Directed by Jeremy Saulnier, Rebel Ridge plunges into the seedy underbelly of Shelby Springs, a small town where the local police force is deeply corrupt. The film centers on Terry Richmond, a former Marine whose plans to post bail for his cousin Mike go awry when the authorities seize his cash. Teaming up with a court clerk named Summer McBride, Terry must navigate a treacherous web of corruption within the police department to rescue his cousin.
Blending intense drama with explosive action, ‘Rebel Ridge’ delivers a gripping thriller that combines raw violence with a deeper exploration of its themes. The rural setting intensifies the stakes as Terry confronts a formidable network of adversaries. If you’re drawn to the high-octane, gritty storytelling of Rebel Ridge, here are some action-packed films with a similar edge that you might enjoy.
10. Trigger Warning (2024)
Directed by Mouly Surya, ‘Trigger Warning’ stars Jessica Alba as Parker, a Special Forces soldier who returns to her hometown of Creation, New Mexico, after her father’s death. As she deals with the aftermath of his passing and the future of his bar, Parker encounters a surge of criminal activity that has overtaken her quiet town.
Much like ‘Rebel Ridge,’ ‘Trigger Warning’ explores the sinister undercurrents that disrupt a seemingly tranquil rural community. Parker, armed with her elite training, takes on the gangs threatening her hometown, delivering a thrilling narrative packed with action and suspense.
9. Walking Tall (2004)
Inspired by the 1973 film of the same name and directed by Kevin Bray, ‘Walking Tall’ follows Chris Vaughn Jr. (played by Dwayne Johnson), a former Special Forces operative who returns to his hometown only to find it under the control of a ruthless casino owner and corrupt police. Determined to restore order, Chris takes on the role of sheriff and sets out to dismantle the criminal empire strangling his community.
Much like ‘Rebel Ridge,’ ‘Walking Tall’ delves into the theme of individual resistance against pervasive corruption. Both Chris and Terry are driven by a personal mission to combat the forces corrupting their towns. The film addresses deep issues of abuse of power and systemic failure, with Chris’s quest to revive his town echoing Terry’s struggle to expose and challenge the local criminal network.
8. Hobo with a Shotgun (2011)
In ‘Hobo with a Shotgun,’ an unnamed homeless man arrives in Hope Town and finds it a cesspool of crime, corruption, and tyranny under the rule of a crime lord named Drake. After witnessing the injustice breeding in the town, the homeless man arms himself with a shotgun and starts punishing those who are responsible for the degradation.
The Jason Eisener-directed film may take a more stylistic approach than ‘Rebel Ridge,’ but both films center on protagonists who are compelled to act on behalf of innocents and victims of sinister regimes. The action comedy film is based on the eponymous trailer from ‘Grindhouse,’ which was directed by Jason Eisener, John Davies, and Rob Cotterill.
7. Homefront (2013)
Directed by Gary Fleder and adapted from Chuck Logan’s novel, ‘Homefront’ stars Jason Statham as Phil Broker, a former DEA agent who relocates with his daughter to a small, secluded town in hopes of leaving his troubled past behind. However, their fresh start is quickly marred by a town plagued with corruption, drugs, and violence, forcing Broker to confront a dangerous underbelly he hoped to escape.
Much like ‘Rebel Ridge,’ ‘Homefront’ finds Broker facing a malevolent force soon after his arrival, jeopardizing the safety of his family. The film’s rural setting mirrors the tense atmosphere of Shelby Springs in ‘Rebel Ridge,’ with both towns hiding deep-seated corruption that leads to thrilling and inevitable confrontations. The film delivers a gripping narrative as Broker grapples with the choice between maintaining his desired peace and confronting the pervasive threats around him.
6. Shaft (2019)
The fifth film in the ‘Shaft’ series revolves around J.J. Shaft (Jessie Usher), an FBI cyber security expert, who has to reconnect with his estranged father, John Shaft II (Samuel L. Jackson), to discover the reasons behind his best friend’s death. However, the investigation forces J.J. to confront the truth behind his family’s secrets and learn the ropes from his father himself.
While family dynamics are not the main focus in ‘Rebel Ridge,’ the relationship between Terry and his cousin is tied to the central heartbeat of the narrative. Under the direction of Tim Story, ‘Shaft’ doubles down on the same family dynamics while presenting an action film that is brimming with personality and humor in equal proportion, albeit it might be missing the small-town setting of the Saulnier directorial.
