Best Movies About Revenge

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather is a 1972 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by Albert S. Ruddy, based on Mario Puzo's best-selling novel of the same name. It stars Marlon Brando and Al Pacino as the leaders of a powerful New York crime family. The story spans the years 1945 to 1955 and chronicles the Corleone family's criminal activities, the shifting power dynamics among its members, and the eventual ascension of Michael Corleone (Pacino) as the family's new Don. The Godfather is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time and is seen as having revolutionized the gangster genre. It won three Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor (Brando) and Best Adapted Screenplay (for Puzo and Coppola).

From Directors: Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund, starring Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Matheus Nachtergaele, Phellipe Haagensen
Rated R

City of God is an acclaimed 2002 Brazilian crime drama film directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund. The film tells the story of two young boys growing up in a Rio de Janeiro favela and their involvement with organized crime. The older of the two boys, Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues), quickly learns how to survive in the favela, while his younger friend, Li'l Zé (Leandro Firmino da Hora), becomes the city's most notorious gangster. The two boys lead very different lifestyles, but their paths ultimately intersect and determine the fate of the City of God. The film is a commentary on the poverty and violence that exist in Brazilian slums, and its characters face tragedy, crime, and corruption. Despite a tragic ending, the film has a message of hope, and its characters strive to have a better life. City of God was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Cinematography, and won the BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language.

From Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed
Rated R

Gladiator is a 2000 historical epic film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe. Set in the year 180 AD, the film tells the story of Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius (Crowe), who is betrayed when the Emperor's ambitious son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), murders his father and takes the throne. Maximus is sold into slavery and trained as a Gladiator, and rises through the ranks of the gladiatorial arena to avenge the murder of his family and his Emperor. Along the way, he gains the loyalty and admiration of the people, and his battle in the Colosseum becomes a symbol of courage and freedom for the Roman Empire.

From Luc Besson, starring Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman, Danny Aiello
Rated R

Léon: The Professional is a 1994 action-thriller film directed by Luc Besson. The story follows Leon, a professional hitman, who reluctantly takes in Mathilda, a 12-year-old girl, after her family is murdered by corrupt DEA agents. As Mathilda learns the assassin's trade, she plots to take revenge on the corrupt agents. The film stars Jean Reno as Leon, and Natalie Portman in her film debut as Mathilda. It received positive reviews from critics and was a box office success, grossing $45 million against a budget of $16 million.

From Sergio Leone, starring Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale, Jason Robards
Rated PG-13

Once Upon a Time in the West is a classic western epic directed by Sergio Leone in 1968. The film follows the story of a mysterious gunslinger, Harmonica (Charles Bronson), who is searching for revenge against the notorious criminal Frank (Henry Fonda). In a small town called Flagstone, Harmonica teams up with an unlikely ally, Jill (Claudia Cardinale), to battle against Frank and his gang of outlaws. Along the way, they also battle a powerful railroad tycoon, Morton (Gabriele Ferzetti), who is determined to expand his railroad and take over the town. The film features stunning cinematography, expansive landscapes and intense shootouts that capture the epic nature of the Old West. Ultimately, the unlikely alliance between Harmonica and Jill proves victorious, and they are able to save Flagstone from the hands of Frank and the railroad tycoon.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine
Rated PG-13

The Prestige is a 2006 psychological thriller directed by Christopher Nolan. The story follows two rival magicians, Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) and Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman), during the late 19th century in London. Initially, the two work together as assistants for a traveling magician, but their friendship turns to rivalry when Angier's wife Julia is killed in an accident during a performance. The two obsessively compete against each other for the best show and for the ultimate prize, the prestige. They each develop dangerous and ingenious illusions, ultimately leading to a final showdown with devastating results. The film explores themes of obsession, magic, deception, and science as the two magicians frantically strive to one-up each other.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior
Rated R

Memento is a neo-noir psychological thriller directed by Christopher Nolan. The story follows Leonard Shelby, an insurance investigator with anterograde amnesia, who is searching for his wife’s murderer. To compensate for his inability to make new memories, he uses tattoos and Polaroids to keep track of clues, people, and locations. The film follows two timelines, one chronological and one reversed, which intercut to make a single narrative. The film has a non-linear story structure, which means that it does not unfold in chronological order. As the story progresses, Leonard finds himself in increasingly dangerous situations as he edges closer to uncovering the truth about his wife’s murderer.

