The Fifth Element
A wisecracking taxi driver and a reconstructed cosmic guardian race across a flamboyant future Earth to stop an ancient evil.
Overview
In a future where evil threatens humanity, a hero emerges to save the day.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Breakneck
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- campy
- witty
- exuberant
- movie night
- late night viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly recognized the film's inventive imagery, energetic production design, and playful spectacle while remaining divided over its overlong, incoherent story and exaggerated performances.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film presents flying cars, elaborate costumes, stylized interiors, and an unusually saturated twenty-third-century cityscape.
Former elite commando Korben Dallas becomes responsible for Leeloo and re-enters a life of danger despite his withdrawn civilian existence.
The ancient elemental mythology, Zorg's extravagant villainy, and Ruby Rhod's flamboyant broadcasting create a knowingly excessive register.
Leeloo and the four elemental stones form the central goal pursued by Korben, Zorg, and the Mangalores.
Films like The Fifth Element, and why
Guardians of the Galaxy
shares exuberant science fiction world-building, comic action, colorful production design, and an irreverent tone
Brazil
shares dystopian future cityscapes, stylized science fiction spectacle, eccentric villains, and heightened visual design
Stargate
shares futuristic action, flamboyant aesthetics, comic-book energy, and a reluctant hero protecting a powerful young woman
Flash Gordon
shares pulpy space adventure, theatrical villains, broad humor, and high-concept world-saving stakes
Movie Details
- Director
- Luc Besson
- Release Date
- 1997-05-02
- Runtime
- 126 min
- Rating
- 7.6 / 10 (12190)
Cast
- Bruce Willis
- Milla Jovovich
- Gary Oldman
- Ian Holm
- Chris Tucker
- Luke Perry
- Brion James
- Tommy Lister Jr.
- Lee Evans
- Charlie Creed-Miles
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Netflix, Philo, YouTube TV, AMC, Netflix Standard with Ads, Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Fifth Element about?
- A wisecracking taxi driver and a reconstructed cosmic guardian race across a flamboyant future Earth to stop an ancient evil.
- What is The Fifth Element like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Fifth Element as breakneck, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Fifth Element violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in The Fifth Element as moderate.
- What did critics think of The Fifth Element?
- Critics broadly recognized the film's inventive imagery, energetic production design, and playful spectacle while remaining divided over its overlong, incoherent story and exaggerated performances.
- Which films are like The Fifth Element?
- Films with a similar feel include Guardians of the Galaxy, Brazil, Stargate, and Flash Gordon.
- How long is The Fifth Element?
- The Fifth Element runs 126 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Fifth Element?
- In United States, The Fifth Element streams on Netflix, Philo, YouTube TV, AMC, Netflix Standard with Ads, Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel.
