The 15 Best Kidnapping Movies On Netflix, Ranked

Jason  Bancroft
Updated May 15, 2024 12 items
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Venturing into the thrilling realm of kidnapping movies, we discover urgent narratives that hold viewers captive in suspense. Kidnapping movies - an enthralling genre that Netflix has explored over the years - are packed with heart-stopping moments and jaw-dropping plot twists. These meticulously constructed stories of abduction, resilience, and survival cause a spectator's emotion to swing wildly between suspense and relief. Each scene offers filmmaking at its finest. 

Delving deeper into Netflix's abduction stories - narratives infused with thriller elements - we uncover the distinct attributes of this engaging and scary genre. Kidnapper movies on Netflix create an immersive experience with their nuanced storytelling, where each abduction sparks an intense quest for liberation. The compelling narratives of these Netflix movies about abduction draw viewers into their cinematic labyrinth, allowing them to vicariously tread dangerous paths fraught with uncertainty and risk. Consequently, these films amplify the spectacle of the thriller genre, demonstrating its monumental success in the era of digital streaming. 

Consider, for instance, the cinematic masterpiece The Silence of the Lambs, a popular thriller that layers suspense, horror, and psychological intrigue within its narrative. Similarly, Room presents a poignant portrayal of captivity and liberation through its compelling storyline. Additionally, films such as Abducted in Plain Sight and Boy Missing straddle both the real and the imagined, weaving riveting tales that leave a haunting imprint. Underneath each movie entry, you'll find streaming buttons for Hulu, Paramount+, HBO Max, Disney+, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, paving the way for an effortless viewing journey. 

These kidnapping movies on Netflix amplify the thrills for which the genre is famous, leaving audiences breathless and eager for more. As viewers embark on this cinematic journey, they become entangled in the labyrinthine narratives of endurance and liberation, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the human spirit. So, prepare to dive into some of the finest abduction movies on Netflix, where suspense is a constant companion and entertainment knows no bounds. 

  • Kidnapping Stella
    1
    Jella Haase, Clemens Schick, Max von der Groeben
    12 votes

    This German thriller is actually a remake of the 2009 British thriller The Disappearance of Alice Creed. The story follows two former convicts named Vic and Tom, played by Clemens Schick and Max von der Groeben, who have a scheme to get rich quick. That plan is to kidnap the estranged daughter of a wealthy businessman for ransom money. But then, a twist — Stella is actually Tom's estranged girlfriend, and is four months pregnant with their child. Well, that certainly makes matters more complicated, doesn't it? 

  • Room
    2

    Room

    Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay
    52 votes

    Room is a deeply affecting story of a young mother and her adolescent son. Brie Larson plays a woman named Joy who was captured as a teenager, raped, and forced to carry her child to term, all the while trapped inside an outdoor shed. However, her son Jack (Jacob Tremblay) fills her life with meaning and love. When they finally escape, Jack gets to experience the outside world for the first time. But freedom brings with it a new set of challenges, as Joy learns that she needs to let her son grow up in the world she has worked so hard to shelter him from. 

  • Abducted in Plain Sight
    3
    Jan Broberg, Emily Kincaid, Jill Klopp
    7 votes

    This fascinating documentary will intrigue any true crime fan. Abducted in Plain Sight delves into the case of 12 year-old Jan Broberg, who was abducted in 1974 in a small Idaho town. As it turns out, the culprits are a trusted neighbor and a close family friend. Seriously, this documentary is just as compelling as if it were written. But the fact that it's true makes it all the more chilling. 

  • The Crying Game
    4
    Stephen Rea, Miranda Richardson, Forest Whitaker
    7 votes

    Fergus (Stephen Rea) is an Irish Republican Army member who is tasked with watching over a kidnapped British soldier named Jody (Forest Whitaker), who is in his custody. The two form an unexpected bond, and Jody asks Fergus to protect his girlfriend Dil (Jaye Davidson) in London. When Fergus does seek her out, he doesn't expect to learn that she is transgender. At first he is shocked, but his feelings for her continue to grow. Will he be able to act on his feelings, or will he keep his promise to Jody? 

