“Missing” is a standalone sequel to Searching (2018). The plot follows June Allen, a teenager who tries to find her missing mother after she disappears on vacation in Colombia with her new boyfriend. It stars Storm Reid, Joaquim de Almeida, Ken Leung, Amy Landecker, Daniel Henney, and Nia Long. “Missing” is a well-made, suspenseful thriller that’s also a cautionary tale about the dangers of social media. If you are looking for movies similar to “Missing”, check out the list below.
1. No Exit (2022)
“No Exit” has a strong cast and crew, and it creates a sense of suspense and tension that keeps the viewer engaged throughout the film. “No Exit” is a suspenseful thriller based on the 2017 novel of the same name by Taylor Adams. The film follows Darby Thorne (Havana Rose Liu), a young woman who is stranded at a highway rest stop during a blizzard. When she discovers a kidnapped girl in a van in the parking lot, she must find a way to escape and rescue the child before the kidnapper can strike again.
Directed by Damien Power, who also directed the 2018 film “Killing Ground.” The screenplay is written by Andrew Barrer and Gabriel Ferrari, who also wrote the screenplay for the 2018 film “Ant-Man and the Wasp.” The film stars Havana Rose Liu, Danny Ramirez, David Rysdahl, Dale Dickey, Mila Harris, and Dennis Haysbert.
2. Winter’s Bone (2010)
The 2010 film “Winter’s Bone” and the 2023 film “Missing” are both feature strong female protagonists who are forced to overcome adversity. In “Winter’s Bone,” Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) is a 17-year-old girl who lives in the Ozark Mountains with her two younger siblings. When her father, Jessup Dolly, disappears, Ree is left to take care of her family and pay off a debt that he owes to a local drug dealer. Ree’s search for her father takes her into a dangerous world of drugs and violence, but she is determined to find him and protect her family.
“Winter’s Bone” is a powerful and haunting film that stays with you long after watching it. The performances are all excellent, especially Lawrence and Hawkes, who bring depth and nuance to their characters. The film’s portrayal of poverty and addiction isunflinching and uncompromising, and the bleakness of the Ozarks setting is palpable.
3. Changeling (2008)
Directed by Clint Eastwood and written by J. Michael Straczynski. Based on the true story of Christine Collins, played by Angelina Jolie, a single mother in 1928 Los Angeles whose son goes missing. After months of searching, the LAPD claims to have found her son, but when he is returned to her, Christine insists that the boy is not her son. Despite her protests, the police try to silence her and have her committed to a psychiatric institution.
As Christine fights to prove her sanity and find her real son, she becomes embroiled in a corrupt and abusive system that is willing to do anything to cover up its mistakes. With the help of a sympathetic radio preacher, played by John Malkovich, Christine continues her search, facing setbacks and danger at every turn.
“Changeling” features powerful performances from its cast, particularly Jolie, who delivers a deeply emotional and nuanced portrayal of a mother fighting against injustice. The supporting cast, including Malkovich and Jeffrey Donovan as a corrupt police captain, also deliver strong performances.
4. Prisoners (2013)
“Prisoners” is a well-crafted and deeply affecting film that is definitely worth watching for fans of the genre. The plot follows Keller Dover, played by Hugh Jackman, a deeply religious family man whose daughter and her friend go missing on Thanksgiving Day. When the police investigation led by Detective Loki, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, fails to find any leads, Keller takes matters into his own hands, kidnapping and torturing a suspect he believes is responsible for the girls’ disappearance. As the investigation continues, the film explores the themes of morality, justice, and revenge, as Keller and Detective Loki navigate a complex web of suspects and victims.
Directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Aaron Guzikowski. The film features a talented cast, including Viola Davis, Terrence Howard, Maria Bello, and Paul Dano, who deliver powerful performances that elevate the intensity and emotional depth of the story.
Villeneuve’s direction is masterful, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Guzikowski’s screenplay is equally impressive, weaving together multiple plot threads and character arcs into a cohesive and satisfying whole.
5. A Perfect World (1993)
“A Perfect World” is a 1993 crime drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and written by John Lee Hancock. The film is set in the 1960s and follows the story of escaped convict Butch Haynes, played by Kevin Costner, who takes a young boy named Phillip, played by T.J. Lowther, hostage as he flees across Texas. Through their journey, Butch and Phillip develop a bond, as Butch becomes a surrogate father figure to the young boy.
As the authorities, led by Texas Ranger Red Garnett, played by Clint Eastwood, close in on them, Butch and Phillip’s relationship is tested, and their journey becomes a meditation on family, redemption, and the human condition.
The film features standout performances from its cast, particularly Costner, who delivers a nuanced and complex portrayal of a man struggling with his past and his present. Lowther is equally impressive, bringing an emotional depth and vulnerability to his role as the young Phillip. Eastwood’s direction is understated and effective, allowing the story and characters to shine through without unnecessary distractions.
