15 Best Kidnapping Movies Available On Netflix In 2025
Kidnapping movies often delve into high-stakes drama, thrilling chases, and profound emotional arcs. These films captivate viewers by blending suspense, mystery, and often intense human emotion. Netflix boasts an impressive collection of kidnapping movies that promise to keep you glued to your screen.
Netflix offers an extensive library of movies, but the availability of certain titles varies by region due to licensing agreements. Thankfully, with the help of a VPN, you can unlock a world of content otherwise unavailable in your country. By using a VPN, you can seamlessly switch your virtual location and access a broader selection of these thrilling films.
In this list, we’ve curated the best kidnapping movies on Netflix, many of which might require you to use a VPN to unlock their availability depending on your location. So, fire up your VPN, pick a server, and dive into these nail-biting stories!
15 Best Kidnapping Movies on Netflix to Stream in 2025
We have prepared a list of some of the best kidnapping movies on Netflix for you! You will be able to enjoy all of these if you have a Netflix subscription!
1. Prisoners (2013)
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis
The film follows Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman), a desperate father whose young daughter and her friend go missing. As hours turn into days, the police investigation, led by Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal), stalls.
Keller decides to take matters into his own hands, abducting a suspect he believes is responsible. What follows is a morally complex exploration of justice, revenge, and the lengths a parent will go to for their child. The chilling atmosphere and nuanced performances make this a standout thriller.
2. Room (2015)
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Director: Lenny Abrahamson
Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay
Held captive for seven years in a confined space, Joy (Brie Larson) raises her son Jack (Jacob Tremblay) in a small room they call “Room.” For Jack, this enclosed space is the entire world, but for Joy, it’s a prison.
The film transitions from their harrowing captivity to their daring escape and the psychological challenges they face in the outside world. Based on a true story, Room is a tale of resilience and rediscovery that will leave you deeply moved.
3. Taken (2008)
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Genre: Action, Thriller
Director: Pierre Morel
Starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace
Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson), a retired CIA agent, uses his unique set of skills to track down his daughter Kim (Maggie Grace), who is kidnapped while vacationing in Paris.
As he uncovers a human trafficking ring, Bryan embarks on a relentless pursuit across Europe, using his experience and ingenuity to outwit his adversaries. The film’s electrifying pace and memorable action scenes have made it a classic in the action-thriller genre.
4. The Call (2013)
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Genre: Thriller, Crime, Drama
Director: Brad Anderson
Starring: Halle Berry, Abigail Breslin
Jordan Turner (Halle Berry), a seasoned 911 operator, is thrust into a high-stakes situation when a teenage girl (Abigail Breslin) is abducted by a serial killer.
Using her quick thinking and communication skills, Jordan guides the girl to safety while confronting her own past failures. With a heart-pounding plot and unexpected twists, The Call keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
5. Kidnap (2017)
IMDb Rating: 5.9
Genre: Action, Thriller
Director: Luis Prieto
Starring: Halle Berry
Karla Dyson (Halle Berry) is an ordinary mother who becomes a force of nature when her young son is abducted in broad daylight.
With no time to involve the police, Karla jumps into her car and chases the kidnappers across highways and rural backroads. The film is a relentless, adrenaline-fueled ride that showcases a mother’s unwavering determination to save her child.
6. The Captive (2014)
IMDb Rating: 5.9
Genre: Thriller, Crime, Drama
Director: Atom Egoyan
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Mireille Enos
Eight years after his daughter Cass goes missing, Matthew Lane (Ryan Reynolds) discovers new clues that suggest she’s still alive.
As the narrative unfolds through multiple timelines, secrets about Cass’s abduction and captivity emerge. The psychological tension and haunting atmosphere make The Captive a chilling exploration of loss and hope.
7. Trade (2007)
IMDb Rating: 7.3
Genre: Drama, Crime
Director: Marco Kreuzpaintner
Starring: Kevin Kline, César Ramos
Inspired by true events, Trade follows a young Mexican boy, Jorge, whose 13-year-old sister Adriana is kidnapped and sold into the sex trade.
Teaming up with a sympathetic Texas cop (Kevin Kline), Jorge embarks on a dangerous journey to rescue his sister. The film exposes the grim realities of human trafficking while delivering an emotionally charged story of love and sacrifice.
