Good Kidnapping Movies

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

Inception is a 2010 science fiction action-thriller film written, co-produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan. The plot revolves around a team of corporate espionage thieves who use a technology to enter people's dreams in order to steal secrets from their subconscious. Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a skilled thief, the best in the dangerous art of extraction, stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb is offered a chance at redemption when he is given a task that could change his life forever: Plant an idea in someone's mind. He and his team of specialists have to weave a fantasy so intricate and powerful that it can infiltrate a target’s subconscious, and alter their thoughts and beliefs. With time running out, they must traverse a dangerous landscape of their own making to complete the task. Ultimately, they must confront their deepest fears and unlock the power of inception.

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 released in 1991. It stars Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee who is assigned to capture the notorious serial killer Buffalo Bill. She seeks the expertise of the imprisoned Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer, to help her track down the killer. As the two learn more about each other, a disturbing and dangerous bond develops between them. The movie follows Clarice's efforts to apprehend Buffalo Bill, while also exploring the dark, twisted mind of the terrifying Dr. Lecter. The Silence of the Lambs won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay, making it only the third film in history to sweep all four categories.

From Park Chan-wook, starring Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jeong, Kim Byeong-Ok
Rated R

Oldboy is a 2003 South Korean psychological thriller film written and directed by Park Chan-wook. The film centers on Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik), who is inexplicably kidnapped and imprisoned in a hotel-like prison for 15 years. When he is unexpectedly released, he embarks on a mission to find out who kept him locked up and why. With the help of a young girl and a restaurant owner, Oh Dae-su discovers that his kidnapper is the wealthy Lee Woo-jin (Yu Ji-tae) and that he has been framed for the murder of his wife. In a shocking twist, Dae-su learns that his imprisonment was part of a vengeful plan by Woo-jin to exact revenge on him for an affair that Woo-jin's sister had with Dae-su many years ago. In the end, Dae-su is able to exact revenge on Woo-jin, thus completing the cycle of revenge.

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, based on the comic book of the same name by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. Set in a future Britain, the film tells the story of a vengeful anarchist known only as "V" (Hugo Weaving) who attempts to ignite a revolution through elaborate terrorist acts aimed at the fascist government that has taken control of the country. He begins by rescuing a young woman named Evey (Natalie Portman) from the secret police and, in the process, reveals his mysterious past. Together, they set out on a daring mission to overthrow the oppressive regime and restore freedom and justice to the people of Britain. Along the way, they must evade capture while engaging in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with the authorities, all while trying to expose the truth behind V's revolutionary plan.

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

"Prisoners" is a 2013 psychological thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve. The film follows two families who become entwined in a gripping mystery when two young girls are kidnapped. One father, Keller Dover, takes the law into his own hands in order to find the missing girls before it's too late. The film follows Dover's journey as he struggles to find the girls before his own sanity unravels. The story is complicated by the fact that a suspect is already in custody, yet he is unable to provide any information to the police. The film is a suspenseful and emotional exploration of the lengths parents will go to in order protect their children.

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

Room is a 2015 psychological drama film directed by Lenny Abrahamson, and written by Emma Donoghue, based on her novel of the same name. The film stars Brie Larson as Ma, a 24-year-old woman who has been held captive for seven years in a small shed, along with her five-year-old son, Jack (Jacob Tremblay). After successfully escaping, Jack and Ma embark on a journey of adjustment to the outside world and their newfound freedom. Along the way, they must grapple with Ma's newfound fame as the survivors of an intense captivity, as well as their own deep-rooted trauma and difficult emotions. Room is a powerful exploration of the strength of the human spirit, and the bond between a mother and her son.

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

Gran Torino is a 2008 American drama film directed by and starring Clint Eastwood. It follows the story of a Korean War veteran, Walt Kowalski, who reluctantly forms an unlikely bond with the family next door after they are the target of racial tensions in their Detroit neighborhood. As Walt becomes more involved in their lives, he is forced to confront his own prejudices and take a stand against the gang violence that has been plaguing the area. In the end, he discovers the power of family, faith and friendship.

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

Guardians of the Galaxy is a 2014 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. Directed by James Gunn, the film stars an ensemble cast featuring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, and Benicio del Toro. The film follows the team of misfits as they come together to protect the universe from a powerful villain, Ronan the Accuser, and his army of followers. Along the way, they must confront their own personal issues as they learn to become a team. As they battle their way through the universe in search of a powerful weapon, they discover a mysterious object of immense power that could be the key to defeating Ronan. With the help of their new allies, the Guardians must join forces to defend the galaxy from Ronan and his threats.

