Overview

Luc Besson is a highly acclaimed French filmmaker, writer, and producer, born on March 18, 1959, in Paris. He spent his early years traveling around Europe with his parents, who worked as scuba-diving instructors. Initially aspiring to become a marine biologist, a diving accident at age 17 led him to pursue a career in film. Besson is often credited with pioneering the ‘Cinéma du look’ movement in French cinema, characterized by its emphasis on visual style. He gained international recognition for directing and producing visually striking and action-packed films such as ‘The Big Blue,’ ‘La Femme Nikita,’ ‘Léon: The Professional,’ and ‘The Fifth Element.’ In 1980, Besson founded his own production company, Les Films du Loup, later renamed Les Films du Dauphin, which was then superseded by EuropaCorp in 2000. Through these ventures, he has been involved in the creation of over 50 films. Beyond directing, Besson has also contributed significantly to action cinema as a writer and producer, particularly with franchises like ‘Taxi’, ‘Transporter’, and ‘Taken’. Despite facing some recent setbacks, including financial difficulties at EuropaCorp and personal controversies, Luc Besson remains a prominent figure in the film industry, known for his distinctive style and contribution to French and international cinema.

EuropaCorp

Artistic Director (former CEO)
What is Luc Besson’s Net Worth?

What is Luc Besson’s Net Worth?

Luc Besson, the acclaimed French film director, producer, and screenwriter, boasts a net worth of approximately $100 million as of 2025. This substantial wealth is primarily derived from his extensive involvement in the film industry, spanning directing, producing, and screenwriting roles. His career has been marked by both critical acclaim and commercial success, with numerous awards and nominations recognizing his contributions to cinema.

Luc Besson’s Career Highlights and Financial Success

Besson’s journey in the film industry began in his teens, initially making short films and developing scripts for future projects like “The Big Blue” and “The Fifth Element.” At the age of 18, he returned to Paris and undertook various jobs within the film industry to gain practical experience. These early roles included assisting directors Claude Faraldo and Patrick Grandperret, contributing to short films, commercials, and documentaries.

One of Besson’s early successes was the 1985 film “Subway,” which helped establish him as a prominent figure in French cinema. This was followed by “The Big Blue” in 1988, a film that resonated with audiences and further solidified his reputation. His subsequent works, “Leon: The Professional” (1994) and “The Fifth Element” (1997), achieved cult status, showcasing his unique directorial style and vision.

Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, Besson diversified his portfolio by producing action films such as the “Taxi” and “Transporter” series. He also collaborated on Jet Li films like “Kiss of the Dragon” and “Unleashed,” further expanding his influence in the action genre. The “Taken” film series, starring Liam Neeson, proved to be a massive commercial success, with “Taken 2” becoming the highest-grossing French export film.

Besson’s creative endeavors extend beyond filmmaking. He authored the “Arthur” series, a collection of fantasy novels for children that gained popularity in the U.S., U.K., and France. He then adapted these novels into feature films, taking on writing, producing, and directing roles. The “Arthur” series was later adapted into a video game, demonstrating the breadth of Besson’s creative output.

His contributions to film have earned him recognition at various award shows, including the Brussels International Festival of Film Critics Prize, a Cesar Award, and the Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists Silver Award for Best Director of a Foreign Film. Besson’s prolific career as a writer, director, and producer has seen him involved in the creation of over 50 films, cementing his status as a prominent figure in the film industry.

Luc Besson’s Real Estate Investments

In January 2016, Luc Besson invested $12.2 million in the purchase of Charlton Heston’s former estate, situated in the mountains above Beverly Hills. This 14,600 square-foot mansion, located on approximately 3 acres, underwent significant renovations under Besson’s ownership. In February 2020, he listed the property for sale at $14.9 million, indicating a potential profit from the investment.

© 2025 Net Worth Ranker / All Rights Reserved