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Revenge is one of our most primal instincts. The need to inflict suffering and punishment on those who have wronged us goes back to our days in the dark old caves. Because movies about turning the other cheek are a lot less interesting than movies about stabbing someone through the cheek, there have been a pile of great revenge films over the years.
This is our list of the best of the genre – hand picked for your viewing pleasure! Notably absent are films which have a revenge aspect, but not as the primary focus – such as Shawshank Redemption.
[Competition] If we get over 150 comments on this list, I will randomly select one registered user who has commented to select any one of the DVDs on this list as a prize. This includes non-US residents. Random or pointless comments added just to take us over the 150 threshold will not be included. The prize will be drawn tomorrow (7 May, 2008) at 1pm GMT. Good luck! ADDITIONALLY, if we get 200 comments, I will give away a second DVD, and if we get 300, I will give away a third DVD. Get commenting!
Upon moving to Britain to get away from American violence, astrophysicist David Sumner and his wife Amy are bullied and taken advantage of by the locals hired to do construction. When David finally takes a stand it escalates quickly into a bloody battle as the locals assault his house. This is Dustin Hoffman as you have never seen him. This is one of my favorite revenge movies – it is definitely worth the purchase/download.
In Mexico City, the former CIA assassin and presently an alcoholic decadent man John Creasy is hired by the industrialist Samuel Ramos, with the recommendation of his old friend Rayburn, to be the bodyguard of his young daughter Pita and his wife Lisa. Pita changes the behavior of the cold Creasy, making him live and smile again, and he feels a great affection for her. When the girl is kidnapped Creasy swears to kill each one responsible for the abduction. While this one isn’t my favorite on the list, I had to include it because it has Christopher Walken in it – and any film with him is a film worth watching.
Set in beautiful 14th century Sweden, this is the sombre, powerful fable of peasant parents whose daughter, a young virgin, is brutally raped and murdered by goat herders after her half sister has invoked a pagan curse. By a bizarre twist of fate, the murderers ask for food and shelter from the dead girl’s parents, who, discovering the truth about their erstwhile lodgers, exact a chilling revenge. This Ingmar Bergman film won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Jack Carter is a vindictive and amoral London gangster who returns to his home town of Newcastle after his brother dies in a car accident. Carter, however, is convinced that he was murdered, and begins an investigation into Newcastle’s criminal underworld. When Carter is ordered to leave town by the minions of a shadowy mob boss, his suspicious become confirmed, and he begins his brutal vengeance. This film was nominated for a BAFTA and it is about a million times better than the 2000 remake.
Leather clad Max Rockatansky (Mel Gibson) husband, father and cop turns judge, juror and executioner after his best friend, wife and baby are killed. Here we see the final days of normality of a man who had everything to live for, and his slip into the abyss of madness. With its astounding car stunts, unbelievable bike chases and constant ultra violence Mad Max is the antihero on the road to vengeance and oblivion. If you have not seen this film, you must – it is a classic.
Carrie White is a shy young girl who doesn’t make friends easily. After her class mates taunt her about her horrified reaction to her totally unexpected first period one of them takes pity on her and gets Tommy Ross, her boyfriend and class hunk to invite Carrie to the senior prom. Meanwhile another girl who has been banned from the prom for her continued aggressive behaviour is not as forgiving and plans a trick to embarrass Carrie in front of the whole school. What she doesn’t realise is that Carrie has supernatural powers and all hell is about to break loose. No one manages to escape Carrie’s revenge in this film.
Paul Kersey is an architect, who is a peaceful man. But when his wife and daughter are attacked in their apartment, his world changes. His wife is killed and his daughter is in catatonic state. His boss decides that Paul needs to get out of New York so he sends him to Arizona to meet with a client. While their the client, a gun enthusiast gets Paul interested in guns and even gives him one. When Paul returns, he brings the gun with him when he goes out and when a mugger tries to hit him Paul shoots and kills him. After that he goes on killing spree.
On the day of his daughter’s birthday, Ho Dae-su gets completely drunk and is arrested. His best friend No Joo-hwan releases him from the police station, and while calling home from a phone booth, Dae-su vanishes. Indeed he has been abducted and imprisoned in a room for fifteen years. One day, he is suddenly released, receives clothes, money and a cellular and meets the Japanese chef Mido, and they feel a great attraction for each other. However, Dae-su seeks for his captor and the reason of his long imprisonment. While looking for revenge, Dae-su discloses deep secrets from the past.
The lead character, called ‘The Bride,’ was a member of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, lead by her lover ‘Bill.’ Upon realizing she was pregnant with Bill’s child, ‘The Bride’ decided to escape her life as a killer. She fled to Texas, met a young man, and on the day of their wedding was gunned down by an angry and jealous Bill (with the assistance of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad). Four years later, ‘The Bride’ wakes from a coma, and discovers her baby is gone. She, then, decides to seek revenge upon the five people who destroyed her life and killed her baby.
Frank, a gunslinger, is hired by the powerful owner of a railroad conglomerate to kill anyone who derails the project. But Frank contends with the wrong person when he murders Brett, a landowner. After his death, Brett’s wife demands revenge, hiring 2 renegades to go after Frank. This epic masterpiece by Sergio Leone is number 18 on the IMDB top 250 films ever – watch it and you will see why.
Notable Omissions: Unforgiven, Rolling Thunder, The Crow, I Spit on your Grave, and Point Blank (also remade as Payback)
Synopses courtesy of IMDB
May 6th, 2008 at 5:14 am
You left out The Crow! To me, that one is up there on my all time favorite revenge flicks.
Mad Max, and that series are pretty damn great.
I was told about Straw Dogs recently, and have every intention of seeing it. If I’m chosen to get the DVD, then that’s the one I’m going to pick.
May 6th, 2008 at 5:15 am
Oops, just noticed the notable mentions! Great list.
May 6th, 2008 at 5:18 am
CFAustin: Straw Dogs has some pretty horrific scenes in it – but it is a really great film. Dustin Hoffman is great in it too – and normally I am not his biggest fan.
May 6th, 2008 at 5:20 am
Great list, although I think I’ve only seen about 4 of these movies.
I really need to do something about that!
May 6th, 2008 at 5:22 am
Straw Dogs looks really good.
Hoffman’s a great actor.. i’ll be stopping off at the video store sometime soon.
May 6th, 2008 at 5:25 am
Unforgiven should be in the top three.
May 6th, 2008 at 5:31 am
wiscesq: Thanks for mentioning it – it is now in the notable omissions list.
May 6th, 2008 at 5:34 am
Only one I havent seen there is Virgin Springs..maybe I’ll take a looksee now! I wonder if Uma wants to go all Kill-Bill revenge-stylee on her stalker!
May 6th, 2008 at 5:34 am
Great list, I love film lists, even if they do provoke half a day of bitching about so and so’s favourite movie. I’m quite ashamed to have only seen 2 of these movies, but I haven’t seen too many movies from the seventies/eighties, i just never had the chance. I’ll definitely go rent Once Upon A Time In The West, i’ve been meaning to for quite some time.
I’m very pleased you didn’t put Death Sentence (the new Kevin Bacon movie) on here, it was poorly acted, scripted and pieced together.
It’s always nice to see a reward list, they get much more comments, more people to argue with!
May 6th, 2008 at 5:34 am
I knew Charles Bronson would be on this list somewhere, and he’s in it twice!
By the way, is ‘Great’ on the list title necessary? I thought those adjectives were only necessary when you don’t have “Top” in the title.
May 6th, 2008 at 5:37 am
i like em all, although some, like kill bill and man on fire, are specialy my type of revenge movies. when you make a movie about something so violent and viceral like revenge, the movie itself must be like that.
i’d like to see a top 20 of this list. there’s just not enough movies in this one. great anyway.
May 6th, 2008 at 5:40 am
Once Upon a Time in the West is a great flick and who would of thought the Henry Fonda would be such a bad ass bad guy. Here is another “Notable Omission” or maybe placed on the actual list: The Unforgiven w/ Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman.
May 6th, 2008 at 5:42 am
I haven’t seen any of these…
May 6th, 2008 at 5:42 am
Carrie is such a freaky film. But then again Stephen King wrote the novel so what else would you expect…
May 6th, 2008 at 5:42 am
DanOhh: Unforgiven is added to the notable omissions now
May 6th, 2008 at 5:44 am
warningdontreadthis: Carrie is one of my favorite all time movies – I never get sick of watching it!
dangorironhide: Oh dear – you better get shopping
leinad: I could definitely consider a second list.
May 6th, 2008 at 5:46 am
Gah, I hate the movie Old Boy. It’s really gross and I had to take like three showers after watching it. Same director did an even better revenge movie called “Lady Revenge.” Fitting, hunh?
May 6th, 2008 at 5:50 am
I’m just thankful you left out The Brave One.
May 6th, 2008 at 5:51 am
I love Man on Fire!!! And I liked Kill Bill quite a bit too, though everyone I know said it was one of the crappiest movies ever made. Weirdo’s.
May 6th, 2008 at 5:54 am
I have a couple other movies that I think deserve at least an honorable mention:
The Outlaw Josey Wales
The Punisher
The Italian Job
Sin City
May 6th, 2008 at 5:57 am
I thing The Punisher should be on this list. Thats a great revenge movie!
May 6th, 2008 at 6:02 am
Man on Fire shouldn’t be on this list, Tony Scott made a superior revenge flick in the late 80’s called “Revenge” which is one of his best movies in my opinion,despite starring Kevin Costner. The Lady Snowblood movies are also great revenge flicks, watch them and you can see how much Tarantino ripped it off for the Kill Bills.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:03 am
I have to agree that Man on Fire was not the best movie, but Denzel did hold his own with Walken, the movie also holds up to repeated viewings on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:03 am
how about Star Trek 2, The Wrath of Khan…
Khan: From hell’s heart, I stab at thee. For hate’s sake, I spit my last breath at thee. And “Do you know the Klingon proverb that tells us revenge is a dish that is best served cold? It is very cold in space”.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:04 am
I just thought of a couple more Notable Omissions (maybe?): “The Fugitive”. He goes through a lot to find the killer of his wife. Also, “Payback” w/ Mel Gibson. The name says it all.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:06 am
I agree somewhat with Finsfan, it wasn’t the best made movie, but the story itself is quite deserving. Could be an honorable mention maybe… Or not, I’m guessing you don’t want a million honorable mentions, it kinda defeats the purpose of the list in the first place.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:08 am
Oh yeah and the Outlaw Josie Wales..great film, except the Sondra Locke nude scene useless and I dont think anyone really wanted to see Sondra Locke nude.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:09 am
“Old Boy” is the second part of a trilogy of revenge films by director Park Chan-Wook. I probably would have stuck all three on my list as one entry. The other two films “Sympathy for Mr.Vengeance” and “Sympathy for Lady Vengeance” are equally as bizarre, though perhaps slightly less ultra-violent than “Old Boy”. They are definitely worth a watch and rate much higher for me than that terrible Denzel Washington flick.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:13 am
Wouldn’t Gladiator be a revenge movie?
May 6th, 2008 at 6:15 am
wiscesq was right; Unforgiven deserves a promiment spot. One of my favorites
May 6th, 2008 at 6:16 am
Some good flics here. If “I spit on your grave” is a notable omission, then I suggest “Ms.45″.
