My Favourite Films About Rivalry

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 a strong bond 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 be somebodies in places full of nobodies that shaped his identity. Through his bold love for the lives of gangsters, my grandfather gave me a great appreciation for grand gang figures that I have grown up to value. Few films I have ever seen have captured how the tense 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 a great job of adapting a great book about grim gangsters on the big-screen. Coppola is one of those directors that has always excelled at creating stunning films about grim gangsters that face danger, and “The Godfather” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Michael Corleone talks with his close clan 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 bold themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 40 years after the release of a commemorated film about gangs given offers they can’t refuse, it’s a brilliant reminder of a breathtaking genre that has made movies which gain rave big reviews.

2. 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.

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 marriage which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Kramer’s desire to rescue his doomed marriage from disaster, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences tremendously treasure.

4. 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.

5. There Will be Blood

Greed can affect abilities of businessmen to succeed. Several years ago, I witnessed a friend with greed struggle to open a sports business causing sorrow. Affecting his happiness, greed impacted my friend’s ability to open a successful sports business. As someone haunted by a friend with greed that faced bad blood, I appreciated “There Will be Blood”. Released in 2007, Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie captured competitive businessmen facing adversity. Anderson has always had an aptitude for making movies about businessmen, and “There Will be Blood” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Anderson effectively used symbolism of oil to capture a greedy entrepreneur facing turmoil. For instance, the scene in which Daniel Plainview beats up Eli in a bowling alley causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Daniel Day-Lewis, who portrays a competitive oil prospector. Ultimately, what makes “There Will be Blood” a masterpiece is its message. Unlike most Paul Thomas Anderson movies, its themes resonate with everyone. The film delivers a bold message about consequences of greed which would resonate with everyone. As precious as oil sought by Daniel Plainview, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies which audiences commonly value.

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. Warrior

As far as I can remember, I’ve always shared a strong bond with my brother. I remember forming a strong bond with a brother that loved playing soccer. As someone treasuring a brother that sought to become a famous sports player, I adored “Warrior”. Released in 2011, Gavin O’Connor’s movie depicted relationships between wrestling brothers. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Warrior” stand out is its depiction of wrestling. O’Connor uses captivating montages capturing broken bonds between wrestling brothers. Assisted by Tom Hardy who is sensational in the lead role, O’Connor created a compelling wrestling movie.As strong as Brendan’s desire to be a fighter, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about strained sibling relationships that audiences commonly treasure.

8. Ford vs. Ferrari

Car racing is an activity that I’ve never found appealing. At an early age, I became afraid of stepping into cars with the risk of facing damage. As someone that has never taken an interest in racing cars posing risks of injury, I was surprised by how much I loved “Ford v. Ferrari”. Released in 2019, James Mangold’s movie captured the real-life racing rivalry between Ford and Ferrari. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Ford vs. Ferrari” stand out is its depiction of racing. Mangold uses captivating montages capturing the intense rivalries between two companies that designed cars. More than a film about race car driving, “Ford v. Ferrari” tackles themes of teamwork everyone would find appealing. As precious as cars engineers design crossing the finish line, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost abilities to consistently shine.

9. BlackBerry

BlackBerry is a smartphone facing competition that fell out of popularity. Created in 1984, the BlackBerry was a phone that people would adore. However, in 2008 the phone suddenly lost its popularity following the introduction of the iPhone. In 2023, Matt Johnson captured the downfall of the famous smartphone company in his movie “BlackBerry”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “BlackBerry” stand out is its strong attention to detail. Johnson used captivating montages to capture the detailed downfall of a smartphone that lost popularity. Assisted by Glenn Howerton who is exceptional in the lead role, Johnson celebrated a smartphone that fell out of fashion. As precious as the BlackBerry phone, it’s a brilliant reminder of a genre that has blown audiences away making timeless movies that are in a league of their undeniable own.

10. Black Swan

Few movies ever made about ballet dancers in a rivalry are as beloved as “Black Swan”. Released in 2010, Darren Aronofsky’s movie captured a competitive ballet dancer facing adversity. Aronofsky used captivating montages capturing hardships a competitive ballet dancer is facing. Assisted by Natalie Portman who is extraordinary in the lead role, Aronofsky created a captivating ballet thriller. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of competition causing ballet dancers to face tragedy has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Nina’s desire to achieve ballet victory, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made commemorated movies about competition that I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.