Directed by Gérard Pirès and produced by Luc Besson (the mastermind behind Taken and The Fifth Element ), the original Taxi (1998) is a French cinematic gem that became an international cult classic. Unlike the awful 2004 American remake starring Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon, the original French Taxi is raw, fast, and hilarious.
Watch the French version with subtitles. Experience the roar of the Peugeot 406. Laugh at Emilien’s incompetence in the original language. The English dub is a fun curiosity, but it is not the masterpiece. Drive safe, and don’t forget the pizza.
Daniel Morales (Samy Naceri), a fiercely talented pizza delivery boy in Marseille. He finally lands his dream job driving a legal taxicab.
The year 1998 was a turning point for action cinema. While Hollywood was busy deploying massive budgets for CGI-heavy blockbusters, a quiet revolution was happening in France. Produced and written by Luc Besson and directed by Gérard Pirès, Taxi burst onto the scene. It blended high-octane car chases, martial arts choreography, and buddy-cop comedy.
Whether watched in its original French or through a nostalgic English dub, Taxi remains a masterclass in practical filmmaking. Long before the Fast & Furious franchise pivoted into gravity-defying superhero spectacles, Taxi delivered raw, visceral street racing using real cars, real stunt drivers, and genuine French flair. It proved that you didn't need a Hollywood budget to create an international action masterpiece—just a fast car, a great comedic duo, and an unstoppable sense of momentum. If you are trying to track down a copy, let me know: What are you currently located in?
If you want, I can:
The , written by Luc Besson, does have a dedicated English dubbed version . While the film is most commonly watched in its original French with subtitles, an official English dub was produced and released primarily for international home media markets like the United Kingdom. Availability & Viewing Options
Released in 1998, "Taxi" was a French action-comedy film starring Samy Naceri as Daniel Morales, a Marseille taxi driver with a need for speed. The film's plot revolves around Morales, who becomes embroiled in a heist when he's forced to transport a group of thieves, led by the charismatic and cunning César (Frédéric Diefenthal). As the story unfolds, Morales finds himself in a series of high-speed chases and comedic misadventures.
Honestly?
The English dub was well-received by fans and critics alike, who praised its faithfulness to the original film. The voice cast did an excellent job of capturing the spirit and chemistry of the original characters, making the dub feel almost identical to the original.
The voice acting team captures the frantic energy of the characters, particularly the dynamic between the confident Daniel and the desperate Émilien.
Check digital storefronts (Apple TV, Vudu, Google Play Store). When purchasing, expand the "Languages" or "Audio" dropdown menu to confirm that "English" is listed as an audio track option, rather than just as a subtitle option. Conclusion
The rights to the Taxi franchise have shifted between various international distributors over the decades. When physical media transitioned to digital streaming, many localized audio tracks were left behind.