The Fifth Element (1997)
Kernel Score: 85% · 11,496 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure
Released: 1997-05-02
Runtime: 126 minutes
Is The Fifth Element worth watching?
Worth watching. A loud, colourful, silly sci-fi adventure with a distinct look and a lot of personality. It's more about style and fun than story, but it has kept fans for a long time.
Watch it if you
- like bright, over-the-top sci-fi
- enjoy action comedy with a distinct look
- want a fast, light adventure
Skip it if you
- prefer serious, realistic science fiction
- dislike broad, cartoonish humour
Best for: Fun movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Fifth Element
- Stream: YouTube TV
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In 2257, a taxi driver is unintentionally given the task of saving a young girl who is part of the key that will ensure the survival of humanity.
The Fifth Element parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Fifth Element is a PG-13 sci-fi action-adventure with shootouts and a save-the-world plot.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes shootouts, police chases, and an arms dealer villain in a PG-13 sci-fi setting.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Fifth Element
If you liked The Fifth Element, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) — 90%: Same mix of colourful space adventure and cheeky humour.
- Léon: The Professional (1994) — 91%: More of Besson's stylish action, with a tougher, quieter heart.
- The Matrix (1999) — 96%: Another sci-fi action film with a strong visual identity.
- Star Trek (2009) — 83%: Bright, energetic space adventure with a fun crew.
- Star Wars (1977) — 94%: The original space adventure that inspired so many like it.
- Nikita (1990) — 78%: Besson's earlier stylish action story about a trained killer.
Director
Cast
- Bruce Willis as Korben Dallas
- Milla Jovovich as Leeloo
- Gary Oldman as Zorg
- Ian Holm as Cornelius
- Chris Tucker as Ruby Rhod
- Luke Perry as Billy
- Brion James as General Munro
- Tommy Lister Jr. as President Lindberg
- Lee Evans as Fog
- Charlie Creed-Miles as David
The Fifth Element FAQ
Is The Fifth Element worth watching?
Worth watching. A loud, colourful, silly sci-fi adventure with a distinct look and a lot of personality. It's more about style and fun than story, but it has kept fans for a long time.
Where can I watch The Fifth Element?
In the US you can stream The Fifth Element on YouTube TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Fifth Element OK for kids?
The Fifth Element is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Fifth Element is a PG-13 sci-fi action-adventure with shootouts and a save-the-world plot.
What movies are like The Fifth Element?
If you liked The Fifth Element, try Guardians of the Galaxy, Léon: The Professional, The Matrix and Star Trek.