Edmond Dantes (Depardieu) has been held in the notorious prison, Château D'If under the false charge of political treason. After 18 years he escapes from captivity and finds a buried treasure on the barren isle of Monte Cristo. Determined to seek vengeance and find his lost love Mercedes, Dantes uses his vast wealth to assume a new identity -- the Count of Monte Cristo. With the help of his servant Bertuccio, he embarks on a journey to bring justice to the men responsible for his imprisonment.

Edmond Dantes arrives in Paris to begin his quest for revenge. As Count of Monte Cristo, Dantes gains acceptance with the Count de Morcef, the man who years earlier as Mondego denounced him as a traitor and married his fiancée Mercedes. Realizing that he will need a female companion with whom he can be seen at public functions, Dantes courts Camilla de la Richardais, a beautiful recluse widow. He then pursues the betrayers Danglers and Villefort, devising a plan to torment his enemies at a luncheon on the Richardais estate.

Dantes continues further along his path of vengeance. Using both financial influence and calculated deception, he forces Danglars' bank into economic ruin. As the lives of those who betrayed him slowly crumble, Dantes ruthless plan enters its final stages.

Morcef is found guilty of treason after Dantes brings an unexpected witness to testify before the floor of the National Assembly. He fakes Valentine's death, leaving Villefort to think that his wife succeeded in poisoning their daughter. Dantes then confronts the attorney with the horrific news that he will have to prosecute his son for murder. All Danglars' investments collapse, and the banker flees to Paris a penniless man, fearing for his life. With his revenge complete and his enemies ruined, Dantes makes arrangements to return to Marseilles with Camille, but fate, personal redemption, and undying love stand in the way of their future together.