Anyway, I love the early Bergman/Sydow. Some of them being the first time I found “something other” in film. Serious and haunting.
Virgin Spring-when the father starts lashing himself inside the steam house, the old knight is preparing…
Strawdogs–Bloody Sam’s non-westerns are really good to. And this one doesn’t have a macho lead-turning the tables. It’s sort of an “all-American” movie.
“The Visitors” directed by Kazan has a similiar feel. Maybe not as good but worth viewing.
Jeez, I’m sounding like a movie geek this morning. I better stop and get on with my day.
note:
For the first time, pop-ups are happing when I click on this site.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:18 am
DanOhh: Payback is mentioned in the omissions
Diogenes alone: are you sure it is from here? All of my advertisers have strict instructions not to show popup or audio ads.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:19 am
I’d definitely have Unforgiven in there ahead of Man on Fire; whilst Walken is indeed worth watching, Man on Fire was a substandard movie compared to most other stuff Denzel is in. Plus it had that horrifically annoying little girl. I really can’t stand her!
May 6th, 2008 at 6:23 am
Great list! I agree The Punisher should be on here! Great movie. How about Four Brothers? I happen to like that movie a lot…
May 6th, 2008 at 6:30 am
I like the twist at the end of Oldboy, and what Ho Dae-su’s captor says at the end, too. It still sticks with me.
Man On Fire is a modern classic.
And I can’t decide if Kill Bill is brilliant or so hilariously bad that it’s good.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:36 am
Good list, all great movies. I was hoping to see ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ on the list. But that’s OK, It’s still a good list
May 6th, 2008 at 6:37 am
very cool list and I’ve only seen a few of those movies. Definitely will check more of them out, especially Once Upon a Time in th West
May 6th, 2008 at 6:38 am
Man on fire could have been great, as it is, it’s just fairly good. Problem I have is that Hollywood makes such sanitized films (or at least for my taste). Would have loved to seen this Denzel character in a grittier, independent style version, just to see it with more edge. Plus I agree with McSquida above, that it had Dakota Fanning, who I can’t stand because she is so freakin’ precious and polished.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:40 am
I definitely think a second/expanded list is warranted. Although it’s like a B movie, “I Spit on Your Grave” is one of the most twisted yet believable revenge movies. -Spoiler Alert!-
A young woman is gang raped and beaten by four men while camping in the woods. She survives, recovers and seeks revenge. She systematically seduces (yes, seduces) her assailants, lulls them into a sense of security and then kills them using a variety of unique and increasingly violent means. The best (or worst, depending on your point of view) occurs in the bathtub. (SPOILER ALERT!) Nah, nevermind! Believe me, you need to see it to believe it!
Great list, jfrater!
May 6th, 2008 at 6:43 am
“Training day” could also be considered a good revenge movie, although you don’t realize it’s one until the very end…
Otherwise, Carrie beats ‘em all. Revengeful teenagers are just something you don’t mess with
May 6th, 2008 at 6:43 am
Another notable omission: Munich
…and who could forget: Revenge of the Nerds.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:51 am
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street!!
May 6th, 2008 at 6:52 am
I’m not sure about a few of the movies on this list but I think either lock stock and two smoking barrels or even snatch should be on this list. Oh and boon dock saints, I only saw that movie not that long ago and think it’s a killer…literally.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:52 am
Revenge of the Sith!
Anakin was badass at the end, when he killed all those Jedi without flinching… and those Padawans!
May 6th, 2008 at 6:54 am
tindoggy:
I hate Guy Ritchie with a passion. He keeps money rolling in by churning out gangster movies, his little security net. Do something else, man!
His ‘movies’ should only exist in a WORST revenge movies list.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:54 am
this list is ttly awethum.
iluv all dese movies
May 6th, 2008 at 6:56 am
sweeny todd’s a good choice david, i didn’t even think of that
May 6th, 2008 at 6:58 am
I’ve only seen Kill Bill 1. But those others seem quite good.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:58 am
Great list. I’ve only seen one of these movies, Carrie.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:59 am
true his quality has turned to shit, including his choice in woman, and he does stick to one theme but I thought he started out strong.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:01 am
Revenge of the seth? u gotta be kidding? with that dead pan acting, even james earl jones didnt have the chops to pull of a convincing noooooooooooooo. I saw that recently and forget how bad it was.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:03 am
Yay, I’ve seen 8 of 10. I consider myself well-versed in revenge.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:04 am
Did you mention the Dustin Hoffman movie in another list? This is the second time I have heard of it. I guess it is time to rent it and watch.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:08 am
I don’t know if anyone ever watched it growing up one of the main reasons i liked lock stock so much was seeing spike from junior gazette in it after so many years. That show so bad it was awesome
May 6th, 2008 at 7:09 am
Some advice: Stay away from the Sylvester Stallone remake of Get Carter, it might make you never want to see a movie ever again!
And let me throw in Desperado with Antonio Banderas, and Lucky Number Slevin with probably the best cast of the decade: Bruce Willis, Ben Kinsley, Morgan Freeman, Lucy Liu.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:14 am
How could you forget V for Vendetta?
May 6th, 2008 at 7:14 am
SLEEPERS!!! Great movie. Awesome cast.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:14 am
The Virgin Spring sounds similar to Last House on the Left. And dare I say Sweeney Todd, Princess Bride, and Swimming with Sharks? I absolutely had love Carrie, everybody went down. Funny, Carrie had the “powers” I always wanted (and Evie’s from Out of This World).
May 6th, 2008 at 7:21 am
I have only seen three of these, so I’m sure I’m missing out. Man on Fire wins for the revenge/torture scenes. Which brings up a suggestion for the top movie torture scenes.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:22 am
While we are on the “and what about ..” trail. I find that “gladiator” should have earnes a honorable mention.
Great list, btw
May 6th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Did you seen Listverse is on the IMDB main page for the movie stunts list?
And I noticed Jamie used the phrase “turn the other cheek” in his opening. I was wondering if a Christian can reconcile following one of the Bible’s most important messages with their desire for violent entertainment. Or do we just chalk it up to us being imperfect and hope God will understand?
May 6th, 2008 at 7:24 am
You know, I always thought Man on Fire looked good, but it’s one of those movies I’ve just somehow always managed to pass up at the video store. I don’t know why. I like Washington, love Walken, and am always into a good revenge flick. Maybe I’ll rectify that this weekend.
Last Man Standing is a good revenge film. Well, maybe it’s not strictly a revenge film, is it? It’s been a while.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:33 am
what about lucky number slevin? its really a great revenge movie.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:35 am
I wonder if there is going to be top 10 revenge video games, god of war would be in that, prob most of the gta games too.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:36 am
islanderbst: hey – thanks for letting me know – I had no idea.
JwJwBean: I don’t think I have – but I have written 600 lists so I am bound to start forgetting the odd item sometimes
May 6th, 2008 at 7:43 am
Nobody has mentioned ‘Mystic River’ (not that I myself like it too much). But it was nominated for 6 academy awards, so that’s probably a good thing right?
Anyways, it’s about a murder, and suspecting who committed the murder, and people ready to take revenge for it.
Well, at least it’s waaaaay better than mentioning The Punisher!
May 6th, 2008 at 7:43 am
Excellent list! Would Count of Monte Cristo fit in to this list? Great novel, great movie!
May 6th, 2008 at 7:46 am
Sadly, I have never seen Straw Dogs, The Virgin Spring or Once Uppon a Time in The West. From the ones I have seen, I think this is a great list. I Love the movie lists!
May 6th, 2008 at 7:47 am
Dead Man’s Shoes is a goodun!!
May 6th, 2008 at 7:49 am
WHOA WHOA WHOA!!! Where is Rocky IV with Ivan Drago…one of the best rocky’s and its a revenge one. Its excelent. But Oldboy is a great movie, im glad to see it on the list. Excellent!
May 6th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Great list. I would add Thriller-A Cruel Picture. A Swedish film that Tarantino called the “roughest revenge movie ever made”.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:50 am
i love Mad max and carrie but i can’t say i love the others all that much. Kill bill is okay.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:52 am
What about Hard Candy? That movie scared the shit out of me! Made me never want to speak to another girl under 18! Great list, I love Old Boy! The fight scene in the hall way is the best ever!
May 6th, 2008 at 7:54 am
First, I love the list. Second, some of the selection is amazing (some I haven’t seen yet). Third, I can’t believe Ringu (or The Ring), Gladiator, or Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith weren’t on the list. Ringu – an innocent girl killed seeks revenge through video. The Japanese were creative. Although some would call Gladiator a political film, his motives are channeled through vengeance. Star Wars, well, it’s got revenge in the title (I hope you don’t take me too seriously).
May 6th, 2008 at 7:56 am
Every movie on the list is a good one, deserving of it’s place on the list. BUT! One is missing which should have been included: The War of the Roses.
Yeah, yeah…I know it has comedic overtones, but it is, at heart, and in action, a revenge film.
I would have included it.
Otherwise? Great List!
May 6th, 2008 at 7:57 am
Carrie is a great movie and I echo those who want to add Gladiator and Sleepers. I generally don’t like violence, but if it’s justified (like in revenge), I’m more accepting.
If you search for keyword “revenge” on imdb, you get 3815 matching titles! My theory on why it’s such a popular movie theme is because revenge is something that so many people would like to do at some point in their lives, but they’re either too scared or don’t have the ability to do it themselves. They can do it vicariously through the movies.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Revenge of the Sith really doesn’t count to me. It was all a plot to take over the universe, not really just get revenge against the Jedi.
most typical revenges they are just killing, because they are pissed off at someone, and their main goal is to just kill said person.
If revenge of the sith was a true revenge movie, then emporer would have not stopped until yoda was dead.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:01 am
How could u leave out I spit on your grave?
Thats illegal man!
There should be laws against making Revenge movie list and not including “I spit on your grave”!
May 6th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Awesome list!
I would also recommend Dead Man’s Shoes to anyone interested in watching a straight-up brutal revenge film, though it’s probably not quite famous enough to merit a place on this list…
May 6th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Thanks for including Oldboy, probably my favorite revenge flick (followed closely by Mad Max).
Great list, I’ll have to check out some of the ones I haven’t seen on it since the ones on the list I have seen are all great.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:04 am
If there were a list of revenge video games, Max Payne would definitely be #1 or #2.
Or, you can wait until the Max Payne movie comes out and put it on this list!
Poor squinty guy.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:08 am
marathon man, another dustin hoffman flick, lot’s of revenge there
great list though!
May 6th, 2008 at 8:09 am
Revenge of the nerds someone said above, and I agree, is a pretty good revenge movie: they take the jocks pride, position, and even their women.
Conan the Barbarian — hunts down the killer of his parents for his whole life, and kills him in front of his screaming people.
Manon du Source (sequel to Jean de Florette) — a sad, sad story of countryside romance and betrayal.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:09 am
I love the movie Man on Fire.
Isn’t Carrie also a Stephen King novel?
May 6th, 2008 at 8:11 am
oh yeah!! oldboy is one of the best revenge movie! i think some remarkable korean revenge movies should be added, such as Sympathy for Mr. Vengence and Sympathy for Lady Vengence.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Jamie:
YAGML (Yet Another Great Movie List)
“Notable Omissions” is a good addition, as it cuts down on the “Ya shoulda included…”. Of course, I’d have added Munich.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:19 am
This is one of your coolest lists yet.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:20 am
How could you forget Jaws: The Revenge?!!! Just kidding.
Kill Bill should never have been split into two movies, especially when the first half was so much better than the second. Like most Tarantino films, it was deeply flawed, but had some really awesome parts.
Also, I still can’t believe I haven’t seen Mad Max! If I’m lucky enough to win the DVD, that’s what I’m picking.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:22 am
What about Last House on the Left or I Spit on your Grave!!!
May 6th, 2008 at 8:22 am
How about Braveheart !? Somw guy kills his wife and he takes revenge on a whole country!
May 6th, 2008 at 8:23 am
“I had to include it because it has Christopher Walken in it – and any film with him is a film worth watching.”
Sorry but, have you SEEN “Balls of Fury”. It is not worth watching.
Great list though, looks like some good ones for my netflix cue I haven’t seen.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Pretty good list, a lot of old flicks I haven’t seen, but when I think of revenge (aside from Kill Bill), I think of Lucky Number Slevin. That’s a favorite of mine that screams revenge!
May 6th, 2008 at 8:31 am
HEY! You forgot an obvious one!
KILL BILL VOL. 2!
Duh! That’s the one where she takes revenge on Bill and that ‘kung fu’ dude!
*Ducks for cover against tomatoes*
May 6th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Ooooh, yeah! Melody Kitn, Lucky Number Slevin is great!
…
May 6th, 2008 at 8:33 am
What, no True Romance?!!?
Inconcievable!
Wait… The Princess Bride too?
May 6th, 2008 at 8:34 am
Good Call on Lucky Number Slevin.
Well, you have just successfully planned my weekend for me. I’m going to rent all of these that I haven’t seen. I love a good revenge flick.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:35 am
late reply: J.Frater(#32), It must be my home computer thats the problem. Usually I dont get pop-ups(rarely), and I didn’t have anything else opened. I’ll give it a good cleaning tonight. I just thought I would mention, in case others had the same thing happen.
And just to get it out of the way:
“Revenge Of The Nerds”
May 6th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Would you class The Godfather as a revenge film? Michael does go after his fathers killers.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:45 am
I suppose the Count of Monte Cristo is the classic revenge story. It’s debatable which or if any of the various film versions make this list in terms of cinematic quality.
I agree with the comments on the Sympathy for Mr/Lady Vengeance movies – you have to see the performance of Lee Young Ae as Lady Vengeance – massive range and intensity.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:47 am
You missed a couple great slasher/revenge films – Last House on the Left & I Spit on Your Grave. Otherwise – very enjoyable list! I haven’t seen many of the movies, I’ll have to check them out.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:51 am
To echo a couple previous comments, I’m a little suprised that ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ didn’t make the list. The latest cinematic version even plays up the revenge aspect more than the original novel does.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:54 am
This could have easily been a top-25 list, seeing all the suggestions throughout the comments. Maybe you could amend it?
May 6th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Great list. I would have liked to see Munich, Memento and especially Sleepers on the list. I gotta check out Straw Dogs, that one sounds cool.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Hello.
My name is Inigo Montoya.
You killed my father. Prepare to die.
—
(Come on! SOMEBODY had to say it!)
May 6th, 2008 at 9:04 am
I suppose the Count of Monte Cristo is the classic revenge story. It’s debatable which or if any of the various film versions make this list in terms of cinematic quality.
I saw one film version that was made for TV. It was surprisingly good.
The first revenge movie I thought of was Gladiator. It’s Mad Max in Roman times.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Munich is one of the best revenge, or indeed any kind of movie I’ve seen
Is Old Boy as very violent? ‘Cause i’m dying to see it, but my dad won’t let me,
May 6th, 2008 at 9:06 am
What about Brick?
May 6th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Sorry about the double comment, damn computer didn’t react the first time i pressed,
May 6th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Won’t Boondock Saints count as a revenge movie? man that was a good movie
May 6th, 2008 at 9:10 am
CHW: I think those are part of a trilogy of movies, Lady. Vengence, Oldboy, and Sympathy for Mr. Vengence, don’t know who directed them though.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:12 am
I would have to suggest that TOMBSTONE with Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp qualifies for this list.
And in a completely different way, so does ANIMAL HOUSE.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Sorry for the brief downtime – we are on IMDB, Reddit, Delicious, and Popurls.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:43 am
What about “Enough”? I don’t care what you say about Jennifer Lopez, she kicks ass in that movie
And lest we not forget our comic book friend The Punisher
May 6th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Since I have absolutely nothing to do today, I think I’m going to watch the Kill Bills. I would like to check out some of the others, they sound pretty good. I think my mom has Mad Max stashed somewhere, I just have to dig it out.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Kreachure: what film is that quote from?
May 6th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Mikkle: you haven’t seen Kill Bill yet? It is awesome! Very funny at times and the dialog is dreadful (typical of Tarantino) – but cool nevertheless!
May 6th, 2008 at 9:53 am
romero- how could you not know?!? let me use a quote from the same film: “Inconceivable!”
May 6th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Blast, completely forgot about Boondock Saints, that’s another fav! Lady Vengeance and Princess Bride, too. Aw shoot, and Count of Monte Cristo. You all are hitting on some choice favorites.
My Yeti also suggests Next of Kin, which I personally never watched, but it does have some good ole’ fashioned revenge in there!
May 6th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Great list, but I thought it needed V for Vendetta, Desperado, Batman, The Protector, War, and Crank, among others that have already been mentioned. I’m sure there’s others that I’m forgetting.
As for Christopher Walken, he is a great actor, but will do anything for a paycheck and as a result has been in some really awful movies.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:01 am
I would have really liked to see Desperado on here. I also think Boondock Saints and The Count of Monte Cristo would have been good but for two reasons. One, I think Boondock Saints is more a vigilante film, but unlike, say, Death Wish, the boys are just beat up a bit. Seems different somehow. The Count of Monte Cristo, along with another one I saw in the comments, Sweeny Todd, is really more famous for a medium other than film. CoMC was novel, and ST was a musical. Carrie was also based on a novel, but the movie is arguably more famous.
And The Last House on the Left MUST have been influenced by Virgin Spring. Which is interesting, I wasn’t aware that it was a remake of sorts. Perhaps it isn’t, but it seems like too much of a coincidence. I’m sure they are very different in many ways, but the premise is definitely the same.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Well, not everybody knows, it’s understandable.
It’s from “The Princess Bride”, which was already mentioned here. It’s an adventure comedy (so, not a revenge film per se). The character says that like 6 times throughout the movie, and that’s why it’s so popular.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:03 am
This was a great new list. I have seen a majority of these films and they are all great to watch. I will say I would have loved to at least see Sweeney Todd in the notable omissions section (although it is a fairly new film). It has a great premise and shows what loss can really do to a person. The fact that it is done in musical form makes it even better.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:04 am
119 comments and no one mentioned “High Plains Drifter”. I guess I’m getting old.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Great movie list. As usual.
Kudos to those who mentioned Lucky Number Slevin, Munich, Outlaw Josie Wales among others. Its a genre that never gets old.
I didn’t think Man on Fire that awful. Explosions, death, redemption. Not good, but not terrible.
I’m deciding which one I want for when I win the contest. I’m thinking either Get Carter or The Virgin Spring. I haven’t seen Old Boy either; after reading the comments I’m a little afraid to.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Guys – I hope you realize that with all these suggestions we will have to do at LEAST another 2 or 3 lists like this!
And also, if we surpass 200 comments I will give another DVD – and if we reach 300 – I will give ANOTHER – so that is 3 in total.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Yea in Princess Bride, his entire goal is to catch the 6 fingered swordsman who killed his father.
at the end he says it a bunch in a row while indeed fighting the 6 fingered swordsman.
also I’m not sure if it was posted through all these comments but, desperado was a very good revenge movie.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Payback is such a cool movie this list should go to Eleven!
May 6th, 2008 at 10:14 am
I have only seen 2 of these. Heard of 2 others and the rest just completely illude me. I have so much catching up to do
May 6th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Another good one is the Count of Monte Cristo (or maybe that should go in the list of Top 10 Great Revenge Books?). Nothing says “I hate you” like pulling out a man’s life out from under him after planning it for 15 years as a prisoner/outlaw. Great story and movie.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:18 am
For Your Consideration:
The Outlaw Josey Wales
V For Vendetta
Hamlet (1996)
Diabolique
9 To Five
The Limey
The Road To Perdition
The Fugitive
Gladiator
The Searchers
May 6th, 2008 at 10:19 am
arr the joy of kill bill. Its 3am here in Aus, and im just done watching kill bill thanks to this fine list putting it in mind. I know i should go to bed but damn i cant help but want to watch the second one. CURSE YOU JFRATER!!!
nar not really, maybe just curse your childrens, childrens children so you wont be around to see it…I kid, i kid.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:24 am
i love oldboy. the scene where he blanks his tongue is creeping. it sticks with you afterwards. i recommend the other two revenge films made by the same director: Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and Sympathy for Lady Vengeance.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:24 am
I’ve got to agree with my man Rich, “The Count of Monte Cristo” is the greatest revenge tale ever told. The 2002 version with Jim Caviezel and Guy Pierce is quite good.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Good to see a western top the list. I haven’t seen all that many of these movies however…
May 6th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Rich is right. The book was better but The Count of Monte Cristo is a great revenge movie.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Good list. I watched ‘Dead Man’s Shoes’ recently. Pure revenge film from start to finish, and the acting is superb. Some of the most realistic and horrifying violence I’ve seen, though there are some really funny bits too. I’d add it in the top here easily.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:40 am
What? No Parent Trap?
May 6th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Good list, the “Mad Max” photo is not from “Mad Max”, its from “Mad Max 2″ aka “The Road Warrior”.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:50 am
And if you’re going to include Get Carter, you should also mention “I’ll sleep when I’m dead”, which is a 2004 film by the same director, and it’s about revenge too!
Yup, yet another suggestion… ‘another 2 or 3 lists’ is right, Jamie!
May 6th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Hah, almost forgot. Another honorable mention IMO is Sweeny Todd. The mixture of a heart-wrenching story, fabulous cast, great acting/singing, and Tim Burton’s personal, unique touch make this film one of my all-time favorites…and I’m not usually a fan of musicals!
May 6th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Gangs of New York. It’s a Scorsese film about the most classic form of revenge–a boy growing up for the sole purpose of avenging his father’s death.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Great list, I especially liked seeing Kill Bill and Mad Max. Good job!
May 6th, 2008 at 10:53 am
KILL BILL WAS WEAK AS SHIT
May 6th, 2008 at 10:56 am
how is Braveheart not on this list? He destroys like half of Englands army because a local english magistrate killed his wife. I’d say that qualifies.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:56 am
I concur with “Last House on the Left”. She definitely took a bite out of things. (oo, hurts just thinking about it)
May 6th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Barack: Man, I loved Gangs of New York for one reason and one reason only – Daniel Day muthafuckin Lewis. That man is my god. I fear that without him, that movie would have been shit. Another of those “Leo with a funny accent” movies. He just stole every single scene he was in, including the one’s with DiCaprio. Cameron Diaz gives a satisfying performance, and the supporting cast was talented, but DDL just carried that movie from beginning to end.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:00 am
I recently watched Oldboy and Lady Vengeance again, and I have to admit I like Lady Vengeance better. The revenge is freakish and surprisingly satisfying. For the uninitiated, these movies come out of South Korea by director Chan Wook Park.
For some reason Asian movies don’t pull any punches, the gore and sheer ‘uncomfortable-ness’ isn’t a problem for their audiences. So in both of these movies as well as the third installation ‘Sympathy for Mr. Vengence’ there are moments that are difficult to watch, but they make the experience much more credible and powerful.
Chan Wook Park also has another less gory and gentler movie called ‘JSA’ about a friendship between North and South Korean DMZ guards. This movie packs a similar emotional wallop without the spurts of blood. I highly recommend it.
I also like the selection of Man on Fire. I though Denzel gave a fine performance in that movie, and jamie, I suspect I like Christopher Walken as much as you do, but this wasn’t one of his best efforts. Especially that painful scene where he’s explaining to the authorities what Denzel is going to do. Anyhoo, the photography and Denzel’s ‘I don’t give a shit, kill em all’ attitude rocks.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Then there’s “Walking Tall”
May 6th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Last House on the Left is just digusting. No artistic merit to that movie whatsoever. It’s an early splatterporn movie, a precursor to films like Saw and Hostel. And the end was just f-ing ridiculous. A classic horror movie to be sure, it was one of Wes Craven’s first, but I wouldn’t rank it as a great revenge movie. The revenge aspect only comes into play in the last 20 minutes, and it’s a ludicrous revenge at that. The extended rape scenes are excruciating.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Slick – Daniel Day Lewis is a friggen pimp. The man can do anything in front of a camera and it always kicks so much ass that we all have to find an ass-like substance to replace the ass that he kicked off.
That final scene in There Will Be Blood is absolutely mind blowing and perfect in every way. Makin the preacher boy eat his soul robbing words was just so perfect and delicious.
Daniel Day Lewis is Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods on the screen.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:04 am
And “Dead Calm”.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:05 am
There’s just so many, you may need to break any future revenge lists down by genre:
Comedy: Office Space (I’d say that copy machine got what it deserved, plus Milton’s actions too)
I see above a Mandy put Swimming with Sharks, so I’ll second that.
Action: Die Hard with a vengeance
and my fave Shakespeare adaptation Titus with Jessica Lange and Anthony Hopkins, I know it’s not great, but for some reason I really dig it.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Edmond Dante in the Count of Monte Cristo makes it his entire life’s work to seek revenge.
Also Inigo Montoya in The Princess Bride
And Jean Valjean in Les Miserables
May 6th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Ah yes, Sweeney Todd, the movie based on the musical based on the movie based on the comic based on the legend of Sweeney Todd. I second that comment.
So I guess we won? YAY!
May 6th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Carrie is one of my all time favs. It used to scare the crap out of me!
May 6th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Ken got the final laugh in A Fish Called Wanda.
“Oh no, it’s K-K-K-Ken, C-C-Coming to K-K-Kill us.”
May 6th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Since I garnered the 150′th comment, it’s only fair that I get the swag. Jamie, you still have a lot of making up to do to me for not even selecting my logo graphic for the top 15 to be reviewed. THAT WAS SO WRONG!! YOU OWE!!
May 6th, 2008 at 11:13 am
I think Munich is probably my favorite revenge movie. There you have a whole country taking revenge.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Good list, ive seen most of these movies….But why is there no Braveheart?!?! The only reason he goes to war is because his wife is murdered. Excellent movie, but historically rubbish. Maybe even Gladiator?
May 6th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Hey, not to be too exasperating, but I found an interesting fact regarding yet another revenge movie:
We all know ‘Hamlet’ is Shakespeare’s de facto revenge story. (Okay, Shakespearian experts may argue this.) I looked for a good movie adaptation, but arguably there aren’t any worth mentioning… apparently.
It turns out that “THE LION KING” is based on Hamlet!!!
And since I consider this one of the best, if not the best, Disney movie (and I’m sure I’m not alone), then I think it’s worth mentioning.
I personally don’t think a revenge movie needs to be violent in order to be good.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:18 am
The Changeling — it’s a ghost movie, but the ghost in this movie has one helluva vendetta. It’s one of my all time favorite movies and definately one of the scariest movies ever made.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon!
May 6th, 2008 at 11:21 am
I don’t know how many people here have ever seen Oldboy, but it’s pretty much the most disturbing movie I’ve ever seen. Kudos for including Virgin Spring. I’ve never seen Straw Dogs, so I’ll have to check that one out.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Bucslim, Slick;
I am so in agreement about DDL. I honestly thought I was the only person who liked Gangs of New York. He made the movie, I thought Cameron Diaz was pretty good, but you could have substituted any pretty boy for Leo, and made no difference.
Thank you for the warning about Last House on the Left. I will give it a pass; the rape scene in Death Wish near about ruined the entire movie for me. I couldn’t even watch the long distance one at the beginning of Mad Max. I’m such a whuss.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:25 am
I loved Man on Fire. What about “Eye for an Eye” where the mother exacts revenge on her daughters’ killer?
May 6th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Kreachure; I knew that. There really are a finite number of plot lines.
But its not my favorite. I prefer Beauty and the Beast. C’mon, Angela Lansbury, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers. Both Robby Benson and Paige O’hara can sing. Great Movie.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Don’t wanna stray too far away but what about those Chuck Heston Classics ‘The Ten Commandments’ and ‘Ben Hur’ Egyptians learning that the Almighty paybacks are a real bitch. And scooping Roman goo off the racetrack after the horses used that dude for a hoof scraper and placed in a hefty bag – sucks too.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Bucslim/Mom424: Watching Daniel Day-Lewis on the screen is like watching literal poetry in motion. He is in complete command of himself, all of his mannerisms and movements are so very subtle and yet as a whole they contribute this almost magical aura about him. When he is on screen, you can’t take your eyes off of him. I couldn’t believe he has only made a handful of films…Scorcese personally had to drag him out of retirement as a cobbler in Italy (a *cobbler* of all things…I didn’t know those were still around). There Will Be Blood is one of the best movies I’ve seen in years, and you’re right buc, that last scene was absolutely magnificent. I highly recommend that movie to anyone who hasn’t seen it. Normally I’m not one for high, heavy drama, but DDL has this charisma about him that makes the film move along very easily without ever threatening to become bogged down by its own heavy-handedness.
Mom424: Yeah, it’s a rough film (Last House). Violence and gore don’t bother me a bit anymore (I’m a product of my generation…nothing I can do about that.) but scenes of rape or violence towards women (women that don’t deserve it anyway
) always make me squeamish. It’s the reason that, although I enjoyed Cannibal Holocaust (another early splatterporn flick), I just couldn’t bring myself to watch it twice. There are 5, *5* rape scenes in that movie, the majority of them extremely violent and masochistic that end in the woman’s death. I love campy gore, but the sadistic portrayal of rape is something I just can’t stomach.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Kil Bill was an entertaining movie but, surprisinly i have yet to see the second installment
Revenge movies are great because we can all imagine standing up for ourselves by going out and killing.
or maybe not, anyway awesome list
May 6th, 2008 at 11:40 am
This is a good list. All of them were really good revenge flicks, and I completely agree with the number 1, Once Upon A Time In The West.
jfrater, what’s the process you go through to whittle down the several hundred possible entries before you come up with The Ten? I imagine you must have a method. Maybe you just write the first ten that come to mind? Do you have a bracket system? Is there criteria?
I found your website about a month ago, and am consistently impressed by the content you add… Nevermind the incredible archive of older lists that I am still reading through for the first time.
Great website, thank you!
May 6th, 2008 at 11:40 am
I’d have to second braveheart. I thought that was a great movie, I also like the Patriot which was another revenge movie though not a favorite of most people I still liked it.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Mom – Slick – dunno if you’ve seen ‘The Crucible’ but DDL kicked ass and asked for seconds in that movie too.
I was going to list the other movies that DDL has dominated my soul in but I honestly can’t think of one that I don’t like. Just go to IMDB, look him up, close your eyes and point to a movie. Watch it and then wonder what your life was like before DDL mesmerized your senses.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Revenge of the Nerds!
May 6th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Death Wish and Carrie are good choices. I didn’t see most of the others. BTW, where’s “In The Bedroom?” That s/be on here.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:43 am
oh also what about roadhouse? I would think that would be another revenge movie of sorts, maybe not all about revenge but it plays a big role.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Jfrater: A user named Bell just made a comment in the arithmatic list that I happen to agree with, but I’ll post here since this is a bit more recent. Still working on that top 10 list book, right? You should draft up an idea for a t.v. pilot, too, I think. Maybe pitch it to TLC or Discovery, or some similar information-centered television channels. Seriously, I think it could work as a television show. Ebaum’s almost got their own show, you might be able to score something too. Just some food for though.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:54 am
I’ll produce it if you wanna go on TV. Gotta get me a ticket to NZ though.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Great list – I’ve seen (and loved) a bunch of these but no Count of Monte Cristo? It’s honestly the first thing I thought of when I saw the list title.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:58 am
I cant believe I forgot about the First Karate Kid.
The first movie was all about him getting back at those kids that picked on him. And then wanting to learn Karate to be able to defeat Cobra Kai.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Typo in 4 …”While THEIR the client”…
May 6th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I havent seen the Patriot with Mel Gibson in it. It was all about the revenge and a little about revolution…without the motive of revenge for the deaths of his sons he would not have joined in the battles uniting the forces and saving the world from the evil empire…oh shit wrong war…..OR WAS IT!!!!
May 6th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Look I know it’s been mentioned already and it’s on the exemptions list but . . . . . The Crow!! THE CROW!!
May 6th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Other notable omissions: “Thriller: They Call Her One-Eye”, “Last House on the Left”, and “Baise-Moi”. All could be considered exploitation films, but are powerful revenge tales, nonetheless.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Pumpkinhead is good, maybe not better than any of the Ten but better than others
May 6th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
how about dark man? i remember watching it as a kid and kinda fascinated about the revenge plot
May 6th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Carrie! I don’t know how many times I’ve read that book! Strangely, I’ve never seen the movie:(.
Mac Max is awesome!
The virgin spring… as I’m swedish I should have seen that movie! Grr on me!
Great list once again!
May 6th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
What about:
1) The Quick and the Dead
2) The Patriot
May 6th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
YES! Once Upon a Time in the West is director Sergio Leone AND composer Ennio Morricone’s best work! I completely did not expect this movie to make the list at all, so you can imagine how thrilled I was to see it at the top of the list!
Another notable omission is “Point Blank,” definitely worth watching! Its star, Lee Marvin, made number 1 on your list of top movie badasses, I believe.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Though Kill Bill Vol 1 was so much fun, I personally prefer Vol 2 because Elle Driver was fierce in that one. By the way, Mean Girls is a pretty good revenge chick flick!
