15 Unforgettable Tales of Retribution: The Best Revenge Movies of All Time

1. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 2003，IMDB Rating: 8.1，Douban Rating: 8.3，ID: tt0266697
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Tarantino’s ‘Kill Bill: Vol. 1’ is a cinematic spectacle that masterfully blends martial arts and revenge themes. The film’s protagonist, The Bride, embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance, delivering a captivating narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The action sequences are brilliantly choreographed, showcasing Tarantino’s distinctive style and command of his craft. Despite its violent premise, the film manages to inject humor and wit, making it a standout in the revenge movie genre. As a movie lover, I found ‘Kill Bill: Vol. 1’ to be a thrilling ride that offers more than just action – it’s a testament to Tarantino’s filmmaking prowess and a shining example of how a revenge story can be told with style and substance.
2. Kill Bill: Vol. 2 2004，IMDB Rating: 8.0，Douban Rating: 8.0，ID: tt0378194
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Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Kill Bill: Vol. 2’ is a masterstroke in the genre of revenge movies. Its audacious storytelling, combined with high-octane action sequences, makes it a cinematic experience that’s hard to forget. The movie’s plot, centered around The Bride’s quest for vengeance, is both engaging and emotionally charged, making the audience root for her till the very end. The performances, particularly by Uma Thurman, are commendable and add depth to the characters. Despite its action-heavy narrative, the movie also manages to incorporate substantial dialogue and plot development, adding layers to the story and the characters. In essence, ‘Kill Bill: Vol. 2’ is a revenge movie that delivers on all fronts – story, action, and performances.
3. Memento 2000，IMDB Rating: 8.4，Douban Rating: 8.6，ID: tt0209144
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Memento is a masterclass in storytelling, a riveting revenge thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The film’s protagonist, Leonard, is a character you can’t help but sympathize with, as he navigates his world with a short-term memory loss, determined to avenge his wife’s murder. The narrative structure, which mirrors Leonard’s memory condition, is brilliantly executed, making the viewing experience as disorienting and intriguing as Leonard’s reality. The film’s suspense and mystery, coupled with its exploration of memory, reality, and revenge, make it a standout in the genre. Memento is not just a film, it’s an experience that leaves you pondering long after the credits roll.
4. The Crow 1994，IMDB Rating: 7.6，Douban Rating: 7.4，ID: tt0109506
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Based on the information I gathered, “The Crow” (1994) is a highly regarded film in the revenge genre. It’s a visually stunning work that combines elements of action, crime, and drama. The late Brandon Lee’s performance is particularly praised, adding a soul to the film’s dark, lurid energy. The film’s plot revolves around Eric Draven, a rock star who is brutally murdered along with his fiancée. A year later, he returns from the dead, led by a crow, to exact vengeance.
5. Gladiator 2000，IMDB Rating: 8.5，Douban Rating: 8.5，ID: tt0172495
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Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott, is a monumental film that stands tall in the pantheon of revenge cinema. The movie’s protagonist, Maximus (played by Russell Crowe), is a Roman General who embarks on a journey of vengeance after being betrayed by Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the son of his beloved Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The film’s plot is a compelling tale of betrayal, loss, and retribution, making it a quintessential revenge movie.
6. Man on Fire 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.7，Douban Rating: 8.1，ID: tt0328107
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Tony Scott’s ‘Man on Fire’ is a riveting exploration of revenge that delivers a powerful punch. Denzel Washington’s portrayal of Creasy, a man consumed by vengeance, is both compelling and heartbreaking. The film’s relentless intensity may be off-putting for some, but for those who appreciate the raw emotion of a revenge-driven narrative, ‘Man on Fire’ is a must-watch. Its place among the best revenge movies of all time is well-deserved, offering a gritty, unflinching look at the lengths one man will go to seek justice.
7. Payback 1999，IMDB Rating: 7.1，Douban Rating: 7.2，ID: tt0120784
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Payback 1999, directed by Brian Helgeland, is a gritty and engaging revenge thriller that stands out in its genre. The film’s protagonist, Porter, played by Mel Gibson, is a criminal who is left for dead after a successful heist. His relentless pursuit of the exact amount he was cheated out of, $70,000, forms the crux of the story.
8. Taken 2008，IMDB Rating: 7.8，Douban Rating: 8.3，ID: tt0936501
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Taken (2008) is a riveting action thriller that takes the audience on a relentless journey of revenge. Liam Neeson delivers a compelling performance as Bryan Mills, a father who will stop at nothing to save his daughter. The film’s relentless pace and intense action sequences keep the audience on the edge of their seats, while the underlying theme of revenge provides a satisfying narrative arc. Despite its lack of complexity, Taken succeeds in delivering a thrilling cinematic experience that resonates with viewers long after the credits roll. It’s a testament to the power of a well-executed revenge plot and solidifies its place among the best revenge movies of all time.
9. The Lady Eve 1941，IMDB Rating: 7.8，Douban Rating: 7.6，ID: tt0033804
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The Lady Eve (1941) is a classic screwball comedy that stands out as one of the best revenge movies of all time. The film’s unique portrayal of revenge, served with wit and romance, makes it a delightful watch. The sparkling chemistry between Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda, coupled with a witty script, adds to the film’s charm.
10. Point Blank 1967，IMDB Rating: 7.3，Douban Rating: 7.3，ID: tt0062138
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Point Blank, directed by John Boorman in 1967, is a stylish thriller that has earned its place among the best revenge movies of all time. The film stars Lee Marvin as Walker, a man betrayed by his partner during a heist and left for dead. His relentless pursuit of justice, or rather, his $93,000, forms the crux of the story. The film’s narrative is non-linear, a shattered sequence of events that adds to its allure.
11. El espinazo del diablo 2001，IMDB Rating: 7.4，Douban Rating: 7.2，ID: tt0256009
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El espinazo del diablo, directed by Guillermo del Toro, is a haunting tale set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. The film follows Carlos, a young boy who uncovers dark secrets in an ominous orphanage. The film’s atmosphere is chilling and filled with suspense, making it a captivating watch. While not a traditional revenge film, it does contain elements of revenge within its narrative, adding another layer of complexity to the story. As a movie lover who appreciates artistic and engaging films, I found El espinazo del diablo to be a unique blend of historical drama and supernatural thriller. Its haunting atmosphere and intriguing plot make it a memorable cinematic experience.
12. Us 2019，IMDB Rating: 6.9，Douban Rating: 6.4，ID: tt6857112
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Us (2019) is a horror movie that presents a unique blend of horror and comedy, underpinned by thought-provoking social commentary. The film, directed by Jordan Peele, tells the chilling tale of a family confronted by their own doppelgängers. Despite its critical acclaim, it’s not typically categorized as a revenge movie. For Chen Wei, a retired engineer who values informative and cultural movies, the themes in Us might be appreciated. However, if he’s specifically seeking a revenge movie, Us might not fully meet that expectation.
13. The Gift 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.0，Douban Rating: 6.7，ID: tt4178092
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The Gift (2015) is a masterclass in suspense and psychological drama. The film, directed by Joel Edgerton, weaves a tale of revenge that keeps you on the edge of your seat, questioning what will happen next. The performances by Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall are compelling, drawing you into their world of fear and uncertainty. The movie’s strength lies in its ability to keep the audience guessing, as it unravels the complex relationship between the past and the present. The Gift is not just a movie about revenge; it’s a movie that makes you question the nature of revenge itself. It’s a film that stays with you, long after the credits roll.
14. The Nightingale 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.3，Douban Rating: 6.1，ID: tt4068576
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The Nightingale, directed by Jennifer Kent, is a haunting tale of revenge set against the backdrop of 1825 Tasmania. The film’s protagonist embarks on a quest for vengeance that is both harrowing and deeply moving. The performances are compelling, drawing the viewer into a narrative that is as dark as it is engaging.
15. Upgrade 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.5，Douban Rating: 8.1，ID: tt6499752
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Upgrade is a film that masterfully blends the genres of sci-fi and action into a revenge thriller. The movie, directed by Leigh Whannell, tells the story of Grey Trace, a man who becomes a quadriplegic after a brutal mugging that also results in the death of his wife. He is offered a second chance at mobility by a billionaire inventor who implants an artificial intelligence called STEM into his body. This not only allows Grey to walk again but also gives him superhuman strength and agility, which he uses to seek revenge against those who ruined his life.