Summary- Amongst the countless hostage series, these five stand out like needles in a haystack. Expect the worst fear to come to life on the screen. From serial killers to family dynamics, this list highlights some of the most gripping and unforgettable hostage dramas ever made.
A hostage series can be very gripping and intense, as well as dark and graphic. A Great suspense drama needs excellent characters, a real serial, with no unnecessary details and no unnecessary high-tech gadgets or theatrics. If you are also in search of great suspense and a slow pace, a break from the non-stop modern action movies, you are in the right place. You should definitely watch these 5 hostage series, which will keep you wanting more of the next episodes.
5. The Fall [2013] (Thriller)
This hostage series actually takes you into the mind of Peter(Paul), the serial killer. A lot is covered when it comes to emotions and what is good or evil. Lots of detail on procedures, The mesmerising and Jaimie’s portrayal of a serial killer who demolishes everyone in his path, is disturbing. Shows the viewers who the killer is and how he is always one step ahead of the detectives. We see how the murderer lives a double life and how insanely he affects every person on the show in such a dramatic way that makes the show so unique and addictive to watch. Jamie Dornan blows you away with this character, so far removed from the engaging, charming characters he has played. And we always loved Gillian Anderson.
4. Top of the Lake [2013] (Drama)
The series starts with a group of deranged women setting up camp in shipping containers on the edge of a lake. A young girl is pregnant, disappears, but her father couldn’t care less. A few scenes of people who look like extras from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, a senior police officer who needs to read his job description. There is a lot of insanity and weirdness, which, in real life, people tend to disregard or avoid the truth of things. This series brings that side of things to keep you drawn in. At some point, you just want to change to something else. Some of the major characters are played by Elizabeth Moss, Ewan Leslie, Gwendoline Christie, Nicole Kidman, and Alice Englert.
3. Safe [2018] (Thriller)
The story of the Safe series is about complexities of parent-child relationships. It showcases how parents can go to any lengths to protect their children. This hostage series primarily revolves around the father-child bond, and also emphasizes the struggles of a father when it comes to building a connection with their children. The absence of the maternal figure also dabs a hint of more layers in the main plot. Even though the characters in the plot have not given a good account of themselves in terms of their exploits in acting. The sequence of events with a liberal dose of flashbacks is woven in an intriguing style, which makes this series compelling. Some of the characters include Michael C Hall, MCH, Marc Warren & Amanda Abington.
2. The Missing [2014] (Drama)
It’s a dark Western hostage series about an estranged father with his adult daughter trying to rescue the latter’s oldest daughter from being sold into sexual slavery by Apache slave traders. It’s a dark drama set in the Old West and brings up the harsh circumstances of those who lived in such a dreary period. In other words, this is something us high-brow critics would probably fall in love with. The actors are quite good, as Karyo steals the show. Maybe a little heavy on the melodrama, and light on realistic possibilities.
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1. La Mante [2017] (Thriller)
Delving into the dark territory of understanding the humanity of the ones who take another life, the makers give you something that’s not just difficult to digest, but also real and true. Starts with a twist and throws up surprise after surprise as potential suspects get ruled out and promptly dispatched in a smouldering, suspenseful way. The police, as is the way of these things, are fast on the uptake and act in good and sensible fashion. Above all the gross details of crimes, the deep emotional bonding between the characters is what makes this show special. Few of the important characters are Carol Bouquet as the mantis (La Mante). Pascal Demolon, in his unkempt three-piece suit, is another highlight.
Final Thoughts
Every once in a while, we get that urge to watch a thrilling drama where captivity is a part of it. The horror and tension that builds up upon watching a hostage series is par above watching just a horror movie. As we guess what is to come next, the story becomes more chilling. One of the biggest fears for anyone is getting abducted or being in a situation where their loved one is a hostage to someone. These 5 hostage series will make you confront your worst fears through an interesting situation where you know this is just a fictional story, but something in you will be scared of what is to come next.
Written by Kenbi Riba
