The Connection (2014)
Kernel Score: 78% · 928 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Thriller, Crime, Action
Released: 2014-12-03
Runtime: 135 minutes
Where to watch The Connection
- Stream: Fandor
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, The Roku Channel, Plex
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Newly transferred to the bustling port city of Marseille to assist with a crackdown on organized crime, energetic young magistrate Pierre Michel is given a rapid-fire tutorial on the ins and outs of an out-of-control drug trade. Pierre's wildly ambitious mission is to take on the French Connection, a highly organized operation that controls the city's underground heroin economy and is overseen by the notorious —and reputedly untouchable— Gaetan Zampa. Fearless, determined and willing to go the distance, Pierre plunges into an underworld world of insane danger and ruthless criminals.
The Connection parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Connection is an R-rated crime thriller about a magistrate taking on a massive Marseille heroin trafficking operation.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Rated R crime action involving ruthless criminals and dangerous confrontations with a drug ring.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Intense — Plot centers entirely on heroin trafficking and an out-of-control drug trade.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Connection
If you liked The Connection, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Stronghold (2021) — 82%
- The French Connection (1971) — 87%
- Violent Cop (1989) — 80%
- Birds of Passage (2018) — 83%
- Army of Shadows (1969) — 89%
- The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) — 88%
- The Mafia Kills Only in Summer (2013) — 81%
Director
Cast
- Jean Dujardin as Judge Pierre Michel
- Gilles Lellouche as Gaëtan 'Tany' Zampa
- Céline Sallette as Jacqueline Michel
- Mélanie Doutey as Christiane Zampa
- Benoît Magimel as 'Le Fou'
- Guillaume Gouix as Inspector José Alvarez
- Bruno Todeschini as 'Le Banquier'
- Féodor Atkine as Gaston Deferre
- Moussa Maaskri as Franky Manzoni
- Pierre Lopez as Jean Paci
The Connection FAQ
Is The Connection good?
The Connection has a 78% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 928 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Connection?
In the US you can stream The Connection on Fandor, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, The Roku Channel and Plex and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Connection OK for kids?
The Connection is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Connection is an R-rated crime thriller about a magistrate taking on a massive Marseille heroin trafficking operation.
What movies are like The Connection?
If you liked The Connection, try The Stronghold, The French Connection, Violent Cop and Birds of Passage.