Revenge Films

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, based on Mario Puzo's novel of the same name. It stars Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone, the head of an organized crime syndicate in New York City. The story follows the Corleone family as they attempt to maintain their power and influence, while also dealing with the many conflicts that arise from the rival families vying for control of the city. The film also stars Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, and John Cazale, and features music composed by Nino Rota. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and launched a series of sequels that continued the story of the Corleone family. It established many of the conventions that have become synonymous with the gangster genre and is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made.

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

City of God is a 2002 Brazilian crime film directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund. Set in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during the 1960s and 1970s, the film follows the story of two youths growing up in a violent neighborhood known as the "City of God". One of the youths, Rocket, dreams of becoming a professional photographer, while the other, Li'l Zé, is a notorious drug dealer and gang leader. As the two grow up, their lives take very different paths, leading to a dramatic and violent climax. The film is a gritty, realistic look into the lives of the people living in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, showing the brutality and violence of life in the city, and illustrating the power of hope and dreams in the midst of this chaos.

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. The film stars Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Ralf Möller, Oliver Reed, Djimon Hounsou, Derek Jacobi, John Shrapnel, and Richard Harris. It tells the story of a Roman general and former slave, Maximus Decimus Meridius, who rises through the ranks and is betrayed by his emperor in a bid for power. Maximus is sentenced to death, but is instead sold into slavery, becoming a gladiator. He rises to fame in the arena, ultimately leading a revolt against the emperor and seeking revenge. The film was a huge critical and commercial success, winning five Academy Awards and grossing over $457 million worldwide.

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

Léon: The Professional is a 1994 French action-thriller film written and directed by Luc Besson, starring Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, and Natalie Portman in her film debut. In the film, Reno plays the titular role of Léon, a professional assassin and protector, who helps young Mathilda (Portman) avenge the death of her family. Mathilda, a twelve-year-old girl living in New York City, is reluctantly taken in by Léon after her family is murdered by a corrupt DEA agent, Stansfield (Oldman). Although initially skeptical of Mathilda's motives and abilities, Léon begins to train her in the art of assassination. As Stansfield moves in to get revenge, Léon and Mathilda must use the skills they have learned to fight back and protect each other from the ruthless Stansfield and his mob. The film was a success at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing French film ever released in the United States. It has since gained a cult following due to its intense action sequences and unique characters.

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

Once Upon a Time in the West is an iconic western directed by Sergio Leone and starring Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale and Jason Robards. The film follows a mysterious and ruthless gunslinger, known as "Harmonica" (Bronson), as he works to avenge the death of his brother, who was killed by Frank (Fonda). He teams up with a recently widowed homesteader, Jill McBain (Cardinale), in an effort to defend her land from Frank and his gang. As the story progresses, Harmonica's true motivations are revealed. The film is a masterful blend of Leone's signature long takes, intense violence, and a sweeping, operatic score. It is widely considered a classic of the western genre and has become a cultural touchstone.

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

The Prestige is a 2006 British-American mystery thriller directed by Christopher Nolan. It follows two rival magicians, Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) and Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman), in London at the end of the 19th century. Both men are obsessed with creating the perfect stage illusion and will do whatever it takes to outdo each other. As their rivalry intensifies, so does their willingness to resort to any means necessary to gain the upper hand. Angier will stop at nothing to discover the secrets behind Borden's trick, while Borden attempts to protect his secrets at all costs. Both men cross moral boundaries as they race to create the greatest illusion – and the greatest rivalry – the world has ever seen.

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

Memento follows Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) a man suffering from anterograde amnesia, who is searching for his wife's murderer. He can remember events from his past, but is unable to form new memories. In order to solve the mystery of his wife's murder, he takes pictures of people, places and even tattoos important information on himself. He is aided by Natalie (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Teddy (Joe Pantoliano). He eventually discovers that Teddy is the murderer, but is not able to act on the information because of his memory loss. The movie ends with Leonard having continued to search for the murderer, although he may never find him.

