The 90+ Best Movies With Assassination

Ranker Film
Updated April 13, 2024 187.2K views 93 items
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Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite movies that feature assassins or an assassination plot.
Latest additions: The Killer
Most divisive: Valkyrie
Over 3.1K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Greatest Movies About Assassinations

Here is a list of the best assassination movies ever made, ranked by movie fans just like you. This assassination movie list is ordered by popularity, so only the greatest movies about assassination are at the top of the list. If there are any great movies about assassination you believe we missed, please feel free to add them to the list yourself. The films on this list are the most famous assassination movies of all time, so use it to find some movies that you haven't seen already. Click on these assassination movie titles for more information about the films.

This list has a variety of items in it, from Inglourious Basterds to Clear and Present Danger.

This list answers the questions, "What are the best assassination movies?" and "What is the greatest assassination movie of all time?"

Various bits of information are included with these popular assassination movies, such as who directed them, when they were released and who starred in the films. Whether you're watching these assassination movies on DVD, Blu-ray or streaming, these good assassination movies can be enjoyed no matter what.

 

  • Goodfellas
    1

    Goodfellas

    Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci
    1,615 votes
    Goodfellas, an iconic mobster film directed by Martin Scorsese, is a gritty exploration of life within the Mafia. It's based on the true story of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a small-time gangster climbing the ranks of organized crime. Joining him in this perilous journey are his partners, volatile Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) and cool-headed Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro). The movie masterfully exposes the allure and harsh realities of mob life, earning six Academy Award nominations. This includes Joe Pesci's win for Best Supporting Actor, marking a significant achievement in cinematic history. Goodfellas is a quintessential crime drama that delves into the intricate dynamics of loyalty, betrayal, and power.
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  • The Godfather
    2

    The Godfather

    Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan
    1,516 votes
    The Godfather, a celebrated crime-drama, presents an intimate study of the Corleone family. At its core is Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), initially an outsider, who gets reluctantly drawn into the family's criminal enterprises. His father, Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), is the patriarch, whose power and influence cast long shadows over his family's affairs. The movie paints a vivid tableau of post-war New York's underworld, riddled with betrayal and power struggles. This cinematic masterpiece, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, swept the 1973 Academy Awards winning Best Picture amongst others.
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  • Scarface
    3

    Scarface

    Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer
    1,438 votes
    In the classic crime drama, Scarface, Tony Montana (Al Pacino) emerges as a Cuban immigrant in 1980s Miami. With nothing but ambition, he becomes involved in the lucrative cocaine trade. His rise to power is swift, but so too is his moral decline. Tony's mistress Elvira Hancock (Michelle Pfeiffer) and right-hand man Manny Ribera (Steven Bauer) feature prominently in this tale of excess and downfall. Directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone, Scarface won a Golden Globe for Al Pacino's performance, eventually cementing its place in film history.
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  • Inglourious Basterds
    4

    Inglourious Basterds

    Brad Pitt, Mélanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz
    1,661 votes
    Set against the backdrop of World War II, Inglourious Basterds is a compelling tale about two plots to assassinate Nazi Germany's political leadership. The first plot involves Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt), who leads a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as the Basterds, on a mission to kill Nazis in gruesome ways. Parallel to this, Shosanna Dreyfus (Mélanie Laurent), a French-Jewish cinema proprietor, prepares her own scheme for revenge. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, this film won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Christoph Waltz). It's an intriguing blend of history and fiction, filled with Tarantino's signature humor and violence.
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  • Gladiator
    5

    Gladiator

    Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen
    1,290 votes
    In the spellbinding epic Gladiator, Russell Crowe embodies Maximus, a Roman general betrayed and reduced to slavery. Joaquin Phoenix plays Commodus, the treacherous emperor who orchestrates Maximus's downfall. Ridley Scott's masterful direction brings ancient Rome to life in this historical drama that brims with breathtaking battle sequences and political intrigue. The movie, a critical darling, won five Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe. Gladiator is an intense journey of vengeance and redemption set against a backdrop of imperial decadence.
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  • Casino
    6

    Casino

    Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci
    958 votes
    In the heart of Las Vegas's glitz and glamour, Casino unfolds. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this crime drama features Sam Ace Rothstein (Robert De Niro), a meticulous casino operator with ties to the mob. Alongside him is Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), an impulsive enforcer whose volatile nature threatens their empire. Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone) completes the trio as Ace's opportunistic wife, her loyalty wavering between love and greed. This gritty portrayal of ambition, power, and downfall won Stone a Golden Globe for Best Actress in 1996. As an exploration of corruption within the neon glow of Las Vegas, Casino remains a significant entry in Scorsese's filmography.
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  • American Sniper
    7

