Renegades

Renegades

Year: 1989

Runtime: 106 min

Language: british english

ActionDramaThrillerCrime

Driven by loyalty and a desire for justice, four experienced SAS operatives launch a dangerous mission to avenge the death of their comrade. Their pursuit leads them into the dark and treacherous world of London's criminal underworld as they confront a powerful international drug cartel. The operatives must navigate a deadly landscape, facing perilous obstacles as they seek retribution for the brutal killing.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Renegades (1989)

Trace every key event in Renegades (1989) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Undercover operation and carjacking arrest

Buster McHenry works undercover to flush out a corrupt officer within the Philadelphia Police Department. During an attempted carjacking, he distracts the suspect with a beer bottle but ends up assaulting an officer, triggering his arrest. The setback complicates his mission and raises the stakes of the case.

early in the investigation Philadelphia
2

Jewelry store robbery and spear theft

He participates in a jewelry store robbery to recover $6 million in diamonds. As they flee the scene, an ancient Indian spear is stolen from an auction house and Buster is wounded. The incident links the heist to a larger mystery surrounding the spear.

during the jewelry heist Philadelphia
3

Spear's value and the chase begins

Marino, the crime boss behind the robbery, believes the spear may be worth more than the diamonds. Hank Storm, a young Indian, enters the pursuit, chasing the spear alongside Buster’s own hunt for his criminal cohorts. The conflict broadens from a single robbery to a race over a legendary artifact.

after spear theft Auction house
4

Hank rescues and nurses Buster

Hank rescues Buster after he’s wounded and nurses him back to health. Hank blames Buster for the auction house fiasco, but Buster insists he was only doing his job. The two outsiders begin to recognize a common purpose.

shortly after rescue Hank's safe house
5

Marino locates the hideout; escape

Marino discovers where Buster is hiding, and with Hank's help they stage an escape. The pursuit forces them to go on the move and reassess their alliance.

soon after escape
6

From enemies to allies

Though they start as adversaries, Hank and Buster realize they share a target and decide to join forces. Their uneasy partnership marks a turning point in the case as they pool their efforts.

after the escape
7

Hank's father is killed

Marino's men visit Hank's father, and when he refuses to cooperate they shoot him. The killing deepens Hank's resolve and foreshadows the personal stakes of the coming confrontation.

before the showdown Hank's father's home
8

Police corruption revealed

After interrogating Marino's associates, they learn that part of Buster's own police partners want him dead because he knows too much. The investigation reveals corruption within the police force and a conspiracy that compromises Buster's command.

after interrogations Police precinct
9

Betrayal realized

Buster comes to the realization that his partners sold him out to Marino. The betrayal explains how the case could have turned against him and strengthens his resolve to bring Marino down.

as the investigation unfolds
10

Infiltration of Marino's hideout

Buster and Hank infiltrate Marino's hideout and begin their assault. They clash with Marino's men in a calculated strike, using their combined outside-and-inside knowledge to gain the upper hand.

later Marino's hideout
11

Destruction of Marino's network

They mow through Marino's guards and corrupt policemen, destroying the operation from the inside out. The network of crime and corruption begins to crumble as Buster and Hank take control.

during the assault Marino's hideout
12

Final showdown with Marino

In a final duel, Buster throws a spear into Marino's chest as he is about to kill Hank. The crime lord falls, ending the threat to Hank and crippling Marino's operation.

final confrontation Marino's hideout
13

One month later: new futures

A month later, Hank takes a job as a tour guide in Texas, while Buster returns to policing and tries to turn his life around. They have both found a path toward better futures.

one month later Texas
14

Farewell and renewed resolve

They share a handshake and acknowledge their changed paths, with Hank promising to visit. Buster drives off toward his new beginning as they part ways.

after the resolution

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:44

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Cathartic Revenge Movies like Renegades

Professional operatives exacting violent, satisfying retribution for a fallen comrade.If you liked the focused, violent retribution in Renegades, you'll enjoy these movies. This list features skilled protagonists on personal missions of vengeance, delivering cathartic justice through action-packed, high-stakes narratives similar to Renegades.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern typically begins with a inciting act of violence against someone close to the protagonist, igniting a singular quest for revenge. The story is a linear, escalating series of confrontations as the hero uses their unique skills to dismantle the antagonist's organization, culminating in a decisive and satisfying final confrontation.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on a personal, skill-driven revenge plot. They deliver a cathartic, action-heavy experience with a linear, fast-paced structure, high intensity, and a satisfying, conclusive ending that provides emotional payoff for the journey.

Gritty Urban Manhunt Thrillers like Renegades

Dueling protagonists hunting each other through a corrupt and dangerous cityscape.Fans of the tense, city-wide chase in Renegades will appreciate these films. Discover similar movies featuring a dangerous manhunt through a gritty urban landscape, where cops and criminals navigate a world of corruption and betrayal, just like in Renegades.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative unfolds as a relentless pursuit through the streets and underworld of a major city. The hunter must navigate not only the cunning of their target but also the moral ambiguities and institutional rot that hinder their progress, creating a tense, obstacle-filled race against time.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their specific setting and core conflict. They share a tense, gritty tone, a fast pace driven by the pursuit, and a high-intensity viewing experience centered on the dangerous dynamics of a professional manhunt in a corrupt urban world.

Unlock the Full Story of Renegades

Don't stop at just watching — explore Renegades in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Renegades is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Renegades Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Renegades, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Renegades Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Renegades

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Renegades. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Renegades

Renegades Spoiler-Free Summary

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Renegades Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Renegades

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