The indigence forrevengerepresents one of humanity ’s most innate impulses and , in celluloid , acts as a majuscule opportunity to explore moral decay , the pursuit of justice , and the price of violence . While a ruthless seeking for revenge may not always be the most moral or stoic response to being wronged in life , it is sure an exciting character motivation to get audiences engrossed in the story of an tempestuous - ridden champion . From trulydisturbing psychological thrillersto depend irony direct social and political woes , revenge - based movie theatre make for gripping viewing .

As a timeless and general theme , revenge has been a driving force behind some of thegreatest movie ever made . With an intensiveness and emotional power almost unmatched in human psychology , the unstoppable cause for retaliation establish actors a mickle to work with when it comes to deliveringcareer - unspoiled performancesthat linger in the audience ’s memory well after the credit have rolled . While turning the other face may be the more logical result in real - life situations , in movie theater , tales of revenge make for in truth nail - biting narrative .

10Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

Directed by F. Gary Gray

Your Rating

Your comment has not been save

Cast

In the thriller Law Abiding Citizen , Gerard Butler ace as a man who seeks revenge against the jurist system that failed him after his family is viciously remove . Jamie Foxx co - stars as the prosecutor who failed to convict the Orcinus orca and Viola Davis come along as the mayor .

The vigilante action mechanism thrillerLaw brook Citizenmay not have been a hit with critic , but looking back on this underrated release , it was a fascinating story of revenge and vengeance . WithGerard Butler as Clyde Shelton , a valet whose wife and girl were ruthlessly dispatch in front of his optic during a home looting , he first put his organized religion in the Philadelphia justness arrangement to make the men responsible pay for their crimes . However , the prosecutor , Nick Rice ( Jamie Foxx ) struck a deal with one of the murderers , and he received a shockingly calorie-free conviction .

While Nick tried to convince Clyde this was just how things were in the sound sphere , Clyde decided to take the law of nature into his own hand and search retaliation . Butler gave an extraordinary functioning , as Clyde not only sought justness against the humanity who hit his family but also against the justice system that run out him , even engineer the dying of sound practitioners . Law Abiding Citizenwas a fascinating story that force viewers to figure with their sense of right field and wrong and require if a world has a right to go above the law to act on true judge .

Collage of Willow and Clash of the Titans

9Harry Brown (2009)

Directed by Daniel Barber

Harry Brown is a crime dramatic play star Michael Caine as a retired Royal Marine exist in a offense - ridden neighbourhood . The film explore themes of vigilantism and DoJ as Brown becomes disillusion with the authorities ' unfitness to speak the violence surrounding him . point by Daniel Barber , this 2009 picture portrays the length to which an average man will go to protect his home and domesticate his sensation of surety .

While many viewer might acknowledge Michael Caine as Batman ’s firm butler , Alfred Pennyworth , in Christopher Nolan’sThe Dark Knighttrilogy , he evince off a much more intense side to his attainment inHarry Brown . This vigilante thriller star Caine as the form of address type , a widowed Royal Marines veteran who decides to do something about the London housing estate he has seen downfall victim to increasingly violent criminal behavior from the area ’s young residents . Rather than posture back and learn his community of interests go down into ruin , this senior pensionary search revenge against the hoodlums who had been terrorizing the area .

Harry Brownpacked as much emotional weight as it was physical punches and Caine bear witness that , even at the age of 76 , he had the vigour to lead a violent and acute action - pile motion-picture show . While the moral and political subtext ofHarry Brownwas questionable , it was hard to deny how cheering it was to ascertain Harry clean up his community and show young criminal the danger of mess with an old man whose spirit experience far outmatched theirs . Harry Brownwas a fantastical British crime filmand an unbelievable late - career persona for Caine .

Dwayne Johnson’s Luke Hobbs and Vin Diesel’s Dom staring at each other in Fast Five.

8Hard Candy (2005)

Directed by David Slade

Hard Candy is a psychological thriller that follows the encounter between Hayley , a cagey teenage girl , and Jeff , a fashion lensman . After meeting online and in a café , they turn back to Jeff ’s house , where unexpected events unfold , challenge the notion of trustfulness and intent in their interaction .

The psychological thrillerHard Candybegins with 14 - year - old Hayley Stark ( Elliot Page ) engaged in a flirtatious , sex - charged online New World chat with 32 - year - honest-to-goodness lensman Jeff Kohlver ( Patrick Wilson ) . This pedophilic encounter and serious misbalance of power was truly harrowing , and as the two then meet and Hayley snuff it to Jeff ’s house , it ’s hard not to be awful for Hayley ’s young life . Yet , Hard Candysubverts audience expectations as the story shifts into a riveting and shocking revenge storey whenHayley look at the law into her own handsand try vigilante justice against this flagitious intimate marauder .

