Summary

• Revenge films explore the dark depths of human nature, leaving viewers questioning the worth of seeking retribution.
• The genre is filled with iconic performances and impactful storytelling, making revenge tales some of the most engaging in cinema.
• From action-packed thrillers to thought-provoking dramas, revenge films hold a mirror to the complexity of justice and personal vendettas.

The revenge genre is often one of the most engaging forms of storytelling in cinema. If the story is personal for the main character, it makes it personal for the viewer. Whatever choices are made, for better or worse, they are more easily understood. Most revenge films may be more of an action or thriller variety, starting with a person with a past and a mission, and will often end happily despite all the destruction and bodies left in the hero’s wake. Commando, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a perfect example.

The best revenge films make the viewer feel and think. Whether the protagonist feels cheated, betrayed, or personally attacked, the act of seeking revenge in some way changes them. To avenge a wife’s death or rescue a kidnapped child may turn someone into an entirely different person who does things they never thought capable of themselves. Sometimes, their actions can cause more harm than good, leaving the audience asking themselves: Was it all worth it? Here are 25 of the best revenge films of all time, ranked.

Updated July 20, 2024: This collection of the best revenge films ever made has been updated with brand-new information and where to find each title on streaming.

25 The Northman (2022)

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The Northman is the underrated gem of 2022. Directed by Robert Eggers, one of the most imaginative creatives in Hollywood producing original IPs today, this magnificent movie went unnoticed by most audiences. The film adapts a Danish folk tale named “The Legend of Amleth.” It’s also the story used as the basis of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

The script, written by Eggers and Icelandic poet Sjón, tells the story of a boy who undergoes the rites to become a man in a Viking tribe. He witnesses the betrayal of his father by his closest ally. His mother is taken away and he escapes into the world, becoming a warrior with a simple mission in mind: to go back home and kill the people who wronged his father. After finding his way back home, he wages a one-man war against the people who wronged him. But there’s more to the story than his narrow vision of justice.

A Nordic Tale of Revenge

The cast includes an imposing Alexander Skarsgård, along with Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Willem Dafoe, all playing prominent roles. Incredible cinematography, shockingly effective VFX, and a surprising appearance by Björk — whose last film role was in 2005’s Drawing Restraint 9 — make for a revenge thriller loaded with star power and impressive theming. It’s easily the most surprising of Robert Eggers’ movies so far, veering away from outright horror into something much more grandiose. Buy or Rent The Northman on Prime Video.

24 The Punisher (2004)

The second venture of The Punisher in cinemas was a film written and directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, starring Thomas Jane as Frank Castle. The story plays the angle of revenge from multiple points of view to showcase how one wrong never undoes another. It also borrows from a pair of comic storylines, notably Welcome Back, Frank. In the film, Castle is an undercover operative working for the FBI. In his last operation, he takes down a weapon shipment by the youngest son of mafia boss Howard Saint, played by John Travolta, who subsequently orders Castle’s family to be killed. Naturally, this sets Castle on the path of revenge.

Thomas Jane’s Turn as Frank Castle

While most today associate Jon Bernthal with Frank Castle, Thomas Jane does more than an amicable job in the titular lead role. Similar to how Logan felt more like a neo-Western than a typical MCU film, The Punisher eschews a colorful tone in favor of character-driven revenge. John Travolta, love him or hate him, is memorable as the antagonistic villain, and the film’s basis on an existing story gives it a hardened edge you won’t find in other prominent Marvel films. It even borrows certain scenes from prominent Punisher comics, making it an entertaining flick for comic fans and casual viewers alike. Buy or Rent The Punisher on Prime Video.

23 The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)

In The Count of Monte Cristo, Edmond Dantès (Jim Caviezel) had a great life, a great career, and a loving fiancée. That is, until his best friend betrays him, and he finds himself wrongly imprisoned with everything good in his life stolen from him. For almost two decades, Edmond has thought about the life he once had, and he’s now ready to take back what’s his. He escapes confinement with the help of his cellmate, Abbé Faria (Richard Harris). He then enters the world of aristocracy as a mysterious count to get close to the man who betrayed him (Guy Pearce).

