It wasn’t called Stockholm Syndrome until 1973, even though this psychological response was known to humankind for decades, or even centuries.
However, it got its name when two men held some hostages for 6 days in a bank, in of course, Stockholm, Sweden. When the hostages were set free, none of them came forward to testify against their kidnappers, while even some fought for their defence.
Apart from being a notorious psychological phenomenon, Stockholm Syndrome has been an inspiration for many filmmakers.
So, here Cluster Corner have compiled a list of 12 movies about Stockholm Syndrome that we think understood the phenomenon enough to make some of the best indulgent movies. You can watch most of these Stockholm Syndrome movies on Amazon, Prime, Netflix and other streaming channels.
Dog Day Afternoon
1975 | 2h 5m | R
IMDB: 8 (276k)
The six-day hostage crisis inside a Stockholm bank made headlines across the world forty-four years ago, and the four hostages’ unexpected behaviour toward their captors gave rise to the psychiatric condition known as Stockholm Syndrome.
The closest any film I’ve seen has come to accurately portraying the actual incident that took place in 1973 is this one, which is similar to the occurrence in question. But it’s still fiction. “Dog Day Afternoon” is one of the very rare films where I want to give the performance more credit than the direction, truth aside. (At the very least, watch it for Al Pacino‘s charm.)
Highway
2014 | 2h 13m| PG-13
IMDB: 7.6 (31k)
If you are looking for a movie with natural acting and strong script, this Bollywood blockbuster Highway is for you. During a night out with her soon-to-be husband, Veera (Alia Bhatt) is kidnapped by a neighborhood criminal named Mahabir (Randeep Hooda) at the beginning of the film.
Veera makes every effort to flee, but she is unsuccessful. And when she really has a chance to not only flee but also catch Mahabir, she hesitates and doubts herself instead of acting.
As the story goes on, Veera discovers comfort in Mahabir’s company and feels freed from the vapid life she would otherwise lead. Mahabir is there, quietly soothing Veera when she shares a terrible childhood secret leading their relation towards a Stockholm Syndrome. You’ll sob hysterically at the conclusion over Veera and Mahabir’s outcomes.
V for Vendetta
20005 | 2h 12m | R
IMDB: 8.2 (1.2M)
V for Vendetta is not just regarded as a kind of benchmark in political thrillers and movies about Stockholm Syndrome, but it is also one of the best book adaptations I have been able to find. As someone who isn’t particularly fond of literary adaptations, I say this.
It presents one of the most complex psychiatric disorders in such a clear way that it is easy for us to understand why Every starts to support V’s ways against the backdrop of a dystopian British era. Every becomes vulnerable to V’s actions and goals, as is their wont.
A Perfect World
1993 | 2h 18m| PG-13
IMDB: 7.5 (88k)
This heart breaking story, which stars Hollywood heavyweights Kevin Costner, Clint Eastwood, and Laura Dern, perfectly illustrates Stockholm Syndrome. Butch, played by Costner, and Pugh, another escaped prisoner, storm into a house where a single mother is living with her three children. Together with Philip Perry, 11, the pair flee from the law enforcement officers.
Butch murders Pugh as he tries to hurt Philip and then flees with the small boy toward the Texas interstate to avoid capture by the authorities. Philip benefits from their time together by feeling liberated and enjoying the new life Butch is allowing him to live.
The prisoner enjoys playing the part of Butch, who for him takes on the role of a father figure. The film, however, is not a fairy tale, and Philip ends up being our Stockholm Syndrome victim in a tear-jerking climax.
Buffalo ‘66
1998 | 1h 50m| R
IMDB: 7.4 (62k)
If Stockholm Syndrome were a subgenre of film, this movie would have cult status (not that it doesn’t already). I know this because my psychology professor once repeated it to me during a class discussion about how psychology has been portrayed in movies. It needs to be said that Vincent Gallo is a genius who is underappreciated.
The eccentric script is another aspect of the movie that keeps me interested. One of those movies that makes you leave thinking,
“I would never have been able to comprehend this subject in such a weird manner.”