May 6th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Oops, noticed Point Blank is in the notable omissions
May 6th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
I woulda been really pissed if kill bill wasn’t on here, all the rest are good choices also.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
My favorite movie about revange its (a French film) “Reversible”, actually itsn´t my favorite movie…hmm actually I didnt like it at all, but its a good example
May 6th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Another notable omission is “Irreversible.”
One of the most brutal films I’ve ever seen, shot completely in reverse a la Memento starring the gorgeous Monica Bellucci.
Also, Memento, what two great films shot in reverse that happen to be about revenge!
May 6th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Juan Pablo: haha I just noticed your post, and yes, I don’t think “Irreversible” can be anyone’s favorite movie because it is just so graphic! Nonetheless, it is a technical masterpiece and a great revenge story that actually does not glorify violence, but is actually very violent.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
As I previously said, Last House on the Left is not much of a revenge movie. The revenge on the killers is treated almost as an afterthought, occuring only in the last 20 minutes of the film. The top of the list clearly states that movies whose main aspect was not revenge were not considered. Last House on the Left has revenge in it, but it is a splatter film. The focus is on the torture, rape, and murder of the two female leads.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
SlickWilly–I agree totally. But in defense of Leo, his accents are spot on, despite what some naysayers believe. The most flak he got was for the Blood Diamond accent right? Talk to any South African and they say it was spot on, and it’s by no means an easy one to do since it does have a funny twang to it…
I don’t think that DDL would have come off as great had he not had such a great co-lead to act and react with.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Denzel Washington is who makes man on fire amazing along with Christopher Walkin. That movie was very gory and extreme at some parts but is still one a lot of people should watch. I might like to check out Straw Dogs. Seems like it would be entertaining.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Barack: I disagree with the statement about DDL. He would have come off as strong, no matter who he was playing against; he’s just that talented. Leo catches a lot of flack, mostly undeserved, but as an actor I think he is average at best. His irish accent was convincing, but DiCaprio is just one of those actors that no matter what part he plays, I still just see Leo DiCaprio. I should add, albeit unnecessarily, that this is only my opinion.
Still a strong movie, though. Not one of Scorcese’s best, but look at what his best is…some of the greatest movies ever made…ever. Scorcese on a bad day has more talent than most other big time hollywood directors/producers have on their best.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
I was expecting to see “Sleepers”. The whole film is about revenge…and getting out of it’s consequences.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Although it’s like a B movie, “I Spit on Your Grave” is one of the most twisted yet believable revenge movies.
Totally agree. This would be in my top 3.
Remember the immortal bathtub scene : “That feels so good, it hurts.”
I’m cringing thinking about it
May 6th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
wtg, you are now on the “web sites i gotta check out every day” list
how about ‘the usual suspects’?
May 6th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Jamie: there’s a typo on #7 Get Carter:
it says “his suspicious become confirmed when…”
when it should be “his SUSPICIONS become confirmed when…”
Hope that’s helpful
May 6th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
I know not many people will agree on this, but what about the Nightmare on Elm Street series? Freddy comes back from the dead for REVENGE on the people who killed him by killing their children.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
just finished kill bill vol 2. I think i shall go to sleep now. oh and even if im a tad embarresed about mentioning it what about ghost, with making whoopie and dirty patrick? dude getting revenge and getting it on beyond the grave.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Slick, I thought Leo was the bomb in the Departed and he was fantastic in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. I could have lived without him in Gangs of New York and the Aviator. I think if he’s given the right role he can really sparkle.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Maybe not the caliber of these movies, but Ashley Judd in Double Jeopardy rocks the whole meaning of revenge when her sleazy husband gets what he deserves. And who doesn’t love Ashley Judd?
Another woman kicking major butt for revenge is Jennifer Lopez in Enough. Love that one too.
And last but not least…how could we forget Friday the 13th, when crazy Mrs. Vorhees takes revenge on any teenager that crosses her path (who is probably having sex) in the name of her son??
May 6th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
My favorite revenge movie is Memento which adds an incredible degree of ambiguity and ambivalence to the standard revenge-oriented plot stew.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Don’t know if it was mentioned but the Count of Monte Cristo is an amazing revenge story. I think it was originally a book though. The newer movie made this decade with Guy Pierce and James Caviezel is excellent.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
what about dead mans shoes i thought that was quite a decent film.i mean getting revenge on people who tormented a younger brother must make a good film, but what ever floats ya boat:P
May 6th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
old, old movie, was called freak show, was famous for actually using, um, differently abled persons, and they did get their revenge…
May 6th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Good to see Kill bill on here as i think its one of the only ones i have seen.
I think Sin city and The second Half of the hills have eyes remake had a great feel to them as far as the revenge theme goes
May 6th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I agree w/ comment #107, Brick is a great revenge movie in a sort of neo-noir, high school drug scene way… Seems like there’d be some place for a classic noir movie… And recommendations?
May 6th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Some of the movies suggested here, like Braveheart or Princess Bride, while great movies, don’t seem to me to be primarily revenge movies, even if that is part of the plot.
A real revenge movie makes you want so scream “kick his *ss!” when the bad guy finally gets it.
I think Kill Bill was too over the top silly to be a real revenge movie.
The Punisher should have replaced KB, and deserves a top ten spot.
Man on Fire – I thought was exceptional, mostly because of the ending.
Enough with JLo should get honorable mention – not a great film, but you definitely want to see some *ss kicking get done.
Conan was a revenge film, and I love it, but I don’t think it was a strong enough film to be top ten – I mean, the acting was, um, vintage Arnold. Need I say more? “CaliFAWnia”
May 6th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
No Godfather? The entire first movie deals with revenge and I believe that Coppola and Puzo illustrated the Sicilian ideology, concerning revenge, “an eye for an eye” beautifully. But I do concede that revenge isn’t the premise of the saga but nonetheless it plays a huge role in explaining Italian-Americans (especially Sicilians) and the origins of the Mafia.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
One of my favorite scenes of revenge isn’t on this list and it actually includes someone that you don’t normally think of exacting revenge – Superman.
Who DOESN’T get chills when Superman turns the tables on General Zod at the end of Superman II and, instead of kneeling before Zod, crushes his hand, picks him up effortlessly and hurls him across the Fortress of Solitude to fall to his death, all while the rousing Superman theme blares. Mess with SUPERMAN, will ya?!?!?
Hell yeah! Get goosebumps just thinking of it.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Dogville – Not the most interesting movie ever, but I enjoyed the revenge in it.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Once Upon a Time in the West and Virgin Spring are cinematic masterpieces! Glad you included them, most wouldn’t have even heard of those movies, let alone put them on a list like this. A lot of these movies have been on my to-see list.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Kill Bill was a great movie, while I’ve only seen a few of those on the list that one I liked. Not to keen on the subsidiary Kill Bill II
May 6th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
I would say Don Giovanni, but it’s not really a movie, unless you count video recordings.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
I absolutely love Man on Fire and Kill Bill.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Revenge scene from Reno 911:
“HA it’s me! I’m back! I’m here to take revenge!”
“Who?”
“It’s Kyle! I’m here to take revenge. Just spent 5 years in prison… You put me there. Remember me now?”
“No, ehm, nope.”
May 6th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
I have never seen Straw Dogs, but Hoffman’s performance in THe Graduate was exceptional. Excellent list, it prompted me to sign up to this site!
May 6th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Sweet list! I’ve only seen a few, definitely going to check out the others now!
May 6th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Matt: argh! I forgot Dogville – one of the best (and chilling) revenge scenes in recent film history!
May 6th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Bucslim; You are absolutely correct about Who’s eating Gilbert Grape? I didn’t mind him in Titanic either. (Although 3 hours to cry at the end?)
For you folks who didn’t like Kill Bill 2. How can you not love the fight in the trailer scene. It was so violent and painful looking. You could almost feel the trailer shake, and the eye/toe thing?
Mai Pei? The five point palm exploding heart technique? Great stuff!
May 6th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Straw dogs and Oldboy are both excellent films,highly recommended.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
thank goodness Carrie is in this list because when i saw the words ‘revenge’ and ‘movie’ in one sentence i thought of that film immediately!
Nice one
Also, props to putting Kill Bill in there… I thought there would be like at least 3 volumes but i guess i was wrong! hehe
May 6th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Ah… Looks like I’m going to be having a movie marathon this weekend!!!
May 6th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Sorry if someone already mentioned this, not going to read 200+ posts… but what about Sleepers, I personaly thought that was one of the best revenge flicks I have seen in a long time.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
I keep thinking that Ch. Bronson movies are jokes…never liked them, just saw one. I´m waitin to see Oldboy…these japs seem like very revengefully people, jajjaja
May 6th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
…by the way, Straw Dogs is an excellent book to read, I’d definately recommend it.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I’d have put the crow on the list, and pretty high up. love story and revenge story wrapped in one, that surpasses even the bonds of death? that’s a bit better of a story, imo, than just about anything on here.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Where is The Count of Monte Cristo? That is the epitomy of a revenge film.
Carrie is the only one on the list I can remember. That was a good film, and even better for alone, late at night.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Jono- agreed on the count of monte cristo, loved thaat movie and book =)
May 6th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I’ve only seen three of these movies. I didn’t care for Kill Bill, but Mad Max and Carrie are very good movies. I do want to see Once Upon a Time in the West and Virgin Spring as well.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
gotta agree with Lucky number slevin…one of the greatest movies i’ve seen in the last 10 years, and the entire thing is based on revenge.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
this is annoying. I finally registered, logged in, and it only keeps me logged in when I’m not viewing a list. Makes me ineligible for the contest because I can’t actually show up as logged in unless I’m on the main page.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
ah, there we go. I don’t see the fascination with death note, either. bronson has always seemed to me to be a vaguely mediocre actor with only one facial expression.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
what about Cape Fear? I’ve only seen the remake, but robert de niro was absolutely amazing in that movie
May 6th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Hey! don’t forget Thriller: A Cruel Picture, witch is a classic, or The Count of Monte Cristo!
Also, Tarantino’s Death Proof is, at least in the second part, pretty much like a revenge flick =P
AHhh! And I also loved the fact that you put Once Upon A Time In The West in your list, because that’s the most epic, brillant and badass revenge movie of all! And (I think) it’s the best movie ever made. Period.
Great Site!
May 6th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
I would have to give props to Memento, a great revenge movie with a powerful backwards structure, cinematics, and actors.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Gangs of New York! How on earth did I forget to include that??? It was a fabulous film, and one of absolute revenge. I completely loved it.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Man, I might have to go rent Old Boy again. That movie is so freakin good!
Keep in mind, it’s nothing like your typical Hollywood shlock (all peaks & no valleys). It’s a real story with really decent plot development and characters.
Look out for the hallway and hammer scene!!!!!!
May 6th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Admittedly I didn’t read all the comments so these may be repeats, but How about Braveheart?
May 6th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
What? No Clint Eastwood western?
May 6th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Good List. I’ve seen about half of them, and enjoyed them too. If you make a second list Jamie, here is a few suggestions…
1. The Punisher – The 2004 version and not that unmentionable one from the 80’s
2. The Outlaw Josey Wales
3. Hang ‘em High with Clint Eastwood
4. Onk Bak or The Protector – both of Tony Jaa’s movies kicked ass. Literally.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Juan: Oldboy is Korean, and it is a great film! Definitely recommend it.
