50 Behind the Scenes Photos From the Making of “The Fifth Element”

John Summers • Contributor

May 16, 2025 9:00 PM EDT

I freaking love The Fifth Element. It's weird. It's quirky. It's unorthodox. And somehow, it's all wrapped up in this glossy, big-budget Hollywood sci-fi blockbuster package. But let's be honest—it's also the most French thing to ever French, only in English and starring Bruce Willis with a permanent squint.

Honestly? That's the magic.

Luc Besson's 1997 cult classic isn't just a movie—it's a fashion show disguised as a space opera fever dream. Every single frame feels like an excuse for Jean Paul Gaultier to flex his genius and parade one of the over 1000 costumes he designed for the film. And we haven't even mentioned Chris Tucker's squealing DJ, the exploding Alien diva, or Gary Oldman chewing the scenery like he's being paid per villainous snarl.

The story? Weird.
The music? Weird.
The acting? Weird.
The vibes? Immaculate.

If you've never watched this chaotic, neon-soaked masterpiece—do yourself a favor and correct that immediately. It's sci-fi on a sugar high, and it's glorious.

To celebrate this cinematic oddity, here are 50 behind-the-scenes photos that prove the making of The Fifth Element was just as bizarre and fabulous as the film itself.