This curated list of thriller films delves into the dark and compelling theme of vengeance for a father's death. Each film in this collection showcases characters driven by the need to avenge their fathers, offering viewers a gripping narrative filled with suspense, drama, and intense emotional stakes. These movies not only entertain but also explore the psychological and moral complexities of revenge, making them a must-watch for fans of the genre.

The Crow (1994)
Description: Eric Draven, resurrected by a crow, seeks revenge for his and his fiancée's murder, which was indirectly linked to his father's death.
Fact: The film's production was marred by tragedy when actor Brandon Lee was accidentally killed on set.


Man on Fire (2004)
Description: John Creasy, a former CIA operative, seeks revenge for the kidnapping and presumed death of his young charge, whose father was also killed.
Fact: The film was based on the novel by A.J. Quinnell, which was inspired by real-life events in Italy.


The Punisher (2004)
Description: Frank Castle, after his family is murdered, becomes the vigilante known as The Punisher, seeking to avenge his father and family.
Fact: Thomas Jane, who played Frank Castle, lost 20 pounds to better fit the role of a man consumed by vengeance.


The Equalizer (2014)
Description: Robert McCall, a retired black ops operative, comes out of retirement to avenge the death of a young girl whose father was killed by the Russian mafia.
Fact: Denzel Washington performed many of his own stunts, including a scene where he uses a corkscrew as a weapon.


The Mechanic (2011)
Description: Arthur Bishop, a professional assassin, trains his friend's son to avenge his father's death, intertwining themes of revenge.
Fact: The film is a remake of the 1972 film of the same name, which starred Charles Bronson.


The Brave One (2007)
Description: Erica Bain, after her fiancé is killed, takes justice into her own hands, seeking to avenge her father's death as well.
Fact: Jodie Foster was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance in this film.


Taken (2008)
Description: Bryan Mills, a former CIA operative, uses his particular set of skills to rescue his kidnapped daughter, driven by the murder of his ex-wife's father.
Fact: Liam Neeson was not the first choice for the role; it was initially offered to Sylvester Stallone and Harrison Ford.


Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
Description: Clyde Shelton, driven by the murder of his wife and daughter, takes justice into his own hands, seeking revenge for his father's death in the process.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events where a man took justice into his own hands after his family was killed.


The Revenant (2015)
Description: Hugh Glass, left for dead, seeks revenge against the men who betrayed him, including the one who killed his son, whose father was also killed.
Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in this film.


Death Sentence (2007)
Description: Nick Hume, after his son is killed by a gang, goes on a quest for vengeance, which indirectly avenges his father's death.
Fact: The film is loosely based on the novel by Brian Garfield, which also inspired the film "Death Wish."
