Best Abduction Movies

From Christopher Nolan, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Ken Watanabe
Rated PG-13

Inception is a 2010 science fiction action film written, co-produced and directed by Christopher Nolan. The story follows Dominic Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his team of experts as they perform an intricate act of corporate espionage: the implantation of an idea into the subconscious of a target. To achieve this, they must access the dream world and plant a seed of the idea in the mind of the target, a process known as “inception”. The team is forced to confront their own demons and face the possibility that their mission could have dire consequences for all involved. Inception is a visually stunning and thought-provoking exploration of the power of ideas and the strength of the human spirit.

From Jonathan Demme, starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Lawrence A. Bonney, Kasi Lemmons
Rated R

The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological thriller directed by Jonathan Demme and based on the novel by Thomas Harris. It follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she attempts to track down a serial killer known as "Buffalo Bill". With the help of a jailed psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, Clarice must battle her own inner demons as she attempts to unravel the truth behind Buffalo Bill's murders. In the end, Clarice must face off against Buffalo Bill in a tense and terrifying showdown. In the process, she learns more about herself, and the dark psyche of a serial killer. The Silence of the Lambs was a critical and commercial success, winning five Academy Awards and becoming one of the most iconic films of the 1990s.

From James McTeigue, starring Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves, Stephen Rea
Rated R

V for Vendetta is a 2005 dystopian political thriller film directed by James McTeigue and written by The Wachowskis. The film takes place in a future-set Britain, where a masked vigilante known only as V (portrayed by Hugo Weaving) works to overthrow the totalitarian government. Along the way, V develops a relationship with Evey, a young woman played by Natalie Portman. V's campaign of terror and anarchy ultimately lead to a revolution, with Evey taking up V's mantle in order to continue his legacy. The film also stars Stephen Rea, Stephen Fry, Rupert Graves and John Hurt. V for Vendetta is a powerful exploration of themes such as freedom, justice and democracy.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Christopher Carley, Ahney Her
Rated R

Gran Torino is a 2008 American drama film directed and produced by Clint Eastwood, who also starred in the lead role. The film follows Walt Kowalski, an elderly Korean War veteran living in a crime-ridden Detroit neighborhood. When a Hmong teenager from the neighborhood attempts to steal his prized 1972 Gran Torino, Walt forces him to work for him in an effort to reform him. As the two become closer, Walt teaches him valuable life lessons, and helps him to fight against the gangs that have taken over his neighborhood. In the end, Walt finds the courage to face his own prejudices and to fight for what he believes in.

From Lenny Abrahamson, starring Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers, Wendy Crewson
Rated R

Room is a 2015 drama film directed by Lenny Abrahamson and written by Emma Donoghue, based on her 2010 novel of the same name. The film stars Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay as a mother and son who are held captive in a small room for five years. The film follows the mother and son as they plan an escape and adjust to life outside the room. The film focuses on the mother's struggle to protect her son while dealing with the psychological trauma of their captivity. With his mother's help, the son discovers the wonders of the world outside the room and learns to cope with the complexities of life that he had never experienced before. Room is a powerful story of courage and resilience, and of the power of love to triumph in the face of unimaginable adversity.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Melissa Leo
Rated R

In "Prisoners," two young girls are abducted, sending the small community of Keller, Pennsylvania into a state of fear and panic. Desperate to find them, the police make an arrest but the suspect is soon released due to lack of evidence. Knowing time is running out, the girls' families take matters into their own hands. The father of one of the girls, Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman), turns to a local carpenter and ex-convict Alex Jones (Paul Dano) for help. As their search intensifies, their desperation leads to a volatile and suspenseful climax. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, "Prisoners" is a gripping drama about love, faith, revenge, and inner strength in the face of tragedy.

