Revenge Movies List

From Frank Darabont, starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler
Rated R

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont, based on the novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King. It stars Tim Robbins as Andrew "Andy" Dufresne, a banker who is sentenced to life in the fictional Shawshank State Penitentiary for the murder of his wife and her lover, despite his claims of innocence. Over the years, Andy befriends a fellow prisoner, Ellis "Red" Redding, played by Morgan Freeman, and finds himself protected by the guards after the warden begins using him in his money-laundering operation. As Andy's relentless pursuit of justice and freedom carries him through unimaginable challenges, Red, too, discovers a newfound sense of hope. The film culminates in an emotionally charged climax, as Andy and his friends make a daring escape from Shawshank and reunite on the Mexican beach.

From Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed
Rated R

Gladiator is a 2000 historical epic directed by Ridley Scott. It stars Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general who is betrayed by the Emperor Commodus and finds himself enslaved in the Colosseum as a Gladiator. As Maximus fights in the Colosseum, he is determined to avenge the murder of his family and restore the honor of Rome. With the help of fellow gladiators, he overthrows Commodus and reclaims his place as a free man. The film was well-received, winning five Academy Awards and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of all time.

From Luc Besson, starring Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman, Danny Aiello
Rated R

Léon: The Professional is a 1994 French action thriller film written and directed by Luc Besson. The film follows a professional hitman, Léon (Jean Reno), as he befriends and protects a 12-year-old girl (Natalie Portman), from a corrupt DEA agent (Gary Oldman). After her parents are murdered, Léon takes Mathilda (Portman) into his home and agrees to help her avenge the death of her loved ones. As Léon teaches Mathilda the skills of a professional killer, the two develop a close bond, and a thrilling game of cat-and-mouse emerges as Mathilda attempts to bring her parents’ killer to justice.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington
Rated R

Django Unchained is a 2012 American revisionist western film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. Set in the Old West and Antebellum South, it is a highly stylized adaptation of the 1966 Italian spaghetti Western film Django by Sergio Corbucci, and stars Jamie Foxx as Django, a freed slave who treks across America to rescue his wife from a ruthless plantation owner, Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). Along the way, Django teams up with a German bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz), to bring the criminals to justice, facing racism and violence all the while. With appearances by Samuel L. Jackson, Kerry Washington, Walton Goggins and Don Johnson, Django Unchained is a revenge-driven film with a powerful narrative, captivating performances, and a unique blend of genres. The movie won several awards and nominations, including two Academy Awards, for Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior
Rated R

Memento is a 2000 neo-noir psychological thriller film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. The film follows Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), a former insurance investigator who suffers from anterograde amnesia, a condition which prevents him from forming new memories. After being attacked and his wife killed, Shelby begins a quest to find and kill her attacker, using notes and tattoos to remind himself of his mission, as well as his inability to remember anything for more than a few minutes. With the help of two acquaintances, he slowly pieces together the mystery of his wife’s death. As the story unfolds, the audience is presented with a complex, non-linear narrative that slowly reveals the bigger picture.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Eli Roth, Mélanie Laurent
Rated R

Inglourious Basterds is a 2009 black comedy war film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino and starring Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, and Mélanie Laurent. Set in German-occupied France during World War II, the film tells a fictional alternate history of two plots to assassinate Nazi Germany's political leadership. The first is a plan by Shosanna Dreyfus, a young French Jewish cinema proprietor, to kill Nazi leaders in a cinema. The second is a scheme by a team of Jewish-American soldiers, known as "The Basterds", to kill Nazis in a more direct and violent way. Through a series of events, the plans come to fruition, with the Basterds killing many of the top Nazi leaders and Shosanna having her revenge on the Nazi-supporting movie theater owner. In the end, Hitler himself is killed in the theater, completing the mission and bringing an early end to the war.

From Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, starring Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson
Rated R

No Country for Old Men is a 2007 crime thriller film directed by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen and based on the Cormac McCarthy novel of the same name. It follows the story of Llewelyn Moss, a hunter and Vietnam veteran who finds a large amount of money left behind after a drug deal gone wrong. He finds himself pursued by a mysterious and dangerously relentless criminal, Anton Chigurh, who is determined to recover the money at any cost. The film follows Llewelyn and Chigurh as they race across Texas in a deadly game of cat and mouse, while a local Sheriff investigates the bloody aftermath of the drug deal. Along the way, the film offers a darkly humorous and existential look at morality, fate and the meaning of life. Ultimately, No Country for Old Men stands as an intense crime thriller as well as a powerful meditation on human nature.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Daryl Hannah, Michael Madsen
Rated R

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a 2003 martial arts action film directed by Quentin Tarantino. It follows the journey of a former assassin, known as The Bride (Uma Thurman), as she seeks revenge against her former boss and his team of deadly assassins for attempting to kill her and her unborn child. The film is set in motion when The Bride wakes up from a four-year coma and sets out to avenge the death of her unborn child and the attempted murder of her by her former associates. As she embarks on her mission of vengeance, The Bride encounters numerous enemies, including the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad and its leader, Bill. Through a series of bloody and intense confrontations, The Bride ultimately succeeds in her mission, while also discovering the truth behind why Bill tried to have her killed.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris
Rated R

Unforgiven is a western drama directed by Clint Eastwood about two retired, aging outlaws, William Munny and Ned Logan, who take on one last job in order to pay for a medical procedure for Munny's sick daughter. Along the way, they encounter a young gunslinger, the Schofield Kid, who joins them to gain fame and experience. They are offered a reward to kill two cowboys who disfigured a prostitute, and they reluctantly accept. As they carry out their mission, they must confront the harsh realities of frontier justice and the consequences of their actions. In the end, the consequences of their mission affect all of them in different ways.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Albert Brooks
Rated R

Taxi Driver is a 1976 American psychological thriller directed by Martin Scorsese, written by Paul Schrader, and starring Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, a taxi driver in New York City struggling with severe insomnia and a descent into insanity. Also featuring Jodie Foster, Albert Brooks, and Harvey Keitel, the film follows Bickle as he attempts to save a teenage prostitute from her pimp, gradually descending into a violent obsession. After receiving little recognition upon its release, Taxi Driver has since grown to be one of the most acclaimed films of all time, with its exploration of violence, alienation, and despair being hailed as a defining work of American cinema.

From George Miller, starring Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Zoë Kravitz
Rated R

Mad Max: Fury Road is an action-adventure film set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is struggling for survival. The movie follows Max Rockatansky, a loner and former police officer, as he teams up with Imperator Furiosa, a woman on a mission to free her people from the oppressive rule of a tyrannical leader. Together, they embark on a dangerous mission across the desert wasteland, pursued by the warlord's forces and a fierce tribe of bikers. Along the way, Max and Furiosa come to understand each other and form an unlikely alliance in order to fight for their freedom and survive in the barren wasteland. The film is full of thrilling action sequences and stunning visuals, as Max and Furiosa battle their way to freedom.

From David Fincher, starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry
Rated R

Gone Girl is a 2014 American psychological thriller directed by David Fincher, based on the novel of the same name by Gillian Flynn. The film stars Ben Affleck as Nick Dunne, a man whose wife Amy (Rosamund Pike) disappears on their fifth wedding anniversary. As the police investigation evolves, it reveals that Amy's disappearance is more complex than it initially appears and that the truth about her husband's involvement may be darker than anyone thought. The film explores the themes of marriage, trust and betrayal, and the media's influence on public perception.

From Alejandro G. Iñárritu, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Will Poulter, Domhnall Gleeson
Rated R

The Revenant is a 2015 American survival film directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The film follows the story of Hugh Glass, a frontiersman and fur trapper, in 1820s America who, after being viciously mauled by a bear and left for dead by his team, embarks on an epic journey of survival and revenge. After surviving numerous hardships and attacks from both Native Americans and French fur trappers, Glass eventually reaches the fort where his team abandoned him and confronts his betrayer, John Fitzgerald. In the end, Glass manages to get his revenge and is reunited with his son, Hawk. The Revenant is a visually stunning, emotionally gripping and intense exploration of loss, survival and redemption.