I’m guessing Oldboy is sort of like the Korean term for “Alumnus” or “Alumni?” Can anybody who’s seen the film reiterate?
Lecter7337: I definitely have to agree that Once Upon a Time in the West is the BEST movie I have ever seen and will probably ever see. Period.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I’ve never seen the last 5 but the first 5 I love. These movies are so classic, well some of them are. I can’t think of any that would add to make another list. I think its cool about the DVD reward based on comments. Very cool Jamie!
May 6th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Is it sad the only one I’ve seen is Carrie? That was one of the first scary movies I’ve ever seen, and I love both versions of it.
I really want to watch Kill Bill, though.
May 6th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Almost any of the afterthought films would have been a better choice than “Man on Fire,” a popcorn movie at best. At least you left out the kevin bacon ham & chesse….
May 6th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Xavier,
Oldboy = Old pal
May 6th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
im sry if someone also metioned this but the punisher is definately a great revenge movie.
I also think death wish was good and funny
May 6th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I have to admit I really liked Man on Fire. and Old boy is just a fantastic choice….
May 6th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Harakiri (1962…also known as Seppuku)is a great samurai revenge flick. The story simmers slowly at first but the epic ending is one hell of a pay-off!
May 6th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Good list- only movie I’ve seen is Carrie, and I preferred the book to the movie…but it’s still a good one.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
I love Christopher Walken..but he was not needed to make Man on Fire as good a movie as it was.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Good List, easily expandable to many more.
Road House
Next of Kin
Revenge of the Nerds
Braveheart
May 6th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
I was going to flip out at the lack of Monte Cristo, but the fact that Revenge of the Nerds I or II is totally absent is just… sickening. I don’t know that to say.
However, I might watch There Will Be Blood to get some vengeance. In that way, it should be #1.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Hmm.. the only one of these I’ve seen is Carrie which is just about the greatest revenge scene I can imagine.
Would really love to see Oldboy and Kill Bill.
Also, glad to see The Crow is in Notable Omissions. Brandon Lee is fantastic in that, rest his soul.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
i was unaware that payback was a remake. and also, i don’t think kill bill should be that high on the list
May 6th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Also, on this statement:
“I had to include it because it has Christopher Walken in it – and any film with him is a film worth watching.”
I’d just like to direct your thoughts to Balls of Fury.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Love, love, love that you included both Old Boy and Carrie. Love that others mentioned Revenge of the Nerds and Office Space. But, have to throw it out there: Leon (The Professional). Mathilda’s desire for revenge is a huge part of that film, as is Leon’s(although his is coupled with defending Mathilda), leading to both characters’ redemption.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
lucky number slevin is a VERY underrated movie, one of my favorite movies actually. should definitely check it out in terms of a revenge movie, I saw it mentioned in the comments but I second that (or third or more, I didn’t scroll through all the comments) strongly. Kill Bill was a great choice on the list too. Office Space was a great addition in the comments haha, I know all of us feel that movie at some point.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
i swear i cannot watch the scene where carrie get pads and tampons thrown at her without cringing..i can see why she got her revenge
May 6th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
You know, any movie with its main plot as revenge can’t fail. Revenge is just awesome.
I saw Braveheart was mentioned. That’s big time revenge. That’s killing thousands of Englishmen revenge. Same can be said for The Patriot.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Pretty sweet list, another cool revenge movie is momento.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
It kinda amazes me the mention of “Office Space” by a number of folks. To think, the obscure film by the famed photographer, Cindy Sherman would strike accord or even remembered for that fact…..What’s that? Oh wait!,haha,
“Office Killer”
thats it. but is it revenge? I cant remember.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
why the hell isn’t Payback on here?
May 6th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Do you think Ocean’s Eleven counts as a revenge movie seeing as how he’s getting back at the casino owner for dating his wife? If it qualifies I think it should be up there, but I’ve never watched any of the other movies for comparison.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
The entire Nightmare on Elm Street series.
That entire franchise is based on revenge, and the first one is pretty damn awesome.
Same can be said for Jason. The first Jason was pretty good too.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
surf nazis! its about a grandma who takes on a gang of surfer nazis who killed her son
May 6th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
forgetting Revenge of the Nerds
May 6th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
I’ve never actually seen any of these movies!
May 6th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
purdnasty: Isn’t the full title, “Surf Nazies Must Die!”
Troma right?
I never saw it but allways saw the video tape in the store on the shelf collecting dust. It would really mean something to me, if you told me that Annette Funochello (horrible spelling, i know) and Frankie Avalon made their appeance in Surf Nazis.
No no, I dont mean that.
“Surf Nazis Must Die!” makes me think of the tee shirt “Die Yuppie Scum!”
May 6th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Good choices, although I maintain that The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly should be on this list.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Also, to reimburse Nightmare on Elm Street, it’s one thing to kill those who wronged you, but it’s completely freaking insane to kill the kids of those who wronged you.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Hey jfrater, how about a list of the top 10 movies based on a book or based on a true story? Or top 10 books made into movies but shouldn’t have?
May 6th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
No one thinks the “Godfather” saga could compete with the movies on this list?
May 6th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
High Plains Drifter is one of my favorite revenge movies……making the town pay for what they did to him, and the various ways he humilated them while they were at his mercy, counting on him to save them.awesome.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Hey! don’t forget Thriller: A Cruel Picture, witch is a classic, or The Count of Monte Cristo!
Also, Tarantino’s Death Proof is, at least in the second part, pretty much like a revenge flick =P
AHhh! And I also loved the fact that you put Once Upon A Time In The West in your list, because that’s the most epic, brillant and badass revenge movie of all! And (I think) it’s the best movie ever made. Period.
Great Site!
May 6th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Looks like the 70’s were the golden age for revenge flicks, as well as for general badassery. I will definitely see some of these. Nice list!
May 6th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Ok now I am not going to go through the whole list of cooments to see but has any one thrown a fir that Count of Monte Cristo was not included? I know it should be at least be an honorable mention.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
I used your handy dandy search and found it. I new it wasn’t just a deja vu. Straw Dogs was number 2 on the Top 10 Worst Neighbours in Movies. I still say I now need to see it since it popped up twice within a 3 month period.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
cowboygirl: I second that
May 6th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
i agree with juggz. ‘the count’ definitely deserves mention.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
I love both kill bill and mad max, I’ve heard about oldboy, but I think I will not stand it (I get terribly scared with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, so I don’t think that Oldboy is a good movie for me to watch)
May 6th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
i haven’t seen any of these movies but i really REALLY wanna see carrie now.
to netflix! AWAY!!!
May 6th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
This is just about the best film list ever on Listverse. I think that you didn’t leave any out that were truly great.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
V for Vendetta!!!
May 6th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
I can’t believe Gangs of New York was omited!
May 6th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
this has probably been mentioned but the Count of Monte Cristo or the Princess Bride!
May 6th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
No Four Brothers love? What’s wrong with you! Four Brothers FTW!
May 6th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
I second the vote for Sweeney Todd.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Why is Kill Bill higher than OldBoys
Other then that good list!
May 6th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Great List. I have seen most of the movies on it. I would agree that Sweeney Todd and Four Brothers would have been good additions to the list.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
I think that of course Revenge of the Nerds should get an honorable LMAO
I haven’t read all of the comments yet so I don’t know if this one has been mentioned or not, (Jamie I know it was another list so probably why not on this list), I just have to bring up Cape Fear……really good movie and the motive is deff. revenge!!!
May 6th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
I believe #7 has a typo “his suspicious become confirmed”. Shouldn’t that be “his suspicions become confirmed”?
May 6th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
jfrater – yeah I’ve seen them, but not in awhile, but I did watch them both today, as well as Mad Max (it was hidden behind some old kid movies and Dr. Zhivago?). I had a revenge movie marathon today! I love my days off of work.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
If we don’t get this comment thread over 300, there will be Hell to pay.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
there will be no hell to pay here…
May 6th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Weird movies. But cool
May 6th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
V for Vendetta should definitely be on there, fabulous movie, although it does have a plot quite varied from your average ‘revenge’ movie.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
*dang I submited before I was done.
Cool list, Carrie is such a crazy movie to me thats really the only one I’ve seen.Have wanted to see Man on Fire and Kill Bill but I didn’t know they were revenge movies.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Has anybody mentioned MOBY DICK?
May 6th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
bah, killbill is crap. its obvious that in real life miss thurman would have been torned to pieces by the weakest henchman, the movie suffers fro the buffy-syndrome.
a man apart should have been here. not a fan of diesel but that movie was quite good.
get carter is decidedly one of the best up there.
May 6th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
I gotta agree with Sleepers being one of the best revenge movies ever. An excellent cast, and relatively tame violence. I like that they deliver the message there are worse things to do than just killing the people they’re taking to task.
Memento is another great, bizarre revenge movie. If you haven’t seen it, don’t watch it drunk. That’s all I have to say about that
Quentin Taratino’s Hero might have a place on here, though you only realize for about 3 minutes in the movie that it’s all an elaborate setup for a revenge killing
Just thought I’d throw in a couple cents,
/Bob
May 7th, 2008 at 12:57 am
Wow – we hit the 300 mark then everyone went quiet!
May 7th, 2008 at 1:36 am
im sorry, but where is the crow?
i have never heard anyone say they didnt like it after seeing it. It is one of the best revenge movies i have ever seen.
May 7th, 2008 at 1:38 am
by the way, i didnt really clarify the point
mostly because i didnt read omissions, haha
it defidentally deserves to be higher than a honorable mention
May 7th, 2008 at 2:21 am
Great list!
I’d like to suggest Bad Lieutenant as a great revenge movie. I know that it is ulitmately a redemption movie, but one could argue that his original intent was revenge.
So, even though the redemption negates the revenge aspect, Keitel’s acting trumps all. The depths of his drug-addled madness are not something to be trifled with, and you don’t want to be on the receiving end of any of that.
May 7th, 2008 at 2:27 am
What about the second story of “three…extremes” named “cut” directed by Park Chan-wook of oldboy fame.
May 7th, 2008 at 2:35 am
I read through the comments again…
I guess the trick to a good revenge movie is proportionality. Does the initial wrong justify the level of revenge?
Do we give the hero points for creativity in carrying out his revenge? If he goes over the top (“I’m gonna burn his house down and kill his family, friends, his dog and his third grade teacher!”) does it take something away?
Also, what about ‘humiliation’ revenge? Don’t kill the guy, but leave him penniless, alone, etc? Think Trading Places!
May 7th, 2008 at 3:24 am
Holy shit this list exploded over night!
About Tony Jaa’s two movies, Ong Bak could certainly warrant a mention, but The Protector wasn’t the best of movies, and only get credibility for that one amazingly awesome, long fight scene… Still, they’d been overlooked completely so far, so well done mentioning them!
May 7th, 2008 at 3:27 am
jfrater: what do you expect! people are only in it for the competition! nah, only joking mate, I think this list would’ve gotten about as much credibility even if you hadn’t mentioned the prize… next time, you should offer a prize but not tell anyone about it and see what happens!
May 7th, 2008 at 3:28 am
also… how about the movie Kung Fu Hustle?? i thought it was hilarious !!
May 7th, 2008 at 3:53 am
i feel sorry for the guy having to exclude the ones that are off-topic. kinda like this post.
