Not many genres have earned the appreciation of revenge. Since the 1980’s, movies about vengeance have gained a huge audience. Whether it’s ancient Roman gladiators, vengeful fur traders or political figures, the genre has created many strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about revenge which deserve to be celebrated.
1. Gladiator
Gladiators are great figures that have shaped my grandfather’s identity. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a grandpa that appreciated gladiators in the ancient Roman era. I remember bonding with a grandfather that often took great interest in ancient Roman gladiators. He would love embarking on trips to the Cinema to watch grand movies about gladiators in the medieval era. Through his interest with gladiators that fought in the Colosseum, my grandfather encouraged me to achieve dreams of film criticism. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the lives of gladiators in history as powerfully as “Gladiator”. Ever since its release in 2000, Ridley Scott’s film has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about revenge. With the greatest film of his career, Scott used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the lives of ancient Roman gladiators that faced despair. Scott has always had an aptitude for making movies about revenge that causes disaster, and “Gladiator” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Scott effectively recreates the time period of ancient Rome through stunning visuals. For instance, the iconic scene in which Maximus reveals his true identity as a slave seeking revenge to Commodus in the Colosseum causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Russell Crowe, who embodied an ancient gladiator that faced sorrow centuries ago. Ultimately, what makes “Gladiator” my favourite film about revenge of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about ancient Roman gladiators, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about the dangers of vengeance which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years after the release of a grand classic about Roman gladiators seeking revenge in a Colosseum, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies achieving stardom.
2. Unforgiven
Forgiveness is never an easy decision to make in life. Recently, I found it hard to forgive a mean cyberbully that had harassed me online. He would often criticize my writing in ways that were demeaning. A destructive bully, he became a person that was truly impossible to forgive. As someone haunted by a bully that was unforgiven, I adored “Unforgiven”. Released in 1992, Clint Eastwood’s Oscar-winning western depicted outlaws that are unforgiven. Eastwood has always had an aptitude for making great movies that tackle grim themes of revenge, and “Unforgiven” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Eastwood used brutal violence to demonstrate the harrowing realities of a western landscape where outlaws are often unforgiven. For instance, the final scene in which William Munny confronts criminals in the town’s bar engaging in an intense shootout causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Clint Eastwood, who embodied an outlaw seeking vengeance that’s misunderstood. Ultimately, what makes “Unforgiven” a commemorated classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about forgiveness which would resonate with everyone. An unforgettable portrait of outlaws that are unforgiven, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies which deserve celebration.
3. The Revenant
Movies about survival have always resonated with me. At an early age, my life changed when my family experienced a bombing causing damage. Truth be told, I was only five years old. Through my parent’s strong drive to survive, I made it out of the bomb blast without a scratch alive. As someone haunted by memories of a bombing incident my family survived through commitment, I admired “The Revenant”. Released in 2015, Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu’s movie depicted a fur trader seeking revenge in the 19th Century. Inarritu uses breathtaking montages to capture a frontiersman seeking vengeance for murders of families that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Hugh Glass discovers that his son has been killed by fur traders causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who embodied a fur trader facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “The Revenant” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about survival which would resonate with everyone. Despite focusing on fur traders in the 19th Century, it tackles strong themes that remain relevant today. As strong as Hugh Glass’ desire for survival, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies audiences consider special.
4. Inglorious Basterds
The Holocaust is a sensitive subject matter that always fascinated my teacher. Several years ago, I was taught about the mass genocide by a Jewish teacher whose parents died in a ghetto. He would always take pride educating students about a genocide in which his people died. My teacher felt a personal responsibility to teach students about a mass genocide tragedy. As someone treasuring fond memories of a glorious teacher that taught me about the Holocaust through wise words, I loved “Inglorious Basterds”. Released in 2009, Quentin Tarantino’s movie captured Jews seeking revenge for atrocities in Nazi Germany. Tarantino effectively used silence to capture an inglorious genocide in history causing consequences which were dangerous. For instance, the scene in which Shosanna burns down a movie theatre seeking vengeance against the Nazis for causing her family trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Brad Pitt, who embodied a glorious war leader seeking vengeance. Ultimately, what makes “Inglorious Basterds” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about trauma impacting everyone. A grand depiction of an inglorious genocide, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made commemorated movies leaving audiences satisfied.