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

Oldboy is a South Korean psychological thriller film directed by Park Chan-wook. The film follows the story of Oh Dae-su, a businessman who is inexplicably kidnapped and imprisoned in a hotel-like room for 15 years without any contact from the outside world. After his release, he embarks on a mission to find out who imprisoned him and why. On his quest, he meets a young woman, a sushi chef, who helps him in his investigation and is ultimately the key to unlocking the mystery behind his captivity. Along the way, Oh Dae-su discovers dark secrets about his past, as well as his captor, who continues to pursue him in an attempt to finish what he started. Ultimately, Oldboy is a story of revenge, redemption, and the dark corners of the human soul.

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

Django Unchained is a 2012 Western film by director Quentin Tarantino. The film follows Django (Jamie Foxx), a freed slave, who teams up with a German bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz), to rescue his wife Broomhilda (Kerry Washington) from a ruthless Mississippi plantation owner, Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). Along the way, they enlist the help of a mysterious yet formidable ally (Samuel L. Jackson). Through a series of violent confrontations and thrilling showdowns, Django and Dr. Schultz attempt to outwit their adversaries and reach Broomhilda, who is held captive by Candie. With a unique blend of humor, drama, and intense action, Django Unchained is sure to entertain and surprise audiences with its unexpected twists and turns.

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

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a 2003 martial arts action film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. It follows the story of "The Bride," a former member of an elite assassin squad who is seeking revenge on its members who betrayed her and attempted to kill her on her wedding day. She embarks on a violent journey of revenge, killing her former associates one by one. Along the way, she faces off with the formidable O-Ren Ishii, an infamous Tokyo crime boss, and the lethal Crazy 88s, a band of Yakuza warriors. Meanwhile, Bill, the leader of the assassin squad and the Bride's former lover, is monitoring her progress.

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

Unforgiven is a western movie directed by Clint Eastwood, starring Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, and Gene Hackman. The story follows retired gunslinger William Munny, who is coaxed back into the outlaw life as he takes on one last job to pay for his sick daughter's medical bills. Alongside his old partner Ned, Munny sets out to kill the two cowboys responsible for a prostitute's disfigurement. However, Munny soon finds himself in a fight for his life as he faces the corrupt sheriff Little Bill and a posse of gunmen who are determined to stop him. As the film progresses, the audience is shown the true cost of violence, and how personal redemption is possible even for the most hardened of criminals.

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

V for Vendetta is a 2005 dystopian political action thriller film directed by James McTeigue and written by the Wachowski siblings, based on the 1988 DC/Vertigo Comics limited series of the same name by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. In a futuristic London, a freedom fighter known as V, who wears a Guy Fawkes mask and uses terrorist tactics to fight against a totalitarian government, embarks on a mission to ignite a revolution and liberate the people of Britain. He finds a young woman named Evey and they join forces to bring down the oppressive government. V is a complex character, seeking revenge for the injustices of his past and justice for the people of the future. As V's actions become more violent and his message of revolution more powerful, he inspires the people of Britain to stand up against their oppressive government and fight for a better future.

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

Gran Torino is a 2008 drama directed by and starring Clint Eastwood. The film follows Walt Kowalski, a disgruntled Korean War veteran living in a run-down Detroit neighborhood. After a local Hmong gang - led by teenage troublemaker Thao - attempts to steal Kowalski's 1972 Gran Torino, he begins a journey of redemption and self-discovery as he connects with his Hmong neighbors and learns to appreciate their culture and values. Kowalski's transformation ultimately allows him to break through his gruff exterior in order to help out the Vang-Lor family and protect them from the gang. The film was critically acclaimed and was nominated for several awards, including Best Picture at the 81st Academy Awards.