As a in truth shameful moving picture from start to finish , Hayley is let on to be far more capable than she first seemed as she tortured Jeff with the threat of expurgation . This was a downhearted but powerful movie that might be too much for some hearing members to bear , but for those with a love for vigilante Department of Justice and seeing sinister criminals pay for their misdeed , Hard Candywas highly riveting . As a retaliation thriller that agitate things further than any viewer could have expected , Hard Candywas Page ’s chilling breakthrough performance that signaled the dawning of a new moving-picture show star .

Tom Hardy chokes a thug in the bar during the events of the Netflix movie Havoc

7Promising Young Woman (2020)

Directed by Emerald Fennell

star Carey Mulligan , Promising Young Woman follows Cassie , a college dropout intent on getting revenge for the unprosecuted rape of her deceased good friend , Nina . As she becomes profoundly involved in tormenting those she examine as complicit in Nina ’s Brassica napus and subsequent self-annihilation , Cassie begins to travel down a more serious path than she realizes . Bo Burnham , Alison Brie , Jennifer Coolidge , Laverne Cox , and Connie Britton also asterisk .

The dark and subversive nature ofPromising Young Womanmade for a shameful feminist social commentary that pushed watcher out of their comfort zone and made them speak the treatment of char in the advanced world . With a shivery friend haunted by her traumatic past , Carey Mulligan leave an astounding execution as Cassie Thomas , a med school dropout who pass her eve pretending to be drunk and getting picked up by Guy at bars and nightspot .

While this may go like a frame-up for Cassie to be taken advantage of sexually by these predatorial immature hands , she instead uses their exploitive behavior to exact revenge on behalf of wronged women worldwide . forebode Young Womangave a fresh take on revenge storiesand palpate incredibly relevant in the backwash of MeToo and so many instances of military personnel using their power to take advantage of women . With an incredible script , writer and director Emerald Fennell garner an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay forPromising Young Woman .

Imagery-from-Law-Abiding-Citizen-(2009)-and-Promising-Young-Woman

Custom image by Yeider Chacon.

6Gladiator (2000)

Directed by Ridley Scott

Gladiator follows Maximus , a Roman general betrayed by the new emperor Commodus . After escaping murder , he is enslaved and becomes a gladiator . adjust in ancient Rome , the story portrays his struggle for survival and pursuit for payback as he combat for his exemption in the scene of action .

The Best Picture winnerGladiatorexplored timeless themes of betrayal , revenge , and redemption as Maximus Decimus Meridius ( Russell Crowe ) showcased his unfaltering committedness to avenging the murder of his kinsfolk . As a Hispano - Roman full general push into thrall , Maximus sought retaliation against Emperor Commodus ( Joaquin Phoenix ) , the amoral and power - thirsty Logos of Marcus Aurelius . With epic fighting sequence and sincerely astonishing elevated visuals , it wasGladiator’srevenge narrative that undercoat the cinema in real emotion and give to its piazza among the good movies ever made .

Russell Crowe earned the Oscar for Best Actor for his intense portrayal of Maximus as viewers felt the hardship he endured and the seethe anger he felt toward those who had wronged him . As an old - fashioned heroic poem that contribute to mind the entreaty of classics likeBen - HurorSpartacus , the theme of revenge elevate the already spectacular fit pieces and unbelievable filmmaking on display throughout . As one of the all - time great revenge movies , Gladiatorrightfully received widespread accolades when it was released .

Article image

In the thriller Law Abiding Citizen, Gerard Butler stars as a man who seeks revenge against the justice system that failed him after his family is brutally murdered. Jamie Foxx co-stars as the prosecutor who failed to convict the killer and Viola Davis appears as the mayor.

5Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Directed by Quentin Tarantino

In Nazi - occupied France , a group of Judaic - American soldiers known as " The Basterds " execute a mission to terrify the Third Reich . Simultaneously , a young Jewish cinema owner plots to kill Nazi loss leader attending a premiere at her theatre . Both plans converge in a high - bet showdown satiate with action and revenge​.

Quentin Tarantino made one of the expectant substitute history ever produced when he wrote and directedInglourious Basterds . This World War II story boasted one of cinema ’s greatest movie baddie , Hans Landa ( Christoph Waltz ) , and was a thrilling story categorize by retaliation that kept audiences guessing right until the end . With the dual revenge tale of Shosanna Dreyfus ’s ( Mélanie Laurent ) personal blood feud against Landa for the capital punishment of her family line and theBasterds ' military mission to make the Nazis pay for their crimes against humanity , revenge was seep into every scene ofInglourious Basterds .

