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25 Best Kidnapping Movies

You and I, as the decent human beings we are (I鈥檓 assuming of course), can both agree that kidnapping is a heinous crime. That being said, it is also true that the best kidnapping movies offer an exhilarating experience.

This is mostly thanks to the intense, unpredictable, and thought-provoking narratives they present us with. When done right, the actual kidnapping is merely a plot point, however important it is.

The true beauty of these movies is in the emotion, both those shown by our characters on the screen and those that the movie is able to invoke in us. That is what makes a great kidnapping movie.

Therefore, this list will highlight some of the best kidnapping movies there are. From Liam Neeson鈥檚 Taken franchise to M. Night Shyamalan鈥檚 Split, this article has all of them.

Whether you鈥檙e looking for a high-octane action adventure or a gripping psychological thriller, there鈥檚 definitely something for you here!

1. Taken (2008)

Liam Neeson鈥檚 Taken bursts onto the screen as a relentless and pulse-pounding kidnapping thriller that immediately became a classic. The indomitable Liam Neeson stars as Bryan Mills, a former CIA operative, taking the audience on a high-octane journey to rescue Mills’ kidnapped daughter.

Neeson’s portrayal of a father with a particular set of skills captivates viewers, making “Taken” an iconic entry in the genre. The film’s breakneck pace and intense action sequences, coupled with Neeson’s commanding presence, establish it as a benchmark for kidnapping movies.

With a gripping narrative and Neeson’s memorable line, “I will find you, and I will kill you,” Taken remains an electrifying cinematic experience over a decade later.

2. Man on Fire (2004)

Denzel Washington delivers a searing performance as Creasy, a burnt-out bodyguard and former CIA operative tasked with protecting a wealthy family’s young daughter.

When tragedy strikes, Creasy transforms into a vengeful angel, dedicating his life to finding the perpetrators and making them pay. The film is a slow burn, building tension through Washington’s simmering rage and the palpable vulnerability of the child he’s sworn to protect.

Man on Fire is a gut-wrenching exploration of loss, grief, and the lengths we’ll go to for those we love or to reclaim lost glory.

3. Prisoners (2013)

Prisoners immerses viewers in a tense and morally complex narrative that transcends traditional kidnapping tales. Hugh Jackman leads an ensemble cast as Keller Dover, a desperate father whose daughter goes missing along with her friend.

As the investigation unfolds, Jake Gyllenhaal, playing Detective Loki, navigates a web of twists and turns. The brilliant director Denis Villeneuve masterfully creates an atmosphere of suspense and moral ambiguity.

Jackman’s performance captures the desperation and anguish of a parent pushed to the brink. Prisoners delves into the dark recesses of the human psyche, crafting a kidnapping movie that is as psychologically gripping as it is heart-wrenching.

4. Kiss The Girls (1997)

In the psychological thriller Kiss The Girls, Morgan Freeman assumes the role of forensic psychologist Alex Cross, investigating a string of kidnappings.

The film, based on James Patterson’s novel, explores the dark and sinister aspects of criminal psychology. Freeman’s gravitas and intellect lend authenticity to the character, creating a compelling central figure in the search for the kidnapper.

Ashley Judd co-stars as a victim who escapes, adding emotional depth to the storyline. Kiss The Girls stands out for its intricate plot and Freeman’s portrayal, cementing its place among the best kidnapping movies by offering a riveting exploration of criminal minds and the pursuit of justice.

5. Ransom (1996)

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Mel Gibson portrays Tom Mullen, a wealthy businessman whose young son is kidnapped. The kidnappers demand a hefty ransom, and Mullen is forced to navigate a web of deceit and manipulation as he tries to secure his son’s safe return.

This movie explores the desperation of a father willing to do anything to save his child, the moral complexities of negotiating with criminals, and the impact of such trauma on a family.

Ransom is a heart-pounding thriller with a stellar cast and a story that stays with you long after the credits roll.

6. Along Came a Spider (2001)

In 2001, Morgan Freeman reprised his role as Alex Cross from the above-discussed Kiss The Girls. This time, he starts in Along Came a Spider (2001), tackling a case that pushes him to his limits.

When a brilliant yet disturbed kidnapper abducts the daughter of the U.S. Secretary of State, the FBI calls upon Cross to crack the complex puzzle.

Teaming up with rookie partner Alex Ramsey (Monica Potter), Cross delves into the twisted mind of the kidnapper, following a trail of cryptic clues and facing deadly traps.

