Movies About Vengeance

From David Fincher, starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Andrew Kevin Walker
Rated R

Se7en is a dark, psychological thriller directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey. The film follows two detectives, William Somerset and David Mills, as they investigate a series of gruesome murders, each inspired by one of the Seven Deadly Sins. As the detectives unravel the twisted, dark mystery, they uncover a sinister mastermind, John Doe, and his disturbing plan to punish the wickedness of society. In the end, the detectives must make a fateful choice that will have far-reaching consequences.

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

Léon: The Professional is an action-packed crime thriller directed by Luc Besson. The story follows a professional hitman, Léon (Jean Reno), who lives a solitary life in New York City. When his next-door neighbor Mathilda (Natalie Portman) discovers that her family has been murdered by corrupt DEA agents, she seeks refuge with Léon and persuades him to train her as a hitman in order to exact revenge on the killers. With Léon's help, Mathilda goes on a mission of vengeance against the agents, while Léon is forced to confront his own feelings of guilt and mortality. As the pair become closer and more desperate, they must battle their enemies while trying to stay a step ahead of the law.

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

The Prestige is a 2006 mystery thriller film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. It follows two competing magicians, Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) and Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman), as they engage in a deadly battle of one-upmanship over a mysterious secret which lies at the heart of their craft. The rivalry between the two men is rooted in a tragic accident which occurred during a show in which Robert Angier's beloved wife, Julia (Piper Perabo), was killed. As the two men become increasingly obsessed with outdoing one another and uncovering one another's secrets, their rivalry spirals out of control, leading them to commit increasingly desperate and unethical acts. In the end, their obsession leads to a shocking resolution. The Prestige is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of obsession, rivalry, and the power of secrets.

From Damien Chazelle, starring Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist, Paul Reiser
Rated R

Whiplash is a 2014 American drama film written and directed by Damien Chazelle. The film follows a young jazz drummer, Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), and his instructor, Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an exacting and demanding teacher at the prestigious Shaffer Conservatory of Music. Initially inspired by Fletcher's demanding teaching style, Andrew relentlessly practices and eventually earns a spot in Fletcher's top ensemble. However, Fletcher's increasingly cruel and abusive tactics eventually take a toll on Andrew both mentally and physically. Andrew must confront his fears and his own demons to prove to himself and to Fletcher that he has what it takes to be a great jazz musician.

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

Gladiator is a 2000 epic historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe. The film tells the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general who is betrayed by the Emperor's ambitious son and sold into slavery. Maximus rises through the ranks of the gladiatorial arena to avenge the murder of his family and his Emperor. The film also stars Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed (in his final role), Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou, and Richard Harris. The film was a box office success and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe. It has since gained a cult following and has been ranked by several publications as one of the greatest films of all time. The film is hailed for its stunning visuals, its intense action sequences, and its effective use of classical music.

From Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans
Rated PG-13

Avengers: Infinity War (2018) is a superhero film directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo and based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the Avengers. The film follows the Avengers and their allies, the Guardians of the Galaxy, as they attempt to stop Thanos from collecting the Infinity Stones and using them to bring about universal destruction. The ensemble cast includes Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Josh Brolin, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Holland, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chadwick Boseman, and many more. Through their individual struggles and in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, the Avengers must join forces as they battle Thanos and his powerful allies in an attempt to protect the universe from destruction.

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

Django Unchained tells the story of a freed slave, Django (played by Jamie Foxx), who teams up with a German bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz (played by Christoph Waltz), to hunt down the Brittle brothers, a group of outlaws on the run. With the help of Schultz, Django sets out on a mission to free his wife, Broomhilda (played by Kerry Washington), from the clutches of ruthless plantation owner Calvin Candie (played by Leonardo DiCaprio). On their journey, Django and Schultz find themselves up against the cruelest and most powerful forces in the South. Along the way, Django uses his newfound skills as a bounty hunter to gain the upper hand over his enemies, culminating in an epic showdown between Django and Calvin Candie.

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

Memento is a neo-noir psychological thriller film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. It stars Guy Pearce as Leonard, a man suffering from anterograde amnesia and searching for the person who murdered his wife. The film is presented as a series of two-part segments: a black-and-white sequence that details the events before and after the murder, and a color sequence that moves in reverse chronological order, following Leonard as he attempts to piece together the mystery. The film's plot relies on a mental disorder known as anterograde amnesia, which prevents Leonard from forming new memories after a traumatic event. As he attempts to solve the crime, Leonard must rely on notes, messages and tattoos to recall his past and keep track of clues to the murderer's identity.

