Taken 4

The Taken franchise, launched in 2008 with the original Taken (also known as 96 Hours or The Hostage), redefined action thrillers and cemented Liam Neeson as a bona fide action star. Directed by Pierre Morel and written by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen, the film follows Bryan Mills (Neeson), a retired CIA operative with a “particular set of skills,” on a relentless quest to rescue his teenage daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) after she and her friend Amanda (Katie Cassidy) are abducted by Albanian human traffickers during a vacation in France.

Released in France on February 27, 2008, and later in the U.S. on January 30, 2009, the movie became a global sensation, grossing over $226 million worldwide. Critics offered mixed reviews, but audiences praised its taut storytelling, gritty action, and Neeson’s intense performance, which marked a turning point in his career. The film’s success spawned two high-octane sequels—Taken 2 (2012) and Taken 3 (2014)—as well as a 2017 NBC prequel series starring Clive Standen as a younger Bryan Mills.

In Taken, Bryan’s determination to reconnect with Kim—who lives with her mother Lenore (Famke Janssen) and wealthy stepfather Stuart—drives the emotional core of the story. After saving a pop star, Sheerah, from an attacker during a concert, Bryan uses the opportunity to support Kim’s aspirations by arranging an audition for her. However, Kim, eager for independence, persuades Bryan to let her travel to Paris with Amanda. Bryan’s fatherly instincts prove right when their seemingly innocent trip turns into a nightmare. What follows is an electrifying, action-packed race against time as Bryan tears through Paris, dismantling the trafficking ring with brutal precision to save his daughter.

The film’s blend of heart-pounding action, emotional stakes, and Bryan’s unyielding resolve made Taken a modern classic, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats and craving more of Bryan Mills’ unforgettable adventures.