From the Director of Waterworld

This tale shows what one can achieve with time and patience, and it proves that not all ghosts stay dead. Though director Kevin Reynolds is most famously attached to Waterworld, an immense critical misfire, he crafts a film that loosely follows the events of the original novel with many significant alterations. But you could argue that certain changes, including how specific character relationships are handled, are ultimately positive. A predecessor to movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, The Count of Monte Cristo combines a tale of revenge with a sense of swashbuckling adventure, made all the better by a fantastic ensemble cast. Henry Cavill also appears in one of his first film roles. Stream The Count of Monte Cristo on Hoopla.

22 Darkman (1990)

Darkman is another underrated gem, this time directed by Sam Raimi, who co-wrote the story with Chuck Pfarrer. It follows the journey of Peyton Westlake (Liam Neeson), a scientist who becomes disfigured after his lab is blown up by thugs trying to steal his research. After being rescued, Peyton discovers he’s been subjected to an experimental procedure to cut his nerve receptors so he no longer feels pain. Using his scientific knowledge, he creates a synthetic skin mask to help him blend into society. However, Peyton’s psyche has been broken, and he gains incredible strength each time he gets agitated.

Liam Neeson’s Most Underrated Performance

Darkman launched Liam Neeson’s career to stardom, along with his co-star Frances McDormand, who plays his love interest, Julie. The film has a lot of Raimi’s classic techniques, mixing horror elements with powerful action scenes. It’s a film whose influences are clearly felt throughout, feeling more like a Universal monster movie at points instead of a traditional superhero film. Its focus on Westlake’s psychological plights, along with his quest for revenge, make for a thrilling movie overall. Stream Darkman on AMC+.

21 The Revenant (2015)

The Revenant was written and directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and features the talents of Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy. The somber film retells the story of Hugh Glass, a fur trapper who led an expedition in 1823. After being mangled by a bear, fellow fur trapper John Fitzgerald suggests killing Glass in an act of mercy. The party disagrees and leaves Glass in Fitzgerald’s care, along with Glass’ half-Pawnee son, Hawk.

Fearing an Arikara attack, Fitzgerald kills Glass’ son and buries him alive. Glass digs himself out of his shallow grave and begins his journey back to civilization. After his journey leads him back to civilization, he finds out Fitzgerald has escaped, leading him on a mission to hunt down and kill the man who wronged him and his son.

Leonardo DiCaprio Finally Won Best Actor

The film is a hard watch, considering we must see Glass survive in the wild with no means to help himself other than his wits and drive for revenge. However, it’s this kind of feral brutality that makes The Revenant such a fulfilling watch as well. The cinematography of Emmanuel Lubezki melds harsh survival with incredible scenic shots, making for an incredible contrast between the two that carries the film’s lengthy runtime. Famously, The Revenant also won Leonardo DiCaprio his first-ever Best Actor award at the Academy Awards after several prior nominations, in addition to winning Best Cinematography and Best Director. Stream The Revenant on Max.

20 In the Bedroom (2001)

In the Bedroom tells the story of how an average man and his wife, Matt and Ruth Fowler, come up with a plan to rid the world of a monster, as they grapple with the moral dilemma of taking justice in their own hands and acting as vigilantes. Of course, morals aren’t exactly their family’s thing. Their son, Frank (Nick Stahl), has been sleeping with a single mother, which doesn’t connect with the Fowlers’ values. The ensuing summer will throw all three Fowlers headfirst into a tragedy none of them could’ve prepared for.

Nominated for Five Oscars

In the Bedroom features a tense plot, which is wonderfully played by Tom Wilkinson and Sissy Spacek as the leading couple. Their onscreen performances are nothing short of realistic and believable, as if they were actually the frazzled Fowlers themselves. Director and writer Todd Field also absolutely shines in his feature-length debut, later going on to direct Little Children and Tár in 2006 and 2022, respectively. In the Bedroom was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, but sadly won none. Rent In the Bedroom on Apple TV.

19 Unforgiven (1992)

In the critically acclaimed revisionist Western Unforgiven, legendary silver screen star Clint Eastwood portrays an aging gunslinger and retired outlaw who is brought back into the fold to help a young man seek revenge. After being approached by the Schofield Kid, an aspiring gunman, repentant widower William Munny (Eastwood) reluctantly agrees to take a final job with the help of longtime partner Ned Logan (Morgan Freeman) in order to claim a $1,000 bounty. They square off against a corrupt sheriff, Little Bill Daggett (Gene Hackman), to avenge a brutal attack on a sex worker.