The fact thatInglourious Basterdsconcluded with Hitler and Goebbels being gun down and a theater explosion killing its Nazi audience showcased that a revenge fantasy did n’t have to stick to the diachronic phonograph record as Tarantino shifted the dead on target tale to his own liking . This bold reimagining of history had a disarm burden on audiences at the time , who think they knew how Hitler ’s tale end and that this case of revenge would not have been possible . As a testament to the ability of filmmaking , Inglourious Basterdsproved that rule were meant to be broken .

Headshot Of Gerard Butler

4John Wick (2014)

Directed by Chad Stahelski

John Wick is the first entry in the activity - thriller dealership directed by Chad Stahelski and star Keanu Reeves . Retired gun for hire John is bring back into the field of view when the frump his recently deceased life left him is polish off . Full of rage and equipped with unique armed combat acquirement , John begins to chase after down the ones responsible for the act of violence and lays waste product to any who make bold to cross his itinerary , sending terror throughout the vicious netherworld .

While retaliation - found action movies with major asterisk likeTakenandThe Equalizerhave long becharm viewers ' attention , John Wicktruly stood in a league of its own . With Keanu Reeves as a withdraw hitman sorrow the death of his wife , his tranquil lifespan was interrupted by a gang of Russian gangsters who not only broke into his house and robbed his home but also killed the one thing he had to remember his wife by , the beagle puppy she had endue him to cope with his loss .

These shocking events put upthe tight - paced , neo - noir revenge story ofJohn Wick , as Reeves sought retaliation on New York City ’s Russian mafia and kickstarted a series of events that led to the entireJohn Wickfranchise . As an intriguing criminal Hell of skilled assassins and legendary gun for hire , John was one of the most skilled of them all and ruthlessly kill anyone who fetch in the way of his sideline of judge . This epic retaliation story featured one of the good anti - Hero of Alexandria in all of film and had a major influence on the activeness literary genre as a whole .

Headshot Of Jamie Foxx In The European premiere of ‘Creed III’

3Unforgiven (1992)

Directed by Clint Eastwood

Unforgiven follows retired hired gun Will Munny as he is drawn back into his former animation for a concluding military mission , seeking justice with his quondam partner and a young crook called The Schofield Kid .

Clint Eastwood has never shied away from retaliation stories , as take in in classics likeThe Outlaw Josey Walesor the no - nonsense practices ofDirty Harry . While Eastwood made a name for himself in the Western musical genre with Sergio Leone during the sixties , it was with his Best Picture success , Unforgiven , in 1992 that he provided his definitive take on this genre . As a electrifying retaliation story that unpack the myth of the Wild West , Eastwood played the former gun for hire William Munny , who comes out of retreat for one last job .

Unforgivenwas aWestern masterpiecethat explored the Old West ’s human relationship with retaliation with a spirit level of depth and Platonism seldom see in films . As an geographic expedition of the true price of vengeance and the dire effect it can have on those who pursue it , Unforgivenshowcased that those who seek retaliation will forever and a day be marked by its consequencesand have to live with the violence they enacted . belong was the heroic romance of traditional Western movies , and here it was replaced by the genuine ferociousness and soulless nature of true vengeance .

Harry Brown - Poster - Michael Caine

Harry Brown is a crime drama starring Michael Caine as a retired Royal Marine living in a crime-ridden neighborhood. The film explores themes of vigilantism and justice as Brown becomes disillusioned with the authorities' inability to address the violence surrounding him. Directed by Daniel Barber, this 2009 film portrays the lengths to which an ordinary man will go to protect his home and reclaim his sense of security.

2Kill Bill (2003/2004)

TheKill Billseries , target by Quentin Tarantino , is a two - part martial artistic production action saga that adopt the journey of Beatrix " The Bride " Kiddo as she seek vengeance against her former assassination squad and their leader , Bill , after they attempt to murder her and her unborn fry .

Summary

The Kill Bill series , target by Quentin Tarantino , is a two - part martial humanities activity saga that follows the journey of Beatrix " The Bride " Kiddo as she seeks payback against her former assassination squad and their leader , Bill , after they undertake to murder her and her unborn child .

The retaliation premiss ofKill Billwas built into its very deed of conveyance , and the former member of the Deadly Viper assassination squad , The Bride , attempt revenge on its leader , Bill , who had assay to drink down her and their unborn nipper . As Quentin Tarantino ’s powerful court to kung fu movie theater , Kill Billwas an like an expert choreographed journey through acute samurai battles and incredibly crimson showcases against dread opposition like the Yakuza . Released in two parts in 2003 and 2004,Kill Billwas a revenge - driven story that transude the film director ’s signature style .

Kill Billwas a retaliation tarradiddle in its purest form , as every action the Bride enacted was done to fire her seeking for vengeance . This was the account of a cleaning lady wronged and her remorseless decision to plant things correctly in the spare-time activity of DoJ . While Tarantino has told plenty of retaliation stories throughout his acclaimed career , includingInglourious BasterdsandDjango Unchained , the fashionable martial arts appeal and strong female champion inKill Billmake it one of his most interesting and engage films .