Three Days of the Condor
1975 | 1h 57m| R
IMDB: 7.4 (64k)
In the film, Robert Redfort plays yet another decent person who finds himself in a difficult circumstance. He vents his frustration on a kind stranger who is able to see through his antics and eventually falls in love with him like every other Stockholm Syndrome victim. In my opinion, it is a conventional view.
However, when it comes to movies on the topic, “Three Days of the Condor” is one of the rare cult favorites that pops up, and classics are classics for a reason.
Stockholm
2018 | 1h 32m| R
IMDB: 6.1 (15k)
STOCKHOLM is based on the ridiculous but accurate account of a 1973 bank theft and hostage situation that was published in Daniel Lang’s 1974 New Yorker article “The Bank Drama.” Lars Nystrom (Ethan Hawke), who dons a disguise to rob a major Stockholm bank, is the focus of the movie.
Then, in an effort to free his friend Gunnar (Mark Strong), he takes hostages. Bianca (Noomi Rapace), a wife and mother of two, is one of the captives. When the police refuse to allow Lars and the hostages escape in a getaway car (at the Prime Minister’s request), negotiations with the investigators come to an impasse.
As the hours evolve into days, Lars alternates between putting the hostages in danger and giving them a sense of security. The hostages grow uncomfortable with their captor, which is especially difficult for Bianca, who forms a close bond with Lars after seeing his compassionate side. The “Stockholm Syndrome” is a psychological occurrence that has its roots in this connection.
Labor Day
2013 | 1h 51m| PG-13
IMDB: 6.9 (52k)
The 2013 family drama Labor Day, which was based on the same-named book, was about a woman (Kate Winslet), who lends a poor man a lift but ends up being taken captive. She began to suspect his sinister secret and made an attempt to flee, but Stockholm Syndrome made her jeopardise her freedom in order to defend the offender.
In Time
2011 | 1h 49m| PG-13
IMDB: 6.7 (454k)
In the universe of “In Time,” time has replaced money as the most valuable asset. You stop ageing at the age of 25, but there’s a catch: unless you can afford to buy your way out of it, you’re genetically programmed to only live another year. The wealthy “earn” decades at a time (remaining at age 25), virtually becoming immortal, while the remainder must beg, borrow, or steal enough time to get by each day.
A man from the underclass is forced to flee with a stunning captive after being wrongfully accused of murder. Living minute by minute, the couple’s Stockholm Syndrome turns into a potent weapon in their battle with the system.
Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!
1989 | 1h 41m| R
IMDB: 7.0 (32k)
In what seems like a moment, this movie transitioned from an attack to a hint of BDSM. The only person who can make a Stockholm Syndrome sufferer seem more like a comedy anchor to counteract Ricky’s (Antonio Banderas) mental sickness is Pedro Almodovar.
People have referred to it as a “twisted” romantic comedy, which many films with this subject fall into yet are far from being. Watch it more for the writing than the issue, though; to call it hysterical (but sophisticated) could be an understatement.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
2000 | 2h | PG-13
IMDB: 7.9 (284k)
This stirring Chinese-language drama also took home Oscars for Best Original Score, Best Art Direction, and Best Cinematography in 2000, along with the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
In the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which defies the stereotype that kung fu flicks are dumb, martial arts are elevated to a new level. The Matrix, released the same year, demonstrated how a clever story and quick-witted action sequences can coexist, but Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon elevated this combination to an epic level.
People from various genres can come together and enjoy it because it combines a revenge story, a love story, an action movie, stirred with a Stockholm Syndrome.
Out of Sight
1998 | 2h 3m| R
IMDB: 7.0 (101k)
This crime comedy features singer-actress Jennifer Lopez as a US Marshal (Karen Sisco) and Hollywood superstar George Clooney as a bank robber (Jack Foley). Jack recruits his friend’s assistance to rob a former affluent prisoner who has a hidden cache of uncut diamonds after escaping from prison once more.
However, this heist film also contains a hostage—the US Marshall—because many heist films are incomplete without one. A romantic evening with Karen, however, makes Jack’s life and purpose more difficult. Karen grows fond of the dashing thief and, in the end, she even seems to smile at the prospect of seeing him again.
