10. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The Silence of the Lambsis pretty far down on our list because it doesn’treallyfeature an interrogation or hostage scene, but it’s still a memorable film about finding a woman who’s taken captive.
Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) is the FBI agent tracking down “Buffalo Bill,” a serial killer who preys on young women. To better understand him, she needs to consult another serial killer: Hannibal Lecter.
This cerebral thriller is one of the all-time bests, and we want to reiterate: its low placement on this list isn’t reflective of the movie’s quality, but rather how large the hostage element is.
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9. Captain Phillips (2013)
Tom Hanks delivered another one of his breathtaking performances inCaptain Phillips, the critically acclaimed film that’s based on a true story about a ship captain held hostage by pirates.
Captain Richard Phillips is a merchant mariner and in charge of the US cargo shipMaersk Alabama. However, Abduwali Muse has a different idea of how the ship should be run. What follows is one of the most thrilling true stories in recent cinema.
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8. The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
The Taking of Pelham One Two Threewas remade in 2009, and while the remake is pretty good on its own merits, the original is still better (as tends to be the case with remakes).
When a group of men board a New York subway train, they give the city of New York an ultimatum: “Give us $1 million right now, and every minute you delay, we’ll kill one passenger.”
Right away, the game is afoot. With Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw delivering sensational performances,The Taking of Pelham One Two Threeis a classic caper-style hostage film for the ages.
Related:The Best Caper Movies of All Time, Ranked
7. Ransom (1996)
In Hollywood, Mel Gibson is the definition of intensity—and he brings every ounce that he has inRansom.
When a wealthy business mogul’s son is kidnapped, he appears to be in a totally powerless position. He’s sent instructions from the kidnappers and told exactly what to do—but he decides he’s not going to play their games.
Instead, he turns the ransom money into a bounty that he’ll pay to whomever brings him his son’s kidnapper, and he airs this challenge on live television.
Turning the hunter into the hunted is a fantastic twist that subverts the usual convention of the genre (where the kidnapper is always in control and one step ahead).
Related:The Best Movies About Kidnappings, Ranked
6. Hot Shots! Part Deux (1993)
Easily the funniest film on this list, no film has done a hostage crisis more hilariously thanHot Shots! Part Deux.
While having a laugh at all the over-the-top and excessively violent action films of its day (likeRambo: First Blood Part IIandCommando), this film succeeds on a number of levels.
The wordplay and visual gags combine to make this one of the most riotously funny spoofs, and the hostage situation really only serves as a backdrop for nonstop gags.
And that’s reason enough for it to make it onto this list. If you feel like you need a good laugh to cleanse your palate after more serious hostage movies,Hot Shots! Part Deuxis a solid choice.
5. Funny Games (1997)
Director Michael Haneke certainly has a sick sense of humor if he truly considers the events of his 1997 classic filmFunny Gamesto be “funny games.”
When a small family of three decides to holiday in the mountains for a few days, they meet their neighbor’s nephews, Peter and Paul—and they aren’t the most charming bunch.
After they invite themselves inside, Peter asks for two eggs and drops them on his way out. Then again. And again… It soon becomes clear that something isn’t quite right.
The most unnerving thing aboutFunny Gamesis how realistic it is. The film is a disturbing portrait of what a real home invasion could look like, and it really puts you into the mind of a hostage.
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4. Argo (2012)
Ben Affleck made his directorial debut withGone Baby Gone(2007) and he’s created phenomenal films likeThe Town(2010), but it wasn’t untilArgothat he received the critical acclaim he deserved.
InArgo, Affleck stars as Tony Mendez, an exfiltration specialist who’s tasked with getting six Americans out of Tehran during the infamous Iran hostage crisis from 1979 to 1981.
What’s his plan, you ask? To masquerade as a Hollywood film producer who’s trying to make a sci-fi movie!
It’s a genius idea that might sound far-fetched, but the best thing aboutArgois that all of this is based on a true story!
Related:The Best Political Drama Movies of All Time, Ranked
3. Inside Man (2006)
Spike Lee made one of his best films inInside Man, starring Clive Owen and Denzel Washington.
When a group of robbers wearing masks and jumpsuits begin firing their rifles into the air, everyone ducks. Soon, a hostage negotiator is called to help, but he’s in way over his head.
Inside Manmanages to capture the political and social climate of America during the 2000s, as if Spike Lee is pointing the finger right at us and asking: Who is the real criminal on screen? Is it the thief, the dishonest billionaire, or the institutions who protect him?
We walk away asking ourselves a lot of questions, and that’s whyInside Manis one of the best movies about hostages. It’s not just a thrilling story—it’s smart and really makes you think.
2. Die Hard (1988)
Who can forget the first time they saw Bruce Willis utter that iconic line? Or jump off Nakatomi Plaza with a fire hose attached to his waist? Or watch his feet get chewed up by all that glass?
John McClane is intelligent, shrewd, and resourceful. When his wife—along with the rest of her office—is held hostage by German terrorists, he resolves to save them himself.
Die Hardis a film that revitalized the action genre, elevating it from the stereotypical pack of beefy, veiny jocks from the 1980s and making it one of wit, subtlety, and everyday heroes.
Related:The Best Movies Like Die Hard (Including Clones and Ripoffs)
1. Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
One could argue that Sidney Lumet’sDog Day Afternoonis the best film about hostages ever made. I’d certainly agree!
It was all supposed to go down within ten minutes. There weren’t supposed to be any cops involved at all. But eight hours and some hostages later, it’s the hottest thing on TV.
How could it all have gone so wrong?
Expertly helmed by Al Pacino and John Cazale in some of their best performances, all ofDog Day Afternoontakes place in a small bank. The plot is simple, with just two men holding up a small institution because they’re desperate for money.
ButDog Day Afternoonis fascinating because we get to see how Sidney Lumet turns their act of rebellion into a story of social insurgency. Why do so many people begin to support these bank robbers? Why are they seen as local heroes?
The answer to that question is up to you to decide, but you’ll have to watch this incredible film before you can arrive at it!
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