Vengeance Is Sweet: The Best Revenge Movies

Revenge is an emotion that is as old as time and has been explored in countless movies. Whether it’s about a hero seeking justice for a personal tragedy or a villain exacting retribution for a wronged deed, revenge movies are a staple of the cinematic landscape.

Below is a list of some of the best revenge movies ever made. From classic Westerns to modern action flicks, these films all have one thing in common – a vengeful protagonist seeking to settle the score.

1. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (1966)
   The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly are a classic Western by director Sergio Leone. Starring Clint Eastwood as “The Man with No Name,” the plot follows three gunslingers searching for a hidden treasure during the American Civil War. Along the way, each character has a vendetta to settle. The film is considered one of the greatest Westerns ever made and features some of the most iconic shootouts in movie history.
   
   
2. Death Wish (1974)
   Death Wish is a vigilante classic starring Charles Bronson as Paul Kersey, a man whose wife and daughter are brutally attacked by a group of thugs. After the police cannot help, Kersey takes matters into his own hands and embarks on a revenge mission. Death Wish is a gripping and provocative film exploring vigilante justice’s power.
   
   
3. Oldboy (2003)
   Oldboy is a South Korean revenge thriller directed by Park Chan-wook. The film follows Oh Dae-su, a man who is inexplicably kidnapped and imprisoned for 15 years. After being released, he sets out to find the person responsible for his incarceration and take revenge. Oldboy is a dark and violent movie that is both emotionally gripping and visually stunning.
   
   
4. The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)
   The Count of Monte Cristo is an adaptation of the classic Alexandre Dumas novel of the same name. The movie stars Jim Caviezel as Edmond Dantes, a wrongfully imprisoned man for a crime he did not commit. After escaping prison, Dantes sets out to avenge those who betrayed him. The Count of Monte Cristo is a thrilling adventure with twists and turns and features some of cinema’s most memorable revenge scenes.
   
   
5. Kill Bill (2003-2004)
   Kill Bill is a two-part martial arts epic by director Quentin Tarantino. The films star Uma Thurman as “The Bride,” a former assassin embarking on a revenge mission against her former colleagues. Kill Bill is a stylish and violent revenge saga that pays homage to classic martial arts films.
   
   
6. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009)
   The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is an adaptation of the novel by Stieg Larsson. The movie stars Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth Salander, a computer hacker who collaborates with a journalist to investigate a cold case. As they uncover the truth behind the mystery, Salander must confront her demons and seek revenge on those who wronged her. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a suspenseful and powerful film with surprises.
   
   
7. Lady Vengeance (2005)
   Lady Vengeance is a South Korean revenge thriller by director Park Chan-wook. The film follows Lee Geum-ja, a woman who has just been released from prison after serving a 13-year sentence for a crime she did not commit. She sets out to avenge those who wronged her and prove her innocence. Lady Vengeance is a gripping and intense movie that showcases Park’s unique style.
   
   
8. The Crow (1994)
   The Crow is a supernatural action flick starring Brandon Lee as Eric Draven, a man brought back from the dead to exact revenge on those who murdered him and his fiancée. The Crow is a dark and stylish movie featuring some of the cinema’s iconic fight scenes.
   
   
9. Unforgiven (1992)
   Unforgiven is a classic Western directed by and starring Clint Eastwood. The film follows William Munny, a retired gunfighter who is drawn back into a life of violence to avenge those who have wronged him. Unforgiven is a gripping and emotionally charged movie exploring violence’s consequences.
   
   
10. I Saw the Devil (2010)
    I Saw the Devil is a South Korean revenge horror by director Jee-woon Kim. The movie follows Kim Soo-Hyeon, a secret agent who goes on a revenge mission against the serial killer who murdered his fiancée. I Saw the Devil is a gruesome and intense film that pushes the boundaries of the revenge genre.

Revenge movies have been a staple of the cinematic landscape for decades and have been explored in countless films. From classic Westerns to modern thrillers, these movies all have one thing in common – a protagonist seeking justice. With that in mind, the above list showcases some of the best revenge movies ever. So whether you’re looking for a classic Western or a modern action flick, these films have something to offer.