If you love movies about justice, revenge, and action, then you might be a fan of vigilante movies. These are films where the protagonists take the law into their own hands and punish the criminals who have wronged them or others. Vigilante movies can be thrilling, violent, dark, or even funny, depending on the tone and style of the filmmakers. In this article, we will list 15 of the best vigilante movies that you can watch right now, from classics to modern gems.
Death Wish (1974)
The quintessential vigilante movie, Death Wish stars Charles Bronson as Paul Kersey, an architect who becomes a one-man army after his wife is killed and his daughter is raped by burglars. Kersey roams the streets of New York at night, gunning down muggers, rapists, and gangsters. The film was a huge hit in the 70s, tapping into the public's fear and frustration with rising crime rates. It spawned four sequels and a remake in 2018.
Taken (2008)
Liam Neeson became an action star at the age of 56 with this blockbuster thriller about a former CIA agent who uses his skills to rescue his daughter from human traffickers in Paris. Neeson's character, Bryan Mills, delivers one of the most iconic lines in action cinema: "I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you." The film was a surprise hit and launched a franchise with two more films and a TV series.
First Blood (1982)
The first and best film in the Rambo series, First Blood is a poignant commentary on the treatment of Vietnam War veterans. Sylvester Stallone plays John Rambo, a traumatized soldier who is harassed by a small-town sheriff and fights back using his survival instincts. Rambo doesn't want to kill anyone, but he is pushed to the limit by the cops who chase him through the woods. The film is a gripping and emotional action drama that showcases Stallone's acting abilities.
God Bless America (2011)
A dark comedy from writer-director Bobcat Goldthwait, God Bless America is about a middle-aged man and a teenage girl who bond over being disillusioned with modern American culture and go on a killing spree to protest against it. They target reality TV stars, rude people, conservative pundits, and other annoying figures. The film is a satirical and violent critique of the decline of civility and intelligence in society.
The Born Losers (1967)
The first movie featuring Billy Jack, a half-Navajo ex-Green Beret who defends a town from a violent biker gang. Billy Jack is a complex character who combines martial arts, spirituality, anti-authoritarianism, and individualism. He is played by Tom Laughlin, who also wrote and directed the film. The Born Losers is a sunbaked action movie that sets up the sequel Billy Jack (1971), which became a cult classic.
Kill Bill (2003-4)
Quentin Tarantino's homage to martial arts, westerns, samurai, and exploitation films, Kill Bill is an epic saga of revenge. Uma Thurman plays The Bride, a former assassin who seeks vengeance on her former colleagues who tried to kill her and her unborn child. The film is divided into two volumes, each with its own style and tone. The film features stunning action sequences, memorable characters, witty dialogue, and a killer soundtrack.
Oldboy (2003)
A Korean masterpiece from director Park Chan-wook, Oldboy is a twisted tale of revenge that will shock and surprise you. Choi Min-sik plays Oh Dae-su, a man who is kidnapped and imprisoned for 15 years without explanation. He is then released and given five days to find his captor and the reason for his ordeal. Along the way, he meets a young woman who helps him in his quest. The film is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.
I Saw the Devil (2010)
Another Korean thriller from director Kim Jee-woon, I Saw the Devil is a brutal and disturbing film about a secret agent who pursues a serial killer who murdered his fiancée, and engages in a cat-and-mouse game of torture and revenge. The agent captures and releases the killer several times, torturing him and making him suffer. The film is a cat-and-mouse game of violence and revenge that blurs the line between good and evil. The film is not for the faint of heart, as it depicts graphic scenes of gore and cruelty.
Dead Man's Shoes (2004)
A British drama from director Shane Meadows, Dead Man's Shoes is a powerful and realistic film about a soldier who returns to his hometown to avenge his mentally challenged brother, who was abused by a gang of thugs. Paddy Considine plays the soldier, who uses his military skills and cunning to terrorize and kill the gang members one by one. The film is a gritty and emotional portrait of brotherly love and justice.
Blue Ruin (2013)
An American indie film from director Jeremy Saulnier, Blue Ruin is a tense and minimalist film about a homeless man who goes back to his childhood home to kill the man who murdered his parents, and gets entangled in a bloody feud with the killer's family. Macon Blair plays the man, who is an amateur assassin and makes many mistakes along the way. The film is a realistic and suspenseful thriller that shows the consequences of violence.
Death Wish (2018)
A remake of the 1974 classic, starring Bruce Willis as a surgeon who becomes a vigilante after his wife and daughter are attacked by burglars. Willis plays Paul Kersey, who roams the streets of Chicago at night, shooting criminals with a stolen gun. The film is an updated version of the original story, with more action and gore, but less depth and impact. The film was criticized for being tone-deaf and insensitive to the current debate on gun violence.
Oldboy (2013)
A remake of the 2003 masterpiece, directed by Spike Lee and starring Josh Brolin as a man who is imprisoned for 20 years and then released with a cell phone and a wad of cash. Brolin plays Joe Doucett, who tries to find out who locked him up and why, while also reconnecting with his estranged daughter. The film is a faithful adaptation of the original plot, but lacks the style and flair of the Korean version. The film was a flop at the box office and received mixed reviews from critics and fans.
Fist of Fury (1972)
A Hong Kong martial arts film starring Bruce Lee as a student who fights against the Japanese occupation of China after his master is killed. Lee plays Chen Zhen, who uses his fists and feet to take on the karate dojo that is responsible for his master's death. The film is a showcase of Lee's charisma and skills, as well as a patriotic statement against colonialism. The film was a huge success in Asia and made Lee an international star.
Coffy (1973)
An American blaxploitation film starring Pam Grier as a nurse who becomes a vigilante against drug dealers and corrupt officials after her sister dies from an overdose. Grier plays Coffy, who uses her beauty, brains, and guns to infiltrate and destroy the criminal underworld that ruined her family. The film is a landmark in female action cinema, as well as a social commentary on racism and sexism in society.
These are some of the best vigilante movies that you can watch right now. They are all different in style, tone, and genre, but they all share a common theme of justice and revenge. Whether you prefer action, drama, comedy, or horror, there is a vigilante movie for you. So grab some popcorn and enjoy these thrilling films!
