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18 Must-Watch Movies Like Taken About Heroes with Personal Stakes

June 28, 2023
Movies like Taken

The action-packed gem Taken quickly skyrocketed in popularity and captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. And who could blame them? It’s an adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The film follows the story of Bryan Mills, a former CIA operative played by the incredible- Liam Neeson, as he embarks on a relentless quest to rescue his kidnapped daughter. The movie’s gripping storyline, intense action sequences, and Neeson’s captivating performance combine to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. For your consideration, we curated a list of movies likeTaken. Let’s have a look!

One of the reasons fans love Taken is its unique premise. The idea of a father going to extraordinary lengths to protect his child resonates deeply with audiences. Neeson’s portrayal of Bryan Mills is nothing short of exceptional. He brings a perfect balance of vulnerability and strength to the character, making him relatable and engaging. Neeson’s commanding presence on screen adds a layer of authenticity to the film, and his rugged yet determined performance captivates viewers from the very beginning.

List of Movies Like Taken

  1. Harry Brown
  2. 3 Days to Kill
  3. The Fugitive
  4. Nobody
  5. John Wick​​
  6. The Grey
  7. Leon the Professional
  8. Prisoners
  9. Die Hard
  10. No Time To Die
  11. Layer Cake
  12. Jason Bourne 
  13. Man on Fire
  14. The Foreigner 
  15. Law Abiding Citizen 
  16. Jack Reacher 
  17. Unknown 
  18. The Equalizer

1. Harry Brown (2009)

Harry Brown is a gripping crime thriller that shares similarities with Taken. Both movies revolve around protagonists who are forced to take matters into their own hands to protect their loved ones. In Harry Brown, Michael Caine delivers a powerful performance as the titular character, an elderly widower who becomes entangled in a web of violence and corruption in his crime-ridden neighbourhood.

The movie’s gritty portrayal of urban decay and its exploration of themes like justice and vigilantism make it a compelling watch. Fans of Taken will appreciate the intense storytelling, the morally complex characters, and the raw emotional depth that Harry Brown offers.

2. 3 Days to Kill (2014)

3 Days to Kill shares some similarities with Taken in terms of its action-packed storyline. Starring Kevin Costner, the movie follows a seasoned CIA agent who is given a chance at redemption while facing a terminal illness. He embarks on a high-stakes mission while reconnecting with his estranged daughter.

The film blends thrilling action sequences with heartfelt moments, creating a captivating narrative that fans of Taken will enjoy. The dynamic performances, particularly Costner’s portrayal of a conflicted yet determined protagonist, and the movie’s exploration of family dynamics and sacrifice make it worth watching for fans seeking a similar adrenaline rush.

3. The Fugitive (1993)

The Fugitive is a gripping suspense thriller that bears some resemblance to Taken. The movie revolves around Dr Richard Kimble, played by Harrison Ford, who is wrongfully accused of murdering his wife. Determined to prove his innocence, he goes on the run while relentlessly pursued by a relentless U.S. Marshal. Like Taken, The Fugitive features a protagonist fighting against the odds to clear their name and protect their loved ones. 

The film is praised for its taut storytelling, intense chase sequences, and superb performances, particularly by Ford and Tommy Lee Jones. Fans of Taken will appreciate the gripping narrative, the high stakes, and the cat-and-mouse dynamic that makes The Fugitive a must-watch.

4. Nobody (2021)

Nobody follows a protagonist who is unexpectedly pushed to unleash their hidden skills. Starring Bob Odenkirk, the film follows Hutch Mansell, an underestimated family man who becomes entangled in a dangerous confrontation with Russian mobsters. As events escalate, Hutch unveils his lethal abilities, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.

Fans of Taken will enjoy the movie’s thrilling action sequences, dark humour, and Odenkirk’s surprising transformation into an unstoppable force. Nobody is a fresh take on the genre, blending elements of a revenge thriller with a darkly comedic twist, making it a must-watch for fans seeking a similar adrenaline-pumping experience.