From James Gunn, starring Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana
Rated PG-13

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) is a sci-fi action-adventure film directed by James Gunn. The film follows the story of Peter Quill, a human-alien hybrid (half human, half alien) who is snatched from Earth by aliens as a young boy and raised in outer space. When he discovers a powerful orb, he soon finds himself the target of a manhunt led by the villainous Ronan the Accuser. In order to save the universe from destruction, Quill joins forces with a group of misfits — Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon; Groot, a tree-like humanoid; Gamora, an assassin; and Drax the Destroyer — to form the Guardians of the Galaxy. Together, they must use their wits and strength to battle the forces of evil and protect the universe from Ronan and his minions. With a stellar cast, an epic soundtrack, and stunning visuals, Guardians of the Galaxy is an exciting and fun-filled adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

From Rob Reiner, starring James Caan, Kathy Bates, Richard Farnsworth, Frances Sternhagen
Rated R

Misery is a psychological horror film directed by Rob Reiner and starring James Caan and Kathy Bates. The movie tells the story of Paul Sheldon, a successful novelist who is rescued from a near-fatal car accident by former nurse Annie Wilkes. After bringing him back to her isolated home, Annie reveals that she is a fanatical admirer of Paul's work, particularly his "Misery" series of novels. When Paul attempts to leave, Annie becomes increasingly unhinged, forcing him to write a Misery novel of her own design and threatening to kill him if he doesn't comply. As Paul's situation grows increasingly more dire, Paul must find a way to escape from Annie's clutches and regain his freedom.

From Paul Greengrass, starring Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman, Catherine Keener
Rated PG-13

Captain Phillips is a biographical drama film directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Tom Hanks. Based on the 2009 hijacking of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates, the film follows the story of the Alabama's commanding officer, Captain Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks) and the Somali pirate leader, Muse (Barkhad Abdi). After being taken hostage by the pirates, Captain Phillips must use his wits and negotiation skills to keep himself and his crew safe while they wait for the US Navy to intervene and save them. As the situation escalates, Phillips and Muse form an unlikely respect for each other, and the pirates must face the reality that their actions have put them in a dangerous situation with no easy way out. In the end, the US Navy successfully rescues the crew, but at a great cost.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Angelina Jolie, Colm Feore, Amy Ryan, Gattlin Griffith
Rated R

Changeling is a 2008 mystery drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Angelina Jolie. It is set in 1928 Los Angeles and follows the story of single mother Christine Collins, an employee of the telephone company, who has her nine-year-old son Walter mysteriously disappear. Desperate to find him she works with the police, offering a reward and putting up posters. However, five months later the police present her with a boy they claim is Walter, though Christine insists it is not her son. The authorities, desperate to close the case, ignore her claims and force her to accept the boy. Christine then engages in a battle with the police department to prove the boy is not her son. This leads to her being committed to a mental hospital, where a doctor discovers her story is true. After her release, Christine begins a campaign to expose the truth of her son's disappearance and the police's cover-up. Ultimately she is successful, successfully bringing the truth to light. The film ends with Christine giving a speech on the steps of city hall, in which she advocates for the rights of children everywhere.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins
Rated R

The Hateful Eight is a 2015 western mystery film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film takes place several years after the American Civil War in the winter of Wyoming. A stagecoach travels through a mountain pass, carrying bounty hunter John "The Hangman" Ruth (Kurt Russell), his fugitive Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh), and two other passengers, another bounty hunter, Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson), and former Confederate soldier Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins). As a blizzard approaches, they seek refuge at a stagecoach stopover on a mountain pass, only to discover four strangers already at the site: former Confederate general Sandy Smithers (Bruce Dern), cow puncher Joe Gage (Michael Madsen), Mexican Bob (Demián Bichir), and hangman Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth). The eight travelers must confront their past and a hidden agenda as they must all work together to survive a treacherous and intense winter storm. Through deceit, betrayal, and violence, Ruth, Domergue, Warren, and Mannix must discover who among them is not who they claim to be before their time runs out.

From Jordan Peele, starring Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, Catherine Keener
Rated R

Get Out is a 2017 horror-thriller directed by Jordan Peele. It follows the story of African American photographer Chris Washington, who visits his white girlfriend’s family for the weekend only to discover that her family is hiding a sinister secret. After arriving, Chris discovers that her family is part of a cult that specializes in hypnotizing African American people, using them as vessels for wealthy white families to extend their own lives. With the help of his friend Rod and a psychologist, Chris attempts to flee from the family and uncover the truth before it is too late. Ultimately, Chris learns of the true nature of the cult and is able to escape with his life. Get Out is a horror-thriller that explores themes of racism, cultural appropriation, and the horror of modern day slavery.

