19 Movies Like Prisoners: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Nightcrawler, released in 2014, is reminiscent of Prisoners for a number of reasons. Both films fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller, and they both explore dark and morally complex themes. While Prisoners focuses on the harrowing ordeal of a father searching for his kidnapped daughter, Nightcrawler delves into the twisted world of crime journalism in Los Angeles. In both movies, Jake Gyllenhaal delivers outstanding performances, showcasing his versatility as an actor. However, Nightcrawler takes a different approach in terms of storytelling and tone. It combines elements of fear and comedy, creating a unique and unsettling viewing experience. The directorial debut of Dan Gilroy, Nightcrawler demonstrates his understanding of how to instill fear and inject humor into even the simplest scenes. With its intriguing plot, brilliant performances, and a dash of dark humor, Nightcrawler is a must-watch for fans of Prisoners looking for another thought-provoking and thrilling cinematic experience.

Home Before Dark is a crime drama series that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Just like Prisoners, it delves into the unsettling topic of child abduction. But don't let the fact that it has a little girl as the protagonist fool you - this series is definitely for adults. The intriguing storyline and great cast make it a must-watch for any crime-drama enthusiast. The soundtrack is also worth mentioning, with a mix of famous oldies and modern tunes that perfectly complement the show's atmosphere. While Prisoners is a feature film and Home Before Dark is a series, both explore the dark side of human nature and the lengths people are willing to go to uncover the truth. So if you enjoyed Prisoners, make sure to give Home Before Dark a chance - you won't be disappointed.

Zodiac is reminiscent of Prisoners because both movies fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller. While Prisoners focuses on the story of a father taking matters into his own hands when his daughter goes missing, Zodiac delves into the obsession of a cartoonist turned amateur detective in his pursuit of the infamous Zodiac Killer. Both films share a dark and intense atmosphere, keeping you on the edge of your seat. However, Zodiac takes a different approach by incorporating elements of a documentary-style narrative, adding an extra layer of intrigue. With a stellar cast including Jake Gyllenhaal and Mark Ruffalo, Zodiac is a must-watch for thriller fans who enjoy a gripping story with exceptional acting. So, if you enjoyed the gripping intensity of Prisoners, Zodiac will definitely leave you captivated.

The Informers, released in 2009, takes us back to 1983 Los Angeles, showcasing a cast of morally challenged characters including movie executives, rock stars, and even a vampire. This movie, like Prisoners, delves into the dark side of humanity, but with a twist of sex, drugs, and violence. While Prisoners captivates audiences with its intense drama and gripping storyline about child abduction, The Informers takes it up a notch, immersing viewers in a roller-coaster ride of addiction. With scenes that push the boundaries of edginess, this film takes the viewer on a journey that is both intriguing and uncomfortable. Despite its dark nature, the superb acting brings a level of realism to the characters. However, unlike Prisoners, The Informers lacks the depth of character development and dialogue, leaving the audience feeling disconnected from the characters and only able to empathize with their sadness.

"End of Watch" is a thrilling and intense movie that follows the daily lives of two young police officers in LA. Shot documentary-style, the film captures the dangerous and gritty reality of patrolling the streets. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña deliver incredible performances as partners and best friends, showcasing their chemistry and camaraderie. The movie offers a more authentic portrayal of law enforcement, depicting the officers as flawed but honorable men who push the boundaries of appropriate police behavior. While the film explores the dangers and challenges faced by the officers, it also delves into their personal lives, humanizing them in a critical way. The found footage style adds an extra layer of realism and authenticity, making "End of Watch" a standout film in this genre. It's a must-watch for anyone looking for a gripping and realistic portrayal of police work.

The Guilty takes us on a thrilling ride, reminiscent of Prisoners. Both movies explore the dark and intense world of crime and punishment. While Prisoners focuses on the desperate search for two kidnapped girls, The Guilty revolves around a demoted police officer who receives an emergency call from a kidnapped woman. Both films showcase the exceptional acting skills of Jake Gyllenhaal, who delivers captivating performances in both. The Guilty, like Prisoners, keeps us on the edge of our seats with its solid tension throughout. However, where Prisoners shines with its deep exploration of moral ambiguity, The Guilty falls slightly short, lacking the same level of satisfaction in its ending. Nonetheless, if you're a fan of Gyllenhaal's talent and enjoy a tense and gripping crime drama, The Guilty is definitely worth a watch.

