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 back as I can remember, I have always been a lonely person. Being an Autistic person, I have often found social interactions in life challenging. I have always preferred to engage in independent activities such as writing that require little social interaction. Due towards preferences for spending my time alone, I have always struggled to make friendships that are long-lasting. Few films I have ever 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 a great role by Robert De Niro, who played a vengeful taxi driver facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Taxi Driver” my favourite film about vengeance of all-time is its broad appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with themes that remain relevant today. Nearly 50 years following the release of a classic 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 commonly appreciate.
2. 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. It delivers a meaningful message about freedom 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 unforgettable movies that leave audiences entertained.
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 universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with ancient Roman history to appreciate it. 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. 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.
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 humongous audience.
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 consistently engage.
9. Gangs of New York
Gangs have shaped New York’s history. During the 1800’s in New York City, the five-point gangs committed crimes attracting scrutiny. A gang that faced consequences which were tragic, the five-points gang built a legacy which was iconic. In 2002, Martin Scorsese did an exceptional job capturing hardships that the gang of New York city faced in his movie “Gangs of New York”. Scorsese’s most ambitious movie found the filmmaker capturing vengeful gangs in American history. Scorsese showcased his strength for capturing gangs through cinematography. Assisted by Daniel Day-Lewis who is amazing in the lead role, Scorsese created a captivating gangster drama. A grand portrait of gangs ruling New York City in the 18th Century, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated genre of unforgettable movies that audiences adore dearly.
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 weapons used by Furiosa, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has made 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 