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

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 is a 2004 American martial arts action film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. It is the second installment in the Kill Bill film series, and the fourth overall film in Tarantino's career. The film stars Uma Thurman as the Bride, who continues her quest of revenge against her former associates, who attempted to kill her and her unborn child. Along the way, she encounters allies and adversaries, some of whom were previously unaware of her existence. The film is set four years after the conclusion of Kill Bill: Vol. 1. The Bride continues her quest to take revenge on the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, which attempted to kill her and her unborn child. She faces off with former allies, such as Elle Driver and Budd, and new adversaries, such as Bill himself. In the end, the Bride must confront her ultimate adversary in order to get her revenge. The film features a stunning blend of violence and comedy, as well as Tarantino's signature visual style and dialogue. It was met with critical acclaim and the performances were praised, with Thurman receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Kill Bill: Vol. 2 cemented Tarantino's reputation as one of the most innovative filmmakers of his

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

The Princess Bride is a 1987 romantic comedy adventure film directed by Rob Reiner. The film follows the story of a young farmhand named Westley (Cary Elwes), who sets out on an epic quest to save his true love Buttercup (Robin Wright) from a heinous prince (Chris Sarandon). Along his journey, Westley meets a variety of colorful characters, from a master swordsman (Mandy Patinkin) to a giant (Andre the Giant), as he battles his way to Buttercup's side. Along the way, Westley must face off with deadly enemies, confront difficult moral dilemmas, and ultimately learn what it means to be a true hero. The Princess Bride is a beloved cult classic, and its mix of adventure, comedy, and romance has won over audiences for over three decades.

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

Taken is a 2008 action-thriller directed by Pierre Morel and starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, and Famke Janssen. The film follows retired CIA agent Bryan Mills (Neeson) as he is forced out of retirement to save his daughter Kim (Grace), who has been kidnapped by sex traffickers while vacationing in Paris. With the help of a former associate, Mills uses his specialized skills to track down the kidnappers and rescue his daughter. Along the way, he must battle not just the traffickers, but also corrupt government officials who seek to cover up the crime. In the end, Mills successfully saves his daughter and brings the criminals to justice.

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

Man on Fire is a 2004 action-thriller directed by Tony Scott and starring Denzel Washington as John Creasy, a retired Marine and former CIA operative-turned-bodyguard. After being hired by a wealthy family in Mexico City, Creasy embarks on a mission to protect the daughter of the family, Pita Ramos (Dakota Fanning). When Pita is kidnapped by a criminal syndicate and held for ransom, Creasy takes matters into his own hands, embarking on a relentless quest to save her. Along the way, he befriends Pita's family and forms a deep bond with the young girl, while gradually uncovers a much greater conspiracy than he initially thought. Fueled by revenge, Creasy goes on a violent rampage, fighting against both the criminals who took Pita and the powerful people behind the syndicate. In the end, Creasy prevails and is able to reunite Pita with her family, while also finding redemption for himself.

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

The Count of Monte Cristo is an epic adventure film directed by Kevin Reynolds and based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas. The story follows Edmond Dantes, a sailor wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. After making a daring escape from prison, Dantes embarks on a quest for revenge against those who have betrayed him. With the help of a mysterious benefactor, Dantes uses his newfound wealth and influence to enact his revenge, taking the form of the mysterious “Count of Monte Cristo”. Along the way, he discovers love and friendship, while trying to stay one step ahead of his enemies. The film features a star-studded cast, including Jim Caviezel as Edmond Dantes, Guy Pearce as Fernand Mondego, and Richard Harris as the mysterious benefactor. The film is a thrilling tale of revenge, justice, and redemption.

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

Road to Perdition is a 2002 American crime drama film directed by Sam Mendes, starring Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law, and Daniel Craig. Set during the Great Depression, the film follows a mob enforcer and his son as they seek revenge against a mobster who killed the rest of their family. With cinematography by Conrad L. Hall, and a score composed by Thomas Newman, Road to Perdition is considered one of the great films of the early 2000s. The film focuses on Michael Sullivan (Hanks), a mob enforcer and widower, who attempts to protect his son, Michael Jr. (Tyler Hoechlin), from the vengeful John Rooney (Newman), the head of their Irish-American crime family. After Sullivan's other son is killed in a hit ordered by Rooney, Sullivan and his son go on the run and eventually seek refuge with a sympathetic photographer. As Sullivan and his son travel the roads of the Midwest looking to avenge the death of Sullivan's other son, they are pursued by Rooney's menacing hitman (Law), forcing Sullivan to make a fateful decision.