May 7th, 2008 at 3:57 am
@ 315:
yeah! thats definately a revenge-movie! didnt even think of that since its so unserious. amazing how they used bluescreen and dubbed over an old chinese martial arts movie. very innovative way of making a movie.
wow, thats a lotta nuts!! (its funnier when he yells it in arabic. XD)
May 7th, 2008 at 4:06 am
I’d put Sin City on the list, just for the Marv part and also Batman Begins should be in on a technicality, and forgive me but the Lion King is also a pretty graphic revenge movie.
May 7th, 2008 at 4:11 am
I’ve actually never seen Oldboy, but I’ve heard some awesome things about it.
I’m surprised that “Gladiator” “Gangs of New York” “Memento” and “The Count of Monte Cristo” are not on here as well. Haha.
May 7th, 2008 at 4:15 am
Some mentions I of ‘revenge’ movies I see in the comments are movies with revenge. Though, most of these movies with revenge in them are excellent, it’s not the main plot.
I still say Nightmare on Elm Street. I mean come on! Killing the kids of those who wronged you?? That’s some serious shit.
May 7th, 2008 at 4:45 am
Where’s “The Count of Monte Cristo”
May 7th, 2008 at 4:47 am
I’m excited to see the number one in the list(with The Count of Monte Cristo in my head) but im disappointed.
May 7th, 2008 at 4:53 am
Count of Monte Cristo should be number ONE
May 7th, 2008 at 5:01 am
when i opened the list i was saying to myself, “kill bill better be on here, and high”. excellent movie with some amazingly choreographed fight scenes and classic tarantino dialogue.
i had never heard of old boy until i stumbled upon listverse. i bought it, loved it, and now it is being passed along among my friends. brutal revenge flick.
lucky number slevin is a great notable ommission.
excellent list.
May 7th, 2008 at 5:09 am
CFAustin: I think Freddy Krueger misdirected his revenge. He shoulda gone for the parents! Now, those teens he killed have reason to get revenge on him…
May 7th, 2008 at 5:10 am
DiscHuker: Lucky Number Slevin is awesome. I love the little routine Bruce Willis does with the wheelchair. Very Tarantine.
Awful name though.
May 7th, 2008 at 5:11 am
*Tarantino
May 7th, 2008 at 5:13 am
I just remembered Mean Creek. Like Stand By Me, but more adult.
May 7th, 2008 at 5:16 am
romerozombie: Well, what’s worse than death? Having a loved one killed only so that you will suffer for the rest of your life. That’s revenge.
May 7th, 2008 at 5:18 am
By the way, I think we’re all a bunch of sick freaks. We are obviously infatuated with revenge.
May 7th, 2008 at 5:20 am
CfAustin.: good point. Didn’t think of it like that. I met Robert Englund once. I went totally fanboy and just smiled insanely at him.
May 7th, 2008 at 5:22 am
CFAustin.: I don’t think we’re sick. It’s natural to want revenge. Ever found yourself straining your neck to look at a carwreck as you pass by, hoping to catch a glimpse of a severed limb? That’s totally natural, too.
I think people need to accept their natural darkness. Don’t hurt anyone because I said that though. Peace out.
May 7th, 2008 at 5:35 am
Disc – Lady Vengeance is as good if not better than Oldboy, look for it.
May 7th, 2008 at 5:44 am
what about Braveheart? it wasn’t the main intention of the movie, but it was for William Wallace.
he wanted to start a family and the english ruined that for him, thus he set out on a path of revenge. oh, and all the other stuff like fighting for freedom and what not i guess lol
May 7th, 2008 at 5:49 am
Pity there aren’t any movies where the protagonists have their targets lives in their hands…and just choose not to take revenge and instead forgive.
Great lesson in moral fortitude, but it’d never sell tickets.
May 7th, 2008 at 6:04 am
That pic in Straw Dogs makes me think John Lennon is the one seeking revenge.
A hilariously contradictory concept, I think.
May 7th, 2008 at 6:09 am
I look at some of the titles that are being mentioned and then the title of the list. I guess “great” is a relative term. While I like Thomas Jane and “The Punisher” movie, it will never be considered great. Same goes for Roadhouse and Next of Kin. Watchable, but not “Great”
May 7th, 2008 at 6:19 am
Wait, does Hero count? Technically didn’t Jet Li go through all that trouble to get to the Emperor to exact some revenge for village ransacking? Or does it not count if he didn’t actually finish the deed… Dang..
May 7th, 2008 at 6:25 am
What about Blade? that movie is awesome, and it is about revenge?
May 7th, 2008 at 6:27 am
My favourite part of Blade is when Wesley Snipes gets jailed for tax evasion.
May 7th, 2008 at 6:46 am
What about “Death Sentence” and “Four Brothers” a remake of “The Sons of Katie Elder” another revenge movie. Otherwise great list get Carter and Death wish are awesome movies!
May 7th, 2008 at 7:03 am
What about “Braveheart”? Revenge is what sparks the whole uprising.
May 7th, 2008 at 7:11 am
PRIZE ANNOUNCEMENT
The following three randomly selected comments win the prize of one DVD of their own choice from this list of ten. Please email me: jamie at frater.com with your choice, name, username, and address for your prize.
196 – Barack Obama
310 – sporty_dan
66 – Kreachure
Congratulations!
May 7th, 2008 at 7:37 am
When oh when Lord will I ever win something?
May 7th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Fix. *huff*
May 7th, 2008 at 8:34 am
Barack Obama doesn’t need a DVD, he’s running for president so he is rich enough!
Congrats winners
May 7th, 2008 at 9:20 am
I would like to just add one more that no one mentioned. It’s one I’m a bit ashamed to like. I’ll say it anyway. It includes Katherine Heigl, Stephen Spielberg’s daughter, and a couple of other notables.
Valentine. There, I said it!
May 7th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Cool! I appreciate the win – an email is on its way with my info.
May 7th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Kill Bill is the best. Hey another good one is The Crow.
May 7th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Shit! I forgot one. Has anybody ever seen the Open Range? The gunfight in the end is incredible. Pure revenge.
May 7th, 2008 at 10:06 am
All of these are great but an honourable mention surely must go to Dead Man’s Shoes.
May 7th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Dead Man’s Shoes = ultimate revenge film!
May 7th, 2008 at 11:10 am
jayfray and others:
what an appropriate shirt for all listversers to wear. (after purchasing some LV shirts, of course)
http://www.bustedtees.com/Wikipedia?utm_medium=EMail&utm_source=050608&utm_campaign=Wikipedia
May 7th, 2008 at 11:27 am
You should have had “Payback” starring mel Gibson on here. Good movie which is all about revenge and a slightly twisted set of justice.
May 7th, 2008 at 11:40 am
I So have to Watch Kill Bill, i keep forgetting to get it!
May 7th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Kill Bill is decent.
May 7th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Totally respect this list because of your inclusion of Man on Fire. That movie did not skimp when it came to revenge. Visceral. I also think The Brave One would be a nice inclusion for a female perspective. I wouldn’t call Carrie a revenge flick, she didn’t fight back until the very last.
May 7th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
D’oh, I almost didn’t notice the winners
Thanks! 
May 7th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
oh my god, it’s just too bad that i’ve only seen kill bill vol. 1 from this list
May 7th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
the movie version of the count of monte cristo isn’t on here? it’s the greatest revenge story ever told, regardless of media…
May 7th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Don’t you think Hard Candy should have made the list (#2 at the lowest!) ? It’s by far one of the best movies I’ve seen, and the whole ambiguity in the motive of the vigilantess (Ellen Page) makes it even greater!
May 7th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
oh yeah hard candy def should of made the list
May 7th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
glad to see I Spit In Your Grave in the notables..
that movie is fucked up.
probably the most graphic and horrific rape scenes ever. these guys meet this woman in the woods while camping (the woman is an author and is at a cabin writing a book) and these three guys “kidnap” her, beat her and rape her several times (it actually shows her getting raped..and the rape scenes are like 5 minutes long each, its rank.). and a few years later she comes back, and finds the guys and kills them all. She takes the “leader” of the group out on a “date” and takes him back to her cabin where they get into a bath together and she starts giving him a handy, and then she cuts of his penis and locks him in the bathroom to bleed to death.
probably one of the sickest movies i’ve ever seen.
May 7th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Straw Dogs is an outstanding movie…extremely violent and some pretty rough scenes..but absolutely outstanding!!!!
May 8th, 2008 at 12:41 am
How about Dinner Rush? “Revenge is a dish best served cold.”
Great small film!
May 8th, 2008 at 12:57 am
Indie british film “Dead Mans Shoes” is THE definitive realistic revenge movie, gritty as all get get out and set in…wait for it….A quaint but somewhat desolate english village.
Far too realistic due to the fact I felt like I knew some of these people.
Fantastic
May 8th, 2008 at 12:59 am
As soon as I saw the title of this list, I said to myself,”Okayyyy. Lets see, where’s Carrie gonna rank?” A violent rampage with guns and other worldly weapons to exact revenge is one thing, but being driven to the brink of insanity upon which she brings wanton death with her mind is just awesome, if not scary. Her highly reserved and innocent demeanor preceding her rage makes it that much better.
For some reason, when I think about that scene, as she is hit with the pig’s blood, I can just hear Tony Montana’s voice: “YOU WANNA PLAY ROUGH!? OKAY!”
May 8th, 2008 at 11:01 am
i love kill bill,when i first so it i was so impressed.and i like all quintin terantino movies.
NICE LIST!!
May 8th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
I fully agree that the Crow, V for Vendetta, and Gangs of New York should have high places on the list.
I can’t believe no one has mentioned Kung Pow.
“And beware his song about big butts, he beats people up while he plays it!”
May 8th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
i believe the godfather should be in this list. it’s one of the greatest films ever and an excellent revenge film as well.
you just gotta love the way michael corleone avenged his entire family.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Death Sentence with Kevin Bacon should be on this list too..
May 9th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Cant believe no one listed Silent Hill
May 9th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
I would have assumed Monte Cristo would have been number 1…
May 10th, 2008 at 12:12 am
What about Ocean’s Thirteen?
May 11th, 2008 at 5:01 am
The Outlaw Josey Wales seems like an obvious omission.
-cb
May 11th, 2008 at 9:46 am
IF you CARE one of the best of ALL is “BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK” there is revenge for the dead and living alike also it has cinematography that stands up to ANY before or after – DO watch the wide screen version.
May 11th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
…WHERE IS THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO?
Very disappointed.
May 11th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
I would have to say that all of these movies are great and this list could have gone on for at least a top 50. One that I have yet to see posted since some seem that Horror flicks were ignored as some other posters have noted, My personal revenge cheezy movie fave is 1980’s Mother’s Day. Kind of appropo for today. As always, great list.
May 12th, 2008 at 7:33 am
How about Hard Candy?
Its everything you always wanted to do to a pedophile. (though I do think he got off light on the torture, there wasn’t nearly enough.) Might make you boys cringe though. Kill Bill is my fave revenge movie. Who knew Uma could kick ass?!
May 12th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Put me on the bandwagon for “I Spit On Your Grave” — the ONE movie no one should ever watch in the company of their mother, no matter how cool a Mom she is. Hell, it’s tough watching that movie in ANYBODY’S company!