5. Out of the Furnace (2013)
Directed by Scott Cooper, ‘Out of the Furnace’ is a gritty action thriller featuring Christian Bale as Russell Blaze, a steelworker whose life is upended when his brother goes missing after returning from military service in Iraq. Suspecting the involvement of a brutal crime boss, Harlan DeGroat (played by Woody Harrelson), Russell sets out on a dangerous quest to uncover the truth and rescue his brother.
The film shares a similar intensity with ‘Rebel Ridge,’ as both stories revolve around protagonists entangled in a web of corruption and crime. Russell’s journey mirrors Terry’s struggle, with both characters facing daunting challenges and making tough decisions in their fight against deep-seated criminal elements.
Beyond the action, ‘Out of the Furnace’ delves into the personal sacrifices and resolute determination required when ordinary individuals confront extraordinary threats.
4. Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
Helmed by F. Gary Gray, ‘Law Abiding Citizen‘ tells the story of Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler), a family man who witnesses the death of his wife and daughter during a home invasion. When the prosecuting lawyer, Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx), makes a deal with the killer to lighten his sentence, Clyde is disgusted by the corrupt justice system.
He launches a crusade of his own to teach people the consequences of their actions. The ‘Law Abiding Citizen’ is a tale of retribution that parallels the injustice suffered by Terry in ‘Rebel Ridge.’ At the heart of both stories lies an exploration of corrupt institutions that have lost track of their responsibility to the common people. While action filmmaking dictates both movies, the underlying themes carry them through the hard-hitting stuff.
3. Bad Day for the Cut (2017)
Directed by Chris Baugh, the Northern Irish action thriller ‘Bad Day for the Cut’ follows Donal, a middle-aged farmer whose life is shattered when his mother is murdered in a home invasion. Driven by grief and a quest for justice, Donal embarks on a relentless search for those responsible, seeking retribution for his loss.
Donal’s journey parallels Terry’s in ‘Rebel Ridge,’ with both characters navigating a dangerous path fueled by a desire for vengeance. Although neither protagonist is seasoned in handling street-level conflicts, their inexperience adds to the suspense and intensity of their respective battles. Both films highlight how ordinary individuals, pushed to their limits, must harness their inner strength and resolve to confront the criminal elements threatening their lives.
2. Pale Rider (1985)
Directed by Clint Eastwood, who also stars as the mysterious Preacher, ‘Pale Rider’ follows an enigmatic figure who arrives in a beleaguered gold-mining town under the tyrannical rule of Coy LaHood. Disturbed by LaHood’s oppressive tactics, the Preacher takes a stand, using his gunslinging prowess to challenge the corruption and injustice plaguing the community. In response, LaHood sends Marshall Stockburn to eliminate the Preacher and crush the uprising he has incited.
Though set in the Old West, ‘Pale Rider’ shares thematic similarities with ‘Rebel Ridge,’ particularly in its exploration of moral decay and systemic corruption. Both films center on a brooding protagonist who ignites a rebellion against entrenched forces of oppression. The suspenseful narrative and dramatic confrontations in ‘Pale Rider’ echo the tension and intrigue of ‘Rebel Ridge,’ with both films featuring leads shrouded in mystery, adding depth and fascination to their respective stories.
1. First Blood (1982)
‘First Blood,’ the inaugural film in the legendary ‘Rambo’ series, introduces John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone), a Vietnam War veteran who clashes with an antagonistic sheriff, William Teasle, in a small Washington town. After enduring relentless mistreatment from Teasle and his deputies, Rambo turns the situation around, waging a one-man war against the authorities.
Jeremy Saulnier has cited ‘First Blood’ as a key influence on his film ‘Rebel Ridge,’ drawing clear parallels between the two. Both films feature a lone protagonist confronting a corrupt police force in a small-town setting. Like Rambo, Terry in ‘Rebel Ridge’ takes on a formidable array of enemies, driven by personal stakes and a quest for justice.
Both stories also spotlight a ruthless sheriff, whose self-serving motives exacerbate the conflict. This tried-and-true formula of intense action and emotional depth continues to captivate audiences, offering a compelling blend of suspense and personal drama.