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

The Hateful Eight is an American western film directed by Quentin Tarantino. Set in post-Civil War Wyoming, the film follows a group of bounty hunters and criminals who seek refuge from a blizzard in a stagecoach stopover. As tensions arise between the group, a bounty hunter and a prisoner begin to unravel the secrets of the group’s pasts. Through a series of violent confrontations, secrets are revealed and the group is forced to confront the truth. In the end, the group must decide who will survive and who will die.

From Pierre Morel, starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Leland Orser
Rated PG-13

Taken is an action-packed thriller starring Liam Neeson as retired CIA agent Bryan Mills who is forced back into action when his daughter Kim is kidnapped in Paris while on vacation. He quickly learns the kidnappers are part of a human trafficking ring and must race against time to save her. With the help of a former colleague, he tracks down the perpetrators and engages in a series of intense fights and car chases as he attempts to get his daughter back. Throughout the movie, Mills is determined to show the criminals that no one messes with his family.

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

Misery is a 1990 psychological horror film directed by Rob Reiner and based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. The story follows a famous novelist, Paul Sheldon (James Caan), who is injured in a car crash and is rescued by his "number one fan" Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates). Annie takes Paul to her isolated home, where she begins to force him to write a novel that follows her instructions, while torturing him if he refuses. As Annie's control over Paul slowly increases, he realizes he must find a way to escape the nightmare he is trapped in.

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

Captain Phillips is a 2013 American biographical drama film directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi. The film tells the true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking of the US container ship Maersk Alabama by a Somali pirate. After being overtaken by the pirates, Captain Phillips and the crew are held hostage on the ship's lifeboat, while their captors become increasingly desperate and violent. After a tense standoff, U.S. Navy SEALs rescue Captain Phillips, who was held hostage for five days. The film follows Phillips' struggle to survive and his bravery in the face of danger. The film also explores the motivations of the Somali pirates and the geopolitical implications of their actions.

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, starring Angelina Jolie as Christine Collins, a single mother whose son goes missing in 1928 Los Angeles. After a five-month search, a boy is presented to her as her son, but she quickly realizes that he is an impostor. Despite her protests, the LAPD refuses to believe her and forces her to take the boy home. Christine refuses to be intimidated by the police and embarks on a quest to find her real son, while also uncovering a disturbing conspiracy involving the public, the police, and a powerful businessman. The results of her quest have far-reaching consequences, leading to revelations about corruption within the police department and changes in the way missing persons cases are handled.

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

Get Out is a 2017 horror/comedy film written and directed by Jordan Peele. Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) is an African-American photographer who has been dating his white girlfriend, Rose Armitage (Allison Williams), for five months. Rose invites Chris to spend the weekend at her parents' secluded home in Upstate New York. Chris is initially uncomfortable with the idea, but eventually agrees. When they arrive, Chris is met with a seemingly warm welcome from Rose's parents, Missy (Catherine Keener) and Dean (Bradley Whitford), and their groundskeeper, Walter (Marcus Henderson). Rose's brother Jeremy (Caleb Landry Jones) is less welcoming. As time passes, Chris begins to experience a series of strange and increasingly disturbing events. He soon learns that Rose's family is in league with a secret society that abducts black people and implants them with the consciousnesses of deceased white people. With the help of his friend Rod (Lil Rel Howery), Chris has to find a way to escape from the Armitages' clutches and save himself and the other captives.

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

Man on Fire tells the story of John Creasy (Denzel Washington), a former military-operative-turned-burned-out-alcoholic-hitman, who is hired to protect the young daughter of a wealthy Mexican family. When the girl, Pita (Dakota Fanning), is kidnapped, Creasy finds himself on a quest for revenge and redemption as he embarks on a mission to get her back. Along the way, Creasy forms a bond with Pita and is determined to stop the kidnappers at any cost. Filled with thrilling action sequences and emotional moments, Man on Fire is a powerful and gripping story of vengeance, redemption, and the power of family.

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 directed by James Gunn and the sequel to the 2014 film "Guardians of the Galaxy". In this installment, the Guardians of the Galaxy must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill's true parentage. In doing so, old foes and new allies are encountered and classic Marvel characters are introduced. With the power and knowledge to protect the universe, the Guardians must battle Ronan, the Accuser, and his army of Sakaarans. Along the way, old wounds are reopened, relationships are tested and the fate of the entire universe is in the balance.

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

Gone Baby Gone is a 2007 American neo-noir mystery film directed by Ben Affleck and based on the novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane. The film stars Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan as private investigators Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro, who are hired to investigate the kidnapping of 4-year-old Amanda McCready from her home in the Boston neighborhood of Dorchester. Through their investigation, they discover the truth about Amanda's kidnapping and the people involved. They must also struggle with their own inner demons in order to make the best decision for Amanda's future. Ultimately, they must decide whether to follow the law or do what they think is morally right.