    American Sniper

    Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Jake McDorman
    1,320 votes
    American Sniper, a gripping war film, unravels the story of Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper), an esteemed Navy SEAL sniper. The narrative tracks his military service in Iraq, showcasing the professional feats that earned him the title of deadliest marksman in U.S. history. Sienna Miller plays Taya, Kyle's wife, grappling with his long absences and dangerous missions. Clint Eastwood's direction brings to life this true story, striking a balance between intense combat scenes and emotional homefront struggles. The film nabbed six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, underscoring its cinematic impact.
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  • The Godfather Part II
    8

    The Godfather Part II

    Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
    1,251 votes
    In the mesmerizing sequel, The Godfather Part II, we plunge deeper into the Corleone saga. This time, the narrative oscillates between two compelling timelines. In one, we follow a young Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) as he navigates the gritty underworld of early 20th century New York. The parallel story presents an older Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), grappling with the family business's expanding empire and his own moral quandaries. A crime drama masterpiece, this film bagged six Academy Awards including Best Picture, affirming its cinematic legacy.
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  • The Untouchables
    9

    The Untouchables

    Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro
    821 votes
    In the gripping crime-drama, The Untouchables, Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) is a determined federal agent in 1930s Chicago. He assembles an eclectic team of lawmen, including the seasoned officer Jim Malone (Sean Connery), to bring down the notorious gangster Al Capone (Robert De Niro). The film, steeped in suspense and action, presents a gritty portrayal of the Prohibition era. Directed by Brian De Palma, it won Sean Connery an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. A compelling narrative with standout performances, The Untouchables showcases the relentless pursuit of justice against all odds.
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  • The Terminator
    10

    The Terminator

    Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn
    857 votes
    In the heart of the sci-fi action thriller The Terminator, a cyborg assassin known as The Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent back in time from 2029 to 1984. His mission? To execute Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), whose unborn son is destined to lead humanity in a war against machines. Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), a soldier from the same post-apocalyptic future, is also hurled back in time with an assignment to protect Sarah. It's a race against time, technology, and destiny itself. This James Cameron-directed film won several awards for its groundbreaking special effects and gripping narrative.
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  • John Wick
    11

    John Wick

    Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen
    31 votes
    Legendary assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) retired from his violent career after marrying the love of his life. Her sudden death leaves John in deep mourning. When sadistic mobster Iosef Tarasov (Alfie Allen) and his thugs steal John's prized car and kill the puppy that was a last gift from his wife, John unleashes the remorseless killing machine within and seeks vengeance. Meanwhile, Iosef's father (Michael Nyqvist) -- John's former colleague -- puts a huge bounty on John's head.
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  • Kill Bill Volume 1
    12

    Kill Bill Volume 1

    Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox
    1,067 votes
    In Kill Bill Volume 1, a woman known only as The Bride (Uma Thurman) awakens from a four-year coma. The child she carried in her womb is gone. Now, she must wreak vengeance on the team of assassins who betrayed her - a team she was once part of. Her journey takes her to Japan, where she battles the Tokyo yakuza and its leader, O-Ren Ishii (Lucy Liu). Directed by Quentin Tarantino, this film is a stylized homage to grindhouse cinema, filled with high-octane action and marked by its distinctive narrative structure. Despite its violent content, it won numerous awards for its innovative storytelling and direction.
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  • The Dark Knight
    13

    The Dark Knight

    Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart
    1,290 votes
    In The Dark Knight, Gotham City's vigilante, Batman (Christian Bale), faces his greatest adversary yet - the Joker (Heath Ledger), a criminal mastermind with a twisted sense of humor. Under the guidance of mentor Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman) and ally Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman), Batman navigates a web of chaos spun by the Joker. The Christopher Nolan directed crime drama won two Academy Awards, including one for Ledger's posthumous performance. Brimming with high-stakes action scenes and moral dilemmas, this second installment in Nolan's Batman trilogy is a captivating exploration of heroism in times of anarchy.
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  • Unforgiven
    14

    Unforgiven

    Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman
    726 votes
    Unforgiven, a multi-Oscar winning Western drama, showcases the final days of aging outlaw William Munny (Clint Eastwood). Once a notorious killer and robber, Munny is now a widowed pig farmer, living quietly with his two children. Persuaded by young gunslinger The Schofield Kid (Jaimz Woolvett) to claim a bounty on two cowboys who disfigured a prostitute, he teams up with his old partner Ned Logan (Morgan Freeman). As they embark on their mission, Munny grapples with the violence of his past and the harsh realities of frontier justice. This film explores themes of morality, redemption, and the brutal nature of violence.
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  • JFK
    15

