15 Thrilling Movies Like Taken You Must Watch

Introduction: If you enjoyed the high-octane action and emotional intensity of Taken (2008), you’re in for a treat. Liam Neeson’s unforgettable role as Bryan Mills, a former CIA operative on a mission to rescue his daughter, set a new standard for adrenaline-pumping thrillers. The film’s fast-paced plot, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and emotional stakes have made it a genre-defining classic. But if you’re looking for more films that offer similar levels of action, suspense, and heart, you’re in luck! Here are 15 movies like Taken that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether it’s nail-biting action, heroic rescues, or heart-stopping moments, these films will deliver the same exhilarating experience. For those who also love an epic adventure, some of these films share the fantasy-filled qualities of movies like Narnia, combining action with a touch of fantasy.

1. The Equalizer (2014)

In The Equalizer, Denzel Washington plays Robert McCall, a retired black-ops operative who seeks justice for the helpless. When a young woman is mistreated by a dangerous Russian gangster, McCall comes out of retirement to exact revenge and restore justice. The film is filled with high-stakes action sequences, strategic combat, and intense moments similar to Taken. Like Bryan Mills, McCall is a man with a particular set of skills, making this film a must-watch for fans of movies like Taken. With its gritty atmosphere and relentless pace, it offers an equally intense ride.

2. John Wick (2014)

John Wick stars Keanu Reeves as a retired assassin who returns to his violent past after the murder of his beloved dog, a gift from his late wife. The film’s raw action, choreographed fight scenes, and Reeves’ stoic performance make it a modern action classic. Similar to Taken, John Wick embarks on a personal journey of vengeance, where no one is safe. The movie blends fast-paced action with emotional stakes, just like Taken, and it explores a dark world filled with complex characters and relentless violence. John Wick’s world-building and action sequences make it a prime choice for fans of movies like Taken.

3. Salt (2010)

Salt features Angelina Jolie as a CIA operative accused of being a Russian spy. She goes on the run to prove her innocence and uncover the truth. With its gripping action, fast-paced sequences, and stunning performances, Salt is a must-watch for fans of movies like Taken. The film explores themes of deception, loyalty, and survival, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Similar to Taken, Jolie’s character is skilled, determined, and ready to fight to the end. Salt delivers the perfect balance of action and suspense.

4. The Bourne Identity (2002)

In The Bourne Identity, Matt Damon stars as Jason Bourne, a man who suffers from amnesia and must figure out his true identity while being pursued by assassins. Like Taken, the film is packed with intense action, strategic combat, and a strong central character trying to uncover a deeper conspiracy. The Bourne Identity is a thrilling, fast-paced spy movie with expertly choreographed fight scenes, making it an excellent choice for fans of movies like Taken. Bourne’s journey of self-discovery mirrors the stakes and intensity that fans of Taken crave.

5. Man on Fire (2004)

Man on Fire stars Denzel Washington as John Creasy, a former CIA operative who is hired to protect a young girl in Mexico City. When she is kidnapped, Creasy goes on a vengeful mission to track down those responsible. Much like Taken, the film is driven by personal revenge, emotional stakes, and intense action sequences. Washington’s portrayal of a man haunted by his past, yet driven by a desire to protect the innocent, will resonate with fans of movies like Taken. Man on Fire is a dark, gripping thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

6. The Transporter (2002)

The Transporter follows Frank Martin, a skilled driver and transporter who is hired to deliver packages without asking questions. However, when one of his deliveries goes awry, Frank becomes entangled in a dangerous world of criminals and corruption. Like Taken, The Transporter is filled with high-speed chases, intense fight scenes, and a central character with a set of unique skills. The movie blends action, suspense, and thrilling moments, making it perfect for fans of movies like Taken. Frank’s moral compass and sense of duty align with the intense personal stakes seen in Taken.

7. 3 Days to Kill (2014)

3 Days to Kill stars Kevin Costner as Ethan Renner, a CIA agent who is dying from cancer. With only a few days left to live, Renner is tasked with one final mission: to take down a dangerous arms dealer. Like Taken, the film is packed with action, emotion, and high stakes. Renner must balance his mission with spending time with his estranged daughter, making the emotional stakes of the film just as compelling as the action. 3 Days to Kill combines the intensity of movies like Taken with family drama, making it a thrilling ride.