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

Inside Man is a 2006 heist-thriller directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, and Jodie Foster. The film follows Detective Keith Frazier (Washington) and his team, who are called in to the Manhattan Bank to resolve a hostage situation. The mastermind of the heist is Dalton Russell (Owen), a clever criminal who is determined to get away with his daring plan. As the situation escalates, the NYPD, led by Frazier, enter into a tense game of cat and mouse with Russell, who is determined to outsmart them. As the situation unfolds, Frazier discovers there is more to the heist than meets the eye, and it is up to him to unravel the true agenda of Russell and his team. The film culminates in a thrilling climax, with Frazier and the NYPD facing off against Russell and his crew.

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

Saw is a horror film directed by James Wan and released in 2004. It follows two men, Adam and Lawrence, who awaken to find themselves chained in a dilapidated bathroom with a dead body in the middle. They soon discover they are pawns in a sadistic game orchestrated by the enigmatic Jigsaw Killer, who puts them to the test in a series of deadly challenges. As they struggle to survive and escape the killer’s twisted game, they uncover the truth of why they were chosen, and what lies in store for them should they fail. Saw is a thrilling, suspenseful journey into the mind of a madman that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

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

The Skin I Live In is a psychological thriller by director Pedro Almodóvar. It tells the story of Dr. Robert Ledgard, a plastic surgeon who is obsessed with creating a revolutionary synthetic skin that could save the lives of burn victims. Ledgard's obsession leads him down a dark path when he abducts a mysterious woman and holds her captive in his estate. As the movie progresses, the mysterious woman's identity and the motives behind Ledgard's actions are slowly revealed, revealing a twisted and unexpected story that culminates in a shocking finale. The film is a commentary on the dangers of obsession and the consequences of playing God.

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

Traffic is an American crime drama film directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Benicio del Toro, Don Cheadle, Luis Guzman, Dennis Quaid, and Topher Grace. The film is based on a 1989 British television series of the same name and follows the stories of three groups of people who are all connected to the illegal drug trade. The film follows the struggle of a newly appointed drug czar who is trying to reduce the flow of drugs from Mexico into the United States and a Mexican police officer who is trying to stop the powerful drug cartel from his own country. The film focuses on the corruption of those involved in the drug trade and the effects of drug addiction on the people involved. Through the stories of these three groups of people, the film highlights the consequences of drug trafficking and the difficulties of ending the global drug war.

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

True Grit is a 2010 American western adventure film directed by the Coen brothers, Ethan and Joel Coen. It is the second adaptation of Charles Portis' 1968 novel of the same name, which was previously released in 1969 starring John Wayne. The film follows fourteen-year-old farm girl, Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), as she enlists the help of an aging U.S. Marshal, Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), to help her track down and bring to justice the man who killed her father. With the help of a Texas Ranger, LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), they embark on a dangerous mission to hunt down the murderer. Along the way, they meet a variety of colorful characters and face many challenges, including hostile Indians and dangerous criminals. In the end, Mattie's determination and grit lead her to achieve justice and avenge her father's death.

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, as they terrorize a wealthy family in their vacation home. Throughout the film, the two men manipulate and torment the family, forcing them to participate in a series of increasingly violent and psychological games. As the family struggles to survive, the audience is ultimately left with a meditation on the nature of violence and media's influence on it.

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

Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance is a 2002 South Korean thriller directed by Park Chan-wook. It follows the story of Ryu, a deaf-mute who is desperately trying to save his ailing sister. He turns to the black market to get the kidney his sister needs, only to find himself in a dangerous web of revenge and retribution. As Ryu seeks revenge against those responsible for his sister's condition, he soon learns that revenge has its own consequences. In the end, he must choose between justice and mercy.

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

A Perfect World is a 1993 American crime drama film directed by Clint Eastwood, starring Kevin Costner, Clint Eastwood, Laura Dern and T.J. Lowther. The film follows escaped convict Butch Haynes (Costner) and a young boy, Philip Perry (Lowther), he takes hostage. As the two journey through Texas, they form an unlikely bond and learn important lessons on trust, family and friendship. Along the way they come into contact with Texas Ranger Red Garnett (Eastwood) who is determined to bring Butch to justice. With time running out, Red must find a way to capture Butch without endangering the life of the young boy who has come to trust him. The film is an exploration of the different definitions of justice and how we choose to right the wrongs of our past.