Top 10 Crime Films About Personal Revenge

Description: Leonard Shelby, suffering from short-term memory loss, uses notes and tattoos to track down his wife's killer. This film's unique narrative structure makes it a standout in the revenge genre.

Fact: The film was shot in reverse chronological order, reflecting Leonard's memory loss. It has been widely praised for its innovative storytelling and has become a cult classic.

Description: John Creasy, a former CIA operative, becomes a bodyguard for a young girl in Mexico City. When she is kidnapped, his quest for revenge is both brutal and relentless.

Fact: The film is based on the novel by A.J. Quinnell, and its adaptation took several attempts before Tony Scott's version became a hit. Denzel Washington's performance was critically acclaimed.

Description: After being mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years, Oh Dae-Su is released and seeks revenge on those who stole his life. This South Korean film is known for its shocking twists and intense revenge narrative.

Fact: The film's famous single-take hallway fight scene took 17 takes to get right. It has been remade in Hollywood, but the original remains a benchmark in revenge cinema.

Description: Robert McCall, a retired CIA operative, comes out of retirement to save a young girl from the Russian mafia, leading to a brutal path of revenge. Denzel Washington's portrayal adds depth to this tale of vigilante justice.

Fact: The film is based on the 1980s TV series of the same name. Denzel Washington reportedly did not want to use a stunt double for the action scenes, performing many of them himself.

Description: After a brutal attack leaves her fiancé dead, Erica Bain, a radio host, takes justice into her own hands, becoming a vigilante in New York City. Jodie Foster delivers a powerful performance in this revenge drama.

Fact: The film was controversial for its portrayal of vigilantism, sparking discussions about the ethics of revenge. Jodie Foster's character was inspired by real-life stories of women taking justice into their own hands.

Description: Bryan Mills, a retired CIA agent, uses his particular set of skills to rescue his kidnapped daughter from human traffickers. This film epitomizes the theme of a father's revenge.

Fact: The film was a massive box office success, leading to two sequels. Liam Neeson's now-iconic line, "I will find you, and I will kill you," became a cultural phenomenon.

Description: Clyde Shelton, after the system fails him, takes justice into his own hands, targeting everyone involved in his family's murder case. This film explores the lengths one might go to for revenge.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events, including the case of a man who killed his wife and daughter and was later released on a technicality. It sparked debates about the justice system.

Description: Hugh Glass, a frontiersman, is left for dead by his companions after a bear attack. His journey for survival and revenge against those who betrayed him is both epic and visceral.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio won an Oscar for his role, and the film was shot under extremely harsh conditions, with the cast and crew enduring sub-zero temperatures.

Description: After losing his wife and having his car stolen, John Wick, a retired hitman, embarks on a path of vengeance against the mobsters who wronged him. This film is a masterclass in action and revenge storytelling.

Fact: The film was initially conceived as a low-budget action flick but became a cult classic, spawning a franchise. Keanu Reeves did most of his own stunts.

Description: A former assassin, known as The Bride, seeks revenge on her ex-colleagues who tried to kill her on her wedding day. This film is a homage to martial arts and spaghetti westerns, making it a standout in the revenge genre.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be one movie, but due to its length, it was split into two volumes. Quentin Tarantino drew inspiration from various sources, including the anime "Lady Snowblood."