Summary
After watching Pietro La Torre try to find his missing children inVanished into the Night, audiences may be craving more dark stories of kidnapping and crime, and the following movies are the ideal choices.Vanished into the Nightis a 2024 Italian thriller that is currently streaming on Netflix. The movie centers on Pietro, a man who is in the midst of a messy divorce when his two children go missing. Pietro embarks on a dangerous mission to find them, uncovering his ties to a dark, criminal past.Vanished into the Night’scastincludes Riccardo Scamarcio and Annabelle Wallis.
Vanished into the Nightis a tense mystery from a long line of films centering on kidnapping. Over the years, some of thebest thriller movieshave focused on what happens when a child is taken. Oftentimes, the journey to find the kid unravels a far larger and scarier conspiracy. The movies that are most likeVanished in the Nightare those that propose a similar situation.These movies wonder what a parent does when their child goes missing,or explores the terrifying criminal underbelly that society often forgets about. Without a doubt, each of these films is thrilling until the last second.
Best Psychological Thriller Movies On Netflix
The best psychological movies on Netflix offer everything from classics and Netflix originals to award winners and international releases.
10The Nameless (1999)
A Woman’s Murdered Daughter Claims To Be Alive
The Namelessis a 1999 Spanish horror movie following Claudia, a woman whose six-year-old daughter, Angela, was brutally murdered. Several years later, Claudia gets a call from someone claiming to be Angela, pleading for help.Though Claudia thought her daughter was dead, she can’t help but investigate this call with the hope that maybe Angela has been alive this whole time. But if so, where has she been?
ThoughThe Namelesstakes a more paranormal route thanVanished in the Nightdoes, the movies definitely have their similarities. Like Pietro, Claudia is desperate to find Angela, no matter the cost. Therefore, when she uncovers something truly horrifying, she plows ahead anyway, intent on saving the daughter she thought she lost.The Namelessis perfect for those who might like a scarier, more gruesome version ofVanished into the Night.
Changeling
Cast
Changeling is a 2008 American mystery crime drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Angelina Jolie. The film is based on the true story of Christine Collins, a woman in 1928 Los Angeles whose son goes missing. When the police return a different boy to her, Collins confronts a corrupt and incompetent police department that insists the boy is her son. As she fights to uncover the truth, she exposes a conspiracy and battles against powerful forces. The film explores themes of loss, hope, and the quest for justice. Jolie’s performance, combined with Eastwood’s direction, received critical acclaim.
It is awful enough to lose a child, but this 2008 film poses an even spookier scenario.Changelingfollows Angelina Jolie as Christine Collins, a woman in the 1920s who comes home to discover her son is missing. Months later, the police claim they have found the boy, but when they reunite, Collins knows the child isn’t hers. Despite this, the authorities force Collins to take him home. From there, her pleas for help only turn the public more and more against her.
All in all, those who enjoyed the mystery ofVanished into the Night,but wouldn’t mind an unexpected twist, will likely appreciate this film.
Changelingputs a twist on the classic kidnapping movie. Not only does Christine Collins lose her son, but she is forced to accept a child that isn’t hers and is vilified for seeking the truth. What makes this movie even more intriguing is thatit is based on the true story of the Wineville Chicken Coop murders. Plus, themovie is directed by Clint Eastwood. All in all, those who enjoyed the mystery ofVanished into the Night,but wouldn’t mind an unexpected twist, will likely appreciate this film.
You Were Never Really Here
You Were Never Really Here is a psychological thriller directed by Lynne Ramsay and starring Joaquin Phoenix. The film follows Joe, a traumatized veteran who makes a living tracking down missing girls. As he becomes entangled in a conspiracy, Joe’s brutal methods and personal demons threaten to consume him. Adapted from Jonathan Ames' novella, the movie delves deeply into themes of violence and redemption.
You Were Never Really Hereis a psychological crime movie following a troubled man named Joe, whose job is to find missing girls. However, Joe’s work takes an unexpected turn when the girl he needs to save is part of a much bigger crime ring. Suddenly, Joe’s entire life is put at risk as he attempts to save this child. He must defeat the bad guys, and also, overcome his own mental health issues.