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 psychological thriller film directed by Park Chan-wook. The film tells the story of Oh Dae-su, a man who is inexplicably imprisoned in a mysterious room for 15 years without explanation. After his release, he embarks on a journey to find out why he was confined, and to seek revenge on his captor. Along the way, he discovers dark secrets about his past, including his long-lost daughter and a revenge plot against the man responsible for his imprisonment. Oldboy is an intense and twisted tale of revenge and redemption, full of shocking plot twists and darkly humorous moments.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman
Rated PG-13

The Dark Knight Rises is a 2012 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan. Following the events of 2008's The Dark Knight, the film follows Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) as he returns to Gotham City after an eight-year absence to confront a new enemy, Bane (Tom Hardy). Aided by Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway) and John Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Batman must discover the truth of Bane's plan, save the city, and restore order. The film also features Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, and Morgan Freeman in returning roles. Dark Knight Rises is the third and final installment in Nolan's Batman film series. It received critical acclaim, earning an 87% on Rotten Tomatoes and 8.5/10 on IMDb. The film was also a box office success, grossing over $1.08 billion worldwide.

From Mel Gibson, starring Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Angus Macfadyen
Rated R

Braveheart is a 1995 epic war film directed by Mel Gibson and starring Gibson as William Wallace, a late 13th century Scottish warrior who led the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England. The story follows William Wallace's quest to free Scotland from Edward I's tyrannical rule, culminating in the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. Along the way, Wallace rallies the Scottish nobility to join him in his rebellion and falls in love with Murron MacClannough (Catherine McCormack), a young woman whose life was taken away by the English. Braveheart is a thrilling and inspiring tale of courage and freedom, featuring some of the best battle sequences ever filmed.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Eli Roth, Mélanie Laurent
Rated R

Inglourious Basterds is an American-German war movie written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. It is a fictional alternate history of World War II in which a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as "The Basterds" are chosen to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis. The Basterds, led by Lt. Aldo Raine, are joined by a German-Jewish woman named Shosanna, who has sworn vengeance against the Nazi regime for murdering her family. As the Basterds, Shosanna, and other members of the resistance work together to execute a daring plan to take down the leaders of the Third Reich, they are forced to confront their own fears and prejudices. The film features an all-star cast, including Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, and Christoph Waltz.

From Richard Marquand, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi follows the continued struggle of the Rebellion against the Galactic Empire. Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and their allies must rescue Han Solo from the clutches of the monstrous crime lord Jabba the Hutt and confront Darth Vader in a climactic battle on the planet of Endor. Meanwhile, the Emperor and his forces of evil prepare to unleash a powerful new weapon that could destroy the Rebellion and the entire galaxy. With the help of the courageous Ewoks, the Rebels must fight for freedom and justice in a thrilling final confrontation that will determine the fate of the galaxy.

From Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Ciarán Hinds, Martin Stringer
Rated R

"There Will Be Blood" is a 2007 American epic drama film written, produced and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Set in the early 20th century, the story follows the rise of a single oil prospector, Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis), as he accumulates a fortune by exploiting the resources of a small California town. Along the way, he clashes with a local preacher, Eli Sunday (Paul Dano), who is determined to use religion to manipulate Plainview and his workers. Plainview's gradual descent into darkness and madness is also explored, as his wealth and power corrupts him, eventually leading to tragedy. The film features an Academy Award-winning performance from Day-Lewis, as well as astonishing visuals and an unforgettable score by Jonny Greenwood.

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

Unforgiven is an American Western film directed by Clint Eastwood and featuring an ensemble cast including Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, and Richard Harris. The film tells the story of William Munny, a former outlaw and hired killer who is called upon to take down a group of cowboys responsible for the mutilation of a prostitute. Along the way, he is joined by a former partner and friend, Ned Logan, and Munny is forced to confront his own dark past in order to protect the innocent. The film is a meditation on the genres of Westerns and a look at the morality of violence. It ultimately culminates in an unforgettable climax that sees justice being delivered in a brutal and unforgiving manner.

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 based on the 1988 DC/Vertigo Comics limited series of the same name by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. Set in a near-future Britain, the film follows a masked vigilante (portrayed by Hugo Weaving) known as "V" as he attempts to ignite a revolution to overthrow the oppressive fascist regime that has taken control of the country. Along the way, he befriends a young woman (portrayed by Natalie Portman) and together they fight against the oppressive forces to bring freedom and hope back to the people. V for Vendetta is a thought-provoking and thrilling film that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

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

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a 2003 action-packed revenge story directed by Quentin Tarantino. The movie follows The Bride (Uma Thurman), a former assassin seeking revenge against her former boss and lover, Bill (David Carradine). After being left for dead on her wedding day and suffering a four-year coma, The Bride sets out on a violent and bloody mission to exact revenge. As she hunts down each of the targets on her list, she faces a series of deadly opponents and relies on her martial arts skills to make it through each encounter. Along the way, she discovers new allies and learns more about her past, as well as her future. By the end of the movie, she has managed to complete her mission and exact justice on those who wronged her.

From David Fincher, starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry
Rated R

Gone Girl is a 2014 American psychological thriller film directed by David Fincher and written by Gillian Flynn, based on her 2012 novel of the same name. The film stars Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike as Nick and Amy Dunne, a couple whose marriage is tested when Amy mysteriously disappears on their fifth wedding anniversary. Having made a name for himself as a master of tension, Fincher takes the audience on a dark and twisted journey with Gone Girl, leaving viewers guessing until the very end. The film follows Nick as he becomes the prime suspect in Amy's disappearance, and his attempt to prove his innocence and find his wife before it’s too late. Along the way, dark secrets about the couple are revealed, making for a suspenseful mystery that keeps audiences at the edge of their seats.

