they meet Béatrice de Montmirail, a descendant of the count, who might help them return to their time. With its unique humor, brilliant cast (Christian Clavier as Jacquouille, Valérie Lemercier as Béatrice), and unforgettable quotes, Les Visiteurs is a true classic of French cinema that still airs regularly as a comforting rewatch.

2. Léon the professional

A year later, Jean Reno conquered Hollywood with Léon, directed by Luc Besson, alongside a then 14-year-old Natalie Portman, already delivering a stunning performance. He plays a New York hitman renowned as an expert “cleaner.” When Mathilda, a 12-year-old neighbor, loses her family—murdered by DEA agents—Léon reluctantly becomes her protector. She moves in with him, thirsty for revenge, and begins to learn from him the art of combat, self-defense, and killing. Already convincing in comedic roles, Jean Reno here reveals his depth in a character that is both tough and profoundly moving.

3. La Femme Nikita

But Léon was not Jean Reno’s first dramatic role. As early as 1990, he left a mark in La Femme Nikita, another film by Luc Besson. The story follows a young criminal sentenced to life for killing a policeman, who is offered a deal: work for the secret services or die. In this taut thriller, Jean Reno plays Victor, an efficient and ruthless cleaner, whom Luc Besson himself describes as Léon’s "French cousin." A chilling and powerful performance.

4. The Big Blue

Another Besson-Reno collaboration. In The Big Blue (1988), he plays Enzo, childhood friend of Jacques—two men sharing a passion for freediving. While Jacques, haunted by the death of his father at sea, follows a career as a professional diver, Enzo challenges him to a breath-hold diving competition to determine who can dive deeper and longer. But the arrival of Johana, an American insurance investigator, unsettles Jacques, torn between his love of the deep and his newfound romance. A visually stunning cult film, where Jean Reno shines with intensity and strong on-screen chemistry with Jean-Marc Barr.

5. Mission: Impossible

Back to the United States with Mission: Impossible (1996), where Jean Reno stars alongside Tom Cruise and Emmanuelle Béart. He plays Franz Krieger, a former intelligence agent with a murky past. Mysterious and ruthlessly skilled, Krieger is recruited by Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) to help steal a crucial disk after Hunt is wrongly accused of treason. A supporting role, yet vital, confirming Jean Reno’s ability to stand out in major Hollywood productions without ever losing his charisma.