    JFK

    Kevin Costner, Sissy Spacek, Joe Pesci
    648 votes
    In Oliver Stone's political thriller, JFK, the spotlight shines on New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison (Kevin Costner). He is drawn into a complex web of conspiracy theories surrounding the 1963 assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. The film, a fascinating blend of fact and speculation, features a star-studded cast including names like Tommy Lee Jones as Clay Shaw and Gary Oldman in the role of Lee Harvey Oswald. Snagging eight Academy Award nominations, it stands as an intriguing exploration of this notorious historical event.
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  • Kill Bill Volume 2
    16

    Kill Bill Volume 2

    Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen
    913 votes
    In Kill Bill Volume 2, Quentin Tarantino delivers a riveting continuation of The Bride's (Uma Thurman) quest for vengeance. Having survived a massacre, she emerges from a coma with a single objective: kill Bill (David Carradine), her former boss and lover. As she continues her journey, the narrative unfolds in signature Tarantino style, blending genre elements from martial arts epics to spaghetti westerns. Notable performances by Michael Madsen as Budd, and Daryl Hannah as Elle Driver, add depth to this twisted tale of retribution. Awarded at Cannes Film Festival for its innovative storytelling, it's a cinematic odyssey that showcases Tarantino's mastery over the art of filmmaking.
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  • Red 2
    17

    Red 2

    Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Mary-Louise Parker
    20 votes
    Former CIA black-ops agent Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) and his old partner, Marvin Boggs (John Malkovich), are caught in the grip of retirement -- but that soon changes when a powerful Cold War weapon known as Nightshade resurfaces decades after its disappearance. With assassins hot on their trail, Frank and his team set out to find the one scientist (Anthony Hopkins) who can unravel the mystery of Nightshade and help them save themselves -- and the world.
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  • Snatch
    18

    Snatch

    Benicio Del Toro, Dennis Farina, Brad Pitt
    563 votes
    Snatch, a crime comedy directed by Guy Ritchie, is an energetic caper set in the underbelly of London's seedy underworld. Frankie Four Fingers (Benicio Del Toro) steals a priceless diamond, unwittingly setting off a chain of events involving shady characters like Turkish (Jason Statham), a boxing promoter, and Tommy (Stephen Graham), his naive partner. Add to this mix Bullet Tooth Tony (Vinnie Jones), an enforcer with a reputation as solid as his moniker suggests, and you have a chaotic scramble for power and wealth. This film weaves together multiple subplots that are as unpredictable as they are entertaining.
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  • For a Few Dollars More
    19

    For a Few Dollars More

    Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, Sergio Leone
    36 votes
    In the classic western For a Few Dollars More, bounty hunters Manco (Clint Eastwood) and Colonel Mortimer (Lee Van Cleef) cross paths in their relentless pursuit of the ruthless bandit El Indio (Gian Maria Volonté). Set amidst the rugged landscapes of the American frontier, this movie blends elements of action, drama, and suspense. Despite their contrasting methods and motivations, the two protagonists form an uneasy alliance, navigating an intricate web of deceit, betrayal, and violence. As tensions escalate and loyalties are tested, they find themselves locked in a deadly game with high stakes. The film stands as a testament to Director Sergio Leone's masterful storytelling and compelling character development.
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  • The Punisher
    20

    The Punisher

    Thomas Jane, John Travolta, Will Patton
    655 votes
    Frank Castle (Thomas Jane), an undercover FBI agent, sees his life crumble in The Punisher, a visceral action-thriller. After witnessing his family brutally murdered by Howard Saint (John Travolta), a corrupt businessman and mob boss, Castle is left for dead. Rising from the ashes, he transforms into The Punisher, a vigilante hell-bent on delivering justice through merciless retribution. Amidst the grimy underworld of Tampa, Florida, the film explores Castle's relentless pursuit of vengeance as he dismantles Saint's empire piece by piece, challenging notions of morality and lawfulness. This 2004 film brings to life Marvel's iconic anti-hero in a tale of brutal revenge and redemption.
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  • The Professional
    21

    The Professional

    Sergej Trifunović, Bora Todorović, Branislav Lečić
    31 votes
    The Professional is a 2003 comedy/drama, based on 1990 drama of the same name, written and directed by famous Serbian playwright Dušan Kovačević. This movie earned its cult status by showing some of the darkest moments in Serbian history in actual and sometimes even comic way. This movie was nominated for seven awards of which it received five.
  • Jason Bourne
    22

    Jason Bourne

    Matt Damon, Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander
    17 votes
    It's been 10 years since Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) walked away from the agency that trained him to become a deadly weapon. Hoping to draw him out of the shadows, CIA director Robert Dewey assigns hacker and counterinsurgency expert Heather Lee to find him. Lee suspects that former operative Nicky Parsons is also looking for him. As she begins tracking the duo, Bourne finds himself back in action battling a sinister network that utilizes terror and technology to maintain unchecked power.
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  • Red
    23

