Top 10 Crime Films About Revenge

Description: Denzel Washington again, this time as John Creasy, a former CIA operative turned bodyguard, who seeks revenge after the kidnapping of the young girl he's protecting.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by A.J. Quinnell. Washington's character was inspired by real-life bodyguard Tony Scotti.

Description: Thomas Jane plays Frank Castle, a former FBI agent who becomes The Punisher after his family is murdered by mobsters. His quest for vengeance is both personal and brutal.

Fact: The film was a box office disappointment but has since gained a cult following. The character of The Punisher has been adapted into several films and TV series.

Description: This South Korean film, directed by Park Chan-wook, tells the story of Oh Dae-Su, who is imprisoned for 15 years without knowing why and then released to seek revenge. Its twist ending and visceral storytelling make it a must-watch.

Fact: The film was remade in Hollywood in 2013, but the original remains a cult classic. The famous one-take hallway fight scene took three days to film.

Description: Viggo Mortensen stars as Tom Stall, a small-town man whose past as a violent criminal comes back to haunt him, leading to a chain of events where he must confront his old life and seek retribution.

Fact: The film was adapted from a graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke. It received critical acclaim for its exploration of identity and violence.

Description: Denzel Washington stars as Robert McCall, a former black ops operative who comes out of retirement to seek justice for a young prostitute. His quest for vengeance against the Russian mob is both brutal and calculated, making it a standout in the revenge genre.

Fact: The film is loosely based on the 1980s TV series of the same name. Washington did much of his own stunts, showcasing his physical prowess.

Description: Liam Neeson stars as Bryan Mills, a retired CIA operative who uses his "particular set of skills" to rescue his kidnapped daughter. The film's relentless pace and Mills' quest for vengeance make it a thrilling watch.

Fact: The film was a career-defining role for Neeson, turning him into an action star later in his career. The famous "I will find you" speech was improvised by Neeson.

Description: Gerard Butler stars as Clyde Shelton, a man who takes justice into his own hands after the legal system fails him, leading to a cat-and-mouse game with the prosecutor who let his family's killers go free.

Fact: The film's plot has been criticized for its portrayal of the justice system but praised for its thrilling narrative. Butler did many of his own stunts, including a scene where he's buried alive.

Description: Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of Hugh Glass, a fur trapper left for dead by his own hunting team, is a tale of survival and revenge against the harsh backdrop of the American wilderness.

Fact: DiCaprio won an Oscar for Best Actor for this role. The film was shot in harsh conditions, with the cast and crew enduring extreme cold.

Description: After losing his wife and having his beloved dog killed by Russian mobsters, John Wick, played by Keanu Reeves, unleashes a wave of vengeance. This film not only delivers on action but also explores themes of grief and the quest for personal justice.

Fact: The film was initially conceived as a low-budget action flick but became a surprise hit, spawning a franchise. The dog in the film was named after the director's real-life dog.

Description: Uma Thurman's portrayal of The Bride, a former assassin seeking revenge on her ex-colleagues who left her for dead, is iconic. The film's blend of martial arts, spaghetti western, and grindhouse cinema makes it a unique entry in the revenge genre.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be one movie but was split into two volumes due to its length. Quentin Tarantino drew inspiration from various genres, including Japanese samurai films.