From Joss Whedon, starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner
Rated PG-13

The Avengers is a 2012 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name, produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The film was written and directed by Joss Whedon and features an ensemble cast including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Clark Gregg, Cobie Smulders, Stellan Skarsgård, and Samuel L. Jackson. In the film, Nick Fury, director of the peacekeeping organization S.H.I.E.L.D., recruits Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Bruce Banner, and Thor to form a team that must stop Thor's brother Loki from enslaving humanity. As the villainous Loki scrambles to unleash an alien army upon Earth, the Avengers must assemble to prevent the destruction of the planet. Along the way, the team must also grapple with their own personal conflicts and misgivings. The Avengers was a critical and commercial success, becoming the third-highest-grossing film of all time and the first Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film to gross over $1 billion. It received praise for its

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah
Rated R

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 is the second installment in Quentin Tarantino's two-part martial arts revenge saga. After the events of Kill Bill: Vol. 1, The Bride (Uma Thurman) continues her quest for vengeance against her former boss, Bill (David Carradine), and the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. As she travels the world to seek out and confront her adversaries, she is forced to confront her own past and finally settle the score. With a star-studded cast, highly stylized action sequences, and an engaging story, Kill Bill: Vol. 2 is a gripping continuation of the Kill Bill saga.

From Rob Reiner, starring Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon
Rated PG

The Princess Bride is a timeless classic fairy tale adventure about a beautiful young woman and her one true love. The story follows Buttercup, a young woman of Florin and Westley, her childhood beau, who set off on an adventure to save her after she is kidnapped by a mysterious pirate. Along the way, they encounter a cunning swordsman, a giant, a six-fingered man, and a scheming prince. Despite the odds, Westley and Buttercup’s love is strong enough to conquer all. The film is ultimately a celebration of true love and the power of friendship.

From David Fincher, starring Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgård
Rated R

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a 2011 psychological thriller directed by David Fincher and based on the novel of the same name by Stieg Larsson. The film follows Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig), a disgraced financial journalist, who is hired by Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer), a retired business magnate, to investigate the unsolved disappearance of his niece, Harriet Vanger, which occurred forty years earlier. Mikael is assisted in his investigation by Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), an enigmatic, punk-style computer hacker who is working undercover for the Vanger family. The two become a powerful team as they face off against a violent and ruthless adversary who is determined to keep the secrets of the past hidden. The film is an intense and suspenseful exploration of the secrets of the past, the power of technology, and the dark side of human nature.

From Bong Joon Ho, starring Hye-ja Kim, Won Bin, Jin Goo, Je-mun Yun
Rated R

Mother is a 2009 South Korean psychological thriller/mystery film directed by Bong Joon-ho and starring Kim Hye-ja, Won Bin, and Jin Goo. The film follows an elderly mother who will do anything to prove her son's innocence in a murder case. After her son is accused of the murder of a local girl, the mother searches for evidence that will clear her son's name. She interviews potential witnesses and suspects, but the police are not able to find any evidence that would clear her son's name. In the end, the mother discovers that her son was framed and she is able to prove his innocence. The film is a gripping tale of a mother's love and determination to protect her son, no matter what the cost.

From Pierre Morel, starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Leland Orser
Rated PG-13

Taken is an action-thriller film starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace and Famke Janssen. The film follows Bryan Mills (Neeson) as he embarks on a relentless mission to save his daughter, Kim (Grace), after she is kidnapped while on vacation in Paris by a group of human traffickers. With the help of his ex-co-worker, Jean-Claude (Janssen), Bryan utilizes his unconventional set of skills and knowledge of the criminal underworld to track down the kidnappers and rescue his daughter. He soon discovers that the kidnappers are part of an international prostitution ring, and he must race against time to prevent her from being sold into a life of slavery. With each clue he follows, Bryan's mission becomes more and more dangerous, and with no help from the authorities, he must rely solely on his own abilities to save his daughter.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Chief Dan George, Bill McKinney
Rated PG

The Outlaw Josey Wales is a Western classic directed by Clint Eastwood. Set during the American Civil War, the story follows Josey Wales, a Missouri farmer who is left with nothing after his family is killed by Union forces. Wales joins a group of Confederate guerillas and embarks on a violent and bloody revenge mission against those who wronged him. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, some of whom join him on his journey. As time passes, Wales begins to realize that the war is over, and he must find a way to move on. In the end, he discovers a newfound peace, and a new purpose in life.

From Paul McGuigan, starring Josh Hartnett, Ben Kingsley, Morgan Freeman, Lucy Liu
Rated R

Lucky Number Slevin is a neo-noir crime thriller written by Jason Smilovic and directed by Paul McGuigan. The film stars Josh Hartnett, Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Lucy Liu, Ben Kingsley, Stanley Tucci, and Peter Outerbridge. The story follows Slevin Kelevra (Josh Hartnett) as he unwittingly finds himself in the middle of a turf war between two rival crime lords, The Boss (Morgan Freeman) and The Rabbi (Ben Kingsley). Slevin is mistaken for his friend Nick Fisher, who owes a debt to both men. With his life in danger, Slevin must use his wit and intellect to make a deal with the crime syndicates in order to survive. Along the way, he begins to uncover the mystery of his past and the reason why he has been targeted. With the help of his neighbor Lindsey (Lucy Liu) and a hitman named Goodkat (Bruce Willis), Slevin may have a chance of outsmarting the criminals and saving his own life.

From Tony Scott, starring Denzel Washington, Christopher Walken, Dakota Fanning, Radha Mitchell
Rated R

Man on Fire is a 2004 action thriller directed by Tony Scott and starring Denzel Washington, Christopher Walken, and Dakota Fanning. The film follows ex-CIA operative John Creasy (Denzel Washington), who forms a bond with a nine-year-old girl, Pita (Dakota Fanning), while working as her bodyguard in Mexico City. When Pita is kidnapped, Creasy's mission turns into a personal vendetta to take down the entire criminal underworld responsible for her abduction. With the help of his friend (Christopher Walken), Creasy unleashes a wave of violence and destruction, determined to find justice for Pita. Along the way, he discovers a newfound purpose in life and a chance to atone for his past.

From Kevin Reynolds, starring Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce, Christopher Adamson, JB Blanc
Rated PG-13

The Count of Monte Cristo is a 2002 American adventure drama directed by Kevin Reynolds. Based on the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas, it follows the story of Edmond Dantes (Jim Caviezel), a young sailor falsely accused of treason and sentenced to imprisonment in the infamous Château d'If. With help from the Abbé Faria (Richard Harris), an old priest, Edmond learns how to escape and gains access to a vast treasure. With newfound wealth and power, Edmond is determined to exact revenge on all those who were responsible for his imprisonment. Along the way, he also discovers the true meaning of justice and forgiveness. The film also stars Guy Pearce, Dagmara Dominczyk, Luis Guzmán, and Michael Wincott.

From Troy Duffy, starring Willem Dafoe, Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, David Della Rocco
Rated R

The Boondock Saints is an American crime film written and directed by Troy Duffy in 1999. It stars Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus as fraternal twins, Connor and Murphy MacManus, who become vigilantes after killing two members of the Russian Mafia in Boston. The film follows the brothers' journey as they become infamous heroes whilst evading the FBI, who are determined to bring them to justice. Along the way, the brothers gain the help of a local priest, played by Willem Dafoe, who helps them in their mission to rid the city of criminals. The film features a mixture of dark comedy, intense action and religious themes. Ultimately, the brothers are successful in their mission but are ultimately brought to justice by the FBI.

From Nicholas Meyer, starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan
Rated PG

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is a 1982 science fiction film directed by Nicholas Meyer. It is the second installment in the Star Trek film series, and stars William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei, Walter Koenig, Nichelle Nichols and Ricardo Montalbán. The film follows Admiral James T. Kirk as he faces off against his old enemy, the powerful Khan Noonien Singh. Khan, an incredibly intelligent and resourceful genetically engineered superhuman, has escaped from a deep space exile and is determined to take revenge on the Enterprise crew for his imprisonment. In a daring attempt to outwit and outmaneuver Khan, Kirk and the crew must use all their cunning and courage to save the Federation from Khan's wrath. Along the way, they make many new friends and allies, and discover the power of friendship and loyalty.