The Best Kidnapping & Hostage Movies Of All Time, Ranked

An adaptation of Stephen King's novel of the same name, this psychological thriller follows a successful novelist, Paul Sheldon, who is held captive by an obsessed fan, Annie Wilkes, after a car accident during a snowstorm. Annie forces Paul to write a novel tailored to her whims, ultimately revealing her increasingly unstable and violent nature. This chilling tale showcases Kathy Bates' Oscar-winning performance as one of cinema's most memorable captors.

When his teenage daughter, Kim, is kidnapped by human traffickers in Paris, former CIA operative Bryan Mills taps into his unique set of skills to launch a relentless pursuit. As he navigates the seedy European underworld, Bryan systematically eliminates those responsible for the abduction, vowing to save Kim before it's too late. Liam Neeson's breakthrough performance in this action-packed thriller spawned two sequels and redefined his career as an action hero.

This pulse-pounding thriller features a washed-up former CIA operative, John Creasy, who finds redemption as a bodyguard for the young daughter of a wealthy Mexican family. When the girl is kidnapped in broad daylight, Creasy embarks on a bloody mission of vengeance against the powerful criminal organization responsible. Denzel Washington's intense portrayal of the protagonist, coupled with Tony Scott's stylish direction, makes this film an unforgettable entry in the kidnap and revenge genre.

This tense and thought-provoking drama revolves around the abduction of two young girls and the desperate efforts of their parents and law enforcement to find them. The film questions the limits of morality when faced with the unimaginable, as one father, played by Hugh Jackman, takes extreme measures into his own hands. The gripping performances, intricate storytelling, and moral ambiguity make this a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.

A former 911 operator, Jordan Turner, haunted by a botched call, is dragged back into action when she receives a distressing call from a kidnapped girl, Casey. As Jordan races against the clock to locate her, she relies on her instincts and resourcefulness to anticipate the abductor's moves and save Casey's life. Halle Berry's immersive performance in this high-stakes thriller keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Based on Emma Donoghue's novel, this heart-wrenching drama follows the story of a young woman, Joy, and her son, Jack, who are held captive in a small room by a kidnapper for several years. The film explores the resilience of the human spirit and the bond between a mother and her child in the most unimaginable circumstances. Brie Larson's Oscar-winning performance and the film's unflinching portrayal of trauma make it a powerful and unforgettable viewing experience.