Taxi 3

Paris is the backdrop for a wild run of holiday capers as a gang calling themselves the Santa Claus Gang rampages across the city, leaving the police in a scramble. Captain Gilbert is more focused on a Chinese reporter profiling his squad than on the latest heist, while Daniel Morales, a taxi driver, deals with a rocky romance and the daily grind. The crooks keep outwitting the force through a string of near misses, drawing attention away from the real action. In a bid to restore order, Daniel and his fleet of fast-talking taxis jump into the chase, turning the streets into a high speed stage. The pace never slows as the chase threads through crowded streets and neon nights.

Released in 2003, the film was directed by Gérard Krawczyk and draws on Luc Besson's Taxi universe, continuing a popular franchise. Cast features Samy Naceri and Frédéric Diefenthal in the lead, with Marion Cotillard in a supporting role, adding appeal.

The film grossed about 64.5 million worldwide against a 14.5 million budget, underscoring solid commercial performance, with strong showings in European markets and expanding appeal across international screens. The film did well enough to keep the franchise active worldwide throughout.

As part of the Taxi series, it helped keep a distinct European action comedy voice alive in the early 2000s. It also features Marion Cotillard in a supporting role before she became a global star, and fans remember the on screen rapport between the lead pair, a brisk dynamic that defines the film for fans worldwide.

Critics gave the film a mixed nod, with praise for brisk pacing and humor, while some noted formulaic plotting. The movie leans on buddy cop banter and street charm, exploring loyalty amid chaos and fast moving chase scenes that keep energy high. The humor and chase sequences emphasize pace today.