Countdown of the 25 Greatest Revenge Movies of all Time

A revenge movie offers unique twists on vengeance, with elaborate heists, thrilling chases, or quiet acts of catharsis. Here, we’ve gathered cinema’s definitive revenge films, from gritty to transcendent. Whether it’s an old boss, former friend, or rude driver, this curated list has something for your next viewing session.

#25 John Wick (2014)

While you may not condone John Wick’s actions, it’s undeniable to feel empathy for his motives. After low-level mobsters kill the puppy left to him by his late wife, he embarks on a relentless rampage to find their boss. Keanu Reeves portrays Wick as he demolishes waves of enforcers on his way to the kingpins, each bullet striking with unyielding force. Director Chad Stahelski orchestrates action sequences that vividly capture Wick’s wrath, leaving audiences dazzled and breathless.

#24 Gone Girl (2014)

Directed by David Fincher and adapted by Gillian Flynn from her own novel, this mystery-thriller follows Amy (Rosamund Pike) and Nick (Ben Affleck), whose dysfunctional relationship takes a sinister turn when Amy’s murder implicates Nick. Fincher cleverly splits the film into two halves, presenting contrasting perspectives that reveal the complexities and insecurities binding the couple together. As the truth unravels, it exposes their ambitions and failures, trapping them in a Faustian bargain neither can avoid without facing condemnation from the world.

#23 Oldboy (2003)

Park Chan-wook’s 2003 film presents a gripping premise: a man awakens in a hotel room, trapped with no knowledge of his captor’s identity or motive. What unfolds is one of cinema’s most brutal and transgressive revenge tales. Choi Min-sik portrays Oh Dae-su, a businessman imprisoned for 15 years, who seeks vengeance upon his release. Along the way, he encounters surreal challenges, including consuming live seafood and confronting a multitude of adversaries armed with only a hammer. His journey intertwines with Mi-do (Kang Hye-jung), leading to a complex narrative of forgiveness, retribution, and self-destruction.

#22 Kill Bill Vols. 1 & 2 (2003, 2004)

Combining parts one and two isn’t to reignite the debate about their unity, but to accommodate another exceptional revenge film on this list. Quentin Tarantino likely envisioned Vol. 1 as a showcase for Uma Thurman’s acting prowess and physicality. Yet, Vol. 2 expanded on its predecessor, delving deeper into The Bride’s journey for vengeance, unexpectedly exploring new dimensions and providing her character with a profound emotional arc. It portrays a woman transformed from training into an ice-cold killer, adding richness to Tarantino’s star vehicle for Thurman.

#21 Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

It’s easy to get caught up in the fun and surprises of this movie, but at its core, Soderbergh’s remake of the 1950s Rat Pack classic revolves around Danny Ocean’s (George Clooney) enduring love for his estranged wife Tess (Julia Roberts). While the star-studded cast adds to the film’s allure, the real driving force is Ocean’s desire to win back Tess from her new lover, Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia). Every twist and turn leading up to this revelation is pure entertainment, making it a joyous ride alongside Hollywood royalty.

#20 In The Bedroom (2001)

Director Todd Field crafts an unforgettable tale centered on Ruth (Sissy Spacek) and Matt (Tom Wilkinson), whose lives spiral into violence when their son (Nick Stahl) becomes involved with an older divorced woman (Marisa Tomei). As the divorcée’s ex-husband Richard (William Mapother) becomes increasingly intrusive, Ruth and Matt grapple with the consequences of their son’s decisions and Richard’s actions. The unfolding events lead to unexpected acts of retribution, leaving both parents struggling to reconcile with the aftermath.

#19 Memento (2000)

Christopher Nolan achieved his breakthrough with this film, following Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), an insurance investigator seeking revenge against the man who assaulted and killed his wife, leaving him with anterograde amnesia. Presented in reverse chronological order, Nolan delves into the layers of both the crime and Leonard’s fragmented investigation. The film explores the complex nature of revenge and its role in fulfilling emotional needs, even if unhealthy, while also delivering a captivating whodunit narrative that concludes with an unexpected twist.

#18 Gladiator (2000)

Under Ridley Scott’s direction, Russell Crowe delivers an Oscar-winning performance as Maximus, a Roman general betrayed by the conniving son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. After Maximus’s family is murdered and he’s sentenced to death as a gladiator, he rises among men of blood and sweat, plotting revenge while earning the adoration of Rome’s people. As Maximus and Commodus, the interim emperor, vie for control of Rome, they find themselves on common ground in a battle watched by the entire city.