8. The Fugitive (1993)

The Fugitive stars Harrison Ford as Dr. Richard Kimble, a man wrongly accused of murdering his wife. On the run from the law, Kimble must find his wife’s real killer while being hunted by a relentless U.S. Marshal played by Tommy Lee Jones. The film’s tense cat-and-mouse game, combined with Ford’s gripping performance, makes it an excellent choice for fans of movies like Taken. The Fugitive shares the theme of personal redemption and high-stakes action, with a character fighting for justice in a dangerous world.

9. Run All Night (2015)

In Run All Night, Liam Neeson reunites with director Jaume Collet-Serra for another thrilling action film. Neeson plays an aging hitman who must protect his son from a dangerous mob boss. Much like Taken, the movie is filled with relentless action, personal stakes, and a father fighting to protect his family. Neeson’s portrayal of a man seeking redemption and safety for his loved ones resonates with fans of movies like Taken. The intense action and emotional depth make Run All Night a gripping watch.

10. The Raid: Redemption (2011)

The Raid: Redemption is a non-stop action thriller that follows a SWAT team tasked with raiding a high-rise building controlled by a ruthless crime lord. The film is known for its brutal, hand-to-hand combat sequences and relentless pace. Similar to Taken, The Raid: Redemption showcases a central character battling to survive against overwhelming odds. The intense fight scenes and the raw, gritty atmosphere will appeal to fans of movies like Taken who crave heart-pounding action.

11. A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014)

In A Walk Among the Tombstones, Liam Neeson stars as Matt Scudder, an ex-cop turned private investigator who is hired to track down the kidnappers of a drug dealer’s wife. The film features gritty, emotional storytelling and intense action, much like Taken. Neeson’s portrayal of a man struggling with his past while seeking justice is both powerful and gripping. Like movies like Taken, the film explores the darkness of human nature and the lengths one man will go to protect the innocent.

12. Colombiana (2011)

Colombiana stars Zoe Saldana as Cataleya, a young woman seeking revenge for her parents’ murder. Trained as an assassin, she embarks on a personal journey to bring down the criminals responsible. The movie’s fast-paced action, emotional depth, and themes of vengeance make it an ideal choice for fans of movies like Taken. Much like Taken, Colombiana features a skilled protagonist on a mission to protect family and seek justice, blending action and emotion seamlessly.

13. The Grey (2011)

In The Grey, Liam Neeson stars as a rugged man stranded in the Alaskan wilderness after a plane crash. As he and his fellow survivors struggle to survive and evade a pack of wolves, Neeson’s character must confront both physical and emotional challenges. The film’s tense atmosphere, survival themes, and Neeson’s powerful performance will appeal to fans of movies like Taken. It explores themes of resilience, self-reliance, and the fight for survival in a dangerous world.

14. The Taken Trilogy (2008-2014)

If you loved the original Taken, why not continue the journey with the sequels? The Taken trilogy continues the story of Bryan Mills, with more high-stakes action, intense chases, and emotional drama. The trilogy, while expanding the plot and action, maintains the heart of the first film: a father fighting to protect his family. Fans of movies like Taken will enjoy the escalating suspense and action that continues to unfold in each installment.

15. Red (2010)

Red stars Bruce Willis as Frank Moses, a retired CIA agent who is targeted by his former employer. Frank teams up with other former agents to uncover a conspiracy and fight for their lives. The film blends action, humor, and suspense, making it a great pick for fans of movies like Taken. With a strong ensemble cast, Red delivers plenty of action and intrigue, along with a lighter, more humorous touch compared to the darker tone of Taken.

Conclusion: If you loved Taken for its edge-of-your-seat action, emotional depth, and high-stakes thrills, these 15 movies will keep you entertained with similar themes of revenge, survival, and intense action. From vigilante justice to family protection, these films offer gripping plots, heart-pounding action, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re seeking more adrenaline-fueled moments or emotionally charged missions, these movies like Taken will give you everything you’re looking for. So, get ready for another thrilling ride!