No sane human enjoys inflicting pain on others. But there is always an adrenaline rush that comes with watching kidnapping movies. They make you experience what you may never experience in real life. Most of them are horrifying, but they are also entertaining to watch.
Kidnapping is a horrific crime, punishable in many countries. It involves torturing someone for days, weeks, or even years. Or worse, as depicted in many films, using the captured person as a hostage. These movies combine suspense, drama, and sometimes even horror, offering viewers a glimpse into the darker sides of humanity.
As we delve into the realm of kidnapping films, we find a mix of emotions ranging from fear to empathy. They often showcase the lengths to which individuals will go to rescue their loved ones or escape from perilous situations. If you're a fan of thrilling narratives and intense plot twists, buckle up as we explore some of the best kidnapping movies that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Best Kidnapping Movies to Watch
Have you ever thought about what might happen if you were kidnapped in the most unfortunate incident? Here are some terrifying movies about kidnapping you can watch at home.
1. Prisoners (2013)
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
The plot of this film revolves around the kidnapping of two young girls in Pennsylvania and the subsequent police search for the suspected abductor. After police arrest and release a young suspect, the father of one of the daughters takes matters into his own hands, leading to a gripping tale of desperation and moral ambiguity.
2. Man on Fire (2004)
IMDb rating: 7.7/10
In this action thriller, John Creasy, an ex-CIA agent, is hired as the bodyguard for a young girl named Pita Ramos. When Pita is abducted, Creasy embarks on a dangerous, retribution-fueled rescue expedition to save her, showcasing the lengths to which one can go for love and loyalty.
3. Saw (2004)
IMDb rating: 7.6/10
This film tells a nonlinear story centered on the mystery of the Jigsaw Killer. His victims must participate in deadly "games" to survive, leading to shocking revelations about morality and survival instincts.
4. The Collector (1965)
IMDb rating: 7.5/10
This psychological horror film follows Freddie Clegg, a wealthy but lonely man who decides to kidnap a girl he admires. The film delves into themes of obsession and isolation, leaving viewers questioning the nature of love and possession.
5. Trade (2007)
IMDb rating: 7.3/10
This harrowing tale addresses human trafficking, focusing on a young Mexican girl who is kidnapped and taken to New Jersey. Her brother's desperate quest to rescue her offers a stark look into the dark realities of exploitation.
6. An American Crime (2007)
IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Based on a true story, this film portrays the horrifying events surrounding Gertrude Baniszewski, who kept a teenage girl locked in her basement. The film explores themes of cruelty, neglect, and the human capacity for evil.
7. Live Free or Die Hard (2007)
IMDb rating: 7.1/10
This film features NYPD Detective John McClane as he battles cyber-terrorism. Amidst the chaos, his daughter Lucy is kidnapped, adding personal stakes to an already intense plot.
8. Gardens of the Night (2008)
IMDb rating: 6.8/10
This film follows an eight-year-old girl who is kidnapped by two adults. The story unfolds with a mix of suspense and drama, exploring the struggles of innocence lost.
9. The Transporter (2002)
IMDb rating: 6.8/10
The film centers around Frank Martin, an ex-special forces operator who offers mercenary transportation services. When he breaks his rules, he finds himself entangled in a web of crime and deception.
10. Panic Room (2002)
IMDb rating: 6.8/10
This thriller tells the story of a mother and daughter who seek refuge in their panic room when their home is invaded. The tension escalates as the intruders target them, showcasing the fight for survival.
11. Kiss the Girls (1997)
IMDb rating: 6.6/10
In this film, detective Alex Cross investigates the disappearance of his niece, uncovering the sinister world of a serial kidnapper along the way.
12. Hostage (2005)
IMDb rating: 6.5/10
Bruce Willis stars as a former SWAT officer who must negotiate the release of a kidnapped family while his own family is taken hostage. The film explores themes of duty and sacrifice.
13. Funny Games (2007)
IMDb rating: 6.5/10
This film follows a family as they endure the psychological torment of two young criminals. It raises questions about violence and morality in society.
14. The Missing (2003)
IMDb rating: 6.5/10
Set in the Wild West, this film follows a mother who seeks to rescue her kidnapped daughter from a gang involved in the slave trade.
15. The Cell (2000)
IMDb rating: 6.4/10
A psychotherapist uses a revolutionary treatment to enter the mind of a serial killer, racing against time to save his latest victim.
16. Along Came a Spider (2001)
IMDb rating: 6.4/10
Detective Alex Cross is drawn back into action when the daughter of a U.S. senator is kidnapped, leading to a suspenseful chase against time.
17. A Lonely Place to Die (2011)
IMDb rating: 6.2/10
This thrilling film captures a group of mountaineers who discover a kidnapped girl while hiking, only to find themselves hunted by her captors.
18. The Cottage (2008)
IMDb rating: 6.1/10
A woman is kidnapped for ransom, leading to unexpected twists when her captors face a psychopathic farmer.
19. After.Life (2009)
IMDb rating: 5.9/10
This psychological thriller explores the concept of life and death as a girl awakens in a funeral home, unsure if she's truly dead or just trapped.
20. The Betrayed (2008)
IMDb rating: 5.9/10
A woman is ensnared in a web of deception as she seeks to uncover the truth about her husband's alleged crimes.
21. Abducted: Fugitive for Love (2007)
IMDb rating: 5.7/10
This film highlights the story of a wrongfully convicted man forced to kidnap the warden's wife, intertwining themes of love and desperation.
22. Stolen (2012)
IMDb rating: 5.5/10
A notorious bank thief must race against time to save his daughter after a kidnapping goes awry.
23. Do*key Punch (2008)
IMDb rating: 5.2/10
A group of holidaymakers must fight for survival after a freak accident turns their celebration into a nightmare.
24. Abduction (2011)
IMDb rating: 5.1/10
This action thriller follows a young man who discovers his past while being hunted by dangerous assailants.
25. And Soon the Darkness (2010)
IMDb rating: 5.1/10
Two American women backpacking in South America face danger when one is kidnapped, leading to a desperate search.
26. Held Hostage (2009)
IMDb rating:
