When I first came across Exterritorial (2025), I was drawn in by the mix of international politics, smuggling, and high-stakes human drama. Directed by Christian Zübert, the film centers around a father desperately trying to rescue his kidnapped daughter across hostile borders, diving deep into moral gray areas and the limits people will cross for family. What sets it apart is how grounded it feels — part thriller, part emotional gut-punch — all wrapped in a slow-burning, tense atmosphere. If you’re on the hunt for movies like Exterritorial that tap into those same feelings of dread, suspense, and ethical dilemmas, here are some powerful picks that hit close to the same emotional and thematic territory.

Prisoners

If you liked Exterritorial that explore how far a parent would go when their child is in danger, Prisoners is a no-brainer. This one hits hard emotionally, just like Exterritorial, because it’s not just about...