From Park Chan-wook, starring Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jeong, Kim Byeong-Ok
Rated R

Oldboy is a 2003 South Korean mystery thriller film directed by Park Chan-wook. The film tells the story of Oh Dae-su, a man who is inexplicably kidnapped and imprisoned in a strange hotel-like prison for 15 years without knowing the identity of his captor or his captor’s motives. Upon his release, Dae-su finds himself still trapped in a web of conspiracy and violence. Dae-su embarks on a quest for revenge that leads to a dramatic showdown with his mysterious tormentor. The film is noted for its violence, stylish presentation, and its homages to classical cinema. Oldboy won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival and has since gained a cult classic status.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington
Rated R

Django Unchained is a 2012 American Western-style film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. Set in the Old West and Antebellum South, the film stars Jamie Foxx as Django, a freed slave who teams up with a German bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz), to free his enslaved wife (Kerry Washington). The duo traverse the Southern United States, encountering hatred and bigotry from everyone they meet, as they go on a violent mission to rescue Django's wife from the plantation owner Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). The film also stars Samuel L. Jackson as the ruthless house slave, Stephen, and Walton Goggins as the sadistic plantation manager, Billy Crash. They must rely on their wits and resourcefulness to survive the treacherous mission. As they face danger from all sides, Django and Schultz forge an unlikely friendship as they make their way to Candie's plantation. Along the way, they must confront the reality of the horrific institution of slavery and the brutality of its supporters.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Daryl Hannah, Michael Madsen
Rated R

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is an action-packed martial arts revenge story from director Quentin Tarantino. The movie follows The Bride (Uma Thurman), a former assassin who is seeking revenge against the team of assassins who betrayed her. After the team left her for dead on her wedding day, The Bride sets out on a bloody quest for vengeance with the help of her former master, a legendary swordsman. Along the way, she meets a wide range of colorful characters, each with their own unique style of combat. As she battles her way towards her ultimate goal, The Bride finds out that she is more powerful than she could have imagined.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris
Rated R

Unforgiven is a 1992 American western film directed by Clint Eastwood and written by David Webb Peoples. The film tells the story of William Munny, an old, retired, and widowed outlaw, and his quest to avenge the prostitutes of Big Whiskey, Wyoming. He is accompanied by his old partner in crime, Ned Logan, and a mysterious young gunfighter, The Schofield Kid. Along the way, they must contend with a vicious sheriff and the local bounty hunters who are hunting them. In the end, William must confront his own inner demons in order to carry out his mission. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Editing.

From James McTeigue, starring Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves, Stephen Rea
Rated R

V for Vendetta is a 2005 dystopian political thriller film directed by James McTeigue and written by the Wachowskis, based on the 1988 DC/Vertigo Comics limited series of the same name by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. The film follows a mysterious anarchist named V who, with the help of a young woman named Evey, sets out to overthrow a totalitarian regime that has taken control of a fictional future United Kingdom. V uses terrorist tactics to fight the oppressive government, causing unrest and turmoil in London as his plans of vengeance unfold. Themes of freedom, justice, and revenge are explored throughout the movie as V and Evey join forces to take on a powerful government and ultimately shape the future of the nation.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Christopher Carley, Ahney Her
Rated R

Gran Torino is a 2008 drama film directed by, and starring, Clint Eastwood. The film follows Walt Kowalski, an elderly Korean War veteran and widower who forms an unlikely bond with his Hmong-American neighbors when a gang attempts to steal his prized 1972 Gran Torino. Initially, Walt is resistant and hostile towards them, but as his relationship with the family - especially the teenage grandson, Thao - develops, he begins to slowly let go of his hatred and prejudice. In the end, Walt makes the ultimate sacrifice to protect Thao and his family from the gang. The film explores themes of racism, redemption, and the importance of community.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah
Rated R

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 is the second installment of Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill film series. The film picks up where the first left off and follows the Bride (Uma Thurman) as she continues her quest for revenge on those who have wronged her. She is joined by her former master Pai Mei (Gordon Liu) as she fights her way through the remaining members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, including Bill (David Carradine). Along the way, the Bride discovers the truth about her past and ultimately confronts Bill in a violent and emotional showdown.