    Red

    Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich
    568 votes
    Red is a high-octane, action-comedy flick, boasting an ensemble cast headlined by Frank Moses (Bruce Willis), a retired black-ops CIA agent. Upon being targeted in a company-wide assassination attempt, Frank reassembles his old team of skilled operatives - Joe (Morgan Freeman), Marvin (John Malkovich), and Victoria (Helen Mirren). Together, they plunge into a whirlwind adventure, navigating covert affairs and dodging deadly threats. The film's intrigue lies not just in its explosive sequences but also in the dynamic interplay between characters who are past their prime yet undeniably resourceful. Red, a nod to their 'Retired, Extremely Dangerous' status, scooped up a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy.
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  • Public Enemies
    24

    Public Enemies

    Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard
    585 votes
    Public Enemies is a drama-infused crime story, directed by Michael Mann. The film brings the infamous Great Depression-era gangster John Dillinger (Johnny Depp) to life. Dillinger, famed for his audacious bank robberies and prison breakouts, becomes the prime target of the unyielding FBI agent Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale). As Dillinger's notorious escapades escalate, so does Purvis's relentless pursuit. The movie also features Billie Frechette (Marion Cotillard), Dillinger's love interest, whose loyalty is tested amidst the chaos. Public Enemies weaves a thrilling tale of cat-and-mouse in an era marked by lawlessness and desperation.
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  • In the Line of Fire
    25

    In the Line of Fire

    Clint Eastwood, John Malkovich, Rene Russo
    373 votes
    In the heart-pounding thriller In the Line of Fire, seasoned Secret Service agent Frank Horrigan (Clint Eastwood) is haunted by his failure to prevent JFK's assassination. When a cunning and chillingly efficient assassin, Mitch Leary (John Malkovich), threatens to kill the current president, Horrigan is thrust back into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. With Rene Russo as sharp-tongued fellow agent Lilly Raines, the trio traverses a tense landscape filled with political intrigue and imminent danger. This film is an engrossing blend of suspense, action and psychological drama.
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  • The Accountant
    26

    The Accountant

    Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, J.K. Simmons
    41 votes
    Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) is a mathematics savant with more affinity for numbers than people. Using a small-town CPA office as a cover, he makes his living as a freelance accountant for dangerous criminal organizations. With a Treasury agent (J.K. Simmons) hot on his heels, Christian takes on a state-of-the-art robotics company as a legitimate client. As Wolff gets closer to the truth about a discrepancy that involves millions of dollars, the body count starts to rise.
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  • Salt
    27

    Salt

    Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber, Chiwetel Ejiofor
    13 votes
    Salt is a high-octane spy thriller that centers on Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie), a respected CIA officer. With her loyalty put to the test when a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy, Salt goes rogue, utilizing her skills and experience as a covert operative to elude capture. The film relentlessly unspools a string of twists and turns, keeping audiences guessing until the explosive climax. Directed by Phillip Noyce and also featuring Liev Schreiber as Salt's ally-turned-adversary Ted Winter, Salt is an adrenaline-fueled ride from start to finish.
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  • The Mechanic
    28

    The Mechanic

    Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Donald Sutherland
    32 votes
    One of an elite group of assassins, Arthur Bishop (Jason Statham) may be the best in the business. Bishop carries out his assignments with precision, detachment and adherence to a strict code, but when Harry (Donald Sutherland), his close friend and mentor, is murdered, Bishop vows revenge. Harry's son (Ben Foster) comes to him with vengeance in his heart and a desire to learn Bishop's trade, signaling the birth of a deadly partnership.
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  • Apocalypse Now
    29

    Apocalypse Now

    Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall
    799 votes
    Apocalypse Now, a war drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola, plunges its audience into the heart of darkness that is the Vietnam War. Captain Benjamin L. Willard (Martin Sheen) receives an unorthodox mission to eliminate Colonel Walter E. Kurtz (Marlon Brando), a decorated officer who has allegedly gone rogue deep in the Cambodian jungle. Accompanied by a small crew aboard a patrol boat, Willard's journey evolves into an introspective odyssey filled with surreal encounters and moral ambiguity. The film garnered eight Academy Award nominations for its striking portrayal of war's madness, further solidifying Coppola's place among cinema's greats.
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  • Shooter
    30

    Shooter

    Mark Wahlberg, Michael Peña, Danny Glover
    16 votes
    In the high-stakes thriller Shooter, former Marine Corps sniper Bob Lee Swagger (Mark Wahlberg) finds himself coaxed back into action, only to be framed for a crime he didn't commit. Trapped in a deadly conspiracy that spans across national lines, Swagger must use his elite skills to clear his name and seek justice. Alongside him is novice FBI agent Nick Memphis (Michael Pena), whose loyalty to the truth challenges the very system he serves. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, this action-packed film weaves intrigue with raw courage, testing the mettle of its characters at every turn.
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