7.4
Where can I stream The Professional legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Professional
1981·Movie
·1h 48min·
The Professional fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Thrilling and tense
Fast from start to finish.
- Adrenaline8
- Tension8
- Fast Pace8
Heart
Melancholic
- Melancholy7
- Catharsis6
- Pathos5
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody4
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay3
World
Crime, politics, and everyday modern life
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
Style
Standout editing and score
- Editing8
- Music Composition8
- Cinematography7
Energy
HighThrilling and tense
Fast from start to finish.
The Professional is thrilling, tense, and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Adrenaline8High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowMelancholic
Emotionally, it's melancholic.
All heart traits
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumCrime, politics, and everyday modern life
Its world is built around crime, politics, and everyday modern life.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout editing and score
Look and sound: the editing and score stand out.
All style traits
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchPure EscapismThought-Provoking
Skip it if
Graphic violence bothers youYou want something quiet and calm
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Never leave vengeance to amateurs.
Josselin Beaumont, a French secret agent, is tasked with assassinating Njala, the president for life of Malawi in Africa. A shift in French policy means that assassinating Njala is no longer an option. But instead of recalling their agent, high-ranking officials deliberately sacrifice Beaumont by handing him over to the Malawian authorities. Arrested, tried, and imprisoned, he nevertheless manages to escape. Back in Paris after a two-year absence, he informs his superiors through Colonel Martin that he will fulfill his contract during Njala’s upcoming official visit to Paris between the 12th and 15th of this month, and that he has a few scores to settle with the D.G.S.E. The question is, should Beaumont be stopped or not?
French Action ThrillerPolitical IntrigueRevengeBetrayalEspionage80s CinemaViolent ActionMorally Ambiguous
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Professional
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Professional worth watching?
75
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 76/100 (IMDb 7.4). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Professional rated?
Violence
Content advisories: violence.
How long is The Professional?
1 h 48 min
The Professional runs 1 h 48 min.
What language is The Professional in?
French
It was made in French. Produced in France.
In how many countries can I watch The Professional?
14
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Professional in 14 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Professional use?
The Bad Guys Are CopsAnalogy BackfireDysfunctional FamilySelf-SurgeryLicked by the DogRoaring Rampage of RescueBittersweet EndingFrench AccordionWould Hurt a ChildDeadly BathBadass and Child DuoAnyone Can Dieand 189 more
TV Tropes lists 201 storytelling tropes for The Professional, including The Bad Guys Are Cops, Analogy Backfire, Dysfunctional Family.