5 action-thrillers to watch if you liked Netflix’s Ad Vitam

Netflix’s latest chart-topping release is the French action-thriller Ad Vitam. Released on the platform on January 10, 2025, the movie quickly shot up in popularity.

The film follows Franck Lazareff, a former member of the French Elite Intervention Squad (GIGN), who races against time to find his pregnant wife who was kidnapped by a group of armed men. The incident unveils secrets from his past and puts him up against a state affair way beyond his control.

Directed by Rodolphe Lauga, the film stars Guillaume Canet, Stéphane Caillard, and Nassim Lyes in lead roles.

For viewers who loved the action and mystery in Netflix's Ad Vitam, here are 5 more similar action thrillers to watch.

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Nobody, Taken and other movies similar to Ad Vitam

1) Lost Bullet (2020)

Lost Bullet's car chases level up its action-packed scenes. (Image via Netflix)

In Ad Vitam, Franck Lazareff is framed for murder. Similarly, in Lost Bullet, the main character is also framed for murder.

The French action thriller follows Lino, an ex-con turned car mechanic, who is charged with the murder of his mentor. Escaping from the police station, Lino sets out to prove his innocence and take down the corrupt cops responsible for the tragedy.

The movie received positive reviews for its action sequences and a sequel, Lost Bullet 2, was released by Netflix in November 2022. The third installment of the film is now underway.

Where to watch: Netflix

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2) Taken (2008)

Liam Neeson stars as Bryan Mills in Taken. (Image via 20th Century Studios)

As is in Ad Vitam, the main character in Taken, too, is on the search for his kidnapped family member. In the movie, Liam Neeson plays Bryan Mills, an ex-CIA officer, who sets out to track down his daughter and her friend who are kidnapped in France. The girls are abducted by Albanian human traffickers during their vacation.

According to Forbes, Taken scored one of the biggest movie openings of all time during Super Bowl weekend. The movie’s sequels, Taken 2 and Taken 3, were released in 2012 and 2014.

Where to watch: Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video

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3) Unstoppable (2018)

Ma Dong-seok as Dong Chul. (Image via Apple TV)

Like Ad Vitam, Unstoppable also follows the story of a man in search of his kidnapped wife. The movie revolves around Dong Chul, a former gangster turned seafood distributor, who is happily married to Ji Soo.

One day, after discovering his house in a state of disarray, Dong Chul realizes that his wife is missing. Receiving a ransom call from the kidnappers, he realizes that his wife has been kidnapped by a group of human traffickers and Dong Chul vows to save her.

Directed by Kim Min-ho, this South Korean action thriller stars Ma Dong-seok, Song Ji-hyo, Kim Sung-oh, and Kim Min-jae.

Where to watch: Prime Video

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4) Nobody (2021)

Bob Odenkirk as Hutch Mansell. (Image via Universal Pictures)

In Ad Vitam, Franck’s house is attacked by burglars. Similarly, in Nobody, Hutch Mansell, an overlooked family man, also finds himself being attacked by burglars one night.

Mansell, a former assassin, sheds his mild-mannered personality to exact revenge on the thieves which eventually leads him to go up against a vengeful crime lord.

Directed by Ilya Naishuller, the film stars Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, RZA, and Christopher Lloyd. Its sequel, Nobody 2, is slated for release in August 2025.

Where to watch: Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV

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5) Trouble (2024)

Filip Berg as Conny. (Image via Netflix)

Like Ad Vittam, Trouble follows the story of a man who is framed for murder. Conny, a divorced salesman, finds his life turned upside down when he is wrongfully convicted of murder.

After befriending two criminals in prison, he becomes a part of their escape plan. He faces police corruption and criminal conspiracies along the way as he tries to prove his innocence.

Directed by Jon Holmberg, this Swedish action-comedy stars Filip Berg and Amy Deasismont.

Where to watch: Netflix

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Viewers who liked Ad Vitam can also watch other similar movies like Restless (2022), Sentinelle (2021), and The Stronghold (2020).