#17. The Limey (1999)

Steven Soderbergh was on the brink of commercial success when he directed this tale of vengeance, featuring Terence Stamp, Peter Fonda, and Lesley Ann Warren. In the film, Wilson (Stamp) arrives in the U.S. seeking revenge for his daughter’s murder, ultimately confronting music producer Terry Valentine (Fonda). Along the way, he forms an unlikely bond with a group of misfits, including Warren and Luis Guzmán. Less overtly aggressive but equally emotionally resonant, the film explores how one man’s quest for revenge offers a chance at redemption amidst his own personal failures.

#16 Braveheart (1995)

Mel Gibson elevated his directorial prowess with this heavily dramatized true-life story of 13th-century warrior William Wallace, who rises as a freedom fighter for the Scottish people following the English invasion and the execution of his childhood sweetheart, Murron (Catherine McCormack). Wallace’s quest evolves into a fight for freedom from tyranny, despite becoming Public Enemy Number One under the rule of Longshanks’s son Edward (Peter Hanly). His journey also captures the attention of France’s Princess Isabella (Sophie Marceau). Beyond the intrigue of Scottish traditions, the film concludes with a harrowing scene as Gibson’s character is literally drawn and quartered.

#15 The Princess Bride (1987)

In Rob Reiner’s film, adapted from William Goldman’s book, the quest for love and the deconstruction of storytelling intertwine seamlessly. Alongside Wesley’s pursuit of Buttercup lies one of cinema’s most memorable revenge tales. Witness the noble and poetic Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) as he seeks vengeance against the six-fingered man who murdered his father. His journey is not just about finding the culprit but also about delivering a cathartic speech he’s rehearsed his whole life, announcing his intention to finally end the man’s life.

#14 Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan (1982)

Nicholas Meyer revitalized a minor character from the original Star Trek series, leading to the Enterprise crew’s most monumental cinematic journey. When Khan (Ricardo Montalban) encounters Captain Kirk (William Shatner) following his exile to a desolate planet, their clash escalates over Genesis, a powerful terraforming device capable of both creation and destruction. In a battle of intellect and will, Kirk and Khan engage in a high-stakes struggle, with Kirk serving as the last line of defense against a genetically-engineered tyrant.

#13 9 to 5 (1980)

Patricia Resnick co-wrote this relevant comedy depicting three women enduring the tyranny of a sexist boss (Dabney Coleman) in a company entrenched in regressive gender roles. Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton portray the mistreated employees, but it’s when they unite to seek revenge that the empowerment narrative unfolds. Determined to outsmart their sleazy and credit-stealing boss, they embark on a journey to improve conditions for working women while challenging the status quo.

#12 Mad Max (1979)

George Miller’s breakthrough film inaugurated a 40-year franchise, following cop Max Rockatansky (Mel Gibson) in a post-apocalyptic Australian setting. Desiring a semblance of happiness, Max seeks revenge against roaming gangs who terrorize innocents. When his wife and child are brutally murdered, Max unleashes relentless vengeance, hunting down the perpetrators with his custom V8 Interceptor. “Mad Max” is not only a standout car movie but also a gripping revenge tale, marking the inception of one of cinema’s most iconic and enduring franchises.

#11 I Spit On Your Grave (1978)

Meir Zarchi wrote and directed this iconic film depicting a woman seeking revenge against the four men who brutally raped and left her for dead. Following in the footsteps of Wes Craven’s “The Last House on the Left,” “I Spit On Your Grave” quickly became a template for numerous revenge films. Its graphic violence earned it a place of infamy among the most brutal horror movies of the 1970s.

#10 Rolling Thunder (1977)

John Flynn helmed this chilling sleeper hit about a Vietnam veteran struggling to reintegrate into a society that rejects him. Major Charles Rane (William Devane), a former prisoner of war, enlists fellow soldier Johnny Vohden (Tommy Lee Jones) to seek vengeance against those who stole his homecoming reward and murdered his family. The film culminates in a brutal showdown at a Mexican whorehouse. With co-screenwriter Paul Schrader fresh off “Taxi Driver,” the film delves into themes of vigilante justice and the darkness within troubled individuals, reaching operatic heights.

#9 Carrie (1976)

Brian De Palma adapted this Stephen King tale into a powerful exploration of a young woman’s emergence into womanhood under the oppressive grip of her ultra-religious mother. Sissy Spacek shines as the titular character opposite the domineering Piper Laurie. Supporting roles from John Travolta, P.J. Soles, and Nancy Allen as bullying schoolmates contribute to a climactic, bloody finale where Carrie seeks revenge against her tormentors. This juxtaposition of Carrie’s tender innocence and her terrifying powers established a horror template and hinted at the genre’s potential for social commentary for years to come.