A Western That Won Best Picture

The Oscar-winning picture features superb performances by its A-list cast and delves into the complexities of retribution and violence from differing character perspectives. Revenge takes center stage alongside a deconstruction of the typical character archetypes found in the Western genre. It’s a self-reflective film as well, capping off Eastwood’s lengthy history in the Western genre as both a lead actor and director. As of writing, it is also one of three Westerns that ever won Best Picture at the Academy Awards, joining the likes of Cimarron and Dances with Wolves. Buy or Rent Unforgiven on Apple TV.

18 The Equalizer (2014)

Denzel Washington brilliantly captures the role of a lethal vigilante seeking cold, hard justice in the gripping action film The Equalizer. Robert McCall (Washington) finds his quiet, reclusive life disrupted when a girl he befriends is brutally beaten by a violent criminal, reigniting a powerful-yet-dangerous fire within him that leads him to take matters into his own hands. Unfortunately, a simple revenge plot digs him deep into a criminal conspiracy. Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, and David Harbour co-star in this thrilling revenge film.

The Start of an Incredible Trilogy

Washington delivers a tour de force performance as a former intelligence agent, combining a warm smile with cold gazes as he mercilessly takes down those who oppose him. While he comes off as superhuman at points, the tension comes from how his lovable inner circle gets pulled into the violence, leaving you on the edge of your seat throughout. While it didn’t receive that many major accolades, it made back nearly four times its original budget at the box office. The overwhelming popularity of The Equalizer led to a successful sequel in 2018 and a third follow-up film released in 2023, with Washington’s Man on Fire co-star Dakota Fanning also appearing. Stream The Equalizer on Netflix.

17 Carrie (1976)

The classic horror film based on Stephen King’s first novel, Carrie, tells the story of a bullied teenage girl who finds out she has telekinesis. On a night that was supposed to be a turnaround in her tumultuous life, she is humiliated in front of the entire school by her tormentors and snaps, deciding enough is enough. Sissy Spacek, Amy Irving, Betty Buckley, and a young John Travolta co-star in the first of many Stephen King adaptations to come.

A Classic Stephen King Story

This film shows a vulnerable girl with a unique ability reaching her breaking point in a brutal climactic ending that’s still being referenced in pop culture today. Brian de Palma gave Carrie an incredibly innovative film style, especially in the final act, and both Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie got Oscar nominations for their respective portrayals of Carrie and Margaret White. Considering how many times the original story was adapted to the big screen, as well as how iconic scenes from this film are mimicked and parodied elsewhere, it’s easily one of the most iconic revenge stories in film history. Stream Carrie on Max.

16 V For Vendetta (2005)

In the action revenge film V for Vendetta, Hugo Weaving plays a freedom fighter known as “V” in the middle of a dystopian United Kingdom. Being an anarchist, he crafts a series of devious and elaborate acts to not only ignite a wider rebellion, but to also take revenge on the tyrannical government that wronged him many years prior. Natalie Portman co-stars as Evey Hammond, a witness to his acts, with Stephen Rea playing the stern Chief Inspector Eric Finch.

Alan Moore’s Revenge Thriller

Being based on a graphic novel written by Alan Moore and written by the Wachowskis, V for Vendetta crafts a slick and entertaining tale of revenge with the directorial talents of James McTeigue behind the camera. Weaving and Portman give fantastic performances, capturing their characters’ personalities flawlessly while providing ample chemistry for each other. The Guy Fawkes mask that V utilizes throughout the film is now synonymous with the hacker group Anonymous, signifying the film’s and accompanying comic’s relevance in pop culture to this very day. Buy or Rent V for Vendetta on Prime Video.

15 Death Wish (1974)

Death Wish is arguably one of the most prominent examples of not only revenge films, but of vigilantism in film as well. NYC architect Paul Kersey’s (Charles Bronson) wife and daughter are brutally attacked by a group of thugs (including Jeff Goldblum in one of his first-ever film roles). He goes on a rampage through New York City to not only get revenge on those who destroyed his family, but also to deliver vigilante justice to all of those he sees breaking the law.

Charles Bronson’s Most Iconic Role

Death Wish is a perfect example of a film that portrays both the revenge theme and the mental effects it can have on the person who takes it. Though its examination of vigilantism would be the subject of criticism, it would prove to be incredibly popular with general audiences, cementing Bronson as an action hero while making back almost ten times its budget at the box office. Bronson would return for four more Death Wish sequels, with the last being in 1994. In 2018, Eli Roth remade the first film, casting Bruce Willis as Paul Kersey. Buy or Rent Death Wish on Prime Video.

