The Best Movies Made About Revenge Ranked

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 remember bonding with a grandfather that was once a massive fan of ancient Roman gladiators. He would love embarking on trips to Cinema to watch blockbusters about great gladiators in the medieval era. Through his interest in great gladiators that fought in the Roman era, my grandfather gave me a lifelong love for Cinema. His big interest in gladiators that fought in the Colosseum inspired me to achieve my dreams of film criticism. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the lives of great gladiators that seek revenge causing disaster as powerfully as “Gladiator”. Ever since its release in 2000, Ridley Scott’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film 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. 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 universal appeal. Unlike most westerns, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about forgiveness which would resonate with everyone. An unforgettable portrait of frightening outlaws that are unforgiven, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies which definitely are worthy of celebration.

3. Taxi Driver

Loneliness can often cause people to seek revenge. Ever since I was a young child, I have always found it a struggle to interact with people. Being an Autistic person, I’ve often found social interactions in life challenging. This loneliness has often caused me to face feeling of vengeance against peers. As someone that has faced loneliness causing disaster, I adored “Taxi Driver”. Released in 1976, Martin Scorsese’s movie captured the lives of lonely taxi drivers seeking vengeance in New York City. Scorsese used captivating voice-over narration capturing a lonely taxi driver on a path of self-destruction. For instance, the scene in which Travis talks to himself in front of the mirror seeking to prepare for murder causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Robert De Niro, who embodied a vengeful taxi driver facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Taxi Driver” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which are often outdated, it has aged beautifully. The film delivers a commemorated message about loneliness which would resonate with everyone. A phenomenal portrait of loneliness causing taxi drivers in 1970’s New York City to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated genre making great movies audiences appreciate.

4. The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is a great book about revenge that my teacher would appreciate. I remember a school teacher that grew up to treasure a book about millionaires facing disaster. He would always speak fondly about a book that captured social class in the 1920’s. Drawn towards the green light, he adored a book capturing the class barriers that millionaires fight. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann honoured the great book about millionaires in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Luhrmann has always thrived at making lavish movies about the lives of millionaires, and “The Great Gatsby” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Gatsby is first introduced to Nick Carraway at a party causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who created an iconic millionaire character. Ultimately, what makes “The Great Gatsby” a great movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about social class that would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a celebrated book about a millionaire that’s mysterious, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences consider extremely precious.

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. He was fascinated with the lives of slaves that sought vengeance against owners in history. 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 universal appeal. Unlike most movies about slavery, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A bold portrait of slaves that are unchained, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has gained a following making movies that always leave audiences highly entertained.

6. The White Tiger

Revenge is a common emotion felt by housekeepers facing a dilemma in India. India has built an image of being a nation where lower-class people often feel vengeance causing damage. The impact of revenge on housekeepers in India facing disaster is beautifully depicted in the movie “The White Tiger”. Released in 2021, Ramin Bahrani’s movie captured housekeepers in India. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The White Tiger” stand out is its depiction of India. Bahrani uses captivating voice-over narration capturing a housekeeper seeking vengeance against employers facing tension. Assisted by Adarsh Gourav who is amazing in the lead role, Bahrani created a portrait of India. A powerful portrait of vengeance faced by housekeepers in Mumbai, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies which always satisfy.

7. V for Vendetta

When it comes to the greatest comic books ever written about vengeful vigilantes with a vendetta, it’s worth discussing V for Vendetta. Since its publication in 1982, Alan Moore’s series has become literature readers value. In 2005, James McTeigue honoured the comic-book about vigilantes with a vendetta in his movie “V for Vendetta”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “V for Vendetta” stand out is its depiction of terrorism. McTeigue uses captivating handheld camera capturing a vigilante embarking on a journey of revenge causing trauma. Assisted by Hugo Weaving who is amazing in the lead role, McTeigue honoured a comic-book about vigilantes that are frightening. A wonderful tribute to a comic series about vengeful men seeking vengeance, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies attracting a huge audience.

8. 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 that are sexually assaulted, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre making movies audiences have always appreciated.

9. 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 constantly engage.

10. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Few movies ever made about revenge causing women to face trauma are as beloved as “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga”. Released in 2024, George Miller’s movie depicted furious women seeking vengeance causing tragedy. Miller used captivating action sequences capturing tensions a vengeful woman is facing. Assisted by Anya Taylor-Joy who is extraordinary in the lead role, Miller created a captivating blockbuster. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of revenge causing women to face adversity has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as vengeance sought by Furiosa, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has manufactured great movies about revenge causing people to endure trauma which I will forever treasure for inspiring my long-lasting love of Cinema.