The Fifth Element: Hit or Flop? Cast, Popularity, Where to Watch
Few sci-fi films from the late ’90s still spark heated debate the way Luc Besson’s hyper-stylized space opera does. Twenty-seven years after its release, it’s pulling in new viewers on Netflix and Tubi, proving its box office run was only the first chapter.
Release year: 1997 ·
Director: Luc Besson ·
Global box office: $263.9 million ·
Budget: $90 million ·
Rotten Tomatoes score: 71% ·
IMDb rating: 7.6/10
Quick snapshot
- Global gross: $263.9 million (IMDb (Box office tracker))
- Milla Jovovich was 21 during filming (IMDb (Actor record))
- Rotten Tomatoes score: 71% critics, 87% audience (Rotten Tomatoes (Film review aggregator))
- Exact timeline of Milla Jovovich’s hair dye sessions and hair loss details
- Precise budget breakdown including marketing costs
- Exact wording of Gary Oldman’s criticism — multiple versions exist
- 1995–1996: Filming, including hair dye for Jovovich
- May 1997: Theatrical release
- 2024–2026: Multiple streaming surges on Netflix and Tubi
- July 2026 theatrical re-release in the U.S. (Collider (Entertainment news outlet))
- Likely streaming rotation between Netflix, Amazon, and Tubi (Collider (Entertainment news outlet))
Here is a quick reference of key facts about the film.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Release date | May 7, 1997 (France) |
| Running time | 126 minutes |
| Production company | Gaumont |
| Notable awards | César Awards: Best Director, Best Cinematography |
| Soundtrack composer | Éric Serra |
| Budget | $90 million |
| Global box office | $263.9 million |
| Rotten Tomatoes (critics) | 71% |
| Rotten Tomatoes (audience) | 87% |
| IMDb rating | 7.6/10 |
Why is The Fifth Element so popular?
Unique visual style and set design
Besson’s visual vocabulary — a blend of comic-book energy, Jean Giraud’s Moebius-inspired design, and actual flying taxi cabs — created a world unlike any sci-fi film before it. The production design by Dan Weil won a César Award, and critics at Rotten Tomatoes (Film review aggregator) still praise the “visual inventiveness and over-the-top tone.”
Memorable characters and performances
- Bruce Willis as the reluctant hero Korben Dallas
- Milla Jovovich as Leeloo, the supreme being in an orange bandage dress
- Gary Oldman as the scheming industrialist Zorg
- Chris Tucker as Ruby Rhod, the manic talk-show host
The ensemble cast — which also includes Ian Holm, Luke Perry, and Brion James, per Netflix (Streaming platform) — gave each character a distinct flavor. Reddit’s r/movies community regularly calls it “one of the greatest sci-fi stories ever” (2022 thread).
Cultural impact and lasting fandom
The film’s cult status grew steadily through the 2000s. By 2026, an entertainment report noted it was CBR (Pop culture news site) the No. 8 most-watched movie on Netflix in the U.S., and the most-liked movie on the platform as of April 9, 2026, according to ScreenRant (Film and TV news outlet).
The film’s streaming success on Tubi and Netflix in 2024–2026 shows that cult status, not opening-weekend hype, drives long-term value. For studios, the lesson is clear: distinctive world-building can outearn a mediocre opening.
The implication: the film’s visual style is its strongest asset, driving repeat viewings.
Was The Fifth Element a hit or flop?
Box office performance: domestic and worldwide
Budgeted at $90 million, the film grossed about $63.8 million in the United States and Canada, and an additional $200 million overseas, per IMDb (Box office tracker). The worldwide total of $263.9 million made it a moderate success — not a blockbuster on the scale of Men in Black ($589 million) but far from a flop.
In France, the film held the title of highest-grossing film for 16 years until The Intouchables surpassed it in 2011, as noted by CBR (Pop culture news site). Its opening weekend in the U.S. was about $17.0 million, per IMDb records.
Critical reception at release vs. today
At release, critics were split. Rotten Tomatoes now gives it a 71% critics score and an 87% audience score (Rotten Tomatoes (Film review aggregator)). IMDb’s 7.6/10 rating places it solidly above average for the genre.
The gap between critic and audience scores suggests the film connects more with viewers than with critics — a hallmark of cult classics.
Comparison to other 1997 sci-fi films
How does The Fifth Element stack up against its 1997 sci-fi peers?
| Film | Budget | Worldwide gross | Rotten Tomatoes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Fifth Element | $90 million | $263.9 million | 71% |
| Men in Black | $90 million | $589 million | 92% |
| Starship Troopers | $105 million | $121 million | 65% |
| Event Horizon | $60 million | $47 million | 36% |
The implication: The Fifth Element was the second-highest-grossing sci-fi film of 1997, trailing only Men in Black. Relative to its budget, it performed better than Starship Troopers and Event Horizon.
The pattern: a strong international showing safeguarded the film’s financial standing.
Is The Fifth Element worth watching?
Strengths: acting, direction, soundtrack
- Luc Besson’s direction earned a César Award
- Éric Serra’s score blends opera, electronic, and choral elements
- Jovovich’s physical performance as Leeloo is iconic
- Practical sets and costumes still impress today
Weaknesses: plot depth, pacing critiques
- The plot is a straightforward MacGuffin chase
- Some critics find the pacing uneven — 126 minutes of non-stop action
- Ruby Rhod’s character polarizes viewers
Audience reviews and Reddit sentiment
Reddit’s r/movies regularly defends the film. A 2022 post called it “one of the greatest sci-fi stories ever,” with thousands of upvotes. The 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes (Film review aggregator) backs that sentiment.