You Were Never Really Herestars Joaquin Phoenix as Joe.
AlthoughYou Were Never Really HereandVanished into the Nightboth follow child kidnapping stories, what truly connects them are their main characters. Though Joe and Pietro have stark differences, their motive is the same. They want to do everything they can to protect endangered children.You Were Never Really Hereis definitely steeped in themes of kidnapping and crime, but more than anything,it is a case study of a deeply unwell man who, despite everything, remains a hero.
Ransom
Ransom is a suspense thriller directed by Ron Howard, featuring Mel Gibson as Tom Mullen, a wealthy airline owner. When Mullen’s son is kidnapped, he faces a moral and strategic dilemma, choosing between negotiating with the kidnappers and taking a bold, unconventional stand. Also starring Rene Russo and Gary Sinise, the film delves into intense psychological and emotional territory, showcasing a parent’s struggle in a high-stakes hostage situation.
Ransomtells the story of Tom Mullen, a rich businessman whose son is kidnapped. In response, Mullen arranges a $2 million ransom. However, when the drop doesn’t go as planned, Mullen changes the game entirely. Rather than offering the money as ransom, Mullen publicly announces that the $2 million will be a bounty for the kidnappers.
With Mel Gibson in the leading role,Ransomis a classic 1990s thriller.It is likeVanished into the Nightdue to its themes of child kidnapping, but it sees the protagonist in a totally different position. Where Pietro must return to his criminal roots to find his children, Tom Mullen uses his wealth as a superpower to get his child back. Additionally, with Ron Howard as the director,Ransomis a star-studded adventure that is definitely worth a watch.
Lost Girls
Lost Girls is a drama film based on the true-crime book of the same name by Robert Kolker. The 2020 film follows Mari Gilbert, a determined mother, as she searches for her missing daughter Shannan, who disappeared in 2010. The investigation leads to the discovery of the bodies of several women who were murdered by the Long Island Serial Killer.
A more recent release that is likeVanished into the NightisLost Girls.This movie follows Mari Gilbert, a woman who pushes law enforcement to find her missing daughter, and, in the process, discovers a string of murders of young sex workers linked to a prolific serial killer. The film is based on a true story, which was documented in Robert Kolker’s book,Lost Girls: An Unsolved American Mystery.
Lost Girlsfocuses on the crimes of the Long Island serial killer.
Lost Girlsprovides the same tense questions and seedy criminal underground asVanished into the Night.Mari follows a similar quest to the one Pietro goes on, but rather than putting herself in danger, she unlocks the secret to the disappearances of countless other young women.While this movie is certainly thrilling in some respects, it also has a strong sense of heart. Mari’s discoveries create hope that other violent crimes will one day be solved. Therefore, this true story is a good pick for those who enjoy true crime more than fiction.
Gone Baby Gone
Gone Baby Gone is a crime drama centering on a detective investigating the disappearance a little girl. But soon after he begins digging for the truth, he is victim to a personal and professional crisis.
When a child goes missing in a movie, sometimes it is the authorities who risk their lives, not the parents.Gone Baby Goneis a 2007 thriller starring Casey Affleck as Patrick Kenzie,a Boston cop who sets out to find a little girl that everyone else believes is long dead. Kenzie thinks he has a suspect in mind, but it turns out that the perpetrator may be much closer to home than he thought.
Gone Baby Goneis a unique pick on this list becauseit shows law enforcement’s perspective rather than that of a parent. In some ways, this makes the movie even more action-packed. However, it doesn’t take away from the emotional factor. Affleck’s Kenzie is as dedicated to this missing child’s case as any parent would be, plus he has the expertise to pull it off. Additionally, as Ben Affleck’s directorial debut, this movie remains a classic within its genre.
Taken
Taken stars Liam Neeson as ex-Green Beret and ex-CIA operative Bryan Mills, who retired from his life of fighting in order to be there for his family. When his teenage daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) travels to Paris and is kidnapped by human traffickers, Mills launches into action, mounting a one-man rescue mission that sees him tear through gangs of European criminals with extreme prejudice in hopes of finding and rescuing Kim before it’s too late.