  • The Silence of the Lambs
    5
    Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn
    9 votes

    The Silence of the Lambs has become a bonafide classic since its 1991 release. Jodie Foster stars as Agent Clarice Starling, who is assigned to interview the incarcerated cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter in prison in an attempt to capture another serial killer nicknamed Buffalo Bill. Meanwhile, Buffalo Bill is up to no good as he kidnaps Catherine Martin, a Senator's daughter. Agent Starling works tirelessly to free Catherine, as she is haunted by nightmares of lambs being slaughtered outside her window. Lecter surmises that she's solving the crime to allieve herself of these nightmares. The character Hannibal Lecter is further explored in the television drama Hannibal

  • Boy Missing
    6

    Boy Missing

    Blanca Portillo, Antonio Dechent, Vicente Romero
    9 votes

    Also known as Secuestro, this Spanish crime drama film is full of twists. When her son's alleged kidnapper is released without evidence, an experienced attorney (Blanca Portillo) takes matters into her own hands. As she fights for her boy's case, she learns of the disastrous consequences that wait for her. This suspenseful movie will keep you on the edge of your seat. 

  • Close
    7
    Noomi Rapace, Sophie Nélisse, Eoin Macken
    20 votes

    Zoe (Sophie Nélisse) has learned that she has inherited her family's overwhelmingly large fortune. When kidnapping forces threaten to overtake her, female body guard Sam Carlson (Noomi Rapace) is enlisted to keep her safe. The coolest part about this movie is that Roopace's character is based off real life bodyguard Jacquie Davis, whose past clients include J.K. Rowling, Nicole Kidman, and members of the British Royal Family

  • Tallulah
    8

    Tallulah

    Elliot Page, Allison Janney, Tammy Blanchard
    8 votes

    This comedy-drama starring Ellen Page and Allison Janney will have you feeling all the feels. Page stars as Tallulah, a young homeless woman who turns to her ex-boyfriend's mom Margo (Janney) in need of help with her new baby, Maddie. Except here's the thing: Maddie isn't really Tallulah's baby. Tallulah stole her from a motel, where her irresponsible mother left her in favor of a night out on the town. Maddie and Tallulah share an instant bond, and Margo eventually helps Tallulah with the baby. However, it's only a matter of time before the cops find out where they're hiding. 

  • Hush
    9
    John Gallagher, Kate Siegel, Michael Trucco
    6 votes

    It's only natural for a slasher film to include a kidnapping. That's just how it goes. But imagine having to deal with a masked killer when you're both deaf and mute. Yeah, it's not fun. Maddie (Kate Siegel) can't hear or speak, but that doesn't stop her from pursuing her dreams as a writer. When her friend Sarah (Samantha Sloyan) comes to visit her, things take a turn for the worse. The mysterious killer attacks Sarah on her way home, and Maddie has to think quick to avoid becoming his next victim. 

  • The Kindergarten Teacher
    10
    Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gael García Bernal, Michael Chernus
    2 votes

    This critically-acclaimed indie drama is based off the 2014 Iranian film of the same name. Maggie Gyllenhaal plays Lisa Spinelli, a kindergarten teacher who recognizes raw poetic talent in one of her students (Parker Sevak). When those around her don't react the same way to Jimmy's artistic expression, she goes to great lengths to preserve his genius. These lengths include kidnapping him with the intentions of taking him to Canada, where she can mentor him herself. Yeah, that's going a bit too far. 

  • The Captive
    11
    Ryan Reynolds, Scott Speedman, Rosario Dawson
    7 votes

    Ryan Reynolds fans may not know about his appearance in the 2014 Canadian thriller film The Captive. In it, he plays a local contractor named Matthew Lane, whose 9 year-old daughter Cassandra goes missing while in his care. Told in a non-linear fashion, the film shows Matthew and his wife Tina (Mireille Enos) separate over the grief of their missing daughter. The plot thickens when we learn that Cassandra has been in the possession of a child pornographer, and isn't allowed to leave the house. Looks like a case for homicide detective Jeffrey Cornwall (Scott Speedman), who will stop at nothing to track down the missing girl. 

  • Apostle
    12
    Dan Stevens, Lucy Boynton, Michael Sheen
    1 votes

    Gareth Evans's period horror film takes place on a remote Welsh island in 1905. The story is centered on Thomas Richardson (Dan Stevens), a man who must rescue his sister Jennifer (Elen Rhys) from a mysterious island cult who kidnapped her for ransom. On the island, Thomas will learn all about Malcom Howe and his followers. He'll have to summon every ounce of wit he has in order to get out of there with his sister in one piece.