6. Old Boy (2003)
South Korean thriller film “Oldboy” is directed by Park Chan-wook and written by Park and Hwang Jo-yoon. The plot follows Oh Dae-su, played by Choi Min-sik, a man who is kidnapped and held captive in a small room for 15 years without any explanation. When he is suddenly released, Dae-su embarks on a mission to find his captors and uncover the truth behind his imprisonment.
As Dae-su’s investigation unfolds, the film explores themes of revenge, violence, and redemption, as well as the psychological toll of trauma and isolation. The film features standout performances from its cast, particularly Choi, who delivers a gripping and intense portrayal of a man consumed by his desire for revenge.
Park’s direction is masterful, creating a visually stunning and emotionally charged atmosphere that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The film’s iconic hallway fight scene, shot in one continuous take, is a technical marvel and a testament to Park’s skill as a filmmaker.
7. Lou (2022)
The synopsis of the movie sounds intriguing and suspenseful. It follows the story of a young girl who is kidnapped, and her mother who teams up with a mysterious woman to find her. The director, Anna Foerster, has directed a number of successful action thrillers, including “Underworld: Awakening” and “Resident Evil: Afterlife.” The actors in the movie are also well-known and respected, including Allison Janney, Jurnee Smollett, and Logan Marshall-Green.
8. Trade (2007)
2007 crime drama film “Trade” is directed by Marco Kreuzpaintner and written by Jose Rivera. The film follows the story of Adriana, a 13-year-old girl from Mexico who is kidnapped by sex traffickers while on a shopping trip with her brother Jorge. As Jorge sets out to find his sister, he teams up with a Texas cop named Ray, played by Kevin Kline, who is also searching for a missing girl.
As the two men navigate the dangerous world of human trafficking, the film explores themes of exploitation, immigration, and the resilience of the human spirit. The film features powerful performances from its cast, particularly newcomer Cesar Ramos as Jorge, who delivers a raw and emotional portrayal of a brother’s love for his sister. Kevin Kline is also excellent, bringing depth and nuance to his role as the troubled cop Ray.
Kreuzpaintner’s direction is effective, creating a tense and emotionally charged atmosphere that captures the urgency and desperation of the characters’ predicament. Rivera’s screenplay is well-crafted, balancing the film’s intense and disturbing subject matter with moments of hope and humanity.
9. In The Valley of Elah (2007)
The film follows the story of retired Army veteran Hank Deerfield, played by Tommy Lee Jones, who travels to New Mexico to search for his son Mike, a soldier who has gone missing after returning from Iraq.
As Hank investigates his son’s disappearance, he teams up with a police detective named Emily Sanders, played by Charlize Theron, and uncovers a web of corruption, trauma, and cover-ups within the military and law enforcement community. The film explores themes of war, trauma, and the cost of patriotism, as well as the impact of violence on both soldiers and civilians.
Directed by Paul Haggis and written by Haggis and Mark Boal. Features powerful performances from its cast, particularly Tommy Lee Jones, who delivers a nuanced and emotionally charged portrayal of a father searching for his son. Charlize Theron is also excellent, bringing depth and complexity to her role as a detective struggling with her own demons.
10. Keane (2004)
The story follows William Keane, played by Damian Lewis, a mentally unstable man who is haunted by the disappearance of his young daughter. The film is set in New York City and takes place over the course of a few days as Keane searches for his daughter and tries to come to terms with his own demons.
As Keane’s journey unfolds, the film explores themes of loss, mental illness, and the struggle for human connection. The film features a standout performance from Damian Lewis, who delivers a raw and emotionally charged portrayal of a man on the brink of a breakdown.
Directed by Lodge Kerrigan, who also wrote the screenplay. Kerrigan’s direction is effective, creating a gritty and intimate atmosphere that captures the isolation and desperation of the main character. The film’s pacing and structure are well-crafted, building tension and suspense as Keane’s mental state deteriorates.
11. Flightplan (2005)
The plot follows the story of Kyle Pratt, played by Jodie Foster, an aircraft engineer who is flying from Berlin to New York City with her young daughter. When Kyle’s daughter goes missing mid-flight, she becomes convinced that she has been kidnapped, despite the skepticism of the airplane crew and passengers. The film features a standout performance from Jodie Foster, who delivers a gripping and emotionally charged portrayal of a mother fighting for her child.
Directed by Robert Schwentke and written by Peter A. Dowling and Billy Ray. Its exploration of complex themes and its nuanced portrayal of its characters make it athought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience. The performances and direction are top-notch, and the film’s message about the power of a mother’s love is impactful.
12. Gone Baby Gone (2007)
“Gone Baby Gone” is a must-see for fans of crime dramas and anyone who enjoys thought-provoking cinema. It is a stunning directorial debut for Ben Affleck and a powerful exploration of the human condition. Crime drama film “Gone Baby Gone” is directed by Ben Affleck, based on the novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane. The film follows private investigators Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) and his partner Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan) as they search for a missing 4-year-old girl in the rough neighborhoods of Boston.
As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a tangled web of corruption, deceit, and betrayal involving drug dealers, cops, and politicians. The investigation becomes increasingly dangerous and morally complex, forcing the detectives to confront their own values and beliefs.