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. Taxi Driver
Loneliness has impacted by personality. As far as I remember, I have always been a lonely person. Being an Autistic person, I’ve often found any social interactions in my life challenging. I have always preferred to engage in independent activities such as writing requiring little social interaction. Due towards preferences for spending time alone, I have always struggled to make friendships that are long-lasting. Few films I’ve seen have captured how depressing loneliness can cause people to commit vengeance causing disaster as powerfully as “Taxi Driver”. Ever since its release in 1976, Martin Scorsese’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about vengeance. With the most thought-provoking film of his career, Scorsese used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the life of a lonely taxi driver facing despair. Scorsese has always had an aptitude for making movies about lonely characters, and “Taxi Driver” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Scorsese effectively used voice-over narration to capture the life of a lonely taxi driver facing mental health deterioration. For instance, the scene in which Travis Bickle talks to himself in front of a mirror preparing for an assassination 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 portrayed a vengeful taxi driver facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Taxi Driver” my favourite film about vengeance of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with themes that remain relevant today. The film delivers a meaningful message about dangers of isolation which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 50 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about lonely taxi drivers in 1970’s New York City whose lives deteriorate, it’s a reminder about a genre that has always produced movies which audiences appreciate.
2. Unforgiven
Forgiveness is never an easy decision to make in life. Recently, I found it hard to forgive a mean cyberbully that had would bully me online. He would often criticize my writing in mean ways that were demeaning. A destructive bully, he became a cruel 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 grim outlaws that are unforgiven. Eastwood has always had an aptitude for making great movies that tackle the grim themes of revenge, and “Unforgiven” showcased his best 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 frightening outlaws that are unforgiven, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies which definitely deserve immense celebration.
3. The Godfather
Gangsters are great figures that always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather appreciating gangsters causing damage. An offer he couldn’t refuse, he adored gangsters impacting his worldviews. As someone treasuring a grandfather appreciating gangsters, I adored “The Godfather”. Released in 1972, Francis Ford Coppola’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about vengeful gangsters. Coppola did an extraordinary job adapting a classic book about gangsters. Coppola effectively uses low-key lighting capturing hardships gangsters are facing. For instance, the scene in which Michael Corleone commits his first murder in local restaurants becoming a member of mafia is one of the best moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Al Brando, who embodied a gangster seeking vengeance for his family causing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather” a crime classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1970’s which are outdated, it has aged beautifully. The film delivers a bold message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. A grand adaptation of a great book about gangs given offers they can’t refuse, it’s a bold reminder of a genre producing movies achieving rave tremendous reviews.
4. Gladiator
Gladiators are grand historical figures that my grandfather loved dearly. At an early age, I bonded with a grandfather having knowledge about gladiators with courage. As courageous as Maximus, he always spoke fondly about gladiators he considered precious. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandfather appreciating ancient gladiators, I adored “Gladiator”. Released in 2000, Ridley Scott’s movie captured gladiators that fought in the ancient Roman era. Scott has always had an aptitude for capturing historical events in his movies, and “Gladiator” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Scott effectively recreated the time period of ancient Rome through production-design. For instance, the iconic scene in which Maximus asks the crowd of spectators in the Colosseum whether they are entertained is one of the greatest moments of the historical genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Russell Crowe, who embodies a brave gladiator that fought in ancient Rome centuries ago. Ultimately, what makes “Gladiator” Ridley Scott’s greatest movie is its message. The film delivers a profound message about vengeance which would resonate with everyone. A grand depiction of gladiators that fought in the Colosseum, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great genre that has made memorable movies achieving tremendous stardom.
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 universal appeal. Unlike most movies about slavery, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. 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 commonly entertained.
6. 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.
7. 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.
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. The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is a legendary book about revenge that has built a lasting legacy. Ever since its publication in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book has become a classic. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann did a great job of adapting the book in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Great Gatsby” stand out is its depiction of the 1920’s. Luhrmann uses voice-over narration to capture the life of a mysterious millionaire seeking vengeance in the 1920’s. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Luhrmann honours an iconic book published years ago. A great adaptation of a book about millionaires that are mysterious, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about consequences of vengeance which audiences consider extremely precious.
10. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Few movies ever made about vengeance 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 superb in the lead role, Miller created a captivating blockbuster. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of revenge causing women to face adversity has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Furiosa’s desire to avenge her family, it’s a riveting reminder about a genre that has made great movies about vengeance causing adversity which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 