Ransom Poster

Ransom 1996

★ 6.72,037 votes121 min📅 1996-11-08

"Someone is going to pay."

In Ransom (1996), director Ron Howard crafts a gripping thriller that explores the desperation of a high-stakes kidnapping and the unthinkable choices a father must make.

Director: Ron Howard

Cast

Mel Gibson
Mel Gibson
Tom Mullen
Rene Russo
Rene Russo
Katherine Mullen
Gary Sinise
Gary Sinise
Det. Jimmy Shaker
Delroy Lindo
Delroy Lindo
Agent Lonnie Hawkins
Lili Taylor
Lili Taylor
Maris
Brawley Nolte
Brawley Nolte
Sean Mullen
Liev Schreiber
Liev Schreiber
Clark Barnes
Donnie Wahlberg
Donnie Wahlberg
Cubby Barnes
Evan Handler
Evan Handler
Miles Roberts
Nancy Ticotin
Nancy Ticotin
Agent Kimba Welch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ransom (1996) about?

The film follows Tom Mullen, a wealthy businessman whose son is kidnapped, forcing him into a high-stakes battle of wits with the criminals. Initially cooperating with the police, Mullen ultimately takes drastic action to outmaneuver the kidnappers and reclaim his child.

Who directed Ransom?

Ron Howard directed Ransom (1996), bringing his signature blend of suspense and emotional depth to the thriller.

Who stars in Ransom?

Mel Gibson leads the cast as Tom Mullen, alongside Rene Russo, Gary Sinise, Delroy Lindo, and Lili Taylor in this gripping drama.

Is Ransom (1996) worth watching?

Ransom (1996) is a standout thriller thanks to its taut pacing, strong performances, and unexpected twists. Mel Gibson’s intensity and the film’s morally complex plot make it a compelling watch for fans of the genre.

How long is Ransom?

Ransom (1996) has a runtime of 121 minutes, or just over 2 hours.

🎥 Trailer

About Ransom (1996) — A father’s desperate gamble against kidnappers

In Ransom (1996), director Ron Howard crafts a gripping thriller that explores the desperation of a high-stakes kidnapping and the unthinkable choices a father must make. When the young son of wealthy businessman Tom Mullen is snatched by criminals, the normally cooperative Mullen—played with raw intensity by Mel Gibson—shocks authorities by abandoning traditional negotiation tactics. Instead, he turns the tables on the kidnappers with a bold, high-risk strategy that escalates the tension to explosive levels. The film blends relentless action with sharp moral dilemmas, all set against a backdrop of New York City’s gritty underworld.

Rene Russo complements Gibson as his resilient wife, while Gary Sinise delivers a chilling performance as the determined detective navigating the case’s twisted turns. With themes of justice, sacrifice, and the lengths a parent will go to protect their child, Ransom delivers a pulse-pounding experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.