The Professional (1981): cast, story & where to watch
1981 · Film · ★ 7.3

Released in 1981, The Professional is an action, thriller and adventure film directed by Georges Lautner, running about 108 minutes.
What it’s about. French secret service agent Josselin Beaumont is dispatched to take down African warlord N'Jala. But when his assignment is canceled, he's shocked to learn that his government is surrendering him to local authorities. He is given a mock trial and sentenced to 20 years of hard labor. But Beaumont escapes from prison and vows not only to avenge himself against his betrayers but also to finish his original assignment.
Who’s in it. The Professional stars Jean-Paul Belmondo as Joss Beaumont, Robert Hossein as Commissaire Rosen, Elisabeth Margoni as Jeanne Baumont and Jean-Louis Richard as Colonel Martin, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 7.3/10, The Professional has been warmly received by audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Professional page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Professional tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Professional (1981)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Professional change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Professional worth watching?
- The Professional holds an audience score of 7.3 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy action, thriller and adventure. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in The Professional?
- The Professional stars Jean-Paul Belmondo, Robert Hossein, Elisabeth Margoni, Jean-Louis Richard and Jean Desailly.
- When was The Professional released?
- The Professional was released in 1981, with a runtime of about 108 minutes.
