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 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 gang figures that I have grown up to value. Few films I have ever seen have captured how dark 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. It delivers a meaningful message about family which would 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 made movies achieving 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 was a big fan of 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 paid tribute to the bright superhero’s legacy in his movie “The Dark Knight”. Nolan used captivating dramatic monologues to capture the rivalries between a caped crusader and terrorist in a city that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Batman interrogates the Joker in rooms 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 classic is its bold appeal. Unlike most Batman movies targeted to comic-book fans only, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about terrorism which would resonate with everyone. A strong tribute towards the caped crusader, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre making movies audience tremendously treasure.
3. The Lion King
“The Lion King” is a legendary animated film that my cousin always appreciated. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a cousin that was a huge fan of a classic musical about lions with courage. Drawn towards the circle of life, it was a great musical that always held a place in his heart that was special. Ever since its release in 1994, Rob Minkoff’s animated movie has stood the test of time as a great film about sibling rivalry. Minkoff used captivating musical numbers capturing tensions that lions torn apart by sibling rivalry are facing. For instance, the scene in which Scar murders Mufasa in the elephant graveyard to take the throne as king causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by James Earl Jones, who embodied a lion king facing tense sibling rivalry. Ultimately, what makes “The Lion King” a great musical is its universal appeal. Unlike most animated movies targeted towards children only, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about identity which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Simba’s desire to become a king, it’s a riveting reminder of a bold genre that has made unforgettable movies which are worth celebrating.
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. The Wolf of Wall Street
Stockbrokers engaging in criminal behaviour always fascinated my father. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a father that loved stockbrokers causing damage. Drawn to Wall Street, he would always speak fondly about stockbrokers seeking to accomplish a feat. As someone treasuring memories of a father that loved entrepreneurs on Wall Street, I adored “The Wolf of Wall Street”. Released in 2013, Martin Scorsese’s movie captured the life of renowned stockbroker Jordan Belfort. With the most entertaining film of his career, Scorsese used innovative techniques to capture a stockbroker committing crimes causing despair. For instance, the scene in which Jordan Belfort delivers a motivational speech to his employees facing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a fantastic performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who portrays a stockbroker that achieved fame years ago. Ultimately, what makes “The Wolf of Wall Street” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about crime which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after Jordan Belfort committed shocking crimes on Wall Street, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has achieved a groundbreaking feat manufacturing timeless movies viewers consider an undeniable treat.
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. Whiplash
Jazz music is an intense profession that involves competition. Musicians seeking to become successful often face painful challenges in a profession that is stressful. The negative impact of rash stress on competitive jazz drummers is beautifully depicted in the movie “Whiplash”. Released in 2014, Damien Chazelle’s movie captured competitive jazz drummers facing adversity. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Whiplash” stand out is its depiction of jazz music. Chazelle uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a competitive jazz drummer is facing. Assisted by Miles Teller who is magnificent in the lead role, Chazelle created a captivating musical. As strong as Andrew’s love for music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre manufacturing terrific movies about competition which captivate the movie-going public.
8. Ford v. 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 an actor 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 facing 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.
The Film Buff 