Besson was born on 18 March 1955 in Paris, France. He was married to Anne Parillaud until they divorced. Then he was married to Maïwenn Le Besco from 1992 until they divorced in 1997. Then he was married to Milla Jovovich from 1997 until they divorced in 1999. He has been married to Virginie Silla since 2004. He has five children. 