The Ultimate List of Vigilante Movies You Must Watch

Written by Serena Baker & Likewise Pix | Apr 24, 2024

Dive into the thrilling world of vigilantism with our comprehensive list of must-watch vigilante movies. From those who seek justice to those enacting personal vendettas, these films offer gripping narratives and unforgettable characters. Here’s a detailed look at some of the best vigilante movies that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Memento

Memento poster

Christopher Nolan's psychological thriller, "Memento," follows Leonard Shelby, played by Guy Pearce, as he attempts to track down his wife's rapist and murderer. The twist? Shelby suffers from a rare form of short-term memory loss, which makes his quest for vengeance a formidable challenge. The film’s non-linear narrative keeps the audience guessing, mirroring Leonard’s own disorientation. A high rating of 4.4 underscores its acclaim. Watch Memento

Django Unchained

Django Unchained poster

Quentin Tarantino brings an unflinching tale of vengeance to life in "Django Unchained." Set in the antebellum South, it stars Jamie Foxx as Django, a freed slave who becomes a bounty hunter. With the help of a German bounty hunter, portrayed by Christoph Waltz, Django embarks on a mission to rescue his wife from a cruel plantation owner. The film's raw depiction of slavery and retribution, combined with Tarantino’s signature style, makes it a must-see, boasting a 4.3 rating. Watch Django Unchained

V for Vendetta

V for Vendetta poster

In "V for Vendetta," directed by James McTeigue and adapted from Alan Moore’s graphic novel, we enter a dystopian future where a fascist regime grips Britain. Hugo Weaving's character, V, a masked vigilante, launches a campaign to overthrow the government. Natalie Portman’s character, Evey, becomes his unwitting ally in the fight for freedom. Known for its political commentary and striking visuals, this film resonates with a 4.3 rating. Watch V for Vendetta

The Batman

The Batman poster

In the gritty and atmospheric "The Batman," directed by Matt Reeves, Robert Pattinson takes on the role of the iconic caped crusader. Set during Batman’s second year of crime-fighting, he uncovers dark secrets about Gotham City that intertwine with his family’s legacy, all while facing off against the enigmatic Riddler. The film’s fresh take on Batman’s vigilantism and the dark, noir aesthetic have earned it a 4.2 rating. Watch The Batman

The Equalizer 3

The Equalizer 3 poster

In the third installment of "The Equalizer" series, Denzel Washington returns as Robert McCall. Set in Southern Italy, McCall must protect his friends from local crime bosses. As the stakes rise, McCall employs his unique skills to fight the mafia and deliver his ruthless form of justice. This action-packed thriller has captivated audiences, reflected in its 4.1 rating. Watch The Equalizer 3

Taxi Driver

Taxi Driver poster

Martin Scorsese's "Taxi Driver" is a seminal piece in the vigilante genre. Robert De Niro stars as Travis Bickle, a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who becomes a nocturnal New York City taxi driver. Sickened by what he sees as society's moral decay, Bickle takes matters into his own hands. This intense film, which holds a 4.0 rating, delves into the psyche of a man on the brink. Watch Taxi Driver

Kick-Ass

Kick-Ass poster

"Kick-Ass," directed by Matthew Vaughn, flips the superhero genre on its head. Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as Dave Lizewski, an ordinary high school student who decides to become a superhero despite having no powers or training. His audacious actions inspire others, including the ruthless Hit-Girl, played by Chloë Grace Moretz. This darkly comedic take on vigilante justice resonates with a 4.0 rating. Watch Kick-Ass

The Untouchables

The Untouchables poster

Brian De Palma’s "The Untouchables" dramatizes the true story of Federal Agent Eliot Ness’s campaign to bring down notorious gangster Al Capone. With an all-star cast including Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, and Robert De Niro, the film depicts Ness's struggles and triumphs against rampant corruption. Known for its gripping action sequences and stellar performances, it’s no surprise it holds a 4.0 rating. Watch The Untouchables

Oldboy

Oldboy poster

Park Chan-wook's "Oldboy" is a cornerstone of South Korean cinema and a master class in storytelling. Choi Min-sik stars as Oh Dae-su, a man inexplicably imprisoned for 15 years, only to be released suddenly. Driven by unimaginable rage, he embarks on a quest for vengeance against his unknown captors. Its intricate plot and intense action have garnered a 4.0 rating. Watch Oldboy

Lucky Number Slevin

Lucky Number Slevin poster

"Lucky Number Slevin," directed by Paul McGuigan, stars Josh Hartnett as Slevin, a man caught in the middle of a feud between two of New York City’s criminal masterminds. Mistaken identity and bad luck lead Slevin into a high-stakes game of survival. With its complex plot and sharp dialogue, this film has earned its spot with a 4.0 rating. Watch Lucky Number Slevin

From psychological thrillers to action-packed dramas, these vigilante films showcase characters confronting society's wrongs with their brand of justice. Whether driven by vengeance or moral duty, each protagonist offers a unique take on vigilantism, compelling us to question the fine line between heroism and lawlessness. So, grab some popcorn and immerse yourself in these dark, thrilling narratives.