Revenge Thrillers: 10 Films Where Justice is Personal

Description: John Creasy, a former CIA operative, takes on a job as a bodyguard for a young girl in Mexico City. When she is kidnapped, his quest to find her becomes a personal vendetta, fueled by the loss of his own family.

Fact: The film is based on the novel by A.J. Quinnell, which was also adapted into a film in

Description: Robert McCall, a former black ops operative, comes out of retirement to save a young girl from the Russian mafia, driven by the memory of his late wife. His quest for justice becomes a thrilling journey of vengeance.

Fact: Denzel Washington's character was inspired by the 1980s TV series of the same name. The film's director, Antoine Fuqua, also directed Washington in "Training Day."

Description: Arthur Bishop, a professional assassin, seeks revenge for his mentor's death, which indirectly involves his mentor's wife. His journey is one of skill, precision, and personal retribution.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1972 film of the same name, starring Charles Bronson. Jason Statham's character was originally played by Bronson.

Description: After her fiancé is brutally murdered, Erica Bain, a radio host, takes justice into her own hands, becoming a vigilante in New York City. Her journey is one of personal revenge and healing.

Fact: Jodie Foster was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance in this film. The movie explores themes of vigilantism and moral ambiguity.

Description: Bryan Mills, a retired CIA agent, uses his particular set of skills to rescue his kidnapped daughter, but his motivation is deeply rooted in the memory of his deceased wife, whose death he feels responsible for. This film is a quintessential revenge thriller with a personal twist.

Fact: Liam Neeson was not the first choice for the role of Bryan Mills; it was offered to several other actors before him. The film's success led to two sequels.

Description: Clyde Shelton, after his wife and daughter are murdered, takes the law into his own hands when the legal system fails him, leading to a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with the justice system.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events where individuals took justice into their own hands. Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler had to learn legal terminology for their roles.

Description: When his wife is wrongfully convicted of murder, John Brennan orchestrates an elaborate plan to break her out of prison, showcasing the lengths one will go to for love and justice.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 2008 French film "Anything for Her." Russell Crowe's character was originally played by Vincent Lindon in the French version.

Description: While not directly about revenge for a wife, Lisbeth Salander's quest for justice against those who wronged her and her friend, Mikael Blomkvist, involves themes of personal vengeance and retribution.

Fact: The film is based on the best-selling novel by Stieg Larsson. Rooney Mara's performance as Lisbeth Salander earned her an Academy Award nomination.

Description: A mysterious man seeks revenge for his wife's death, leading him on a path that intertwines with a grieving mother's search for her missing son, creating a complex web of vengeance and redemption.

Fact: The film is based on the novel by Harlan Coben. It was adapted for Netflix, featuring a global cast and setting.

Description: Frank Castle, a former FBI agent, becomes the vigilante known as The Punisher after his family, including his wife, is murdered. His relentless pursuit of justice for his family is the heart of this action-packed thriller.

Fact: Thomas Jane, who played Frank Castle, was a fan of the comic book character and lobbied for the role. The film's director, Jonathan Hensleigh, also wrote the screenplay.