My Favourite Films About Kidnapping of All-Time

Not many genres have built a legacy as lasting as kidnapping. Since the 1970’s, stories of hostages have often made for memorable movies. Whether it’s psychotic killers, child abductors or detectives solving murders, the genre has created several characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about kidnapping which deserve to be appreciated.

1. The Silence of the Lambs

Serial killers are frightening figures that have always scared me. At an early age, I developed fear of dark serial killers when my housemaid was murdered in crimes causing damage. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, my housekeeper became the victim of psychotic murder. Left emotionally devastated, my family never recovered from the sad murder of a great housemaid that was never fully investigated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the grim impact of serial killers committing kidnapping as powerfully as “The Silence of the Lambs”. Ever since its release in 1991, Jonathan Demme’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about kidnapping. With the greatest film of his career, Demme used innovative cinematic techniques to capture serial killers evoking fear. Demme has always had an aptitude for building suspense in movies through dialogue, and “The Silence of the Lambs” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Starling experiences intense interrogations with Hannibal Lecter causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Anthony Hopkins, who created one of the most iconic serial killers committing kidnappings in cinematic history.  Ultimately, what makes “The Silence of the Lambs” my favourite movie about kidnapping of all-time is its message. Unlike most movies about dark killers, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about psychopathic serial killers that stun people into silence, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced unforgettable movies about kidnappings earning a huge audience.

2. Slumdog Millionaire

India is a misunderstood country that’s rarely depicted accurately in movies. At an early age, I formed bonds with a friend that criticized movies giving India a bad image. Born in Mumbai slums, he was critical of movies depicting his country. He always believed movies were an art that couldn’t capture beauty of a country holding a special place in his heart. As someone treasuring a friend that sought to become an Indian millionaire, I adored “Slumdog Millionaire”. Released in 2008, Danny Boyle’s Oscar-winning movie honoured millionaires in India. Boyle has an aptitude for making compelling movies about frightening kidnappings, and “Slumdog Millionaire” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Boyle effectively used locations across India to honour millionaires in the country. For instance, the scene in which Jamal recounts his memories of being kidnapped in India causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible role by Dev Patel, who embodied an impoverished Indian boy seeking to become a millionaire. Ultimately, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” a classic is its depiction of India. Unlike most movies about India, it tackles themes that resonate with everyone. It delivers a meaningful message about child abduction which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Jamal’s desire to be a millionaire, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre making movies about which audiences care.

3. Room

Isolation has impacted my identity. At an early age, I experienced isolation that caused emotional damage. Several years ago, I was locked up in a room for injuring my cousin in grim fights causing sorrow. I remember feeling a strong sense of terror when I was locked in the small room by my mother. As someone haunted by memories of an isolated room, I appreciated “Room”. Released in 2015, Lenny Abrahamson’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about kidnapping. Abrahamson effectively used confined spaces to capture hardships that a kidnapped mother and child in a room are facing. For instance, the scene in which Ma is abused by her kidnapper causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Brie Larson, who portrayed a victim of child abduction. Ultimately, what makes “Room” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book to appreciate it. The film delivers a bold message about isolation which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies about sexual assault, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A breathtaking adaptation of a commemorated book about isolation, it’s a great reminder of a genre that has manufactured captivating movies about kidnappings which deserve celebration.

4. Prisoners

Child abduction is a painful process that causes stress. Years ago, my mother became anxious when she lost my brother in grocery stores which were humongous. I remember my mother under pressure as she searched the store for my baby brother. Fearful he had been abducted, she couldn’t cope with a situation leaving her affected. As someone that has witnessed dangers of child abduction, I adored “Prisoners”. Released in 2013, Denis Villeneuve’s movie depicted a gripping murder mystery about child abduction. Villeneuve used breathtaking visuals to create a gloomy atmosphere capturing parents whose children suddenly disappear causing despair. For instance, the scene in which Kellar discovers that his daughters have disappeared out of thin air causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Hugh Jackman, capturing the anxiety of a parent struggling to find his missing children. Ultimately, what makes “Prisoners” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most detective movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a strong message about child abduction which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of child abduction causing lives of parents to deteriorate, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre audiences appreciate.