From Rob Reiner, starring Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon
Rated PG

The Princess Bride is a 1987 romantic fantasy adventure film directed by Rob Reiner. It stars Cary Elwes as Wesley, a farmhand who must rescue his true love Buttercup, played by Robin Wright, from the evil Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon). Along the way, he is aided by a variety of characters, including the master swordsman Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), who seeks revenge against the man who killed his father, and the giant Fezzik (Andre the Giant). The cast also includes Billy Crystal, Carol Kane, Peter Falk, and Wallace Shawn. The film follows the adventures of Wesley and his companions as they battle obstacles including a violent storm, an evil wizard, and a deadly machine, as they make their way to the castle of Prince Humperdinck. Along the way, they encounter a series of daring tests and comic misadventures, before finally reaching the castle and rescuing Buttercup.

From Pierre Morel, starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Leland Orser
Rated PG-13

Taken is an action thriller film released in 2008, directed by Pierre Morel and starring Liam Neeson. The film follows Bryan Mills (Neeson), a former CIA agent who is trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Kim (Maggie Grace). When Kim and her best friend Amanda (Katie Cassidy) travel to Paris for a vacation, they are both kidnapped and forced into a world of prostitution and human trafficking. With the help of his old CIA connections and a mysterious contact, Bryan must use his particular set of skills to rescue the girls before it’s too late. With the clock ticking, Bryan must fight off violent criminals, corrupt officials, and an international network of human traffickers in order to find his daughter and save her from a fate worse than death.

From Tony Scott, starring Denzel Washington, Christopher Walken, Dakota Fanning, Radha Mitchell
Rated R

Man on Fire tells the story of John Creasy (Denzel Washington), a former CIA operative-turned-bodyguard, who is hired to protect the nine-year-old daughter of a wealthy industrialist in Mexico City. After the girl is kidnapped and brutally murdered, Creasy turns into a one-man killing machine, driven by a single-minded mission of revenge and redemption. Along the way, he bonds with the family and gains insight into the seedy underworld of Mexico City, as he seeks to avenge the girl's death. With each kill, Creasy is driven closer to the ultimate confrontation with the kidnappers and his own inner demons.

From Kevin Reynolds, starring Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce, Christopher Adamson, JB Blanc
Rated PG-13

The Count of Monte Cristo is an action-adventure drama based on the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas. Directed by Kevin Reynolds, the film stars James Caviezel as Edmond Dantes, a sailor falsely accused of treason by his jealous rival Fernand Mondego (Guy Pearce). After spending fourteen years in prison, Edmond escapes with the help of an aged fellow prisoner (Richard Harris) and discovers a hidden treasure. Using his newfound wealth, Edmond seeks revenge against those who wronged him, including Fernand and his former love, Mercedes (Dagmara Dominczyk). Along the way, Edmond creates the persona of the Count of Monte Cristo and embarks on a mission to right the wrongs of the past. With swashbuckling action and captivating performances, The Count of Monte Cristo is a thrilling adaptation of the beloved novel.

From Sam Mendes, starring Tom Hanks, Tyler Hoechlin, Rob Maxey, Liam Aiken
Rated R

"Road to Perdition" follows the story of Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) and his son, Michael Jr. (Tyler Hoechlin). After the death of Michael Sullivan Sr. (Paul Newman), due to a family feud, Michael and his son are on the run from mob boss John Rooney (Daniel Sullivan), Michael's former employer. As they embark on a journey across the Midwest, Michael Jr. learns about his father's past and the harsh realities of life for a hitman. With the help of a friendly Irish gangster named Connor (Jude Law), Michael and his son make their way to Chicago, where they eventually confront Rooney and settle their differences. Along the way, Michael learns to appreciate the bond he has with his son and to understand the consequences of his past actions.