5. Django Unchained
Slavery is a sensitive subject matter that shaped my friend’s identity. During my childhood, I formed bonds with a friend that always took great interest in slavery. I remember he was a friend that grew up to treasure slavery he regarded an important subject matter. As someone treasuring fond memories of a companion that loved stories about slaves unchained, I appreciated “Django Unchained”. Released in 2012, Quentin Tarantino’s movie depicted a slave embarking on a journey of vengeance. Tarantino has always excelled at making movies about vengeance that causes disaster, and “Django Unchained” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Django seeks vengeance confronting his slave owners for torturing Broomhilda causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jamie Foxx, who embodied a slave seeking vengeance in history. Ultimately, what makes “Django Unchained” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of slaves that are unchained, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has gained a following making movies that leave audiences entertained.
6. Taxi Driver
Martin Scorsese is a legendary filmmaker that has often explored revenge in movies. Scorsese has built an image of being a filmmaker that thrives at making movies about revenge causing damage. Scorsese’s strength for making movies about revenge causing disaster is evident in his movie “Taxi Driver”. Released in 1976, Scorsese’s movie captured a taxi driver in New York City. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Taxi Driver” stand out is its depiction of mental health. Scorsese effectively used voice-over narration to capture a disturbed taxi driver seeking vengeance. Assisted by Robert De Niro who is remarkable in the lead role, Scorsese created a revenge masterpiece. A powerful portrait of revenge causing taxi drivers to deteriorate, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made movies which audiences appreciate.
7. Promising Young Woman
Sexual assault is a sensitive subject that’s rarely depicted in movies with respect. Since the Weinstein scandal, Hollywood has avoided a topic that’s painful. In an industry ignoring sexually assaulted women, it’s worth praising “Promising Young Woman”. Released in 2020, Emerald Fennell’s movie offered a powerful portrait of assault. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Promising Young Woman” stand out is its depiction of sexual assault. Fennell uses captivating montages capturing a woman seeking vengeance against men that have committed assault. Assisted by Carey Mulligan who is captivating in the lead role, Fennell created a captivating satire about revenge. A powerful portrait of a promising young woman seeking vengeance, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre making movies earning a huge audience.
8. Gone Girl
It’s challenging to face the end of a marriage.  At an early age, I witnessed my aunt face a broken marriage causing damage. Following her heartbreaking separation, it was challenging for my aunt to move on. As someone haunted by a marriage gone wrong, I adored “Gone Girl”.  Released in 2014, David Fincher’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about revenge.  Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Gone Girl” stand out is its narration. Fincher uses narration to capture a doomed marriage facing destruction. Assisted by Rosamund Pike who is superb in the lead role, Fincher created a compelling murder mystery about revenge. A magnificent portrait of revenge impacting a marriage, it’s a marvellous reminder of a genre that has manufactured great movies which have never lost abilities to engage.
9. The Great Gatsby
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about revenge causing tragedy, it’s worth discussing The Great Gatsby. Since its publication in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book has become a classic. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann honoured the great book about revenge in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Great Gatsby” stand out is its depiction of millionaires. Luhrmann uses stunning montages capturing a vengeful husband plotting revenge against a millionaire for stealing his wife. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is superb in the lead role, Luhrmann honoured a book about vengeance published years ago. A great adaptation of a beloved book about a mysterious millionaire, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about which audiences care.
10. Gangs of New York
Few movies ever made about revenge in New York are as beloved as “Gangs of New York”. Since its release in 2002, Martin Scorsese’s film has become a classic revenge movie. Scorsese used flashbacks capturing a gangster seeking vengeance for his father’s murder. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is dazzling in the lead role, Scorsese created a captivating revenge movie. Although I’ve always admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of a revenge as the only solution to violence has tarnished its reputation. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Amsterdam’s desire for revenge in the Five Points area, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about vengeance causing people to face a dilemma which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema.
The Film Buff 