5. John Wick (2014)

A great movie about a protagonist seeking vengeance. John Wick features Keanu Reeves, the film follows the titular character, a former hitman, who embarks on a rampage after the tragic loss of his beloved dog. John Wick becomes a force to be reckoned with as he hunts down the criminals responsible for his suffering. 

Just like Taken, John Wick captivates audiences with its stylishly choreographed fight scenes, high-octane action, and strong lead performance. Fans of Taken will appreciate the movie’s slick execution, its world-building, and the sheer adrenaline rush that John Wick delivers from start to finish.

6. The Grey (2011)

The Grey offers a different take on the themes of survival and determination found in Taken. Starring Liam Neeson, the film follows an oil rig team stranded in the Alaskan wilderness after a plane crash. As they face the harsh elements and a pack of territorial wolves, the survivors must summon their inner strength to stay alive.

Like Taken, The Grey showcases Neeson’s commanding performance and his ability to portray a man driven by the will to protect and survive. Fans of Taken will appreciate the movie’s tense atmosphere, Neeson’s powerful acting, and its exploration of human resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

7. Leon: The Professional (1994)

Leon: The Professional is a tale of a seasoned professional going to extreme lengths to protect a young girl. Starring Jean Reno and a young Natalie Portman, the film follows the relationship between a hitman and a 12-year-old girl who seeks his guidance after her family is murdered.

The movie delves into themes of redemption, mentorship, and the lengths one would go to shield an innocent life. Leon: The Professional showcases powerful performances, particularly from Reno and Portman, and features stylish action sequences that will appeal to fans of Taken. The film’s emotional depth, complex characters, and intense storytelling make it a must-watch for anyone captivated by similar themes.

8. Prisoners (2013)

Prisoners, similar to movies like Taken, focuses on parental determination and a desperate search for justice. Starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, the film revolves around two families whose daughters mysteriously vanish on Thanksgiving Day. As the police investigation hits a dead end, one of the fathers takes matters into his own hands, venturing into dark territory to find his daughter and seek retribution.

Like Taken, Prisoners captivates audiences with its intense storyline, emotionally charged performances, and exploration of the lengths a parent would go to protect their child. Fans of Taken will appreciate the movie’s gripping suspense, moral complexities, and its ability to keep viewers guessing until the very end.

9. Die Hard (1988)

Die Hard is an action-packed film about a resilient protagonist who finds himself in a high-stakes situation. Starring Bruce Willis as John McClane, the film follows a New York City police officer who becomes the only hope for a group of hostages held by terrorists in a Los Angeles skyscraper. McClane, armed with his wit and resourcefulness, fights against the odds to save innocent lives and protect his estranged wife. 

Die Hard is a beloved action classic known for its thrilling set pieces, memorable one-liners, and Willis’s charismatic performance. Fans of Taken will appreciate the movie’s relentless action, engaging storyline, and the portrayal of a hero who refuses to back down.

10. No Time to Die (2021)

No Time to Die is the latest instalment in the James Bond franchise and shares similarities with Taken. Daniel Craig as James Bond, this film follows Daniel’s final appearance as the iconic British spy as he faces a dangerous global threat while grappling with personal demons. As Bond confronts a villain with a vengeful agenda, he must navigate treacherous alliances and make sacrifices to safeguard those closest to him.

No Time to Die may be the final film of Daniel’s installment but you won’t need to worry about watching the first few movies (although do so anyway!). Fans of Taken will appreciate the movie’s adrenaline-fueled sequences, its exploration of personal sacrifices, and its captivating portrayal of a spy on a mission to protect his family and save the world.

11. Layer Cake (2004)

Layer Cake is a crime story about a man caught in a dangerous underworld. Another great movie featuring Daniel Craig, this film follows him as a nameless protagonist navigating the treacherous world of drug dealing in London. When a seemingly simple job goes awry, he finds himself entangled in a web of betrayal and violence.

Layer Cake captivates viewers with its stylish direction, clever twists, and Craig’s charismatic performance. Fans of Taken will appreciate the movie’s intricate storytelling, morally complex characters, and its exploration of the consequences of getting involved in illicit activities.

