Films that center around the theme of anger often delve into the causes, consequences, and resolutions of intense emotion. Anger, as portrayed in cinema, can serve as a powerful narrative driver, often leading to conflict, transformation, or catharsis for the characters involved. These films explore a range of scenarios where anger manifests—from personal vendettas to societal injustices—and how it affects individuals and those around them.
Here is a list of films that deal with the theme of anger:
“Anger Management”, 2003
Director: Peter Segal
After a misunderstanding on an airplane, mild-mannered businessman Dave Buznik is sentenced to an anger management program, where he meets the aggressive instructor Dr. Buddy Rydell whose unorthodox methods test his patience.
Starring: Adam Sandler, Jack Nicholson, Marisa Tomei, Luis Guzmán, Jonathan Loughran, Kurt Fuller, Krista Allen, January Jones, Woody Harrelson, Heather Graham;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 106 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
More information about the film “Anger Management” on the website imdb.com
“Falling Down”, 1992
Director: Joel Schumacher
This film follows William Foster, a recently laid-off defense worker, whose frustration and anger with societal problems and personal issues reach a boiling point during a hot Los Angeles day, leading him on a violent rampage across the city.
Starring: Michael Douglas, Robert Duvall, Barbara Hershey, Rachel Ticotin, Tuesday Weld, Frederic Forrest, Lois Smith, Joey Singer, Ebbe Roe Smith, Michael Paul Chan;
Production year: 1992;
Genre: action, thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “Falling Down” on the website imdb.com
“Revolutionary Road”, 2008
Director: Sam Mendes
Set in the 1950s, this film examines the anger and disenchantment of a couple, Frank and April Wheeler, who struggle with their own personal failures and the stifling conformity of suburban life.
Starring: Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kathy Bates, Michael Shannon, Jay O. Sanders, David Harbour, Kathryn Hahn, Richard Easton, Dylan Baker, Keith Reddin;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Revolutionary Road” on the website imdb.com
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”, 2017
Director: Martin McDonagh
After the murder of her daughter, Mildred Hayes channels her anger into a provocative public challenge to the local police force by erecting three billboards criticizing their lack of progress in the investigation.
Starring: Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson, Lucas Hedges, Caleb Landry Jones, Abbie Cornish, Peter Dinklage, John Hawkes, Kerry Condon, Clarke Peters;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” on the website imdb.com
“Hulk”, 2003
Director: Ang Lee
A retelling of the Marvel Comics character's story where scientist Bruce Banner's experiments go awry and he transforms into the Hulk when angered, a powerful embodiment of uncontrolled rage.
Starring: Eric Bana, Jennifer Connelly, Sam Elliott, Josh Lucas, Nick Nolte, Paul Kersey, Cara Buono, Todd Tesen, Kevin Rankin, Celia Weston;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: science fiction, action;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 138 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,6;
More information about the film “Hulk” on the website imdb.com
“Network”, 1976
Director: Sidney Lumet
This film tells the story of Howard Beale, a veteran news anchor who is fired due to poor ratings. His on-air rants about the state of affairs lead to national recognition as he articulates the anger and frustrations of the public.
Starring: Peter Finch, Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Robert Duvall, Wesley Addy, Ned Beatty, Arthur Burghardt, Bill Burrows, John Carpenter, Jordan Charney;
Production year: 1976;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 121 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “Network” on the website imdb.com
“American History X”, 1998
Director: Tony Kaye
The film explores the sources and consequences of hate and anger as a former neo-Nazi skinhead tries to prevent his younger brother from going down the same wrong path he did.
Starring: Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Jennifer Lien, Ethan Suplee, Fairuza Balk, Avery Brooks, Elliott Gould, Stacy Keach, William Russ;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,5;
More information about the film “American History X” on the website imdb.com
“Crash”, 2004
Director: Paul Haggis
Set in Los Angeles, this film interweaves several stories of racial tension, loss, and anger, showing how lives can collide and be affected by prejudices and misconceptions.
Starring: Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Ryan Phillippe, Terrence Howard, Sandra Bullock, Thandiwe Newton, Brendan Fraser, Michael Peña, Shaun Toub, Ludacris;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
“Do the Right Thing”, 1989
Director: Spike Lee
On the hottest day of the year in a Brooklyn neighborhood, simmering racial tensions and personal anger among the residents escalate into violence.
Starring: Spike Lee, Danny Aiello, John Turturro, Richard Edson, Ossie Davis, Giancarlo Esposito, Bill Nunn, Rosie Perez, Ruby Dee, Roger Guenveur Smith;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Do the Right Thing” on the website imdb.com
“Gran Torino”, 2008
Director: Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood directs and stars in this film as a disgruntled Korean War veteran whose prejudice and anger are challenged when he forms an unexpected bond with his Hmong neighbors.
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Christopher Carley, Ahney Her, Brian Haley, Geraldine Hughes, Dreama Walker, Brian Howe, John Carroll Lynch, William Hill;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 116 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “Gran Torino” on the website imdb.com
This is not an exhaustive list, but these films are known for their potent exploration of anger and its place within human emotion and social interaction.
In the pantheon of cinematic themes, the exploration of anger stands as a potent testament to the medium's ability to dissect the rawest of human emotions. Films that delve into this turbulent sentiment provide viewers with a mirror through which to reflect on their own experiences with fury and resentment, and the various ways in which these feelings can both destroy and drive individuals forward. Whether through the incendiary rebellions of disenfranchised youth, the slow burn of vengeful plots, or the abrupt explosions of violence that reflect society’s collective rage, cinema offers a cathartic release and a profound commentary on the human condition. As audiences, we are left to ponder the causes, consequences, and resolutions of anger, enriched by the stories of complex characters and the craft of filmmakers who dare to confront this intense and omnipresent emotion.
