Ransom (1996) Ransom is a gripping thriller directed by Ron Howard, starring Mel Gibson as Tom Mullen, a wealthy airline owner whose son is kidnapped. When the kidnappers demand a $2 million ransom, Tom initially agrees—but during the tense negotiations, he makes a bold and dangerous move. Instead of paying the ransom, he goes live on national television and offers the money as a bounty on the heads of the kidnappers. His shocking decision turns the tables, igniting a high-stakes psychological b