From Nicholas Meyer, starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan
Rated PG

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is a science-fiction action film directed by Nicholas Meyer and released in 1982. It is the second film in the Star Trek franchise, and centers on the conflict between the crew of the USS Enterprise and the genetically engineered tyrant Khan Noonien Singh. After being exiled to the planet Ceti Alpha V by James T. Kirk, Khan plots his revenge by commandeering the Reliant, a starship equipped with a powerful terraforming device. He then uses it to attack the Enterprise, hoping to exact revenge upon Kirk for his exile. In the ensuing battle, Spock sacrifices his life to save Kirk and the rest of the crew from Khan's wrath. In the end, Khan is defeated and killed, leaving the crew with a sense of loss that will forever stay with them.

From Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Hailee Steinfeld, Josh Brolin
Rated PG-13

True Grit is a 2010 American Western film directed by the Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan Coen. The film is based on the 1968 novel of the same name by Charles Portis and stars Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn, an aging U.S. Marshal. Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), a 14-year-old girl, hires him to help her find and capture the man who killed her father. Along the way, the two join forces with Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) to track down the fugitive. The three eventually find their man, but the journey is wrought with danger and adventure. The film received positive reviews from critics and was a box-office success, grossing over $250 million worldwide.

From Paul Verhoeven, starring Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O'Herlihy, Ronny Cox
Rated R

RoboCop is a 1987 science fiction action film directed by Paul Verhoeven and written by Edward Neumeier and Michael Miner. Set in a crime-ridden Detroit, Michigan, in the near future, RoboCop centers on police officer Alex Murphy (Peter Weller) who is brutally murdered and subsequently revived by the megacorporation Omni Consumer Products (OCP) as a superhuman cyborg law enforcer known as "RoboCop". As RoboCop, Murphy combats both crime in the streets and the corruption within OCP. The film's themes include the media's role in shaping public opinion, gentrification and privatization, the human cost of corporate greed, and the issue of whether man-made machines should have the right to life. It was commercially successful, earning US $53.4 million on a budget of $13–15 million and receiving generally positive reviews. It was nominated for three Academy Awards and was noted for its satirical elements. A remake was released in 2014.

From Shane Meadows, starring Paddy Considine, Gary Stretch, Toby Kebbell, Stuart Wolfenden
Rated Not Rated

Dead Man's Shoes is a crime drama film written and directed by Shane Meadows and starring Paddy Considine. The film follows an ex-soldier, Richard (Considine), who returns to his hometown to seek revenge on the local gang who bullied his mentally disabled brother, Anthony, while he was away at war. With the help of his old childhood friend, Sonny, Richard systematically dismantles the gang, taking out each member in turn. Along the way, he discovers that Anthony was also involved in the gang's criminal activities, including drug dealing, and is forced to face his own complicity in his brother's death. The film culminates in a violent confrontation between Richard and the gang leader, a fight which leaves Richard wounded and the gang leader dead.

From Alex Proyas, starring Brandon Lee, Michael Wincott, Rochelle Davis, Ernie Hudson
Rated R

The Crow tells the story of Eric Draven (Brandon Lee), a young rock musician who is brutally murdered along with his fiancée Shelly (Sofia Shinas) by a gang of thugs. One year later, Eric is resurrected by a mysterious crow and comes back from the dead to seek revenge on his killers and the wider criminal underworld. With the help of his crow, Eric is able to track down the criminals and eventually bring them to justice. The film is a dark and visually haunting exploration of love, loss, and revenge.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, Marie-Josée Croze, Ciarán Hinds
Rated R

Munich is a historical drama about the events that followed the Munich Massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics. The massacre, perpetrated by a Palestinian terrorist group, left 11 Israeli athletes dead. In response, Israeli intelligence agency Mossad is ordered to launch a covert operation to track down and assassinate the terrorists responsible for the massacre. The film follows a secret team of five Mossad agents, led by Avner Kaufman, as they hunt down the terrorists, who are scattered across Europe. Along the way, Avner and his team struggle with their own guilt, morality and conscience, and the ethical and personal costs of their mission. As the mission progresses, they start to question why they are doing what they are doing and what their actions will mean for their future. The film ultimately culminates in a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of violence and revenge.