This curated list of thriller films focuses on the harrowing experiences of runaways, capturing the essence of survival, escape, and the often dark underbelly of society. These films not only entertain but also shed light on the resilience of the human spirit, making them valuable for viewers interested in stories of struggle, hope, and the quest for freedom.

Hardcore (1979)
Description: A father searches for his missing daughter in the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, encountering various runaways and societal outcasts.
Fact: The film was directed by Paul Schrader, known for his work on "Taxi Driver."


The Client (1994)
Description: A young boy who has witnessed a suicide becomes a target for the mob, leading him to run away and seek help.
Fact: The film is based on a novel by John Grisham and features Susan Sarandon in an Oscar-nominated role.


The Devil's Advocate (1997)
Description: A young lawyer moves to New York and gets involved in a case that involves runaways and supernatural elements.
Fact: Al Pacino's portrayal of the devil is considered one of his most memorable roles.


The Salton Sea (2002)
Description: A man living a double life as a jazz musician and a drug informant gets entangled with a group of runaways and criminals.
Fact: Val Kilmer delivers a dual performance, playing both a drug addict and a police informant.


The Lovely Bones (2009)
Description: After her murder, a young girl watches from heaven as her family and a runaway girl try to uncover the truth about her disappearance.
Fact: The film was directed by Peter Jackson, known for his work on "The Lord of the Rings."


Gone Baby Gone (2007)
Description: Two private investigators search for a missing child in Boston, uncovering a web of deceit and runaways.
Fact: This was Ben Affleck's directorial debut.


The Brave One (2007)
Description: After a brutal attack, a woman becomes a vigilante, encountering various societal outcasts, including runaways, in her quest for justice.
Fact: Jodie Foster won a Golden Globe for her performance in this film.


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Description: While not about runaways, the film features Lisbeth Salander, a hacker with a troubled past, who helps solve a case involving a missing girl.
Fact: This is an English-language adaptation of the Swedish film, starring Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig.


The Road (2009)
Description: A father and son travel through a post-apocalyptic world, encountering other survivors, including runaways, in their quest for safety.
Fact: The film is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Cormac McCarthy.


The Runaways (2010)
Description: While not strictly a thriller, this film delves into the lives of teenage girls who run away from home to form a rock band, facing numerous challenges along the way.
Fact: The film features Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning, who both learned to play instruments for their roles.