The film isn’t just a tense thriller; it delves into the psychological aspects of the crime, raising questions about obsession, revenge, and the lengths some will go to achieve their goals.

Freeman’s stoic yet compassionate portrayal of Cross grounds the film, while Michael Wincott brings chilling intensity to the role of the mastermind kidnapper. human mind.

7. Room (2015)

Room transcends the conventional kidnapping narrative by delving into the emotional aftermath of captivity. Brie Larson delivers a powerhouse performance in this harrowing yet hopeful tale of resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances.

The film follows Joy Newsome, a young woman held captive for seven years in a small garden shed, giving birth to a son named Jack (Jacob Tremblay) within the confines of their tiny prison.

Through Jack’s innocent eyes, we experience the world as he knows it 鈥� a place limited to four walls and the stories his mother tells him about the world beyond. The film masterfully navigates between the claustrophobic tension of their captivity and the glimmer of hope Joy clings to for their escape.

The raw emotions of their eventual liberation and the complex process of reintegration into society are portrayed with sensitivity and depth. Room is not just a kidnapping story; it’s a testament to the enduring power of a mother’s love and the human spirit’s ability to heal, even after enduring unimaginable trauma.

8. Taken 2 (2012)

Taken 2 reunites Liam Neeson with his iconic role as Bryan Mills, the ex-CIA operative who while he may not be rich, does at least possess a particular set of skills. This time, the tables are turned when Bryan and his ex-wife are kidnapped during a family vacation in Istanbul.

Left alone, Mills鈥� daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) proves she鈥檚 learned a few skills from her dad, tracking his location so he can guide her in staging a daring double rescue.

Returning director Pierre Morel amps up the action even further in this thrilling sequel affirming how loyalty and love drive the Mills family in the face of danger.

9. Split (2016)

M. Night Shyamalan鈥檚 Split is technically the sequel to 2000鈥檚 Unbreakable although it was not marketed as such. Kevin Crumb, played to perfection by James McAvoy, abducts three teenage girls in Split.

The twist is that this is not your ordinary kidnapping movie. Kevin is the chilling portrait of a man with 23 warring personalities.

While his psychiatrist Dr. Fletcher (Betty Buckley) seeks to understand the dangerous shift in his psyche, Kevin鈥檚 various identities conspire as he prepares sacrament for 鈥淭he Beast鈥�, the dreaded 23^rd personality that is yet to make an appearance.

10. Cellular (2004)

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Pre-Captain America Chris Evans stars in Cellular (2004), a fast-paced action thriller that unfolds entirely through phone conversations. When construction worker Ryan receives a frantic call from Jessica (Kim Basinger), a woman claiming to be kidnapped, he’s initially skeptical.

However, as her desperate pleas for help become more believable, Ryan finds himself entangled in a dangerous plan to expose a corrupt politician and rescue Jessica. With limited information and the police hot on his tail, Ryan must navigate the city, using his wits and resourcefulness to stay one step ahead of the kidnappers.

The film’s unique format keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly questioning who to trust and how Ryan will manage to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Cellular is a reminder that even a seemingly ordinary phone call can spark a chain of events that change

11. Point Blank (2019)

Point Blank thrusts audiences into a high-stakes world of corruption and kidnapping. Starring Frank Grillo and Anthony Mackie, this action-packed thriller follows an ER nurse and a career criminal, unwillingly forced into a dangerous alliance when the nurse’s pregnant wife is abducted.

Grillo’s gritty intensity and Mackie’s charismatic presence elevate the film, creating a pulse-pounding narrative where every second counts.

The chemistry between the lead actors adds depth to the tension, making Point Blank a gripping exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and the lengths one goes to protect those they love.

12. Fargo (1996)

The Coen brothers weave their signature blend of dark humor and suspense in 1996鈥檚 Fargo, transforming a kidnapping plot into a darkly comedic odyssey.

Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy), a desperate car salesman, hatches a rash scheme to have his wife kidnapped for ransom to collect the insurance money.

Enter Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand), a pregnant police chief with an unwavering moral compass and a knack for sniffing out trouble.

As the botched plan unravels, a chain of absurd events unfolds, leaving a trail of bodies and shattered lives in its wake. McDormand shines as the unflappable Marge, navigating the absurdity with stoic determination.

Macy embodies the escalating desperation of a man in over his head, while Steve Buscemi chills as the unpredictable hitman. Fargo is a twisted masterpiece that proves sometimes, the darkest humor lies in the most desperate situations.