5. Misery

Obsession is a dangerous emotion causing frustration. Several years ago, I formed friendships with a teen girl that adored J.K. Rowling. I remember she was fascinated with an author whom she could talk about forever. Her dream was to one day meet an author that she had grown up to treasure. However, her dreams never materialized into reality causing her to face misery. As someone that witnessed an obsessed girl face misery, I appreciated “Misery”. Released in 1990, Rob Reiner’s movie captured obsessive authors committing kidnapping. Reiner used captivating emotional monologues capturing a fan kidnapping an author causing misery. For instance, the scene in which Annie makes Paul aware that she has kidnapped him causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible role by Kathy Bates, who portrayed a woman stalking a author. Ultimately, what makes “Misery” a classic is appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book to appreciate it. It delivers a bold message about writer’s block which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of authors that are miserable, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre that has made great movies which audiences consider special.

6. Argo

The Middle East is a country that shaped my identity. I recall with nostalgia joyous memories of growing up in Saudi Arabia. I’ve always believed that movies have rarely depicted the country accurately. As someone that grew up in the Middle East several years ago, I adored “Argo”. Released in 2012, Ben Affleck’s movie captured the Iranian hostage crisis in the 1970’s. Affleck used captivating handheld camerawork to capture tensions faced by hostages in Iran experiencing kidnapping. Assisted by John Goodman who is extraordinary in the lead role, Affleck honoured a real-life hostage crisis. Nearly 40 years after a CIA Agent rescued civilians in Iran facing a price to pay, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies about kidnappings which deserve to be celebrated today.

7. Captain Phillips

When it comes to the most honourable heroes in American history, it’s worth discussing Richard Phillips. In 2009, Phillips faced a nerve-wracking situation when his ship was attacked by Somali pirates in a hijacking. In 2013, Paul Greengrass honoured Phillips in his movie “Captain Phillips”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Captain Phillips” stand out is its depiction of a hijacking. Greengrass uses captivating shaky cinematography to capture hardships a captain on a hijacked ship is facing. Assisted by Tom Hanks who is extraordinary in the lead role, Greengrass honoured a hijacking in history. Nearly 15 years after a captain guiding a cargo ship faced Somali pirates organizing a hijacking, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured movies which are definitely without a doubt worth celebrating.

8. Gone Baby Gone

Child abduction often causes parents to face stress. It can often be challenging for parents to deal with a situation in which their children disappear with consequences that are frightening. The tension faced by parents whose children are gone is beautifully depicted in the film “Gone Baby Gone”. Released in 2007, Ben Affleck’s movie captured child abduction. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Gone Baby Gone” stand out is its depiction of parents. Affleck uses captivating montages capturing hardships parents whose children are kidnapped are facing. Assisted by Casey Affleck who is amazing in the lead role, Affleck created a powerful child abduction thriller. A powerful portrait of child abduction that leaves parents terrified, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies leaving audiences satisfied.

9. Inside Man

Spike Lee is a legendary filmmaker that has created a lasting Hollywood legacy. With their compelling storytelling, strong acting and meaningful themes, Lee’s movies have earned a huge following. In 2006, Lee made a great movie about kidnappers with a plan in “Inside Man”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Inside Man” stand out is its depiction of bank robberies. Lee uses captivating montages capturing hardships that criminals committing an intricate bank robbery are facing. Assisted by Clive Owen who is extraordinary in the lead role, Lee created a captivating bank robbery thriller. A strong portrait of bank robberies committed by criminals with smart personalities, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made great movies about kidnapping with consequences causing adversities.

10. The Lovely Bones

Few books ever written about abductions are as beloved as The Lovely Bones. Since its publication in 2002, Alice Sebold’s book has become a literature classic. In 2009, Peter Jackson honoured the legendary book in his movie “The Lovely Bones”. Jackson used captivating montages capturing a teen girl facing kidnapping. Assisted by Saoirse Ronan who is amazing in the lead role, Jackson captured child abduction. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of teen girls that are victims of kidnapping has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Susie’s desire for vengeance, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making engaging movies about experience of kidnappings which I will forever treasure for inspiring my film criticism passion giving my life greater guidance.

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