The 1996 thriller Ransom, featuring the renowned actor Mel Gibson, achieved remarkable success at the box office, grossing over 0 million upon its release. However, this gripping film has become elusive over the years, as it is currently out of print and unavailable for streaming on any platform. Its absence from modern viewing options raises questions among fans of the genre and film enthusiasts alike.

Recently, I penned an article discussing the challenges of locating one of my beloved Thanksgiving films, Dutch, which is increasingly difficult to find. With the DVD and Blu-ray editions being scarce and quite expensive, it seems this cherished classic is not available for streaming on any major service—though some readers mentioned it was previously offered on HBO Max. My insights into films that have become rare highlight a surprising trend: many previously popular films, like Dutch, are now harder to access than niche titles that have developed a cult following. For instance, Michael Mann’s The Keep, which never received a DVD release, has just been announced for a 4K Blu-ray edition today.

As I reflected on this phenomenon, I received an intriguing message from Paul Shirey, a former editor-in-chief of our site and a friend of the community. He expressed his desire to watch the 1996 film Ransom, directed by Ron Howard, only to discover that it was unavailable for streaming or digital purchase. Despite its release on Blu-ray for its 15th anniversary in 2011, that edition is now out of print, leaving the old DVD as the most accessible option for viewers wanting to experience this cinematic gem.

Although Mel Gibson’s reputation has taken several hits in recent years, there is no denying his contribution to the film industry with numerous iconic performances. While many of his films remain readily available, the case of Ransom stands out, especially considering its massive box office success. It earned over $300 million in 1996—a staggering figure that demonstrates its popularity. The memorable line “Give me back my son” has become synonymous with the film and remains a significant catchphrase from that era.

For those unfamiliar with Ransom, it is a gritty and intense thriller where Gibson portrays a wealthy businessman faced with the kidnapping of his son. As he navigates the harrowing situation, his initial attempt to pay the ransom fails, leading him to convert the ransom amount into a bounty for the kidnappers, shocking his wife, played by Rene Russo. The villainous role is masterfully portrayed by Gary Sinise, making this film one of the most violent and gripping works directed by Ron Howard.

The film is often regarded as a classic, which makes its inaccessibility all the more perplexing. Just a decade ago, it would have seemed unfathomable that a film as revered as Ransom could be so hard to find without resorting to piracy. In today’s landscape, where many studios allow their successful films to languish in obscurity, this trend raises eyebrows. Some speculate that Disney, the owner of the film rights, might distance itself from Gibson due to past controversies; however, that theory is debatable, especially since they also hold the rights to other popular films like Signs, which are widely available.

What other beloved films have you found to be surprisingly hard to track down? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, as the quest for missing cinematic treasures continues!