One of the best-known kidnapping movies is the Liam Neeson classic,Taken.In this film, Neeson plays Bryan Mills, a former government operative who wants to reconnect with his daughter, Kim. However, his efforts take a sudden turn when Kim is kidnapped in Europe. Mills must revive the skills he learned in Black Ops to save Kim from being lost forever.
Overall,Takenis a must-see for those seeking more films about parents whose children are kidnapped.
Though movies centered on kidnappings have been around for a while,Takenis likely the first movie audiences think of when they consider this specific storyline. Neeson’s portrayal of Bryan Mills has become iconic, and was popular enough to spawn two sequels. In fact, Neeson would never have become an action star if it weren’t for this movie. Overall,Takenis a must-see for those seeking more films about parents whose children are kidnapped.
Searching
Searching is a drama thriller that stars John Cho as David Kim whose 16-year-old daughter goes missing. Despite a local investigation being opened with an active detective assigned to the case, thirty-seven hours pass without a single lead. Desperate and frustrated, David decides to search the one place no one has looked yet, where all secrets are kept today: his daughter’s laptop. Utilizing technology to conduct his own investigation, David must trace his daughter’s digital footprints before she disappears forever.
ImagineVanished into the Nightbut shot entirely through the screen of a computer. That’s 2018’sSearching.This thriller follows David, a man whose daughter disappears without a trace. Determined to find her, David tracks his daughter’s life through her social media and technology. Eventually, he catches on to where she might have disappeared.
WhereVanished into the Nighttakes place in the Italian countryside,Searchingtakes place entirely online. This makes it stand out among other movies about kidnapping, but also other thrillers in general. Despite taking place fully on screens,Searchingmanages to keep audiences invested in its mystery and drama. In many ways,Searchingtakes the story ofVanished into the Nightand follows it in an entirely new direction.
2Without A Trace (1983)
A Woman Faces Her Son’s Disappearance
Without a Traceputs the drama in the traditional child kidnapping plotline.The 1983 movie follows Susan Selky, a college professor whose son goes missing. Though Susan is dedicated to finding her child, she faces countless obstacles. At first, Susan is deemed a suspect. Then, another suspect is found, yet Susan doesn’t believe it’s him. Susan realizes she may have to face the facts. Her son might be gone forever.
All in all,Without a Traceis gripping without the flashy plots of the thriller genre.
Where the other movies on this list are thrillers, horror movies, and mysteries,Without a Tracetakes a more dramatic route. Unlike Pietro, Susan does not go beyond the law to find her son, nor does she unlock a terrible hidden secret. Instead,Without a Traceshows the more realistic traumas of having your child be kidnapped. Rather than delving into criminal conspiracies, this movie focuses on the highs and lows Susan faces while her son is missing, and the injustices she suffers through. All in all,Without a Traceis gripping without the flashy plots of the thriller genre.
Prisoners
After getting tired of waiting for the police to find the person responsible for taking two young girls, Keller Rover takes the law into his own hands to get the answers he wants. This crime drama was directed by Denis Villeneuve and stars Hugh Jackman (Keller Rover), Jake Gyllenhaal (Detective Loki), and Terrence Howard (Franklin Birch).
The final movie to watch afterVanished into the Nightis 2013’sPrisoners.This film starsHugh Jackman as Keller Dover, a man whose six-year-old daughter goes missing. Though the lead detective, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, seems to have a lead, it quickly falls apart. From there, Dover decides to take matters into his own hands, but eventually realizes the danger he is putting himself in.
There are several reasons why viewers should seePrisoners.This movie has an incredible cast, including Jackman, Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Paul Dano, and more. Furthermore, it was directed by critically acclaimed director, Denis Villeneuve. However,Prisonersis at the top of this list because of its successful depiction of a story that is incredibly similar toVanished into the Night.Prisonersembodies the tragedy, pain, and desperation of a character losing their child. Plus, it takes unexpected turns that constantly keep it fresh. This is the ideal movie to watch after Netflix’sVanished Into the Night.
Vanished Into the Night
Elena, an American psychiatrist, moves to Italy for love but faces heartbreak and custody battles. When their children vanish while with their father, Pietro, they receive a ransom demand. Desperation drives them to race against time to save their kids, navigating tension and old wounds along the way.
