If you loved the fierce revenge tale and striking visuals of Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts (2017), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 gripping movies and shows that share its themes of female empowerment, slow-burn tension, and cinematic artistry. Whether you crave more revenge sagas or atmospheric storytelling, these picks will satisfy your appetite.

Ms .45 (1981)
Description: A silent seamstress turns into a ruthless vigilante after repeated assaults, using her trauma as fuel for a one-woman war against male violence.
Fact: The film's stark, almost wordless first act heightens its impact. It became a cult classic for its unapologetic portrayal of female rage.


Thelma & Louise (1991)
Description: A road movie about two women who defy societal expectations and take violent action against oppression, culminating in a defiant, mythic ending.
Fact: The film's ending was debated intensely, with some viewing it as a triumph and others as tragic. It became a cultural touchstone for feminist cinema.


Lady Snowblood (1973)
Description: A stylized revenge story centered on a woman trained from birth to avenge her family's suffering, blending poetic violence with feminist undertones.
Fact: The manga-inspired visuals and freeze-frame techniques influenced later films like 'Kill Bill.' It was one of the first female-led revenge films in Japanese cinema.


Monster (2003)
Description: A harrowing biopic about a woman pushed to violence by systemic abuse and marginalization, framed as both perpetrator and victim.
Fact: The real-life case inspired heated debates about trauma and culpability. The film's makeup transformed its lead actress almost unrecognizably.


Hard Candy (2005)
Description: A psychological cat-and-mouse game where a young girl turns the tables on a predator, subverting expectations of victimhood with chilling precision.
Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days, with most scenes relying on intense dialogue. Its ambiguous ending sparked debates about justice and morality.


The Brave One (2007)
Description: A psychological exploration of a woman's descent into vigilantism after a traumatic attack, blurring the line between victim and avenger.
Fact: The film's title references a classic Western, subtly reframing the lone avenger trope through a female lens. It was initially conceived as a male-led story before being reworked.


I Spit on Your Grave (2010)
Description: A graphic revenge thriller where a victimized woman meticulously plans and executes vengeance against her attackers, emphasizing raw survival and retribution.
Fact: The remake toned down some of the original's exploitative elements while amplifying the protagonist's agency. It was criticized and praised in equal measure for its brutality.


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Description: A hacker with a traumatic past exacts brutal revenge while aiding an investigation, merging noir mystery with visceral payback.
Fact: The character Lisbeth Salander became an icon of feminist antiheroes. The Swedish and English adaptations were both critically acclaimed.


The Nightingale (2018)
Description: A brutal revenge tale set against a colonial backdrop, featuring a female protagonist who seeks justice through violence after enduring severe trauma.
Fact: The film was shot entirely in Tasmania, using natural light to enhance its raw and visceral atmosphere. It sparked controversy for its unflinching depiction of violence.


Promising Young Woman (2020)
Description: A darkly comedic thriller about a woman orchestrating elaborate traps for predatory men, blending satire with grim justice.
Fact: The film's candy-colored visuals starkly contrast its violent themes. It won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