13. Extraction (2020)

In Extraction (2020), black-ops mercenary Tyler (Chris Hemsworth) is recruited by fellow Australian Ovi’s (Rudhraksh Jaiswal) mother to rescue her kidnapped son from his imprisoned crime lord father in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

What begins as a stealth operation erupts into an epic run-and-gun chase through crowded city streets and apartment highrises.

Director Sam Hargrave鈥檚 ambitious action set pieces and Hemsworth鈥檚 physicality make Extraction one of 狈别迟蹿濒颈虫鈥檚 most successful original films.

14. Seven Psychopaths (2012)

Martin McDonagh, known for his darkly comedic wit, takes the kidnapping genre and throws it headfirst into a blender of absurdity in Seven Psychopaths (2012).

Marty (Colin Farrell), a struggling screenwriter seeking inspiration, finds himself entangled in a twisted plot when his friend Billy (Sam Rockwell) kidnaps a mafia boss’ dog.

As the body count rises and the lines between reality and Marty’s twisted screenplay blur, the film delves into the dark underbelly of Los Angeles’ criminal underworld. Farrell is electric as the increasingly frantic Marty, while Rockwell shines as the gleefully psychotic Billy.

Christopher Walken adds another layer of bizarre brilliance as a serial killer with a liking for philosophical monologues.

15. All The Money in the World (2017)

All the Money in the World (2017) transcends the typical kidnapping narrative, weaving a complex tapestry of greed, family dynamics, and a mother’s unwavering love.

Based on the real-life kidnapping of John Paul Getty III, the film delves into the Getty family’s tumultuous response to the demand for ransom. Michelle Williams delivers a powerhouse performance as Gail Harris, John Paul’s determined mother, refusing to back down despite the family’s icy indifference.

Christopher Plummer excels as the oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, embodying the cold calculation of a man who values wealth over family. Mark Wahlberg rounds out the cast as a former CIA agent hired to negotiate the return of John Paul.

While the kidnapping fuels the plot, the film explores the emotional toll on Gail and the fractured dynamics within the wealthy Getty family, making it a thought-provoking and poignant watch.

16. Nocturnal Animals (2016)

Tom Ford’s chilling neo-noir, Nocturnal Animals, unravels a mesmerizing tale of vengeance fueled by a cryptic novel dedicated to Susan (Amy Adams).

As she delves deeper into the story, the lines between fiction and reality blur, revealing a dark past involving her ex-husband, Edward (Jake Gyllenhaal).

Gyllenhaal delivers a captivating performance as both the troubled author and the protagonist caught in a brutal kidnapping, mirroring Edward’s own demons.

The film’s slow-burning suspense keeps you guessing, leaving you questioning who’s truly manipulating whom. Nocturnal Animals is not just a kidnapping thriller; it’s a psychological labyrinth exploring obsession, revenge, and the lasting impact of past trauma.

17. Hypnotic (2023)

Suspense meets psychological thriller in Hypnotic, starring Ben Affleck as a detective with a troubled past seeking help from a renowned hypnotherapist, Dr. Rowe (Rosario Dawson).

However, the therapeutic sessions take a sinister turn when Rowe’s methods become increasingly unconventional, blurring the lines between reality and memory.

Affleck portrays the growing confusion and paranoia of his character with chilling intensity, while Dawson adds an unsettling layer of ambiguity to her enigmatic therapist.

As the detective pieces together the truth, he uncovers a web of deceit and manipulation that leads him to question the very fabric of his own memories.

However, he does realize that he is in fact a pawn and needs to save his wife and daughter from their captors who are manipulating them. Hypnotic is a mind-bending journey through the power of suggestion, leaving you on the edge of your seat until the very last twist.

18. The Disappearance of Alice Creed (2009)

The Disappearance of Alice Creed is a taut and claustrophobic thriller that keeps viewers guessing until the final frame. Starring Gemma Arterton, Martin Compston, and Eddie Marsan, the film revolves around the kidnapping of a wealthy young woman.

The minimalist setting and strong performances, especially from Arterton and Compston, heighten the tension as the plot takes unexpected turns. Marsan’s portrayal of the meticulous kidnapper adds a layer of complexity to the characters.

The movie stands out for its gripping storytelling, emphasizing the psychological toll of kidnapping and the unpredictable nature of human behavior.

19. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo introduces audiences to the enigmatic Lisbeth Salander, played by Noomi Rapace, in this Swedish adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s bestselling novel.

