Taxi (1998)

80% of users liked it
(29,869 ratings)

Taxi driver Daniel (Samy Naceri) gets out of a traffic offense by making a deal with arresting-officer Emilien (Frederic Diefenthal). A friendship develops as Daniel chauffeurs Emilien about, and soon the two are in pursuit of German bank robbers. This film was scripted by Luc Besson during the 30… More Taxi driver Daniel (Samy Naceri) gets out of a traffic offense by making a deal with arresting-officer Emilien (Frederic Diefenthal). A friendship develops as Daniel chauffeurs Emilien about, and soon the two are in pursuit of German bank robbers. This film was scripted by Luc Besson during the 30 days he waited for Columbia's decision on his The Fifth Element, and it was completed on the day Columbia okayed The Fifth Element. After a fall from a horse put director Gerard Pires in the hospital, director Gerard Krawczyk subbed since permits issued by Marseilles cited a set time period, and the start date could not be changed. More than 100 cars took part in the crashes and chases through the Marseilles streets with stuntwork by famed racecar drivers. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 26 min.
Directed By: Gérard Pirès
Written By: Luc Besson
Genres: Action & Adventure, Art House & International, Comedy

Critic Reviews

Prairie Miller, WBAI Web Radio
Latifah, known for going after roles meant for men just because men tend to have much juicier characters, makes the most of a taxi driver who is both ballsy and sensuous when need be.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony L

Taxi might just be my favourite of the Luc Besson produced action/comedies. Samy Naceri and Frédéric Diefenthal work really well off each other. I laughed often and was entertained throughout, you can't ask for much more than that! The pizza delivery bike back-flips were awesome!
Phil H

The first and best of the four films by far, the action is slightly more serious and alittle more towards 'Lethal Weapon' and the acting seems much more proper and less lampoon. Its not gritty or bloody but its a good fun action flick with some great car sequences which… More
The first and best of the four films by far, the action is slightly more serious and alittle more towards 'Lethal Weapon' and the acting seems much more proper and less lampoon. Its not gritty or bloody but its a good fun action flick with some great car sequences which actually look pretty realistic and fast unlike the sequels over the top stunts. The baddies in this one are the best too, German eurotrash that actually look abit evil and act dastardly haha those darn Germans huh ;) some nice gun sequences too which make the film feel much more adult and really add to the whole atmosphere of the film, in its time this was good stuff for petrol heads and one of Luc Bessons best ideas, he seems to like taxi's.
Tsubaki S

Funny, that german blonde is hot as hell. Just avoid the sequels.
Alexander W

Kind of funny French film with lots of entertainment. First in a series of cab feature films. Worth getting
xGary X

A very silly but fun French action film about a souped up Taxi driver helping an incompetent police inspector catch a gang of high speed bank robbers. Think Ronin via Inspector Clouseau!
Stuart B

High octane car movie with great stunts... shame its in french!
Ina S

Fun, nonsense French action movie. Get the popcorn and enjoy! Very fast-paced, very much fun.