Now I’ll throw out another candidate: “Falling Down.”
Michael Douglas takes revenge on our entire screwed-up society… everyone can relate to having one truly bad day.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
I was going to complain about The Count of Monte Cristo not being on here as it is the ULTIMATE revenge story and has been adapted to film several times. But not wanting to read through the almost-400 comments, I just did a search for the words and found that many, many other people complained about the same thing.
Honestly this isn’t a very well thought-out list at all. There are a lot of greats that were missed. There should most definitely be a follow-up list.
May 13th, 2008 at 4:00 am
There is the not well known revenge movie “Lady Beware.” A woman is harrassed by an obsessed stalker. She gets revenge by stalking him back, ruining his personal life, then trapping him for the police.
I barely remember it. We only went to see it because my mom was in it as an extra. (haha)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093379/maindetails
May 13th, 2008 at 8:55 am
ARG!! Count of Monte Cristo? Excellent movie, im suprised its not here. Kudos on leaving out Gladiator…terrible piece of crap
May 14th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
I wholeheartedly agree with cheapswill. The Vengeance series by the Korean guy was far and above most other revenge movies. I can do without Denzel most of the time, although Man On Fire was decent.
May 15th, 2008 at 5:27 am
epic set of comments jfrater..
Munich, Eric Bana owned that role, almost as good as Chopper.
The Limey, Terence Stamp was awesome
and what about Memento?
May 15th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
I’m happy you put in Oldboy as part of the Revenge trilogy…for anyone who liked that, make sure you go check out Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, and the same title but with a Mrs…that’s the entire series and it’s twisted and awesome!
May 16th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Are you kidding!? Payback! its in the title for crying out loud!!!
May 17th, 2008 at 7:53 am
My number 1 revenge movie is Buried Alive with Tim Matheson from 1990. May not have the best acting or any special effects but the way he gets his revenge is brilliant and a perfect fit to the crime. I also just rented Shattered with Pierce Brosnan at redbox. It never ran in theaters but it is an awesome revenge movie.
WOW! I can’t believe the number of comments on here!
May 20th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Holy shit. Why has nobody said anything about “A Time to Kill” with Samuel L. Jackson? It was the first movie I thought of when I saw the name of this list
May 21st, 2008 at 12:43 pm
ummm.. COUNT OF MONTY CRISTO???? What the crap? how can you leave that off?
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:25 pm
History of Violence – that should be on that list
May 24th, 2008 at 3:55 am
WebGoodies411 – My number 1 revenge movie is Buried Alive with Tim Matheson from 1990. May not have the best acting or any special effects but the way he gets his revenge is brilliant and a perfect fit to the crime. I also just rented Shattered with Pierce Brosnan at redbox. It never ran in theaters but it is an awesome revenge movie.
Isn’t buried alive where his wife used that poison from the fish ovaries to kill him and it didnt work and he ended up coming back to get her and her lover the doctor??
I love that movie and its really weired because I am very claustrophobic and I have a hard time watching anyone being buried alive or anything like that in a movie but for some reason I really like that movie I am going to have to go and rent it now just so i can watch it again!!
Deff an excellent revenge movie
May 24th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Strangely the first movie I thought of was “Trading Places” — a comedy but also good revenge.
May 25th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Not sure if anyone has mentioned this film already but “Dead Man’s Shoes” with Paddy Considine is a fanastic and bleak revenge film which is very moving at the end.
May 30th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
why is v for vendetta not here? the title itself speaks of revenge.
June 3rd, 2008 at 10:19 am
Sweeny tood and the count of monte cristo should be on here
June 3rd, 2008 at 10:19 am
todd*
June 4th, 2008 at 6:11 am
You’ve gotta see “The Bride Wore Black” by Francois Truffuat. Quentin Tarantino ripped off this whole plotline–if not the aesthetic–for “Kill Bill”.
June 7th, 2008 at 6:17 am
Very well constructed list, however I would have Gladiator in the top three along side V for Vendetta which is a modern classic.
June 8th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I love man on fire.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:17 am
how the hell could you leave out the count of monte cristo?? this guy gets sent to jail by his best friend who then steals his wife then goes out hellbent on destroying the guy
June 20th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Falling Down would be there for me.
June 24th, 2008 at 12:20 am
throw The Crow in there… absolute ripper
July 12th, 2008 at 6:41 am
gr8t list………watched oldboy, kill bill n’ carrie, if i get the chance i’ll try to watch the others, they seem to be good suggestions. There is one movie i think needs to be added atleast as a notable omission – ‘Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance’
August 19th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
A brilliant revenge flick is Dead Mans Shoes check it out if you haven’t seen it!
December 26th, 2008 at 1:01 am
You forgot “Thriller – a cruel picture”. That movie inspired Quentin Tarantino into making Kill Bill, but “Thriller” is far more violent.
January 4th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
count of monte cristo and sleepers
January 28th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
what about ‘Lady Vengeance’? Not quite as good as Old boy, but still could be in there.
February 12th, 2009 at 10:03 am
aww what about braveheart? thats a really good one =]
March 9th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
So pleased to see I Spit on your grave, recieved notable mentions. So many people mistake it for a snuff film – and i suppose in many senses it may reflect that, but the end is definatley one of the best revenge scenes ever!
They didnt call it AKA Day of the Woman, for no reason
March 9th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
What about A Time To Kill?
I think it’s at least worthy of a mention, that’s an amazing movie.
March 30th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Rolling Thunder is the best revenge movie.
March 30th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Also, Dead Man’s Shoes, Orca (silly premise but awesomely executed) and I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (has a lot of flaws but amazing performances).
April 2nd, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Ingmar Bergman’s “The Virgin Spring” (1960), Wes Craven’s “The Last House on the Left” (1972), David DeFalco’s “Chaos” (2005) and now Dennis Iliadis’ remake of the 1972 film, also titled “The Last House on the Left.” are all inspired by the same 13th century Swedish folk ballad.
April 12th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Was wondering if anyone knew the name of a certain flick. It’s in the revenge category, and I’ve never seen it but always wanted to. Doubtful if it would make the top ten but here’s the idea. Guy is a huge star his family starts to get fallowed everywhere by these few media guys ends up causing a car crash were I believe the wife dies or is at the very least hurt, husband and star starts to take revenge on the guys for getting them into the accident.
April 13th, 2009 at 12:32 am
Ramza, I believe you’re thinking of Paparazzi. The only top ten list it would make would be a “top ten worst…” It is a truly awful movie, but if you want a good laugh, watch it.
April 13th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Okay, thanks Rumblefish. Figured it might be like that but gonna see it anyways, again thanks for your help.
May 15th, 2009 at 11:58 am
jFrator, second comment: not a dustin hoffman fan, what are you saying!?!?!?!?
May 23rd, 2009 at 1:56 pm
This may have already been mentioned, I am not going through 400+ posts to find out, but “The Last House on the Left” movie that came out a few months ago seems to be earily similar to the #8 post “The Virgin Spring.” Same concept but I’m sure that “The Virgin Spring” was better.
May 26th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Someone may have mentioned it, but I’d consider The Craft for this list.
June 1st, 2009 at 7:19 pm
The Count of Monte Cristo.
June 5th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
nfrillman- I think you may be the first to have mentioned The Craft, but had you not, I would have! Great movie! I would have to say Heathers may qualify as well. And then you have the funny ones (that were already mentioned) Revenge of the Nerds and 9 to 5.
June 21st, 2009 at 9:34 pm
The first film/book I thought of was “The Count of Monte Cristo”. It’s quite an underrated film that I enjoy very much.
However, I do agree with a previous poster that said the most recent version, along with it’s several remakes may not be strong enough to be on this list.
That said, it’s still a fantastic film.
June 22nd, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Um, yes, I can’t be arsed to read the comments so I’m not sure if anyone’s pointed this out yet, but in Carrie the teacher survives. It says no one escaped but some kids did, as well as the teacher.
And my fav revenge film is Sweeney Todd ^^
June 24th, 2009 at 10:02 am
I think Taken should be added to list, my favourite movie of last year and an excelent revenge film.
I strongly recomend you guys take a look.
June 29th, 2009 at 4:40 am
I have only seen two of the movies: oldboy and kill bill.
Not gonna put any spoilers but oldboy has a very twisted kind of revenge which is reflected so finely in the movie.
And like DELL said, Taken was a very satisfying movie. I too recommend it.
July 17th, 2009 at 12:24 am
double jeopardy is one
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:03 am
What about Sweeney Todd?
July 28th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
“i spit on you grave” a must see classic of revenge
August 5th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
my favorite of the list is man of fire i love it
August 21st, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Lucky Number Sleven.
Terrible name. Amazing story of revenge.
August 28th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
OK, probably not a “great”, but dammit, it’s was damn good to see those apes kick the crap out of those abusive humans in “Conquest of the Planet of the Apes”
“Last House on the Left” was a remake of the 1973(?) movie which DOES sound like a good plagarism of the “Virgin Spring”
Good picks all around! (But where’s Toxie?)
August 28th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Road To Perdition anyone???
August 30th, 2009 at 1:08 am
There is one film is a great revenge film.. Called “I spit on your grave”
Holy crap.. It’s really stomach churning to watch it but you cant help but raise your fist in victory after what she has done to her rapists..
August 31st, 2009 at 5:07 am
the best revenge i’ve seen yet was in „Hostel“ when the last guy who survived caught the main pervert (villain) in the bathroom, killed him and pulled off his fingers and etc. that was really disgusting but really fair. almost the only good part of the movie.
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:39 pm
nice list,,ohh…scott tenorman must die!!
September 5th, 2009 at 4:02 am
Sweeney Todd is the best revenge flick by far and is beautifully made. ^^^^^^^^^^
SWEENEY TODD FOR THE WINNNNNNNNNNNN
September 6th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
What about Death Sentence with Kevin Bacon? His son is killed in a random botched robbery so he sets out to find (and kill) his son’s murderer, which then prompts the “bad guys” to reciprocate in kind which leads Kevin to search them out and… well you get the point. It was a pretty good movie!
September 15th, 2009 at 5:39 am
were the hell is the Count of Monte Cristo???
September 23rd, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Man on wire is a modern classic
September 25th, 2009 at 3:25 am
Where’s In The Bedroom and The Count of Monte Cristo?
September 27th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
I’m very disappointed in myself. Of all of these, I’ve only seen Kill Bill!
September 29th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Taken with Liam Neeson…one of the best in my opinion
September 30th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
you forgot the count of monte cristo which is all about revenge and is my favoritr movie
September 30th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
and also taken
October 1st, 2009 at 4:51 am
Oh yes! Old boy is the best!
Nice list!
October 1st, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Decent list but there is one crucial movie that is missing. Not only is it the best movie of all time, it also happens to be the best revenge movie of all time. That of course is Gladiator.
October 25th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Dont forget “The Count of Monte Cristo” that movie gave me chills the revenge was so good.
November 21st, 2009 at 5:37 am
How about Steve McQueen’s western ‘Nevada Smith?’ One by one, McQueen tracks down the outlaw gang that killed his parents. When he learns one of the gang is locked up in a prison in the swamps of Louisiana, he gets himself arrested and sent to the prison, breaks the guy out of prison just so he can kill him.