#8 Death Wish (1974)

In Michael Winner’s adaptation of Brian Garfield’s “Death Wish,” Charles Bronson portrays a mild-mannered architect who transforms into an armed vigilante after his wife and daughter fall victim to street thugs. Against the backdrop of rising crime in America, the film inadvertently resonated with the idea of citizens taking justice into their own hands when authorities couldn’t. While its social responsibility remains debatable, the film undeniably offers dynamic entertainment, spawning multiple sequels, a 2018 remake, and various adaptations of the source material.

#7 The Sting (1973)

Robert Redford and Paul Newman reunite after “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” for this thrilling caper about two grifters seeking revenge against the mob boss (Robert Shaw) who murdered their mentor. In typical con artist fashion, the twists and turns unfold rapidly, leaving viewers unsure of who to root for by the film’s conclusion. However, under George Roy Hill’s direction, buoyed by Marvin Hamlisch’s piano-driven score, the film maintains an effervescent tone that feels like a triumph simply witnessing these icons of 1960s and ’70s cinema collaborate once again.

#6 Lady Snowblood (1973)

Even for those familiar with “Kill Bill Vols. 1 and 2,” which pay homage to both the story and spirit of “Lady Snowblood,” watching this film starring Meiko Kaji immediately evokes the question, “Am I witnessing one of the greatest movies of all time?” (The answer: yes.) Toshiya Fujita’s 1973 masterpiece begins with three murders in a snowy courtyard and swiftly escalates into the type of “roaring rampage of revenge” that Tarantino drew inspiration from for his 2003-2004 saga. Kaji delivers an unparalleled performance in the title role, while her collaboration with composer Masaaki Hirao produces a funky, melancholic score that resonates as deeply as the blade concealed in the handle of her umbrella.

#5 The Last House on the Left (1972)

Wes Craven, known for his inventive concepts, showcased his visionary storytelling in his debut feature. Drawing inspiration from Ingmar Bergman’s “The Virgin Spring,” Craven crafts a narrative about two teenage girls subjected to torture in the woods by perpetrators who inadvertently stumble upon the home of one girl’s parents, leading to a brutal revenge. Despite its low budget, the film remains a classic, marked by its disturbing violence and intriguing exploration of themes such as retribution, as well as allegorical reflections on the Vietnam War and contemporary societal issues. Audiences have continued to dissect its complexities for decades.

#4 Once Upon A Time In The West (1968)

Sergio Leone, renowned for his films centered around revenge, crafted what many consider his masterpiece in this western epic. The story follows a mysterious harmonica-playing man (Charles Bronson) who disrupts the schemes of a hired gun named Frank (Henry Fonda) and his wealthy backer, aiming to control a frontier town on the cusp of industrialization in the Old West. Bronson, Fonda, and Jason Robards portray the central trio embroiled in a slowly unfolding conflict, while Claudia Cardinale portrays a recently married prostitute whose inherited land and captivating beauty become central to their ambitions and desires. True to Leone’s style, the reasons behind the vendettas remain shrouded until later in the narrative, but the tension and anticipation build irresistibly throughout.

#3 The Bride Wore Black (1968)

Despite François Truffaut’s conflicted feelings about its legacy, “The Bride Wore Black” holds a distinctive place in the revenge movie genre. Jeanne Moreau portrays the titular character, a woman seeking vengeance against the five men who killed her husband on their wedding day. Truffaut infuses the film with a meditative and poetic sensibility, elevating it beyond a simple murder story and imbuing it with beauty and depth. Moreau’s performance further solidifies the film as a compelling fusion of French New Wave aesthetics and Hitchcockian suspense.

#2 Point Blank (1967)

John Boorman directed this stylish thriller featuring Lee Marvin as a ruthless thief seeking revenge on his partner after a betrayal during a heist. Marvin embodies the persona of a relentless avenger, exacting his vengeance meticulously and without remorse. Loosely adapting Richard Stark’s novel “The Hunter,” which also inspired the film “Payback,” Boorman infuses the story with a jazzy ’60s style, creating a captivating narrative that explores the brutal conflict between the protagonist, his former partner, and a formidable crime syndicate ominously known as “The Organization.”

#1 The Lady Eve (1941)

Preston Sturges, a master of screwball comedy in the 1930s and ’40s, crafted one of his greatest works with this film. Barbara Stanwyck shines as Jean, a charming con artist whose scheme is complicated when she unexpectedly falls for her target, Charles (Henry Fonda). Determined to maintain the upper hand, Jean embarks on a series of hilarious deceptions after Charles discovers her initial ruse. Their dynamic of Charles’s naivety and Jean’s cunning sets the stage for a whirlwind of darkly humorous escapades as they navigate love, betrayal, and revenge in equal measure.

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