14 Upgrade (2018)

In Leigh Whannell’s underrated science fiction thrillerUpgrade, Logan Marshall-Green plays Grey, a man who becomes paraplegic after he and his wife become victims of a gang shooting. Grey accepts the help of a famous techno-engineer and has a state-of-the-art microchip placed in his neck, which takes complete control of his physical functions. It allows him to walk and move again, making him a violent force of nature trained in various fighting styles. Grey then hunts down his wife’s killers to determine who was behind the attack.

An Upgraded Revenge Thriller

Upgrade is a revenge thriller that has a lot of unique ideas. Dark humor, distinct science fiction elements, and impressively grotesque violence make for a visceral experience that’s as tense as it is satisfying. Having previously directed Insidious: Chapter 3, Leigh Whannell manages to craft a unique voice for himself with a film that excels on all creative fronts. Whannell’s direction, alongside a performance by one of the best modern actors today, makes Upgrade a must-watch for fans of action films. Stream Upgrade on Netflix.

13 Mandy (2018)

Panos Cosmatos’ Mandy is a visually stunning revenge flick. In the film, a happy couple’s lives are destroyed when a colorful cult kidnaps and brutally murders Red Miller’s (Nicolas Cage) wife, Mandy, right in front of him. They subsequently leave him for dead. After having a mental breakdown, Red retrieves his old crossbow from a friend (Bill Duke) and fashions his own weapons to take with him on an incredibly gory revenge ride.

Nicolas Cage’s Psychedelic Ride

This film starts off in a very artsy and psychedelic fashion, then flips the script into a brutal, dark, gritty ride. Cage’s acting is in top form in this bizarre film, wowing critics and audiences alike with its colorful editing and cinematography. The film is especially effective when paired with the score by Jóhann Jóhannsson, who worked on movies like Prisoners, Sicario, and Arrival prior to his work on Mandy. It is a highlight in Cage’s career, and it also put Cosmatos on the map as a director to watch out for. Stream Mandy on Shudder.

12 Taken (2008)

In Taken, a retired CIA operative and divorcee (Liam Neeson) listens helplessly as his estranged daughter is abducted halfway across the world. Then, with her kidnappers listening, he gives a deadly warning: let her go or die. Using nothing but his wits and a very particular set of skills, the operative heads to France in order to track his daughter down and rescue her, doing whatever needs to be done in order to bring her back home safely. Maggie Grace and Katie Cassidy co-star in this incredible revenge tale.

A Defining Role for Liam Neeson

Parents who see Taken will probably connect with its familial revenge story. What parent doesn’t think of the lengths they’ll go to protect their kids? Neeson did a great job, performing most of his own stunts and reprising his role for several sequels in the years that followed. Interestingly, the role was somewhat definitive for Neeson’s career, as many of the characters he would play after the breakout success of Taken bore a similar resemblance to the one he played here. Talk about typecasting. Nonetheless, despite mixed critical reviews, Taken became a pop culture staple and a bona fide money printer at the box office. Buy or Rent Taken on Apple TV.

11 Cape Fear (1962 & 1991)

Flipping the narrative of revenge against the hero, both versions of Cape Fear — the original and the Scorsese remake — showcase a deadly cat-and-mouse game between a deranged convict and his former lawyer who lets him go to prison. Sam had a chance to save the deranged Max Cady from a lengthy prison sentence. However, he hides crucial evidence upon realizing Cady’s guilt. Almost two decades later, Cady is released and tracks down Sam to punish him for his deed.

Both the Original and the Remake Are Excellent

One of the most iconic and widely-referenced thrillers of all time has to be Cape Fear, and for good reason. The film is an absolute tour de force of tension, working just as well in either version due to its impeccable pacing and gut-churning escalation. Robert De Niro, who played Max Cady in Scorsese’s remake, was nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award, and Juliette Lewis, who played Sam Bowden’s daughter, was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Buy or Rent Cape Fear on Prime Video.

10 Promising Young Woman (2020)

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In Promising Young Woman, revenge is bittersweet. The whole film is a full display of premeditated anger that features Cassie Thomas (Carey Mulligan) taking revenge on the male figure who has caused her best friend to commit suicide. Cassie navigates through vignettes of chauvinism but falls in love at the same time. Unfortunately, things get out of hand in Cassie’s rampage to humiliate male monsters in the spotlight of justice. So, Cassie’s plan must be completed from her grave. She does so in a near-perfect ending, and all we can do is clap.

