Vengeance has always been a popular theme in film, from the recently-released Netflix movie Do Revenge to the classic western Once Upon A Time In The West. In revenge films, audiences gain satisfaction by seeing the protagonist successfully carry out their often elaborate plans to make things even.
The 2000s have been a noteworthy decade for cinema, as more films featured better CGI, as well as more diverse actors and storylines. But of course, popular themes are still apparent here, and these include revenge and retribution. On IMDb, some of these well-made revenge films have been awarded high ratings.
Taken (2008) - 7.8
Starring Liam Neeson in the lead role, Taken is a thriller film that follows a former CIA officer who’s on a quest to get back his daughter and her friend from terrorists. The film is most known for the speech Neeson made where he proclaims that he has a "particular set of skills" that will help him find and kill those who wronged him.
The movie was a commercial and critical hit for its dynamic action scenes and impeccable actors. Because of its success, Taken became a franchise that included two sequels and a TV show.
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) - 8.0
The Bourne Ultimatum is the third film in the Jason Bourne series. The movie picks up where its predecessor left off, as the ex-CIA Jason Bourne tries to learn more about Operation Blackbriar, the successor of the CIA operation he joined, Project Treadstone.
In the movie, Bourne struggles to uncover his past due to his psychogenic amnesia and the CIA’s best efforts to get him. Critics consider The Bourne Ultimatum to be the best entry in the series due to its lead’s strong performance, incredible action sequences, and tight editing.
Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004) - 8.0
The Bride finally gets to face her former lover and the leader of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad in Kill Bill: Vol. 2. After the events of Vol.1, she finally assassinates the remaining members of her former squad and escapes with her child, B.B.
Some critics note that Kill Bill: Vol 2 is not as good as its predecessor because it is too dialogue-heavy and has less exciting action scenes. Despite that, the movie still received critical acclaim, thanks to Uma Thurman’s impressive performance and the direction of its emotional scenes.
V For Vendetta (2005) - 8.2
Based on a graphic novel by Alan Moore and David Lloyd, V For Vendetta is an action film where a freedom fighter named V tries to stir up anarchy and exact revenge on a fascist totalitarian government by staging terrorist attacks.
The movie popularized the Guy Fawkes mask, which has been seen and is still used in protests all over the world. Due to its visually stunning scenes and thought-provoking plot, V For Vendetta was positively received by both critics and viewers.
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) - 8.2
The Bride’s journey towards exacting revenge on those who harmed her and her child starts in Kill Bill: Vol. 1. The Tarantino film has some of the most memorable supporting characters in action film history, including the yakuza boss, O-Ren Ishii, and the cold-blooded assassin, Elle Driver.
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 does not shy away from featuring incredibly graphic and violent scenes, such as the death of trained killer Gogo Yubari and The Bride’s escape from the hospital. The movie received high praise for its flashy and elaborate action sequences and Tarantino’s brilliant direction.
Inglourious Basterds (2009) - 8.3
Inglourious Basterds is another film directed by Tarantino that’s centered on revenge. The movie features two attempts to thwart the Nazi party, and one is headed by a cinema owner who seeks revenge for her family who was killed by Nazi soldiers.
The movie featured an ensemble cast that included Hollywood icons such as Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, and Michael Fassbender. It was also well-loved by audiences thanks to its visually appealing scenes and its funny dialogue that mirrored other great Tarantino movies.
Memento (2000) - 8.4
Memento is a classic Christopher Nolan film. The movie stars Guy Pearce in the lead role of a man who suffers from short-term memory loss. In order to remember important details, as well as figure out who murdered his wife, the protagonist relies on Polaroid photos and tattoos.
Memento messes with viewers' minds, who may find themselves confused after their first viewing of the film due to its non-linear narrative. However, it is a must-watch movie from a master director, as it explores themes such as personal identity, memory, and consciousness through a refined plot and cast of characters.
Oldboy (2003) - 8.4
The South Korean film, Oldboy, is directed by Cannes Film Festival Best Director Winner Park Chan-Wook. Oldboy is about a man who, after 15 years of being trapped in a cell, has long forgotten why he was there and seeks vengeance for his ordeal.
The movie also features a moving romance that gets tangled up in the protagonist’s desire to avenge himself. The movie is considered one of the best neo-noir movies in film history due to its powerful and complex plot and excellently-choreographed action sequences.
The Prestige (2006) - 8.5
Based on a novel by Christopher Priest, The Prestige is a revenge movie where two competing stage magicians try to up one another by creating stunning and complex stage illusions. However, their attempts to thwart each other have disastrous results.
The movie is known for its twist ending that surprised viewers, although there were plenty of subtle clues throughout The Prestige that spoil it. The movie is revered by critics and is considered as an innovative art film with an impressively effective plot.
Gladiator (2000) - 8.5
Directed by Ridley Scott, Gladiator tells the story of a wronged Roman general who becomes a gladiator. As he advances through and becomes a more prolific fighter, he finds himself one step closer to killing the Emperor who murdered his family.
The movie has inspired other films that also featured the cultures of Greece and Rome such as 300 and Centurion. Aside from its stylish visuals and intriguing plot, Gladiator received a lot of praise due to the performance of its stellar cast, which included revered actors such as Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix.