The Fifth Element

Author: Luc Besson

French filmmaker Luc Besson is best-known for his international break-out hit La Femme Nikita, but his most visually striking film has to be The Fifth Element. Taking the classic "Find the Missing Magic Object!" trope, he crafts a story that just runs and runs and runs, never pausing for a second. While it's an absolute blast to watch, it's a visual delight like few films before or since. Jean-Paul Gaultier, the legendary avant garde designer, really deserves a lot of credit for giving The Fifth Element a distinct look that defined a bold new future. He took dabs of the past, like traditional airline stewardess dresses, and his own way-out visions, and came up with a striking vision not only of what people would be wearing, but how they would see themselves through their outfits. Bruce Willis and Milla Jovavich have undeniable chemistry, and Chris Tucker gives an over-the-top performance that actually becomes somewhat more subdued in our post-reality TV world. Why it's on the list A smart movie playing with an old idea, and one of the prettiest films you'll ever see!