8. No Escape (2015)
IMDb Rating: 6.8
Genre: Action, Thriller
Director: John Erick Dowdle
Starring: Owen Wilson, Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan
When an American family moves to Southeast Asia, they find themselves caught in a violent uprising. As rebels target foreigners, Jack Dwyer (Owen Wilson) must protect his wife and two young daughters while navigating a hostile and chaotic environment.
The film’s relentless tension and family-centric storyline make it an intense viewing experience.
9. A Hijacking (2012)
IMDb Rating: 7.2
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Director: Tobias Lindholm
Starring: Pilou Asbæk, Søren Malling
A Hijacking depicts the harrowing ordeal of a Danish cargo ship hijacked by Somali pirates. The film alternates between the hostages on the ship and the negotiations back home, highlighting the psychological strain on both sides.
With its slow-burn narrative and realistic approach, the film delivers a gripping and thought-provoking experience.
10. Ransom (1996)
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama
Director: Ron Howard
Starring: Mel Gibson, Rene Russo
Tom Mullen (Mel Gibson), a wealthy airline owner, faces every parent’s worst fear when his son is kidnapped. Rather than pay the ransom, Tom takes a bold and risky approach, offering the money as a bounty on the kidnappers’ heads. The film’s twists and high-stakes drama make it a standout in the genre.
11. Man on Fire (2004)
IMDb Rating: 7.7
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Director: Tony Scott
Starring: Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning
John Creasy (Denzel Washington), a burnt-out ex-CIA operative, finds redemption as a bodyguard for a young girl, Pita Ramos (Dakota Fanning).
When Pita is abducted, Creasy embarks on a brutal quest for revenge, tearing through Mexico City’s criminal underworld. The film’s emotional depth and intense action sequences make it unforgettable.
12. The Missing (2003)
IMDb Rating: 6.5
Genre: Western, Thriller, Drama
Director: Ron Howard
Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Cate Blanchett
In this Western thriller, Maggie Gilkeson (Cate Blanchett) seeks the help of her estranged father (Tommy Lee Jones) to rescue her daughter, who has been abducted by a rogue band of Apache warriors. The film combines a rugged frontier setting with a compelling narrative of family reconciliation and survival.
13. Split (2016)
IMDb Rating: 7.3
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Starring: James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy
Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy), a man with dissociative identity disorder, abducts three teenage girls and holds them captive in a secluded underground facility.
As the girls attempt to escape, they must confront Kevin’s 24th personality, “The Beast,” which poses a terrifying threat. McAvoy’s riveting performance makes Split a standout psychological thriller.
14. Abducted in Plain Sight (2017)
IMDb Rating: 6.8
Genre: Documentary, Crime
Director: Skye Borgman
This true-crime documentary recounts the bizarre and unsettling story of Jan Broberg, a young girl who was abducted twice by a family friend. The film explores themes of manipulation, trust, and betrayal, delivering jaw-dropping revelations that leave viewers in disbelief.
15. Beasts of No Nation (2015)
IMDb Rating: 7.7
Genre: Drama, War
Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga
Starring: Abraham Attah, Idris Elba
Set in an unnamed African country, the film follows Agu (Abraham Attah), a young boy forced to join a rebel militia after his family is killed.
Under the guidance of a ruthless commander (Idris Elba), Agu becomes a child soldier. Though not a traditional kidnapping film, it explores the devastating impact of abduction in war-torn regions.
FAQs
Are these movies available in all regions?
Not necessarily. Netflix’s catalog varies by region. You may need to use a VPN to access some of these titles based on your location.
What is a VPN, and how can it help with Netflix?
A VPN allows you to change your virtual location by connecting to servers in different countries. This helps you access Netflix libraries from other regions and unlock movies unavailable in your country.
What’s the best genre for someone new to kidnapping movies?
For action lovers, Taken is a great start. If you prefer emotional depth, Room or Prisoners are excellent choices.
Are these movies suitable for all age groups?
Most kidnapping movies feature intense themes and violence, making them unsuitable for younger audiences. Always check the ratings and content warnings.
Conclusion
Kidnapping movies on Netflix in 2025 offer a mix of heart-pounding action, psychological suspense, and emotional depth. With the help of a VPN, you can unlock these incredible stories and immerse yourself in unforgettable cinematic experiences. So, get your popcorn ready and prepare for a thrilling movie marathon!