12. Jason Bourne (2016)

Jason Bourne is part of the popular Bourne series and shares similarities with Taken through its high-octane action and a skilled protagonist seeking answers about his past. Starring Matt Damon, the film follows Jason Bourne as he resurfaces to confront his past and uncover the truth behind his identity. 

Like Taken, Jason Bourne delivers intense action sequences, pulse-pounding suspense, and a relentless pursuit of justice. Fans of Taken will appreciate the movie’s adrenaline-fueled thrills, intricate espionage plot, and Damon’s charismatic portrayal of a trained operative on a quest for truth and redemption.

13. Man on Fire (2004)

A desperate protagonist willing to do whatever it takes to protect a loved one. With Denzel Washington, Man on Fire tells the story of a former CIA operative who becomes a bodyguard for a young girl in Mexico City. When she is kidnapped, he embarks on a violent and relentless quest to bring her captors to justice.

Man on Fire captivates viewers with its emotional depth, intense action sequences, and Washington’s powerful performance. Fans of Taken will appreciate the movie’s gritty portrayal of vengeance, its exploration of the lengths one will go to protect family, and its relentless pursuit of justice.

14. The Foreigner (2017)

The Foreigner follows a humble businessman (Jackie Chan) with a mysterious past who seeks vengeance when his daughter is killed in an act of terrorism. As he uncovers a web of political conspiracies, he becomes a force to be reckoned with. 

The Foreigner combines explosive action sequences with a captivating story, showcasing Chan’s versatility as an actor. Fans of Taken will appreciate the movie’s suspenseful narrative, Chan’s compelling performance, and its exploration of the consequences of personal tragedy and the pursuit of justice.

15. Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

Law Abiding Citizen is an intense film that follows a guy seeking revenge after his family falls victim to a brutal crime. Frustrated by the flaws in the justice system, he takes matters into his own hands, targeting those responsible and the system that failed him. 

Law Abiding Citizen delivers intense thrills, thought-provoking moral dilemmas, and Butler’s commanding performance. Fans of Taken will appreciate the movie’s exploration of vigilante justice, its gripping cat-and-mouse game, and its examination of the fine line between right and wrong.

16. Jack Reacher (2012)

Here we have Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher, a skilled protagonist seeking justice. Jack Reacher is a former military police officer, who investigates a sniper attack and uncovers a conspiracy. Reacher’s relentless pursuit of the truth, his resourcefulness, and his ability to outsmart his adversaries make for a thrilling experience.

Jack Reacher delivers exhilarating action sequences, clever twists, and Cruise’s charismatic performance. Fans of Taken will appreciate the movie’s fast-paced storytelling, its portrayal of a determined hero seeking justice, and its blend of mystery and suspense.

17. Unknown (2011)

Unknown is similar in terms of its theme of a hero caught in a web of conspiracy and fighting to reclaim their identity. Yet another movie with Liam Neeson, this one follows him as some one who wakes up from a coma to discover that someone has taken on his identity, and no one believes he is who he claims to be.

As he races against time to uncover the truth, he becomes entangled in a dangerous plot. Unknown combines suspenseful storytelling, thrilling action sequences, and Neeson’s compelling performance. Fans of Taken will appreciate the movie’s intriguing premise, its twist-filled narrative, and its exploration of identity and survival.

18. The Equalizer (2014)

The Equalizer shares similarities with Taken in terms of its theme of a vigilante protagonist using their skills to help those in need. Starring Denzel Washington, the film follows a former black ops operative who comes out of retirement to protect a young woman from ruthless Russian gangsters. 

The Equalizer combines gritty action, intense suspense, and Washington’s commanding performance. Fans of Taken will appreciate the movie’s vigilante justice storyline, its well-choreographed action sequences, and its exploration of a protagonist with a hidden past and a strong moral compass. The Equalizer offers a thrilling and satisfying experience for fans seeking a similar blend of action and redemption.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few movies on Taken that didn’t make this list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Salt 
  2. Commando
  3. Bullitt
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When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe. 

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost. 

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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