For a new viewer in 2024, the question isn’t whether it’s a perfect film — it’s whether its unique style outweighs its narrative gaps. The streaming data says yes: audiences keep coming back.
Upsides
- Groundbreaking visual design and practical effects
- Strong ensemble cast with memorable performances
- Éric Serra’s soundtrack is a genre highlight
- Rapidly paced — never dull
Downsides
- Thin plot with convenient contrivances
- Ruby Rhod’s overacting may annoy some viewers
- Some dated CGI elements
- Running time (126 min) can feel long
The catch: the film’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses for most viewers.
How old was Milla Jovovich when she filmed The Fifth Element?
Milla Jovovich’s age during production
Milla Jovovich was born on December 17, 1975. Filming took place from 1995 to 1996, meaning she was 21 years old during principal photography. She turned 22 shortly before the film’s May 1997 release, per IMDb (Actor record).
Why did Milla Jovovich’s hair fall out?
For the role of Leeloo, Jovovich had her hair bleached and dyed a vivid orange. The multiple treatments caused severe breakage and hair loss. She later spoke about the damage in interviews, noting the ordeal of frequent dyeing throughout filming.
Jovovich’s hair damage is a reminder that iconic looks come with physical costs. For actors considering similar transformations, the trade-off is between authenticity and long-term health.
The implication: the physical demands of the role underscore the film’s commitment to visual authenticity.
Why didn’t Gary Oldman like The Fifth Element?
Gary Oldman’s comments about the film
Gary Oldman has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the experience of filming The Fifth Element. According to a 2022 interview cited in The Guardian (British news publication), he found director Luc Besson’s style challenging to work with. Multiple versions of his comments exist, but the consistent thread is that the collaborative process was not to his liking.
His experience working with Luc Besson
Oldman has described the set as chaotic and Besson as demanding. His performance as Zorg remains one of the film’s most memorable elements, showing his professionalism under difficult conditions.
Oldman’s complaint is about the process, not the product. For directors, the lesson is that creative friction can yield great results — but at a cost to cast relationships.
The pattern: the tension between Oldman and Besson did not diminish the final performance.
Where can I watch The Fifth Element?
Streaming platforms
As of 2024, The Fifth Element is available on Netflix (Streaming platform) in the United States and select other countries. A 2025 report by Collider (Entertainment news outlet) noted it also arrived on Tubi for free streaming in September 2025, where it quickly topped the service’s charts. By 2026, it had returned to Netflix U.S. and entered the service’s popular-movie rankings.
Digital rental and purchase
The film is also available for digital rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu.
Physical media and TV broadcasts
Blu-ray and DVD copies are widely available through major retailers. A theatrical re-release was scheduled for July 26–27, 2026, per Collider (Entertainment news outlet).
For viewers in 2024–2026, the film’s rotation between Netflix, Tubi, and theatrical re-releases means it’s rarely unavailable. The streaming data shows it gains traction every time it lands on a new platform.
The implication: the film’s consistent availability across platforms ensures it reaches new audiences repeatedly.
Related reading: **Dune 2: Hit or Flop? Box Office, Netflix, and Dune 3 Confirmed** · **Ghost Rider (2007): Hit or Flop? Box Office Breakdown**
el-balad.com, topmovielist.com, en.wikipedia.org, can.newonnetflix.info, sciencefictionclassics.com
For a closer look at the actress behind Leeloo, explore Milla Jovovichs role and career and its surprising connections to the film.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Fifth Element about?
In the 23rd century, a cab driver (Bruce Willis) teams with a supreme being (Milla Jovovich) to stop a great evil from destroying Earth. The five elements — earth, fire, water, air, and the mysterious fifth element — are key to saving humanity.
Who directed The Fifth Element?
Luc Besson directed the film. He also co-wrote the screenplay, drawing from a story he began developing as a teenager.
Is The Fifth Element based on a book?
No, the film is an original creation by Luc Besson, though it was later novelized by Terry Bisson.
Who plays Ruby Rhod in The Fifth Element?
Chris Tucker plays the flamboyant talk-show host Ruby Rhod.
What are the four elements in The Fifth Element?
Earth, fire, water, and air — represented by four stones. The fifth element is a humanoid being (Leeloo) who combines their power.
Does The Fifth Element have a sequel?
No official sequel has been produced, though Besson has occasionally discussed potential follow-ups.
Is The Fifth Element suitable for children?
The film is rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence, some sexual content, and language. Parental guidance is recommended for children under 13.
For viewers deciding whether to press play in 2024, the evidence is clear: The Fifth Element is a visual landmark with enough staying power to keep drawing new audiences. Its streaming success — ranking as a top-10 title on both Netflix and Tubi in 2025–2026 — proves that cult status isn’t just nostalgia. For the casual sci-fi fan, the choice is simple: watch it for the production design, the cast, or the sheer audacity. For the skeptic, the question is whether a thin plot can be forgiven in the service of unforgettable world-building. For Bruce Willis fans, it’s essential viewing.
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