IMDb 6.7 1996 HD

Ransom

Ransom

1996
Action Thriller
121 min R USA
6.667 / 10
6.7 IMDB

When a rich man's son is kidnapped, he cooperates with the police at first but then tries a unique tactic against the criminals.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Ron Howard / Aldric La'Auli Porter / Eva Z. Cabrera / William M. Connor / Jeffrey T. Bernstein / Todd Hallowell / Joe Burns
Starring
Mel Gibson / Rene Russo / Gary Sinise / Delroy Lindo / Lili Taylor / Brawley Nolte / Liev Schreiber / Donnie Wahlberg

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

tense gripping clever suspenseful dramatic intriguing high-stakes morally complex audacious intense thrilling strategic

Reviews

P
Penelope Croft
May 15, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Ransom delivers a potent blend of suspense and moral ambiguity, anchored by a commanding performance from Mel Gibson. The film’s central hook—a father who uses his wealth and cunning to make his son’s kidnappers the hunted—is undeniably compelling.…

M
Marcus Thorne
May 15, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

Mel Gibson stars in Ransom, a crime thriller that hinges on an ingenious, albeit somewhat far-fetched, plot. When his son is kidnapped, Gibson's character decides to bypass traditional negotiation, opting instead for a risky public gambit that turns…

I
Isabelle Dubois
May 15, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

This is a masterclass in suspense. Ransom plunges the audience into the heart of a desperate father's ordeal, showcasing Mel Gibson at his most compelling. His decision to publicly offer a bounty on the kidnappers is a stroke…

A
Arthur Pendelton
May 15, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Ransom offers a high-concept thriller driven by a fascinating moral dilemma. Mel Gibson plays a wealthy businessman whose son is abducted, leading him to concoct an audacious plan that shifts the power dynamic entirely. The film thrives on…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 15, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Mel Gibson delivers a powerhouse performance in Ransom, a taut thriller that grips from its opening moments. The film's strength lies in its clever premise: a father, pushed to his limit by the kidnapping of his son, turns…

FAQs

Ransom is a sophisticated crime thriller that blends elements of suspense, drama, and strategic plotting. It's less about relentless action and more about the intellectual battle of wits. Viewers who appreciate tense, character-driven narratives with unexpected twists and a focus on psychological stakes will likely find it engaging. Fans of Mel Gibson's more intense performances might also be drawn to this film.