Are you a fan of the powerful and moving film “Sound of Freedom”? This gripping movie, based on the true story of former DHS agent Tim Ballard’s mission to rescue children from sex trafficking, has captivated audiences with its raw portrayal of one of the world’s most heinous crimes. If you were deeply affected by “Sound of Freedom” and are looking for more films that shed light on the dark world of human trafficking while also inspiring hope, look no further. Here are 15 must-see movies like “Sound of Freedom” that will open your eyes, break your heart, and ultimately uplift your spirit.
1. Taken (2008)
Liam Neeson stars as Bryan Mills, a former CIA operative whose teenage daughter is kidnapped by human traffickers while on vacation in Paris. With his “very particular set of skills,” Bryan embarks on a relentless pursuit to rescue his daughter before she disappears into the underground world of sex slavery. Taken is a heart-pounding thriller that showcases a father’s unwavering love and determination in the face of unimaginable evil.
2. Trade (2007)
Trade is a gritty and unflinching look at the global sex trade, following the parallel stories of a 13-year-old Mexican girl kidnapped by traffickers and a Polish woman lured into sexual slavery in the United States. As their paths intertwine, a Texas cop (Kevin Kline) becomes entangled in the search for the young girl, uncovering a vast network of corruption and exploitation. This film pulls no punches in its depiction of the brutality endured by victims of trafficking.
3. The Whistleblower (2010)
Based on a true story, The Whistleblower stars Rachel Weisz as Kathryn Bolkovac, a Nebraska police officer who takes a job as a U.N. peacekeeper in post-war Bosnia. There, she uncovers a shocking scandal involving U.N. personnel complicit in a sex trafficking ring. Despite threats and intimidation, Kathryn risks everything to expose the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice. This film is a testament to the courage of those who stand up against corruption and fight for the rights of the vulnerable.
4. Lilya 4-ever (2002)
Lilya 4-ever is a haunting Swedish drama that follows the tragic story of Lilya, a 16-year-old girl from a former Soviet republic who is abandoned by her mother and left to fend for herself. Desperate and alone, Lilya falls prey to a trafficker who promises her a better life in Sweden, only to be sold into prostitution. This emotionally devastating film shines a light on the harsh realities faced by countless young women and girls trapped in the vicious cycle of poverty and exploitation.
5. Human Trafficking (2005)
This powerful miniseries, starring Mira Sorvino and Donald Sutherland, interweaves three stories of women and girls caught in the web of international sex trafficking. From a young Ukrainian woman lured into a modeling scam to a 12-year-old American tourist kidnapped in the Philippines, Human Trafficking exposes the global scope and complexity of this insidious crime. The series also follows the efforts of an ICE agent (Sorvino) determined to bring down the trafficking ring and rescue its victims.
6. Sold (2014)
Based on the novel by Patricia McCormick, Sold tells the story of Lakshmi, a 13-year-old Nepalese girl who is sold into prostitution by her impoverished family. Transported to a brothel in India, Lakshmi endures unspeakable abuse and degradation, but never loses hope of escape and reunion with her family. This beautifully shot film is a poignant and ultimately uplifting tale of resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.
7. Nefarious: Merchant of Souls (2011)
Nefarious: Merchant of Souls is a hard-hitting documentary that exposes the global sex trade through the eyes of the exploited and those working to combat this evil. From the slums of Cambodia to the streets of Las Vegas, the film uncovers the grim realities of modern-day slavery and the complex web of factors that perpetuate it. While difficult to watch at times, Nefarious ultimately offers a message of hope, highlighting the tireless efforts of abolitionists and survivors fighting to end trafficking.
8. Not My Life (2011)
Narrated by Glenn Close, Not My Life is a comprehensive documentary that explores the many faces of human trafficking and modern slavery around the world. From child soldiers in Uganda to domestic servants in Washington, D.C., the film reveals the staggering scope and diversity of this global epidemic. Through interviews with survivors, activists, and experts, Not My Life paints a complex and nuanced portrait of an issue that affects millions, while also showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.
9. Priceless (2016)
Inspired by true events, Priceless follows the story of James (Joel Smallbone), a desperate man who agrees to drive a box truck cross-country, no questions asked. When he discovers that his cargo is two sisters destined for sex slavery, James faces a life-altering choice. Unable to turn a blind eye, he embarks on a dangerous journey to save the girls and confront the forces that prey on the innocent. Priceless is a powerful reminder that each life is precious and worth fighting for.
10. Eden (2012)
Eden is a harrowing tale of survival inspired by the real-life experiences of Chong Kim, a young Korean-American girl abducted and forced into prostitution in the 1990s. Jamie Chung delivers a raw and unforgettable performance as Eden, who endures unspeakable abuse at the hands of her captors but never loses her will to survive. This film is a testament to the strength and resilience of trafficking survivors and a call to action for all of us to join the fight against this heinous crime.
11. Trafficked (2017)
Trafficked weaves together the stories of three young women from different parts of the world who are lured into the sex trade under false pretenses. From a Nigerian teenager promised a better life in Europe to an Indian woman enslaved in a Los Angeles sweatshop, the film exposes the global reach and devastating impact of human trafficking. Trafficked is a powerful indictment of the systems and attitudes that enable this crime to flourish, and a tribute to the courage of those who fight back.
12. I Am Jane Doe (2017)
I Am Jane Doe is a gripping documentary that chronicles the legal battle waged by American mothers against Backpage.com, the largest online marketplace for sex trafficking. Through the heartbreaking stories of their daughters, who were bought and sold for sex on Backpage, these brave women expose the complicity of the website and the uphill battle for justice in a system that too often fails victims. This film is a rallying cry for change and a testament to the power of a mother’s love.
13. The Jammed (2007)
Set in Melbourne, Australia, The Jammed follows the intersecting lives of three women trapped in the city’s underground sex trade. From a young Chinese mother smuggled into the country to pay off her husband’s gambling debts to a Russian woman lured by the promise of a legitimate job, the film exposes the brutal realities faced by women trafficked into prostitution. The Jammed is a gritty and unflinching look at the human cost of the sex industry and the challenges faced by those working to combat it.
14. Stopping Traffic: The Movement to End Sex Trafficking (2017)
Stopping Traffic is a comprehensive documentary that explores the complex issue of sex trafficking from multiple angles, including the perspectives of survivors, activists, law enforcement, and even former traffickers. Through powerful interviews and compelling footage, the film sheds light on the scope and severity of the problem, while also highlighting the innovative solutions and tireless efforts of those working to end it. Stopping Traffic is a call to action for everyone to join the movement and be part of the solution.
15. In Plain Sight (2014)
Narrated by Natalie Grant, In Plain Sight is a documentary that exposes the shocking reality of sex trafficking in America, from small towns to major cities. Through interviews with survivors, law enforcement, and anti-trafficking advocates, the film shatters the myth that trafficking only happens in other countries and reveals the staggering scope of the problem right here at home. In Plain Sight is a wake-up call for all of us to open our eyes to the exploitation happening in our own communities and take action to stop it.
These 15 powerful movies like “Sound of Freedom” offer a raw and unflinching look at the dark world of human trafficking, exposing the unimaginable suffering endured by millions of victims around the globe. At the same time, these films also shine a light on the incredible resilience of survivors and the tireless efforts of those working to combat this evil and bring hope to the hopeless. By watching these movies and educating ourselves about this critical issue, we can all play a part in the fight to end modern-day slavery and ensure that every person is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
