10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Taken (2017)

Description: Like 'Taken', 'The Terminal List' follows a highly trained operative (James Reece) seeking justice and revenge. Both feature intense action sequences, a focus on family, and a protagonist pushed to their limits.

Fact: Based on the novel by Jack Carr. Chris Pratt trained extensively for the role. The show has been praised for its realistic portrayal of military life.

Description: Like 'Taken', 'Homeland' blends espionage, personal stakes, and high-stakes action. Both feature protagonists (Carrie Mathison and Bryan Mills) who are deeply committed to their missions, often at great personal cost. The themes of loyalty, betrayal, and protecting loved ones are central to both.

Fact: 'Homeland' is based on the Israeli series 'Prisoners of War'. Claire Danes won two Emmys for her role as Carrie Mathison. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of mental health issues.

Description: Like 'Taken', 'Banshee' is a gritty, action-packed series with a protagonist (Lucas Hood) who uses his combat skills to navigate a dangerous world. Both feature intense fight scenes, personal stakes, and a focus on redemption.

Fact: The show was filmed in Pennsylvania. Antony Starr's performance was highly praised. It features some of the most brutal fight scenes on TV.

Description: 'The Americans' shares with 'Taken' a focus on skilled operatives (Philip and Elizabeth Jennings) who must balance their dangerous missions with family life. Both explore themes of loyalty, identity, and sacrifice.

Fact: Set during the Cold War. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys received critical acclaim. The show was praised for its historical accuracy.

Description: Similar to 'Taken', 'The Blacklist' features a highly skilled protagonist (Raymond 'Red' Reddington) with a mysterious past who uses his expertise to protect others. Both shows mix action, suspense, and personal drama, with a focus on family and redemption.

Fact: James Spader's performance as Red Reddington is a standout. The show has a complex, mythology-driven storyline. It has been praised for its witty dialogue and unexpected twists.

Description: Similar to 'Taken', 'Shooter' features a protagonist (Bob Lee Swagger) with exceptional skills who is drawn into a conspiracy. Both are action-packed, with themes of betrayal, revenge, and protecting loved ones.

Fact: Based on the novel 'Point of Impact'. Ryan Phillippe stars as Bob Lee Swagger. The show was praised for its realistic sniper scenes.

Description: 'Condor' mirrors 'Taken' in its depiction of a skilled operative (Joe Turner) forced into action to survive and protect others. Both are fast-paced, with a mix of espionage, action, and personal drama.

Fact: Based on the novel 'Six Days of the Condor'. The show updates the 1975 film 'Three Days of the Condor'. It explores themes of morality in espionage.

Description: 'Bodyguard' shares with 'Taken' a focus on a protective figure (David Budd) who must use his skills to safeguard others. Both are tense, action-packed thrillers that explore themes of duty, trauma, and personal sacrifice.

Fact: 'Bodyguard' became the UK's most-watched drama in over a decade. Richard Madden won a Golden Globe for his role. The show's opening scene on a train is particularly acclaimed.

Description: 'Reacher' shares with 'Taken' a lone-wolf protagonist (Jack Reacher) who uses his combat skills to solve crimes and protect others. Both are action-driven, with a focus on justice and personal codes of honor.

Fact: Based on Lee Child's novels. Alan Ritchson was praised for his physical portrayal of Reacher. The show stays true to the books' detailed fight scenes.

Description: Similar to 'Taken' (2017), '24' is a high-octane thriller that revolves around a skilled protagonist (Jack Bauer) who uses his combat and tactical expertise to protect loved ones and national security. Both feature relentless pacing, intense action sequences, and themes of personal sacrifice and duty.

Fact: '24' was groundbreaking for its real-time storytelling format, with each season representing 24 hours. Kiefer Sutherland won an Emmy for his portrayal of Jack Bauer. The show popularized the use of split-screen techniques to depict simultaneous events.