Grudge. After watching "Prisoners," it's hard not to see shades of it in "Grudge." Both films fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller, and they share common themes like police, criminality, and mystery. While "Prisoners" delves into the emotionally charged search for two missing girls, "Grudge" focuses on a police captain targeted by someone with a grudge over a previous case. Though "Grudge" may not have received the same critical acclaim as "Prisoners," it offers a different perspective on crime and punishment, taking us on a thrilling journey through the complex world of law enforcement. So, if you're looking for another crime drama with an intriguing storyline and captivating performances, "Grudge" might just be the film to satisfy your appetite.

Wire in the Blood, a captivating British series, shares similarities with Prisoners. Both delve into the dark underbelly of crime, captivating viewers with their gripping narratives. While Prisoners focuses on the harrowing search for two missing girls, Wire in the Blood follows a psychologist who aids the police in solving gruesome serial killings. The intense performances in both productions elevate the stories, with Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal shining in Prisoners, and the charismatic Robson Green mesmerizing audiences in Wire in the Blood. Moreover, the taut and well-written plots in both movies keep viewers on the edge of their seats, craving more with each episode. However, Wire in the Blood distinguishes itself as a series, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of the characters and their motivations. With its high level of tension and suspense, reminiscent of movies rather than typical TV shows, Wire in the Blood offers a unique and thrilling viewing experience for crime and mystery enthusiasts.

New Tricks is reminiscent of Prisoners in its exploration of crime and mystery. While Prisoners delves into the dark and intense world of child abduction and vigilante justice, New Tricks takes a lighter approach by incorporating comedy and drama. Both movies center around the work of law enforcement, with Prisoners showcasing the relentless pursuit of a desperate father and New Tricks featuring retired police officers solving cold cases. The strong performances in both films, from Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal in Prisoners to Dennis Waterman and Amanda Redman in New Tricks, add depth and authenticity to their respective stories. Despite their similarities, the two movies differ in their settings and tones. Prisoners takes place in the intense and gritty world of a small town in the US, while New Tricks is set in the charming landscape of the UK. Additionally, Prisoners maintains a more serious and suspenseful tone throughout, while New Tricks infuses humor and light-heartedness into its crime-solving narrative.

Killer Instinct is reminiscent of Prisoners because both movies fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller. While Prisoners tackles the intense subject matter of child abduction and vigilante justice, Killer Instinct follows San Francisco detectives as they handle the city's most bizarre crimes. Despite their different plotlines, the two movies share a similar dark and suspenseful tone that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Additionally, both films feature talented casts, with Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal leading Prisoners, and Johnny Messner and Chi McBride taking the spotlight in Killer Instinct. If you enjoyed the gripping storytelling and thrilling atmosphere of Prisoners, you should definitely give Killer Instinct a watch.

Los hombres de Paco. When it comes to crime-solving, these two movies have more in common than you might think. Both Prisoners and Los hombres de Paco follow a group of police officers as they investigate and solve cases. While Prisoners takes a darker and more intense approach, Los hombres de Paco infuses humor into their investigations, resulting in a satirical comedy that keeps you entertained. The main difference lies in the tone and style of the storytelling. Prisoners delves deep into the psychological aspects of crime and justice, leaving you on the edge of your seat with its gripping suspense. On the other hand, Los hombres de Paco takes a lighter approach, using witty dialogue and funny situations to keep you entertained. If you loved Prisoners and want to experience a crime-solving series with a comedic twist, Los hombres de Paco is the perfect choice for you. Get ready for a hilarious and thrilling ride with Paco and his men.

Poe is reminiscent of Prisoners in some ways, but with its own unique twist. Both movies fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller, and they both explore the dark side of human nature. However, while Prisoners focuses on the abduction of two young girls and a father's desperate search for justice, Poe takes a different approach by delving into the twisted mind of a serial killer named Dr. Andrew Casey, also known as "The Chef." The similarities lie in their exploration of the criminal mind and the suspenseful atmosphere they create. While Prisoners captivates with its intense plot and stellar performances by Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, Poe stands out for its low-budget indie charm. Despite some flaws in sound and picture quality, Poe manages to keep the audience engaged with its unique character names and the cool-looking house of The Chef.