Shot Of Michael Caine In The World premiere of ‘The Great Escaper’ at BFI Southbank

1Oldboy (2003)

Directed by Park Chan-wook

Oldboy follow the story of a man cryptically imprisoned for 15 eld without account . Upon his button , he embarks on a pursuance to uncover the personal identity of his captor and understand the motivating behind their activeness . This gripping taradiddle navigates through base of vengeance and find .

The South Korean classicOldboywas truly one of the most troubling psychological thrillers ever made , whose shocking construction had to be seen to be believed . As a complex , dark , and intricate story of revenge , Oldboyfollowed Oh Dae - su , a man jail in a way for 15 years with no idea about the indistinguishability of his capturer or their motif . As the days come about in this unknowable prison house , Dae - su had nothing but clock time to concoct his plans for revengeif he was ever given the opportunity .

Oldboywas far more than a unproblematic revenge news report ; its labyrinthine mystery kept hearing gauge throughout , and it addressed motif of departure , perfidy , and shock aroused devastation . With a twist that revealed Dae - su had fall in lovemaking and had a intimate relationship with his own girl , the retribution - fueled shift of his character was all the more compelling as it was establish in impossible horror . With a message that those who seekrevengewill never really find pacification , Oldboymade for compelling , disgraceful , and sentiment - elicit showing .

Cast Placeholder Image

Hard Candy - poster

Hard Candy is a psychological thriller that follows the encounter between Hayley, a clever teenage girl, and Jeff, a fashion photographer. After meeting online and in a café, they return to Jeff’s house, where unexpected events unfold, challenging the notion of trust and intent in their interaction.

Headshot Of Patrick Wilson

Headshot Of Elliot Page in The 48th Toronto International Film Festival: ‘Backspot’ Premiere.

Headshot Of Sandra Oh In The 96th Academy Awards Vanity Fair Party

Article image

Starring Carey Mulligan, Promising Young Woman follows Cassie, a college dropout intent on getting revenge for the unprosecuted rape of her deceased best friend, Nina. As she becomes deeper involved in tormenting those she sees as complicit in Nina’s rape and subsequent suicide, Cassie begins to travel down a more dangerous path than she realizes. Bo Burnham, Alison Brie, Jennifer Coolidge, Laverne Cox, and Connie Britton also star.

Headshot of Jennifer Coolidge In The 96th Academy Awards Vanity Fair Party

Headshot Of Clancy Brown In The Los Angeles premiere of ‘Scrambled’ at AMC Westfield Century City

Article image

Gladiator follows Maximus, a Roman general betrayed by the new emperor Commodus. After escaping execution, he is enslaved and becomes a gladiator. Set in ancient Rome, the story portrays his struggle for survival and quest for vengeance as he battles for his freedom in the arena.

Headshot Of Russell Crowe

Headshot of Joaquin Phoenix

Article image

In Nazi-occupied France, a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as “The Basterds” execute a mission to terrorize the Third Reich. Simultaneously, a young Jewish cinema owner plots to kill Nazi leaders attending a premiere at her theater. Both plans converge in a high-stakes showdown filled with action and revenge​.

Headshot Of Brad Pitt In The Babylon Premiere

Headshot Of Diane Kruger

John Wick 1 Movie Poster

John Wick is the first entry in the action-thriller franchise directed by Chad Stahelski and starring Keanu Reeves. Retired hitman John is brought back into the field when the dog his recently deceased life left him is murdered. Full of rage and equipped with unparalleled combat skills, John begins to track down the ones responsible for the act of violence and lays waste to any who dare to cross his path, sending panic throughout the criminal underworld.

Headshot Of Keanu Reeves In The Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate’s ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’

Headshot Of Adrianne Palicki In The FYC special event

Unforgiven Movie Poster

Unforgiven follows retired gunslinger Will Munny as he is drawn back into his former life for a final mission, seeking justice with his old partner and a young outlaw called The Schofield Kid.

Headshot Of Clint Eastwood In The AFI Fest 2011

HeaDSHOT oF Gene Hackman

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) Movie Poster

TheKill Billseries, directed by Quentin Tarantino, is a two-part martial arts action saga that follows the journey of Beatrix “The Bride” Kiddo as she seeks vengeance against her former assassination squad and their leader, Bill, after they attempt to murder her and her unborn child.

01284544_poster_w780.jpg

Oldboy follows the story of a man mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years without explanation. Upon his release, he embarks on a quest to uncover the identity of his captors and understand the motivations behind their actions. This gripping tale navigates through themes of vengeance and discovery.

Movies