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 adventure film directed by Nicholas Meyer. The story follows Admiral James T. Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise as they battle their old nemesis Khan Noonien Singh, a genetically engineered superhuman from the late 20th century who seeks revenge against Kirk for his forced exile. After Khan's forces attack a space station, the Enterprise is sent to track him down and prevent him from wreaking havoc on the galaxy. The crew soon finds themselves in a desperate fight for survival, as Khan is determined to take his revenge and will stop at nothing to achieve it. With the fate of the universe at stake, Kirk and his crew must race against time to find a way to save the day.

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

True Grit is a 2010 western adventure drama directed by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen and based on the 1968 novel of the same name by Charles Portis. The film follows a young girl named Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) who is determined to avenge her father's death. Enlisting the help of a drunken U.S. Marshal, Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), and a Texas Ranger, LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), she sets out on a mission to hunt down her father's killer, Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). Along the way, they must battle harsh weather, dangerous outlaws and their own personal demons. The trio's journey takes them through a rugged landscape of betrayal, revenge and redemption, proving that true grit can never be broken.

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

RoboCop is a science fiction action film directed by Paul Verhoeven, and released in 1987. The film is set in a dystopian, crime-ridden Detroit, Michigan in the near future. The protagonist is Alex Murphy (Peter Weller), a police officer who is brutally killed in the line of duty. He is then resurrected as RoboCop, a part-man, part-machine cyborg law enforcement officer. RoboCop is programmed to serve the public trust, protect the innocent, and uphold the law. He battles crime in Detroit, and takes on the nefarious mega-corporation, OCP. Throughout the film, RoboCop is confronted with ethical dilemmas and must grapple with his newfound identity, as he is torn between his human past and his robotic present. In the end, RoboCop prevails and restores order in Detroit.

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

Dead Man’s Shoes (2004) is a British drama-thriller directed and written by Shane Meadows. The film stars Paddy Considine as Richard, a soldier returning to his hometown to avenge the mistreatment of his mentally challenged brother, Anthony (Toby Kebbell). With his partner in crime, Sonny (Gary Stretch), Richard poses as a drug dealer in order to gain the trust of the local criminals and gain access to the people responsible for Anthony’s suffering. After finding out who hurt his brother, Richard embarks on a quest for revenge and finds himself in a fight to the death with those who wronged Anthony. Along the way, Richard and Sonny encounter a series of strange characters and events that will test their loyalty to each other and the limits of their mission.

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

The Crow is a 1994 fantasy action film directed by Alex Proyas and starring Brandon Lee. It is based on the 1989 comic book of the same name by James O'Barr. The story follows Eric Draven (Lee), a rock musician who is brought back from the dead by a mysterious crow to avenge his own murder as well as that of his fiancée. Along the way, he must battle an evil crime lord, Top Dollar (Michael Wincott), who is intent on terrorizing the city and killing anyone who stands in his way. The story is set in a dark, gothic world, filled with intense action sequences and supernatural elements. With the help of the crow, Eric is able to fight crime and protect the innocent.

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

Munich is a 2005 political thriller directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the 1972 Munich massacre during the Summer Olympics. The film follows a team of Mossad agents sent to hunt down and assassinate the members of the Palestinian terrorist group Black September for their involvement in the massacre. The team's mission is complicated by their own emotional and moral dilemmas, and their task is further complicated by a dangerous Swiss contact and the constant fear of being discovered. The film explores the personal and political consequences of their mission, and examines the morality of retaliation versus justice.