From Tony Scott, starring Denzel Washington, Christopher Walken, Dakota Fanning, Radha Mitchell
Rated R

Man on Fire is a 2004 action thriller directed by Tony Scott and starring Denzel Washington as John Creasy, a former military-trained bodyguard and assassin. After a failed suicide attempt, Creasy is hired by a wealthy family in Mexico City to protect their daughter, Pita Ramos (Dakota Fanning). As Creasy begins to bond with Pita, he discovers someone has kidnapped her and must use his lethal skills to get her back. With the help of his friend and ex-CIA agent, Rayburn (Christopher Walken), Creasy sets out on a dangerous mission to save the young girl and take bloody revenge on those responsible for her abduction.

From James Wan, starring Cary Elwes, Leigh Whannell, Danny Glover, Ken Leung
Rated R

Saw is a psychological horror film directed by James Wan and written by Leigh Whannell. It follows two men, Adam (Leigh Whannell) and Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes), who find themselves chained to a wall in a dilapidated bathroom. They soon realize that they are part of a sadistic game set up by the mysterious Jigsaw killer, who forces them to play a deadly game of life and death. As they explore the bathroom, they find a series of traps and clues that lead them to a final confrontation with the killer, who is determined to make them suffer the consequences of their own choices. Along the way, they discover the secrets of Jigsaw's past, and the lengths he is willing to go to make his victims play his twisted game. Ultimately, the men must confront their own fears and choices in order to survive.

From Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Hailee Steinfeld, Josh Brolin
Rated PG-13

True Grit is a 2010 Western film directed by the Coen brothers (Ethan and Joel Coen) and is a remake of the 1969 film of the same name. The film follows a 14-year-old girl named Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) as she seeks revenge on the man who killed her father. With the help of a U.S. Marshal named Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) and a Texas Ranger named LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), Mattie embarks on a journey through the treacherous and rugged terrain of the Old West to find justice. Along the way, she learns the value of character, courage, and determination.

From Ben Affleck, starring Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan
Rated R

Gone Baby Gone is a 2007 crime-drama film directed by Ben Affleck, adapted from the novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane. The film follows a small-time private detective, Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck), and his partner Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan) as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of a 4-year-old girl named Amanda McCready from a Boston neighborhood. After being hired by Amanda’s aunt and legal guardian, Bea McCready (Amy Ryan), Patrick and Angie uncover a web of secrets that reveal a much darker side to the case than was initially anticipated. As their investigation progresses, the two of them must confront their own moral codes and values as the lives of those around them hang in the balance.

From Pedro Almodóvar, starring Antonio Banderas, Elena Anaya, Jan Cornet, Marisa Paredes
Rated R

The Skin I Live In is a 2011 Spanish drama-thriller film written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar. The film follows Dr. Robert Ledgard, a brilliant plastic surgeon, as he develops a cutting-edge skin that he believes can withstand any damage. He secretly tests it on a mysterious young woman called Vera, who he has kept captive in his mansion for many years. His experiments on her reveal secrets from his past as well as dark secrets about himself. As the story unfolds, Vera's true identity and the motivations behind Dr. Ledgard's experiments come to light. The film is a suspenseful and twisted exploration of identity, revenge and the power of desire.

From Spike Lee, starring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Christopher Plummer
Rated R

Inside Man is a crime thriller directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, and Jodie Foster. The film follows a bank heist that goes wrong in the most unexpected way. Chief Detective Frazier (Washington) is assigned to the case and is thrown into a game of cat and mouse with the enigmatic master thief Dalton Russell (Owen). With the clock ticking and the lives of hostages in the balance, Frazier must find a way to outwit the genius criminal and his team of criminals as they plan their escape. Meanwhile, Madeline White (Foster), a mysterious power broker, attempts to broker a deal that would ensure a safe outcome for all involved. With the explosive climax, all secrets will be revealed and justice will be served.

From James Gunn, starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel
Rated PG-13

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a 2017 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team Guardians of the Galaxy. It is the sequel to the 2014 film Guardians of the Galaxy, and the 15th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by James Gunn, the film stars an ensemble cast featuring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, Chris Sullivan, Sean Gunn, Sylvester Stallone, and Kurt Russell. The Guardians of the Galaxy travel throughout the cosmos and struggle to keep their newfound family together, while helping Peter Quill (Pratt) learn more about his true parentage. Along the way, old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand.

