Where to start withNikita
4 versions · originally a film, 1990
Themes: Government Conspiracy, Redemption, Forced Recruitment, Moral Ambiguity, Identity Crisis.
Start with Nikita (Luc Besson, 1990) — the film. Nikita exists in 4 versions across media, beginning as a film in 1990; each is ranked below by what it does best.
The saga of a condemned criminal transformed into a lethal government assassin remains a compelling exploration of identity and control.
✦ Most fans start here
Nikita (1990)
The original movie
✦ Start hereNikita
Luc Besson · Film · 1990
Nikita (1990) delivers Luc Besson’s definitive, stylish vision of the premise. This original French film is essential for those seeking the gritty, kinetic aesthetic that birthed the entire franchise.
1993 film
Point of No Return
John Badham · Film · 1993
Point of No Return (1993) serves as a Hollywood-polished American remake. It is best suited for viewers who prefer a slicker, more conventional studio thriller approach to the original story.
1997 series
La Femme Nikita
Joel Surnow · Series · 1997
La Femme Nikita (1997) expands the concept into a long-form television procedural. This version is ideal for audiences who want deep character development and a sustained, complex narrative arc.
2010 series
Nikita
Craig Silverstein · Series · 2010
Nikita (2010) reimagines the narrative as a high-stakes espionage revenge drama. It is designed for fans of modern, fast-paced action series focused on dismantling corrupt government conspiracies from within.
Common questions
Is Point of No Return a remake of Nikita?
Yes, Point of No Return is the 1993 American film adaptation of the 1990 French movie Nikita. While both films follow a similar premise regarding a woman trained as a government assassin, they are separate productions directed for different audiences.
Should I watch La Femme Nikita before the 2010 Nikita series?
You do not need to watch the 1997 series La Femme Nikita to understand the 2010 Nikita show. Both television series are distinct adaptations of the original 1990 movie source material, featuring different creative takes on the core concept and character arcs.
What order should I watch the Nikita adaptations in?
There is no official chronological order required to consume these titles. You can start with the original 1990 movie Nikita and then explore the 1993 film Point of No Return or the television series La Femme Nikita and Nikita based on your preference for film or long-form storytelling.
Is the 2010 Nikita series a direct sequel to the 1990 movie?
No, the 2010 Nikita series is not a direct sequel to the 1990 movie Nikita. It is a separate television adaptation that reimagines the story of a government assassin, sharing the same title and thematic foundation as the original film rather than continuing its specific narrative.