If you’re a fan of the action-thriller genre and loved the intense, character-driven narrative of The Professional (Léon), you’re in for a treat. Below is a list of 12 movies that capture similar themes of mentorship, redemption, and high-stakes drama. For your convenience, I’ve included links to trailers so you can easily check them out.

1. Man on Fire

In this gripping thriller, Denzel Washington stars as a burned-out ex-CIA operative who finds new purpose when he is hired to protect a young girl, played by Dakota Fanning. As he becomes more attached to her, he is forced to unleash his lethal skills when she is kidnapped.

2. The Equalizer

Denzel Washington returns as a retired black-ops operative who leads a quiet life until he meets a young girl, Chloe Grace Moretz, needing help. This film is a satisfying blend of action and drama, with Washington delivering a powerful performance.

3. John Wick

Keanu Reeves stars as a retired hitman seeking vengeance for the death of his beloved dog, a final gift from his deceased wife. This stylish action movie is renowned for its choreographed fight scenes and Reeves’ intense portrayal of the titular character.

4. The Transporter

Jason Statham plays Frank Martin, a professional “transporter” who moves goods—human or otherwise—for a price. When one of his shipments turns out to be a kidnapped woman, he breaks his own rules to save her, leading to high-octane action sequences.

5. Hanna

Saoirse Ronan stars as Hanna, a teenage assassin raised in isolation by her father, played by Eric Bana. Trained to be a perfect killing machine, she embarks on a mission across Europe while being pursued by a ruthless intelligence agent, played by Cate Blanchett.

6. Taken

Liam Neeson stars as Bryan Mills, a retired CIA agent who uses his “particular set of skills” to rescue his kidnapped daughter. This film is a relentless action thriller that showcases Neeson’s ability to play a determined and resourceful hero.

7. Colombiana

Zoe Saldana stars as Cataleya, a young woman who becomes an assassin after witnessing her parents’ murder. Driven by a desire for vengeance, she leaves a trail of bodies in her wake, all while evading law enforcement and rival criminals.

8. The Bourne Identity

Matt Damon stars as Jason Bourne, a man suffering from amnesia who discovers he has extraordinary combat skills. As he pieces together his past, he must evade assassins and uncover the truth about his identity in this fast-paced spy thriller.

9. Logan

Hugh Jackman reprises his role as Wolverine in this gritty, emotional film set in the near future. Logan cares for an ailing Professor X while protecting a young mutant girl, Laura, who has similar powers. This movie is a poignant farewell to Jackman’s iconic character.

10. Atomic Blonde

Charlize Theron stars as Lorraine Broughton, an elite MI6 agent tasked with retrieving a list of double agents in Berlin during the Cold War. The film is known for its stylish action sequences and Theron’s compelling performance.

11. Leon: The Professional

Jean Reno stars as Léon, a professional hitman who reluctantly takes in a 12-year-old girl, Mathilda, played by Natalie Portman, after her family is murdered. Their bond grows as he teaches her the art of assassination, leading to a climactic showdown.

12. Drive

Ryan Gosling stars as a mysterious Hollywood stuntman and mechanic who moonlights as a getaway driver. When a heist goes wrong, he finds himself protecting a woman and her child from dangerous criminals. The film is praised for its stylish direction and Gosling’s stoic performance.

These films will surely satisfy your craving for intense, character-driven action thrillers reminiscent of The Professional (Léon). Happy watching!