Revenge is a dish best served cold, or so they say. These biopics delve into the lives of individuals who, driven by a thirst for justice or retribution, embark on journeys that are as thrilling as they are true. From historical vendettas to modern-day tales of vengeance, this collection offers a fascinating look at how revenge has shaped real-life stories. Each film in this list not only entertains but also provides a deep dive into the psyche of those seeking to right the wrongs done to them or their loved ones.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
Description: This classic Western involves a senator recounting his past, where he took credit for killing a notorious outlaw, sparking a tale of revenge and justice.
Fact: John Ford, the director, was known for his Westerns, and this film is often cited as one of his best.


The Untouchables (1987)
Description: Based on the true story of Eliot Ness and his team's efforts to bring down Al Capone, this film showcases the personal vendetta Ness has against Capone's criminal empire.
Fact: The film's famous "Untouchables" theme was composed by Ennio Morricone, known for his work on spaghetti Westerns.


The Hurricane (1999)
Description: This film tells the story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a boxer who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent nearly 20 years in prison before seeking justice and revenge against the system that wronged him.
Fact: Denzel Washington's performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.


The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)
Description: This adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' classic novel tells the story of Edmond Dantès, who is betrayed and imprisoned, only to escape and seek revenge on those who wronged him.
Fact: The film was shot in locations that closely resemble the settings described in the novel, including the Château d'If in Marseille.


The Prestige (2006)
Description: A tale of rivalry and revenge between two magicians in the late 19th century, where each seeks to outdo the other, leading to tragic consequences.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Christopher Priest, and the rivalry depicted was inspired by real-life magicians of the era.


The Eagle (2011)
Description: Set in Roman Britain, this film follows a young Roman officer seeking to restore his family's honor by recovering the lost Roman eagle standard, a symbol of Roman military pride, which was taken by the Picts.
Fact: The film was inspired by the historical disappearance of the Ninth Legion, though the story is fictionalized.


The Ghost Writer (2010)
Description: While not strictly a biopic, this film involves a ghostwriter who uncovers a conspiracy while working on the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister, leading to a quest for truth and revenge.
Fact: The film was directed by Roman Polanski, who himself was embroiled in a legal controversy, adding a layer of irony to the theme of revenge.


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Description: This adaptation of Stieg Larsson's novel features Lisbeth Salander, a hacker with a dark past, who teams up with a journalist to solve a decades-old murder, driven by her own need for revenge.
Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Rooney Mara's portrayal of Lisbeth.


The Revenant (2015)
Description: Based on the true story of Hugh Glass, a 19th-century frontiersman, this film showcases his brutal journey for survival and revenge after being left for dead by his companions.
Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio won his first Oscar for Best Actor for this role. The film was shot in harsh conditions, with DiCaprio eating raw bison liver for authenticity.


Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Description: While not a traditional biopic, Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" series draws inspiration from various revenge stories, including real-life events. It follows The Bride, a former assassin seeking vengeance against her ex-colleagues who betrayed her.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be one movie but was split into two volumes due to its length. Uma Thurman's character was inspired by the character of Beatrix Kiddo from the film "Lady Snowblood."
