Revenge is a dish best served cold, especially when it's for a friend. This curated list of 10 thrilling films dives into the dark, twisted paths of retribution, where loyalty and vengeance intertwine. These movies not only offer a rollercoaster of emotions but also showcase the lengths to which one might go to avenge a wronged friend. From psychological mind games to high-octane action, these films are a testament to the power of friendship and the thirst for justice.

Man on Fire (2004)
Description: John Creasy, a former CIA operative, becomes a bodyguard to a young girl, Lupita, and when she's kidnapped, he unleashes his fury not only for her but also for his friend who was killed.
Fact: The film was based on the novel by A.J. Quinnell, which was inspired by real-life events in Italy.


Oldboy (2003)
Description: After being mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years, Oh Dae-Su seeks revenge on those who wronged him, including his friend who was involved in his imprisonment.
Fact: The film's famous one-take hallway fight scene took 17 takes to get right.


The Equalizer (2014)
Description: Robert McCall, a retired black ops operative, comes out of retirement to save his friend Teri from the Russian mafia, setting off a chain of events that lead to his quest for vengeance.
Fact: Denzel Washington improvised much of his character's dialogue, including the famous line, "Time to meet the boss."


The Brave One (2007)
Description: Erica Bain, a radio host, turns vigilante after her fiancé and her dog are brutally attacked, seeking justice for her friend as well.
Fact: Jodie Foster was initially hesitant to take on the role due to its violent nature but was convinced by director Neil Jordan.


Taken (2008)
Description: Bryan Mills, a former CIA operative, uses his particular set of skills to rescue his daughter, but also avenges his friend who was killed by the same human trafficking ring.
Fact: Liam Neeson was not the first choice for the role; it was offered to several other actors before him.


Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
Description: Clyde Shelton seeks revenge for the murder of his family, but also for the betrayal of his friend, a prosecutor who failed to bring justice.
Fact: The film's plot was inspired by real-life events involving a man who killed his family and then went on a killing spree.


The Revenant (2015)
Description: Hugh Glass, left for dead by his friend John Fitzgerald, embarks on a grueling journey for survival and revenge, seeking justice for his son's murder.
Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio ate raw bison liver for a scene, which was real, to add authenticity to his performance.


John Wick (2014)
Description: After his dog, a final gift from his deceased wife, is killed by Russian mobsters, John Wick, a retired hitman, embarks on a path of revenge that also avenges his friend Marcus.
Fact: The film was originally pitched as "The Impossible Task," but was later renamed to honor the stuntman who died during the production of "The Matrix."


The Punisher (2004)
Description: Frank Castle, after losing his family, becomes The Punisher, seeking vengeance not only for his family but also for his friend who was killed by the same mobsters.
Fact: Thomas Jane, who played The Punisher, was a fan of the comic book character and lobbied for the role.


Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Description: The Bride, a former assassin, seeks revenge on her ex-colleagues who betrayed her, including her friend O-Ren Ishii.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be one movie, but due to its length, it was split into two volumes.