Five Days is a gripping British mini-series that shares similarities with Prisoners. Both films fall under the crime, drama, mystery, and thriller genres, and they explore the theme of disappearance. While Prisoners focuses on the abduction of two young girls and the desperate measures taken by Hugh Jackman's character, Five Days revolves around the disappearance of a young mother and the abandonment of her children. Both stories raise questions about the limits of justice, the role of law enforcement, and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones. However, Five Days differs from Prisoners in its format as a mini-series and its British setting, which lends a distinct atmosphere to the story. Despite their differences, if you enjoyed the dark and intense tone of Prisoners, Five Days offers a similar level of suspense and emotional depth that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

Pipa: Years after moving to a remote town, ex-cop Pipa is pulled back into the dark world she thought she'd left behind when a corpse appears on her property. While "Pipa" bears similarities to "Prisoners," the two movies have distinct differences. Both films fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller, but "Pipa" takes a different approach in terms of tone and execution. "Prisoners" delves into the depths of human desperation and vigilante justice, with a gripping plot centered around child abduction. On the other hand, "Pipa" explores the return of a former cop to a sinister world, with a remote town and a corpse setting the stage for intrigue. While "Prisoners" captivates with its intense performances from Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, "Pipa" presents a more dissonant and disjointed narrative, accentuated by unconventional music choices.

The Chestnut Man is reminiscent of Prisoners because both movies fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller. They both revolve around a dark and gripping storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat. In Prisoners, when Keller Dover's daughter and her friend go missing, he takes matters into his own hands as the police pursue multiple leads and the pressure mounts. Similarly, in The Chestnut Man, a young woman is found brutally murdered in a playground, and one of her hands is missing. Above her hangs a small man made of chestnuts. Both movies explore themes of crime, murder, and police investigations. However, while Prisoners is a feature film, The Chestnut Man is a series, which allows for a longer and more in-depth exploration of the story. The Chestnut Man has received accolades, with 6 wins out of 4 nominations, indicating its quality.

Alef. It's reminds me True Detective Season 1. There is a similar tone. When Keller Dover's daughter and her friend go missing, he takes matters into his own hands as the police pursue multiple leads and the pressure mounts. Similarly, in Alef, two detectives try to unravel the mystery of the murders that followed the discovery of a body in the Bosphorus. Both movies delve into the dark and gritty world of crime, where the line between right and wrong becomes blurred. While Prisoners takes place in the US and focuses on child abduction and vigilante justice, Alef is set in Turkey and explores themes of sufism and the influence of the Ottoman Empire. Despite their differences in location and cultural context, both movies share a gripping narrative and intense performances that will keep you on the edge of your seat. So if you enjoyed the suspense and intrigue of Prisoners, Alef is definitely worth a watch.

Snöänglar is a Swedish series that shares similarities with Prisoners. Both movies fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller, and they both revolve around a missing child and the police investigation that follows. However, while Prisoners takes place in the US and focuses on the vigilante justice pursued by the desperate father, Snöänglar is set in Stockholm, Sweden, during a heavy snowstorm. The experienced police officer Alice suspects that something is amiss in the parents' stories surrounding the disappearance of the five-week-old baby Lucas. Snöänglar delves into the Nordic noir atmosphere, offering a different perspective on the investigation compared to the intense and psychologically gripping nature of Prisoners. So, if you enjoyed the suspenseful and emotionally charged journey of Prisoners, you should give Snöänglar a watch to experience the Swedish take on the crime thriller genre.

Trom is reminiscent of Prisoners in its gripping exploration of a dark and complex crime. While Prisoners delves into the harrowing world of child abduction and vigilante justice, Trom takes us to the isolated island community of the Faroes, where a missing animal rights activist is found amid a local whale hunt. Both movies share the themes of police investigation and the pursuit of justice, but Trom adds an intriguing twist with its focus on environmental activism. The performances in both films are stellar, with Hugh Jackman's intense portrayal in Prisoners and Ulrich Thomsen's compelling presence in Trom. However, where Prisoners is a lengthy cinematic experience, Trom is a series that allows for deeper character development and a more immersive storytelling experience. So if you loved the suspense and tension of Prisoners and want to be captivated by a crime drama with a unique Nordic noir flavor, Trom is definitely worth a watch.

Trigger Point is reminiscent of Prisoners in its exploration of crime, drama, mystery, and thriller genres. While Prisoners delves into the dark and intense world of child abduction, Trigger Point follows the experienced bomb disposal officer Lana Washington as she works for the Metropolitan Police. Both movies tackle the themes of police work and the pressure that comes with it. However, the similarities end there. Trigger Point, with its occasional moments of tension, offers a more action-packed experience compared to the heavy and emotionally charged atmosphere of Prisoners. Additionally, while Prisoners boasts a stellar cast led by Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, Trigger Point features Vicky McClure, Cris Haris, and Mark Stanley in its ensemble. If you loved the gripping intensity of Prisoners and are in the mood for a thrilling crime drama with a touch of action, Trigger Point is definitely a movie worth watching.