Carey Mulligan Shines in the Lead Role

A controversial revenge story, Promising Young Woman is a film that’s as provocative as it is engaging. Carey Mulligan does a fantastic job in the lead role here, not only captivating audiences, but going on to earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Writer/director Emerald Fennell actually won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for this film as well, on top of earning a nomination for Best Picture. Stream Promising Young Woman on Peacock.

9 Memento (2000)

In Memento, a head-spinning adventure by Christopher Nolan, Leonard (Guy Pearce) sets out to avenge the murder of his wife. However, he suffers from short-term memory loss, and must write notes that lose all meaning after falling asleep. This thriller follows two threads that reveal tiny morsels of the puzzle as Leonard struggles to find his wife’s killer. Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantoliano co-star in this intense revenge film, with its non-linear narrative being one of its biggest draws to this day.

A Thriller With Multiple Layers

Memento‘s biggest appeal has to be its utilization of two concurring plot threads. One thread plays the sequence of events backward, while a thread in black-in-white plays forward. Both threads conclude in a surprise ending that is not easily forgotten. The twists are great and still just as effective more than 20 years later, with both Christopher and Jonathan Nolan earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Stream Memento on Peacock.

8 Lady Vengeance (2005)

Lady Vengeance is part of the Vengeance Trilogy that Oldboy is also part of, with both films being directed by Park Chan-wook. It tells the story of a woman, Lee Geum-ja (Lee Young-ae), who’s wrongfully accused of a crime. She’s forced to confess and spends more than a decade in prison, only to be released one fateful day. Immediately after, she comes up with a plan to seek revenge on everyone behind her false imprisonment. The film is also a companion to Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, as they share similar themes.

A Part of the Vengeance Trilogy

While not as widely recognized as Oldboy, Lady Vengeance is a standout film. Its unconventional editing choices, especially compared to the other films in the Vengeance Trilogy, give it a special supernatural edge that amplifies its themes of revenge and drawn-out anger. The score, provided by Choi Seung-hyun of Oldboy fame, also perfectly accompanies the drama unfolding on-screen. Stream Lady Vengeance on Tubi.

7 Gladiator (2000)

Maximus (Russell Crowe) was a renowned Roman general loved by all, including the aging Emperor, who named him his successor to rule as regent. Unfortunately, this results in a coup that sees the Emperor’s son kill his father and condemn Maximus and his family to death. When the general is unable to save his wife and son, he is captured and sold as a gladiator, a pawn committed to fight to death. This leads him to face his family’s killer once more as it brings him to the Roman Colosseum, where Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) holds the games. Able to look his enemy in the eye, and with the other gladiators having his back, Maximus prepares to take vengeance.

Are You Not Entertained?

Gladiator was nominated for 12 Academy Awards, ultimately winning five, including Best Picture and Best Actor. But many feel Joaquin Phoenix was snubbed as Best Supporting Actor, as he gave one of the best villain performances in film history. The film as a whole is regarded as one of Ridley Scott’s best pictures to date, with Crowe’s iconic performance and memorable, venom-filled quotes defining its popularity for years to come. On a budget of around $100 million, it would go on to make over $450 million at the box office. Stream Gladiator on Paramount+.

6 I Saw the Devil (2010)

Straight from South Korea, I Saw the Devil is a horror thriller about a man suffering from too much grief. When a notorious serial killer picks the wife of an NIS agent as his latest victim, he unknowingly becomes the target of a skillful government agent. Unfortunately, suffering is a two-way street. Instead of outright killing each other, the two men enter a cat-and-mouse chase to make each other’s lives as miserable as possible. Lee Byung-hun and Choi Min-sik co-star as our “heroic” agent and malevolent killer, respectively, with Kim Jee-woon (A Tale of Two Sisters) directing.

A Violent Contemplation on Revenge

I Saw the Devil is one of South Korea’s best genre imports. The film is incredibly graphic, not only in a physical sense, but in a raw emotional sense as well. As the mutual torture continues, you can’t help but wonder if revenge is even worth considering, culminating in a harrowing ending that’ll certainly stir up your insides. It’s just as effective as a horror film as it is a thriller. Stream I Saw the Devil on Hulu.