Not many genres have built a legacy as strong as rivalry. Since the 1980’s, stories of rivalrous people have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s jealous screenwriters, social network founders or gangsters, the genre has created several 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 rivalry which deserve to be appreciated.
1. The Godfather
Gangsters are grand figures facing rivalries that always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed relationships with a great grandfather that was a huge fan of dark gangsters that faced damage. He was often fascinated with the grim stories of dark gangsters that had sought to become somebodies in neighbourhoods full of nobodies that shaped his identity. Through his lifelong love of gangsters, my grandfather gave me a great appreciation for grand figures that I have grown up to value. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how business rivalries can destroy big gangster families as powerfully as “The Godfather”. Ever since its release in 1972, Francis Ford Coppola’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about rivalry. In arguably the greatest gangster movie ever made in cinematic history, Coppola did an extraordinary job of adapting a book about gangsters on the big-screen. Coppola is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at creating stunning films about brothers facing danger, and “The Godfather” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Michael Corleone negotiates with his brothers seeking to prepare for his first murder causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Al Pacino, who becomes into a bold don giving his family dreams to follow. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather” my favourite film about rivalry of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most mob movies, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a strong message about the bold bonds of brothers that will resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after the release of a classic film about gangs given offers they can’t refuse, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies which achieve rave reviews.
2. The Social Network
Facebook is a legendary social networking company that my cousin always loved dearly. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a cousin that adored the company which changed social media. A huge fan of Facebook, he would always praise ambitious founders of a company that changed his outlook. Business rivalry has always been a defining characteristic of the social network company. In 2010, David Fincher honoured the rivalrous entrepreneurs that formed the social network in his movie “The Social Network”. Fincher used captivating non-linear storytelling capturing the ambitious entrepreneurs that formed a company which revolutionized social networking. For instance, the scene in which Mark is accused by the twins of stealing their idea for Facebook causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jesse Eisenberg, who embodied the ambitious founder of a social network. Ultimately, what makes “The Social Network” a masterpiece is its appeal. Viewers don’t need to be Facebook users to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about friendship which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular tribute to a commemorated company that changed social media, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a celebrated genre commonly attracting audiences towards Cinema.
3. Kramer vs. Kramer
Couples that file for divorce often face rivalry. Several years ago, I witnessed my aunt experience a divorce causing sorrow. A drastic decision, the divorce left my uncle heartbroken. He drifted apart from his beloved children that had once held a special place in their heart. As someone that has seen divorce causing families to face disaster, I adored “Kramer V. Kramer”. Released in 1979, Robert Benton’s movie captured impact of rivalries on a divorced couple. The film forever changed the genre by becoming one of the first films to address impact of divorce on fathers. Benton uses naturalistic dialogue to capture the rivalries between a divorced father and his wife. For instance, the scene in which Ted rushes his son to the hospital after he faces an accident causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Dustin Hoffman, who portrays a heartbroken father facing divorce tension. Ultimately, what makes “Kramer V. Kramer” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s, it has aged beautifully. It delivers a meaningful message about child custody which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Kramer’s desire to save his marriage from disaster, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences commonly treasure.
4. The Dark Knight
Batman is a celebrated superhero that my brother has always appreciated. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a brother that loved a hero with courage. I vividly remember my brother was a huge fan of the caped crusader. Rivalries have always played a pivotal role in stories about a caped crusader seeking to save his city from tragedies. In 2008, Christopher Nolan honoured the bright superhero in his movie “The Dark Knight”. Nolan used captivating dramatic monologues capturing rivalries between a caped crusader and terrorist in a city that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Batman interrogates the Joker causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Christian Bale, who embodied a masked vigilante facing intense rivalry. Ultimately, what makes “The Dark Knight” a comic-book masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Batman movies targeted towards comic-book fans only, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about terrorism which would resonate with everyone. A captivating tribute towards the caped crusader, it’s a compelling reminder of a commemorated genre making movies audience treasure.
5. Adaptation
Writer’s block is a painful process that often causes sibling rivalry. There’s nothing more frustrating in the world than when ideas don’t immediately spring to a writer’s mind. I have faced trouble putting pen to paper coming up with ideas as a writer. Writer’s block has often affected my relationship with my brother. As someone that has witnessed writer’s block causing frustration, I adored “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie demonstrated hardships isolated screenwriters with writer’s block go through. Jonze uses voice-over narration to capture a screenwriter. For instance, the scene in which Charlie grows jealous of his brother when he publishes his book causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Nicolas Cage, who portrays a lonely screenwriter. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Hollywood screenwriters, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. As precious as stories that Charlie seeks to publish, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made great movies which audiences cherish.
6. X-Men
When it comes to the greatest comic-book heroes in history, it’s worth discussing the X-Men. Ever since their creation in the 1970’s, the X-Men have gained a huge fan following. Rivalry has always been a common theme in the X-Men’s stories. In 2000, Bryan Singer honoured the iconic team of men in his movie “X-Men”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “X-Men” stand out is its depiction of superhero rivalry. Singer uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a superhero team facing rivalries is experiencing. Assisted by Patrick Stewart who is amazing in the lead role, Singer created a comic-book movie about rivalry that’s captivating. An exceptional introduction to an extraordinary superhero team with strong commitment, it’s an excellent reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable entertainment.
7. Little Women
Little Women is a legendary book about sibling rivalry that has built a lasting legacy. Since its publication in the 1800’s, Louisa Mary Alcott’s book has earned recognition. Sibling rivalry has always been a common theme in the iconic book that has built a lasting legacy. In 2019, Greta Gerwig honoured the book about rivalrous women in her movie “Little Women”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Little Women” stand out is its depiction of sister rivalry. Gerwig uses captivating montages capturing hardships that sisters experiencing rivalries are facing. Assisted by Saoirse Ronan who is extraordinary in the lead role, Gerwig honoured a legendary book about women. A beautiful adaptation of a book about strong women, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies that deserve appreciation.
8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Harry Potter is a magical book series that shaped my identity. I fell in love with a book series about wizards casting spells with stories to tell. Rivalry has always been a recurring theme in the series about wizards that are frightening. In 2011, David Yates honoured the iconic series in his movie “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” stand out is its depiction of wizard rivalries. Yates uses captivating montages capturing hardships that wizards engaging in rivalries are facing. Assisted by Daniel Radcliffe who is spellbinding in the lead role, Yates honoured a book about rivalries. A marvellous adaptation of a book about wizards casting a spell, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which excel.
9. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Narnia is a beloved book series that shaped my persona. I grew up to adore a book series about magical lions caring for orphans with a loud roar. Rivalries have always played a pivotal role in the book series. In 2005, Andrew Adamson honoured the series about magical rivalries n his movie “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Chronicles of Narnia” stand out is its depiction of siblings. Adamson used captivating montages capturing hardships that rivalrous siblings in a magical world are experiencing. Assisted by Tilda Swinton who is amazing in the lead role, Adamson honoured a beloved children’s book about rivalry. As strong as Aslan’s roar, it’s a riveting reminder of commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies about dangers of rivalry audiences adore.
10. Captain America: Civil War
Few movies ever made about superheroes facing rivalries causing a war are as beloved as “Captain America: Civil War”. Released in 2016, the Russo Brothers’ movie captured superheroes experiencing rivalries. The Brothers used captivating montages capturing hardships superheroes torn apart by rivalries are facing. Assisted by Chris Evans who is amazing in the lead role, the Brothers created a captivating comic-book movie. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of rivalries causing superheroes to face adversity has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Captain America’s bond with Bucky, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making great movies about rivalry which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 