Ransom (1996)
A wealthy father takes a dangerous gamble when his son is kidnapped in Ron Howard's gripping 1996 thriller.
Ransom - Movie Information
- Original Title: Ransom
- Release Year: 1996
- Directed by: Ron Howard
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 1m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 8, 1996 (United States - R), February 7, 1997 (United Kingdom - 18), January 2, 1997 (Germany - 16), January 22, 1997 (France), November 14, 1996 (Australia - MA 15+), January 2, 1997 (Brazil - 16), January 16, 1997 (Italy), December 27, 1996 (Spain), December 7, 1996 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Kopfgeld - Einer wird bezahlen (DE), Løsepenge (DK), 赛金 (CN), La rançon (FR)
- Production Companies: Touchstone Pictures, Imagine Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
Ransom - Plot
When a rich man's son is kidnapped, he cooperates with the police at first but then tries a unique tactic against the criminals.
Ransom - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension unfold:
Someone is going to pay.
Where to Watch Ransom
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Ransom - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ron Howard
Main Cast
- Mel Gibson
- Rene Russo
- Gary Sinise
- Delroy Lindo
- Lili Taylor
- Brawley Nolte
- Liev Schreiber
- Donnie Wahlberg
- Evan Handler
- Nancy Ticotin
Writers
- Richard Price
- Alexander Ignon
Producers
- Scott Rudin
- Brian Grazer
Ransom - FAQs
What is Ransom (1996) about?
Ransom follows Tom Mullen, a wealthy airline mogul played by Mel Gibson, whose young son is abducted by a ruthless criminal gang. After cooperating with the FBI proves futile, Mullen makes a shocking gamble: he turns the ransom money into a bounty on the kidnappers' heads, raising the stakes for everyone involved.
Does Tom Mullen's bold gamble actually work in Ransom?
It's one of the film's most electrifying moments. Instead of paying the ransom, Mullen goes on live television and offers the $2 million as a bounty for the kidnappers' capture or death. The move fractures the criminal group from within and sets off a tense, unpredictable chain of events that drives the film to its climax.
Where can you stream Ransom (1996)?
You can catch Ransom (1996) on YouTube TV, where it's available as part of a flatrate subscription. Availability can shift over time, so it's worth checking JustWatch for the most current streaming and rental options in your region.
Is Gary Sinise the villain in Ransom?
Yes, and it's one of his most memorable performances. Gary Sinise plays Detective Jimmy Shaker, a corrupt cop who masterminded the kidnapping. The film cleverly reveals his identity early on, shifting the tension from whodunit to a cat-and-mouse thriller between Shaker and Mel Gibson's determined father.
Who are the main actors in Ransom?
The film boasts a strong ensemble. Mel Gibson leads as Tom Mullen, with Rene Russo as his wife Katherine, Gary Sinise as the menacing Detective Shaker, Delroy Lindo as FBI Agent Lonnie Hawkins, and Lili Taylor and Liev Schreiber rounding out the criminal crew.
Is Ransom (1996) worth watching today?
Absolutely. Ransom holds up remarkably well as a taut, high-stakes thriller. Ron Howard keeps the tension wound tight throughout, and Mel Gibson delivers one of his most intense performances. The film earned over $309 million worldwide against an $80 million budget, proving its broad appeal, and critics praised its relentless pacing.
Is Ransom (1996) a remake or based on a true story?
Ransom is actually a remake of the 1956 film of the same name starring Glenn Ford. That earlier film was itself inspired by a television drama. While not based on a single true event, the story draws on real anxieties around high-profile kidnappings and the moral dilemmas wealthy families face in such crises.
Did Ransom (1996) win any awards?
Ransom received solid recognition upon release. Mel Gibson earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Drama for his performance. The film was also a major commercial triumph, grossing over $309 million globally, cementing Ron Howard's reputation for delivering crowd-pleasing, high-tension studio thrillers.
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