When Liam Neeson burst onto the action movie scene with his iconic role as Bryan Mills in the 2008 thriller Taken, audiences were captivated by the story of an ex-CIA operative who will stop at nothing to rescue his kidnapped daughter. The film’s success launched a franchise and solidified Neeson as a bona fide action star.
If you’re a fan of Taken and are craving more heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled films featuring skilled protagonists seeking justice, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of the 18 best movies that capture the same spirit and intensity as the Taken series. Get ready to buckle up and embark on a thrilling cinematic journey!
1. The Equalizer (2014)
Denzel Washington stars as Robert McCall, a former special agent who comes out of retirement to help a young girl in trouble. Much like Bryan Mills, McCall uses his particular set of skills to take down a powerful Russian crime syndicate. With intense action sequences and Washington’s commanding performance, The Equalizer is a must-watch for any Taken fan.
2. John Wick (2014)
Keanu Reeves delivers a career-defining performance as the titular character, a retired hitman seeking vengeance after the tragic loss of his beloved dog – a final gift from his deceased wife. John Wick is a stylish, action-packed thrill ride that showcases Reeves’ impressive martial arts skills and features stunning cinematography. The film spawned a successful franchise, cementing Wick as an iconic action hero.
3. Man on Fire (2004)
In this gritty thriller, Denzel Washington plays John Creasy, a former CIA operative hired to protect a young girl named Pita (Dakota Fanning) in Mexico City. When Pita is kidnapped, Creasy embarks on a violent quest for revenge. Man on Fire is a raw, emotionally charged film that explores themes of redemption and the lengths one will go to protect those they love.
4. The Bourne Identity (2002)
Matt Damon stars as Jason Bourne, a man suffering from amnesia who must uncover his true identity while evading assassins. As Bourne pieces together his past as a CIA assassin, he embarks on a globe-trotting adventure filled with pulse-pounding action and stunning plot twists. The Bourne Identity kickstarted a successful franchise and redefined the spy thriller genre.
5. Extraction (2020)
Chris Hemsworth stars as Tyler Rake, a fearless black market mercenary tasked with rescuing the kidnapped son of an imprisoned international crime lord. Set in the gritty underworld of weapons dealers and drug traffickers, Extraction is a non-stop thrill ride featuring jaw-dropping stunts and intense fight sequences. Hemsworth’s physically demanding performance anchors this adrenaline-pumping action flick.
6. Run All Night (2015)
Liam Neeson reunites with his Unknown director Jaume Collet-Serra for this action-packed thriller about a hitman named Jimmy Conlon who must protect his estranged son from the vengeful mob boss he once called his best friend. With Neeson in top form and a stellar supporting cast including Ed Harris and Joel Kinnaman, Run All Night delivers the goods for fans of gritty, no-holds-barred action.
7. A History of Violence (2005)
Directed by David Cronenberg and starring Viggo Mortensen, A History of Violence follows a mild-mannered diner owner whose past as a ruthless gangster comes back to haunt him when he’s forced to protect his family. While not as action-heavy as some of the other films on this list, A History of Violence is a masterful deconstruction of the action genre that packs a powerful emotional punch.
8. Nobody (2021)
Bob Odenkirk stars as Hutch Mansell, a seemingly ordinary family man who harbors a secret past as a “nobody” – a highly skilled, government-trained assassin. When his family is threatened by a dangerous thug, Hutch must unleash his long-buried skills to protect them. Nobody is a stylish, darkly comedic action thriller that showcases Odenkirk’s surprising prowess as an action star.
9. The Foreigner (2017)
Jackie Chan delivers a dramatic turn as Quan Ngoc Minh, a humble London businessman whose teenage daughter is killed in a terrorist bombing. Consumed by grief and a desire for revenge, Quan embarks on a relentless pursuit of the bombers, uncovering a web of political intrigue along the way. The Foreigner is a taut, emotionally charged thriller that allows Chan to showcase his dramatic chops alongside his legendary martial arts skills.
10. Taken 2 (2012)
In this sequel to the original Taken, Bryan Mills and his family are targeted by the vengeful relatives of the men he killed while rescuing his daughter in the first film. With the action moving to Istanbul, Taken 2 ups the ante with bigger set pieces and higher stakes. While not quite as fresh as its predecessor, the film still delivers the thrills fans have come to expect from the franchise.
11. Safe (2012)
Jason Statham stars as Luke Wright, a former cop and cage fighter who becomes the protector of a young Chinese math prodigy targeted by the Triads, the Russian mob, and corrupt NYC police. Safe is a slick, action-packed thriller that showcases Statham’s signature brand of no-nonsense heroics and bone-crunching fight sequences.
12. The Transporter (2002)
In this stylish action flick, Jason Statham plays Frank Martin, a professional “transporter” who delivers packages for criminals, no questions asked. When one of his packages turns out to be a beautiful woman, Frank finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The Transporter is a sleek, high-octane thrill ride that established Statham as a bona fide action star.
13. Taken 3 (2014)
The third installment in the Taken franchise finds Bryan Mills framed for the murder of his ex-wife and on the run from the law. As he works to clear his name and protect his daughter, Mills must use all of his skills to stay one step ahead of the authorities and uncover the real killers. While not as well-received as the previous films, Taken 3 still offers plenty of the franchise’s signature action and thrills.
14. Death Wish (2018)
In this remake of the 1974 Charles Bronson classic, Bruce Willis stars as Dr. Paul Kersey, a surgeon who becomes a vigilante after his wife is murdered and his daughter is left comatose following a home invasion. As Kersey dispenses his own brand of justice on the streets of Chicago, he finds himself walking a fine line between hero and criminal. Death Wish is a gritty, violent thriller that updates the original’s premise for a modern audience.
15. The Commuter (2018)
Liam Neeson stars as Michael MacCauley, a former cop turned insurance salesman who gets caught up in a criminal conspiracy during his daily train commute. Tasked with identifying a hidden passenger before the train reaches its final stop, Michael must use his wits and skills to uncover the truth and protect the innocent. The Commuter is a taut, suspenseful thriller that keeps viewers guessing until the very end.
16. Harry Brown (2009)
Michael Caine delivers a powerhouse performance as the titular character, a retired Royal Marine who takes matters into his own hands when his best friend is murdered by a gang of violent youths. As Harry navigates the seedy underbelly of his London housing estate, he becomes a one-man army seeking justice for the forgotten and the downtrodden. Harry Brown is a gritty, emotionally charged vigilante thriller that showcases Caine’s enduring talent.
17. Colombiana (2011)
Zoe Saldana stars as Cataleya Restrepo, a young woman who becomes a professional assassin after witnessing the murder of her parents as a child in Bogotá. As Cataleya navigates the dangerous world of international espionage and crime, she seeks to uncover the truth behind her parents’ deaths and exact her revenge. Directed by Olivier Megaton, who would go on to helm Taken 2 and Taken 3, Colombiana is a stylish, action-packed thriller that allows Saldana to showcase her impressive physical prowess.
18. Non-Stop (2014)
Liam Neeson stars as Bill Marks, an air marshal who must identify and stop a terrorist threatening to kill a passenger every 20 minutes during a transatlantic flight. As suspicion falls on Marks himself, he must race against time to uncover the true culprit and save the lives of everyone on board. Non-Stop is a tense, claustrophobic thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of Taken and its sequels, these 18 films are sure to satisfy your craving for intense, action-packed thrills. From the stylish John Wick franchise to the gritty vigilante justice of Death Wish and Harry Brown, there’s something for every fan of the genre. So sit back, buckle up, and get ready for a wild ride through some of the best action movies of the past two decades!