From Steven Soderbergh, starring Michael Douglas, Benicio Del Toro, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jacob Vargas
Rated R

Traffic is a 2000 crime drama directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Stephen Gaghan. It follows multiple story lines that are intertwined, each one following a different part of the war on drugs. The first follows a newly appointed drug czar, Robert Wakefield (Michael Douglas), who seeks to put an end to the illegal drug trade in the United States. He is immediately met with opposition from powerful drug cartel leaders and corrupt political figures. The second follows the underground drug trade in Mexico, which is controlled by the Tijuana Cartel. The cartel is led by the vicious and calculating Felipe de la Cruz (Benicio Del Toro) and his partner Javier Rodriguez (Jacob Vargas). Meanwhile, a young housewife, Helena Ayala (Catherine Zeta-Jones), finds out her husband is a drug dealer and she is forced to take over his business. The third follows two DEA agents (Don Cheadle and Luis Guzman) as they attempt to bring down the head of the Tijuana Cartel. The movie's ending features a powerful montage which shows how drugs have affected all the characters. Traffic is a powerful and thought-provoking film that takes

From Michael Haneke, starring Susanne Lothar, Ulrich Mühe, Arno Frisch, Frank Giering
Rated Not Rated

Funny Games is a 1997 Austrian psychological thriller film written and directed by Michael Haneke. The film follows two young men (played by Arno Frisch and Frank Giering) who hold an upper middle class family hostage in their vacation home. While initially appearing to be polite and courteous, the men soon reveal their true intentions as they begin to manipulate their victims in cruel and sadistic ways, all while under the guise of playing "funny games". As the family struggles to survive, the men become increasingly violent and the situation quickly spirals out of control. In the end, the family members must find a way to outwit their captors, or face certain death. Funny Games is a masterful exploration of power and violence, and serves as a powerful critique of media's influence on our culture.

From Park Chan-wook, starring Song Kang-ho, Shin Ha-kyun, Bae Doona, Ji-Eun Lim
Rated R

Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance tells the story of Ryu (Shin Ha-kyun) and his girlfriend Cha Yeong-mi (Bae Doona). Ryu, who is deaf and mute, is desperate to save his ailing sister, and so he agrees to do a kidney transplant in exchange for money from a black market organ dealer. Meanwhile, Cha Yeong-mi is fired from her job after her employers discover her criminal past. In a desperate attempt to get her job back, Ryu and Cha Yeong-mi kidnap the daughter of Ryu's former boss, in exchange for a large sum of money. However, things do not go as planned, and Ryu and Cha Yeong-mi find themselves caught in a cycle of violence and revenge. The film portrays the dark side of human nature and its consequences, as well as exploring themes of justice, revenge, and retribution.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Kevin Costner, Clint Eastwood, Laura Dern, T.J. Lowther
Rated PG-13

A Perfect World is a 1993 film directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Kevin Costner, Clint Eastwood, Laura Dern, and T.J. Lowther. The film follows Butch Haynes, an escaped convict and his young hostage, Phillip Perry, as they travel across Texas. Butch soon realizes that Phillip is a neglected child, and sees a sort of father-son bond developing between them. When Butch and Phillip become the targets of a relentless Texas Ranger, they must find a way to stay ahead of the law while also trying to protect Phillip from his own troubled past. A Perfect World is a heartwarming story that explores themes of fatherhood, justice, and redemption. Eastwood's direction and Costner's performance are both praised, and the film was nominated for two Academy Awards.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, Marie-Josée Croze, Ciarán Hinds
Rated R

Munich is a 2005 historical drama film directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the book Vengeance: The True Story of an Israeli Counter-Terrorist Team by George Jonas. The film follows the story of a Mossad team that is dispatched by the Israeli government to track down and eliminate the 11 Palestinian terrorists who were responsible for the 1972 Munich massacre at the summer Olympic Games. The team is led by Avner Kaufman, a young and determined Mossad agent. The mission takes the team from Israel to Europe, where they must rely on their wits and skills to navigate a complex and dangerous international web of politics and terror. Along the way, they must confront their own moral dilemma and decide how far they are willing to go in pursuit of justice. The film stars Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, and Geoffrey Rush.

From Michael O. Sajbel, starring Drew Fuller, James Garner, Abigail Breslin, Bill Cobbs
Rated PG