7 Movies to Watch After Rebel Ridge

First Blood (1982)

Among his notable roles, Sylvester Stallone’s portrayal of Vietnam War veteran John Rambo is particularly significant. Though later installments morphed into action blockbusters, the original film, adapted from David Morrell’s novel, had a profound impact on “Rebel Ridge.

In much the same way as Aaron Pierre’s Terry Richmond finds himself unwelcome in a small town, Rambo is also a war veteran seeking only to move through, but the local authorities show hostility towards him. The law enforcement in First Blood become increasingly hostile, arresting Rambo and subjecting him to cruel treatment, which sets off his PTSD, leading him to escape into the surrounding woods.

Although the Rambo series later evolved into a more explosive and shallow narrative, the initial installment functioned as a grim depiction of the struggles and sorrows that combat veterans often encounter. It not only conveyed these weightier subjects but also offered an engaging and enjoyable exploration of a character who resists becoming a victim of power abuse within institutions.

Mississippi Burning (1988)

The crime drama film “Mississippi Burning,” directed by Alan Parker, features actors Gene Hackman, Willem Dafoe, Frances McDormand, Michael Rooker, and Brad Dourif. This movie is inspired by a true-life murder investigation.

The film focuses on two FBI agents, Hackman and Dafoe, who are probing into the vanishing of three activists promoting civil rights in a modest Mississippi town. In an effort to uncover the truth within this community, these investigators face resistance from local police officers, town residents, and other influential figures. The Ku Klux Klan’s presence is felt strongly as well, with many people attempting to persuade the FBI to withdraw from the town and let them handle the matter independently.

In the small, countryside setting of a Southern town, the storylines of local corruption, blatant and hidden racial prejudice, take center stage in “Rebel Ridge“. Similarly, “Mississippi Burning” strives to portray a more authentic investigation into these disappearances, focusing less on action and more on realism.

Thunderheart (1992)

A movie based on real-life events, “Thunderheart,” directed by Michael Apted, features Val Kilmer, Sam Shepard, Graham Greene, and Fred Ward. The plot is generally influenced by the 1973 Wounded Knee incident where a town in South Dakota was taken over by activists from the American Indian Movement due to their dissatisfaction with how the U.S. government was dealing with matters concerning Native American tribes.

Thunderheart stands out among thrillers because it combines multiple themes and seeks to expose the systemic racism inherent in America’s founding. It also portrays characters who struggle with delivering justice while being part of a system that supports genocide, making for an emotionally intense viewing experience.

Michael Clayton (2007)

One aspect that made “Rebel Ridge” stand out among other action-focused thrillers is that instead of adopting the fight-back style like John Wick, the character Pierre’s Terry Richmond employs his understanding of government institutions to work towards securing his cousin’s release from prison (with help from AnnaSophia Robb’s Summer McBride). In essence, Saulnier hinted at the legal thriller “Michael Clayton” as one of his inspirations.

2007’s movie, titled “Michael Clayton,” showcases George Clooney playing the lead role, a lawyer who heads a firm, employing his extensive legal expertise and clever maneuvers to navigate complex predicaments. While it may lack the usual violence or gunplay found in many thrillers, this film maintains an intense atmosphere and a palpable sense of urgency throughout its duration, primarily due to captivating acting and the skilled direction by Tony Gilroy, who is also known for his work on “Star Wars: Andor.

Blue Ruin (2013)

While Rebel Ridge could be Saulnier’s newest revenge thriller, it’s not his debut in this genre. In fact, his 2013 film, Blue Ruin, played a significant role in propelling him into the limelight.

Contrasting greatly with Pierre’s Terry Richmond character, the movie “Blue Ruin” introduces Macon Blair as the quiet and unassuming Dwight Evans. Living in his car and resorting to stealing food and possessions from homes to survive, Dwight is a man on the edge due to the traumatic loss of his parents 20 years prior. Upon learning that the man responsible for their deaths will soon be freed from prison, Dwight finds himself driven by an overpowering urge for retribution.

In the movie Blue Ruin, we find similar rural landscapes and visual style as seen in Rebel Ridge. However, the characters of Terry and Dwight present a stark contrast. Unlike Terry, Dwight is emotionally unstable and consumed by the desire for revenge, even though he lacks competence in this area. This results in an engaging viewing experience, but one that ultimately leaves a sense of sadness due to its tragic undertones.

Cold in July (2014)

The movie “Cold in July,” reminiscent of neo-noir films, is adapted from Joe R. Lansdale’s novel of the same title. The plot unfolds with a sense of urgency akin to “Rebel Ridge,” as the protagonist, Richard (played by Michael C. Hall), encounters an intruder in his home during the night. A startled wife causes Richard’s gun to discharge, killing the burglar. The authorities subsequently identify the deceased as the son of a criminal named Ben Russell (portrayed by Sam Shepherd), who had recently been released from prison. Initially, Ben threatens Richard’s family in retaliation for his son’s death. However, both Richard and Ben soon suspect that the local Texas authorities are involved in a suspicious cover-up. In an attempt to unravel the mystery, they enlist the help of private investigator Jim Bob Luke (Don Johnson).

Cold in July and Rebel Ridge have a number of cinematic similarities, including themes of revenge, questionable law enforcement, and Southern charm. Both films also star Michael Johnson, but in Cold in July, released in 2014 by director Jim Mickle, audiences find themselves cheering for Johnson rather than against him. Additionally, this movie includes a captivating synth soundtrack from Jeff Grace.

Hold the Dark (2018)

In a new venture with Netflix, director Saulnier unveiled his film, “Hold the Dark.” Nestled in an Alaskan town, the protagonist, Russell Core (played by Jeffrey Wright), is enlisted to investigate wolf attacks that have resulted in local children’s deaths. Much like other films on this list, our hero encounters more than he expected when he uncovers dark forces at work within the community, which might even hint at supernatural influences.

Instead of “Hold the Dark” having a tonally similar feel to “Rebel Ridge,” considering that it’s not a revenge thriller, it could still make an ideal double feature due to its availability on Netflix and its impressive showcase of Saulnier’s directing skills as well as a captivating narrative. This combination might just be the simplest way to capitalize on the excitement surrounding the new release.

Honorable Mention: Prime Video’s Reacher

Tom Cruise played the role of Lee Child’s character in the movies “Jack Reacher” and “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back,” but the portrayal by Alan Ritchson on Amazon’s “Reacher” stands out more significantly, offering a different level of effectiveness.

Countless fans are already drawing comparisons between Ritchson’s Reacher and Pierre’s Richmond, due to their physical presence, soft-spoken demeanor, and inherent intimidation, with those similarities only amplified by Rebel Ridge and Season 1 of Reacher exploring corruption in a small Southern community. Add to that the fact that both Reacher and Richmond use their military knowledge and combat efficiency to carry out their missions as cleanly as possible and the two projects make perfect complements to one another in the realm of contemporary thrillers.

Rebel Ridge is now streaming on Netflix.

Inquiry: Could you describe the type of thrillers that resemble ‘Rebel Ridge’? Connect with Patrick Cavanaugh personally on Twitter or Instagram for discussions about Star Wars and horror themes!