From Martin McDonagh, starring Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Caleb Landry Jones
Rated R

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a 2017 dark comedy-drama film written, produced and directed by Martin McDonagh. It stars Frances McDormand as Mildred Hayes, a bereaved mother who rents three billboards to call attention to her daughter's unsolved murder. The billboards set off a series of events involving the town's police department, led by William Willoughby (Woody Harrelson), and its residents. Mildred's actions cause her to gain supporters and enemies amongst the townspeople, and she is also forced to confront her own grief and anger. The film also stars Sam Rockwell and Lucas Hedges. It won numerous awards, including four Golden Globe Awards, two Academy Awards, and a BAFTA Award.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Melissa Leo
Rated R

Prisoners is a psychological thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. The film follows a carpenter, Keller Dover (Jackman), and a detective, Loki (Gyllenhaal), as they search for two abducted young girls. Dover is desperate to find his daughter and is willing to go to extreme lengths in order to do so, while Loki is just as determined to solve the case. The two men go to great lengths to discover the truth, but their investigations lead them down a dangerous path as they uncover a series of secrets and deceits that put their lives and the lives of those around them at risk. The film is a gripping, suspenseful story that explores the lengths to which people will go to protect the ones they love.

From Joss Whedon, starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner
Rated PG-13

The Avengers is a 2012 action-adventure film written and directed by Joss Whedon. The film follows the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name, composed of Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), The Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner). When the powerful mischievous god Loki (Tom Hiddleston) returns to Earth to take over the world, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) of S.H.I.E.L.D. assembles a team of superheroes to defeat him. The team must work together to protect the world from Loki's alien army and prevent a global catastrophe. Along the way, the team learns to work together, discovers hidden powers, and puts their differences aside in order to save the world.

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

Kill Bill: Volume 2 is a 2004 American martial arts action film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film stars Uma Thurman as the Bride, who continues her quest of vengeance against her former boss and lover Bill, played by David Carradine, and his army of associates. The Bride has already killed Bill's brother Budd and is now determined to revenge herself upon Bill himself. She is closely pursued by the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, led by the merciless Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah). The Bride's journey takes her to Tokyo, where she faces off against the notorious gang leader and swordsman, Hattori Hanzo (Sonny Chiba). She then fights her way through a deadly house of mirrors to confront Bill in a climactic showdown. Meanwhile, the Deadly Vipers take aim at the Bride and her allies, culminating in an epic battle between good and evil. Kill Bill: Volume 2 is a unique blend of Eastern and Western genres, featuring intense martial arts action, dark humor, and an unforgettable soundtrack. It is an exhilarating, powerful, and ultimately satisfying sequel to the original Kill Bill.

From Alejandro G. Iñárritu, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Will Poulter, Domhnall Gleeson
Rated R

The Revenant is a 2015 American survival drama film directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and based in part on the novel of the same name by Michael Punke. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Hugh Glass, a legendary 19th-century frontiersman who is mauled by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team, who then rob him. Guided by sheer will and the love of his family, Glass must navigate a vicious winter in a relentless pursuit to live and find redemption. Along the way, he also seeks revenge against those who betrayed him. The film also stars Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson, and Will Poulter. The Revenant received widespread critical acclaim, and won three Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for DiCaprio's performance. It was also nominated for five other Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography. The film is considered a masterpiece of contemporary cinema.

From Directors: Frank Miller, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, starring Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba
Rated R

Sin City (2005) is a neo-noir, crime comedy-drama film directed by Frank Miller, Quentin Tarantino, and Robert Rodriguez. It is based on Miller's graphic novel of the same name. The film follows a series of intertwining stories set in the corrupt and crime-ridden fictional city of Basin City. It centers on a group of characters, including an ex-convict, a cop, and a prostitute, as they struggle to survive in a corrupt and dangerous environment. The film features a unique visual style combining monochromatic color schemes and computer-generated imagery to create a comic book-like feel. The film features an ensemble cast including Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Clive Owen, Mickey Rourke, and Elijah Wood. It received critical acclaim for its unique visuals and a darkly humorous and violent story. The film was a box office success and has since become a cult classic.

From Lars von Trier, starring Nicole Kidman, Paul Bettany, Lauren Bacall, Harriet Andersson
Rated R

Dogville is a 2003 psychological thriller directed by Lars von Trier and starring Nicole Kidman. The film tells the story of a small, remote Rocky Mountain town and its inhabitants who welcome a mysterious young woman, Grace (Kidman), into their midst. Initially, the townspeople treat Grace kindly, but as time goes on, they begin to take advantage of her, subjecting her to exploitation, cruelty, and abuse. Grace is eventually forced to take drastic action to protect herself and her newfound friends, leading to a shocking and tragic conclusion. Dogville is an uncompromising film that questions the nature of morality and how far people will go to get what they want.