The film, directed by Niels Arden Oplev, follows a disgraced journalist, played by Michael Nyqvist, and Salander as they investigate a wealthy family’s dark secrets. Rapace’s intense and captivating performance as the pierced and tattooed hacker elevates the movie.

The chemistry between the leads, coupled with a riveting plot, makes The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo a standout in the kidnapping genre, blending mystery, suspense, and a complex female protagonist.

20. Inception (2010)

Christopher Nolan’s Inception may be known for its mind-bending exploration of dreams, but at its core lies a heist story dependent on a kidnapping. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Ellen Page, the film follows a skilled team of extractors who enter dreams to steal valuable information.

The narrative complexity, stunning visual effects, and the cast’s stellar performances make “Inception” a standout in the kidnapping movie genre, albeit with a unique twist.

As the characters navigate various dreamscapes and layers of subconsciousness, the film delivers a gripping and intellectually stimulating experience, making it a classic in the realm of cinematic innovation.

21. Gone Baby Gone (2007)

Directed by Ben Affleck, Gone Baby Gone (2007) centers on Boston private investigators Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) and Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan) searching for a kidnapped four-year-old.

The case intensifies when police detective Remy Bressant (Ed Harris) gets entangled in corruption while young Amanda鈥檚 desperate aunt Bea (Amy Ryan, Oscar-nominated) pleads to the media for her safe return.

This intricate mystery explores ethical costs against Boston鈥檚 working-class neighborhoods for morally complex, thought-provoking viewing.

22. Captain Phillips (2013)

Even if you haven鈥檛 watched the movie, you know the iconic line, 鈥淚鈥檓 the captain now!鈥�

Tom Hanks delivers a tour-de-force performance as Captain Richard Phillips in this true-story account of the 2009 hijacking of the Maersk Alabama cargo ship by Somali pirates.

The film throws you into the heart of the tense standoff, capturing the claustrophobia and desperation aboard the vessel. Hanks embodies the stoic captain, determined to protect his crew at all costs, while Barkhad Abdi shines as Muse, the young pirate leader driven by desperation and a desire for a better life.

Director Paul Greengrass masterfully crafts a suspenseful narrative that doesn’t shy away from the brutality of the situation. Captain Phillips is a powerful reminder of human resilience and the complexities of conflict, leaving you questioning the lines between victim and perpetrator.

23. A Perfect World (1993)

Clint Eastwood directs and stars in A Perfect World (1993), a poignant tale of an escaped convict, Butch Haynes (Clint Eastwood), who kidnaps a young boy, Phillip Perry (T.J. Lowther).

As they journey across Texas, an unlikely bond forms between them. Haynes, a hardened criminal, finds solace in Phillip’s innocence, while the boy sees a protector in the gruff outlaw. Kevin Costner enters the picture as a Texas Ranger hot on their trail, creating a tense cat-and-mouse chase.

The film explores themes of redemption, fatherhood, and the blurred lines between good and bad. With its stunning Texas landscapes and nuanced performances, A Perfect World is a captivating story that stays with you long after the credits roll.

24. Inside Man (2006)

Spike Lee’s Inside Man (2006) is more than just a heist film; it’s a puzzle box of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.

Denzel Washington stars as Detective Keith Frazier, tasked with negotiating with Dalton Russell (Clive Owen), a mastermind thief who has taken hostages during a bank robbery.

The film cleverly interweaves multiple perspectives, revealing hidden agendas and ulterior motives among the hostages, police, and even the robbers.

With its sharp dialogue, witty humor, and stellar performances from an ensemble cast including Jodie Foster and Willem Dafoe, Inside Man is a thrilling ride that will leave you wanting to unravel the mystery long after the final heist.

25. The Call (2013)

In The Call (2013), veteran 9-1-1 operator Jordan Turner (Halle Berry) works tirelessly coordinating police response across Los Angeles.

However, after hesitating on the line with endangered teen Casey (Abigail Breslin), she finds redemption when Casey gets kidnapped by the same maniac again.

Intense direction and editing ratchet up a race-against-time to rescue both Casey and Jordan’s confidence in the face of an emergency. Berry anchors this ever-timely first-responder thriller.

Despite spanning decades and genres from tense crime thrillers to fast-paced action spectacles, each movie echoes the lengths ordinary people will go to in extraordinary circumstances for truth, justice, and rescue against seemingly impossible odds. However, this list is not exhaustive and sadly, some wonderful works had to be left out.