6 Movies like 'Wrath of Man' for Fans of Vigilante Thrillers

In 2021, Jason Statham returned to the silver screen to lead Guy Ritchie's "Wrath of Man." The film had it all: from the excitement of action and the nail-biting thrill of money heist to Ritchie's signature comedic genius and inspired this list of movies like "Wrath of Man."

In 2021, Ritchie joined forces with writers Ivan Atkinson and Marn Davies to create one of his many fan favorites, "Wrath of Man," starring Statham. The English actor has made a name for himself as an action star and lived up to his reputation in the action-packed thriller.

Jason Statham plays cash truck guard H, whose mysterious past and skillset with guns were handy for his vendetta-charged mission. The film, loosely based on a 2004 French classic, is one gem in a movie genre with other must-watch films featured in this list.

Le Convoyeur (2004)

"Wrath of Man" is an English remake of the 2004 French action film "Le Convoyeur," or "Cash Truck" in English. In the original, French actor Jean Dujardin takes the lead and plays the role of a security guard at a money transport company out for blood.

Although the plot of "Le Convoyeur" is the same as Rithcie's film, the French version features "brisk pacing, visceral action, and nuanced performances" as it tells the age-old story of a man seeking vengeance for his family in a much less convoluted manner.

Dujardin—the first French performer to win the Oscar for Best Actor—is joined by fellow French actor Albert Dupontel to deliver an impressive performance. And fans of "Wrath of Man" should not walk but run to view its French inspiration.

A History of Violence (2005)

Like "Wrath of Man," "A History of Violence" tells the story of a man with a mysterious past that plays a part in his present. David Cronenberg directs the two-time Oscar-nominated film.

He stepped outside his usual directorial style for this project—written by John Wagner, Vince Locke, and Josh Olson, and stars Viggo Mortensen as an ordinary man turned small-town hero through an act of violence.

Similarly to "Wrath of Men," "A History of Violence" explores why people "turn out the way they do" and choose violence. Although it is a little lighter on the action, it carries just as much weight in the suspense.

Cold Pursuit (2019)

Like the film "Wrath of Man," revenge takes center stage in "Cold Pursuit," featuring Liam Neeson in the lead role. In another Hollywood remake of a European original, Neeson plays a snowplow driver slowly killing the members of the drug cartel responsible for his son's death.

Adapted from the Norwegian film "In Order of Disappearance," this Hans Petter Moland film earned three award nominations and received praise for sticking to the twisted and dark humor of the original. Co-starring Laura Dern and Emmy Rossum, "Cold Pursuit" joins "Taken" on the list of some of Neeson's best work.

Heat (1995)

While Robert De Niro is known for "A Bronx Tale" and "Casino," Al Pacino made a name for himself in "Scarface." These two acting legends showcased their incredible chemistry and talent when they joined forces in the action film "Heat," directed by renowned filmmaker Michael Mann.

The movie follows an LAPD lieutenant, played by Pacino, who obsesses over the demise of a bank robber, played by De Niro, in a game of cat and mouse after De Niro's onscreen crew unknowingly leave behind a clue at their last heist.

Following this tense game of chess, Mann saw his efforts rewarded after his movie earned 14 film nominations. Heat" was a nominee for the Best Action/Adventure Film at the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, Best Picture at the Chicago Film Critics Association Awards, and Best Stunt Ensemble at the Awards Circuit Community Awards.

Like "Wrath of Man," "Heat" is very generous with the action, with reports that the shootout sequence was so realistic it was used in Marine training. The two films also share a theme of robbery and heists, and "Heat" marks the first time Pacino and De Niro co-starred after appearing in separate story timelines in "The Godfather" series.

The Equalizer (2014)

After drawing inspiration from the classic 1980s TV series of the same name, director Antoine Fuqua and writers Richard Wenk, Michael Sloan, and Richard Lindheim created the blockbuster "The Equalizer" action movie franchise.

In the thriller, Denzel Washington plays Robert McCall, a highly skilled killer with a past who takes matters into his own hands and takes on a Russian mob after befriending a teenage sex worker.

Similarly to "Wrath of Man, "The Equalizer" does not hold back regarding the graphic fight scenes and follows the story of a seemingly ordinary man on the hunt for justice, taking one bad guy down at a time.

Lady Vengeance (2005)

"Lady Vengeance" marks the final installment of director and writer Park Chan-wook's renowned "Vengeance Trilogy," preceded by the critically acclaimed films "Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance" and "Oldboy."

Starring Lee Young-ae, the movie revolves around a woman who has been unjustly imprisoned for murder and embarks on a relentless pursuit to uncover the truth and find the real killer.

In a genre typically dominated by male protagonists, "Lady Vengeance" stands out by presenting a strong female lead, which adds a compelling twist to the gritty and gruesome nature of the film. The film gained significant acclaim for its powerful action sequences and thought-provoking exploration of justice.

"Lady Vengeance" skillfully questions the age-old adage of "an eye for an eye," delving into the moral ambiguities surrounding revenge. Critics lauded the movie for its hard-hitting portrayal of a woman's quest for redemption and its ability to challenge conventional notions of justice in an unrelenting and captivating manner.

With its intense action and intricate storytelling, "Lady Vengeance" is a fitting conclusion to Park Chan-wook's acclaimed "Vengeance Trilogy." The film's success lies in its ability to push boundaries and deliver a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences while exploring the complexities of revenge, justice, and societal power dynamics.