Fantasy films provide limitless methods to settle disputes. We have now the whole lot from magic and sorcery to legendary weapons and legendary beasts. Regardless of all of the strange methods you possibly can battle in a fantasy world, old style sword is all the time extra private. Melee fight is extra intense and thrilling than a gunfight and takes way more talent than merely pulling a set off.
With this in thoughts, listed here are among the greatest sword fights in fantasy films. We’re diving into spoiler territory for this record, however should you’re within the temper for some trendy swordplay, you have come to the precise place. I’ve tried to maintain this record as various as attainable, however should you’re a fan of the classics, you would possibly have already got a good suggestion what film takes the highest spot.
10
Conan Vs Togra – Conan the Destroyer (1984)
We’re beginning the record off with a fantasy traditional starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in considered one of his earliest film roles.
Schwarzenegger performs Conan in Conan the Destroyer, and he is good for the function because of his impossibly chiseled physique. His battle towards Togra is not like many different battles on the record as a result of each warriors wield mighty nice swords.
Elegant and delicate methods take a again seat to uncooked energy and mighty blows. The duo begins their battle on horseback earlier than ending off on the bottom. Sword swings are sluggish however highly effective, and you may really feel the power in each hit.
Conan the Destroyer could really feel a bit of dated in comparison with different films on this record, however the fight nonetheless hits its mark.
9
Crimson Sonja Vs Queen Gedren – Crimson Sonja (1985)
We have now one other 80s fantasy traditional on the record, with a grand set-piece between the titular character of Crimson Sonja, performed by Brigitte Nielsen, and Queen Gedren, performed by Sandahl Bergman.
Just like the Conan battle, Crimson Sonja wields an enormous sword, so the precise fight is sort of sluggish. That mentioned, it is nonetheless spectacular, and the battle takes place within the Chamber of Lights, which is falling aside because the battle rages on.
The situation provides to the gravitas, because the pair find yourself in a sealed-off room lit with tons of of candles. Among the particular results haven’t aged nicely, however the battle is such a spectacle that you simply hardly discover.
8
Blade Vs Deacon Frost – Blade (1998)
Wesley Snipes made superheroes cool years earlier than Marvel films grew to become well-liked. His starring flip in Blade is famous, as had been his battle scenes.
The climax of the primary film pits Blade towards Deacon Frost, performed by Stephen Dorff. He is no unusual vampire, and the pair sq. off in a round area with a flashy sword battle.
Blade is clearly the superior swordsman, however Frost has supernatural powers on his aspect. As you might anticipate from a Blade film, the battle ends in a bloody climax. It additionally gave us the good one-liner, “Some mom******s are all the time making an attempt to ice skate up hill.”
7
Jen Vs Shu Lien – Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is technically a Wuxia film, and probably the most well-known within the style. Nonetheless, it is nonetheless a fantasy movie, with among the most unbelievable battle scenes on the silver display screen.
Many fights from Ang Lee’s masterpiece might have made the record, however Jen’s duel with Shu Lien is so good that I needed to embody it.
Shu Lien, performed by Michelle Yeoh, is our heroine on this scene. She takes on Jen, performed by Ziyi Zhang, who’s the superior fighter. The difficulty is that Jen wields the Inexperienced Future, a legendary sword by all counts, able to shattering and breaking another weapon.
The duel is masterfully choreographed. Shu Lien is compelled to swap weapons a number of occasions, and it stays an intense, fast-paced battle from begin to end. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon has a tragic story, however battles like this are value enduring the movie’s heartache.
6
Aragorn Vs Lurtz – The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
The Lord of the Rings films nonetheless maintain up, regardless of being launched greater than 20 years in the past. Every movie has its fair proportion of high-fantasy fight, however Aragorn’s battle in the direction of the top of The Fellowship of the Ring is among the many greatest.
Aragorn, performed by Viggo Mortensen, witnesses Boromir (Sean Bean) get fatally injured by Uruk-hai fighter Lurtz earlier than diving headfirst into the battle. The battle does not begin as a sword battle, and it is a surprisingly visceral brawl the place our hero fights an opponent of superior energy.
Aragorn finally emerges victorious when he will get a sword in his palms. The battle is brief, however Lurtz goes down swinging. Aragorn impales him together with his metal, however the Uruk-Hai warrior responds by pushing additional onto the blade.
Regardless of the transient duel, the Aragorn vs Lurtz battle is dramatic and impactful. A becoming scene earlier than a tear-jerking change with a fallen comrade.
5
Connor MacLeod Vs The Kurgan – Highlander (1986)
Highlander is a cult traditional fantasy movie set in a darkish, gritty, modern world. The film introduces us to ‘immortals’ who can heal from nearly any wound. The one technique to defeat them is by decapitating them, making swords their weapon of alternative.
MacLeod (Christopher Lambert) takes on the fearsome Kurgan (Clancy Brown) towards the top of the film towards a moody, darkish backdrop in an deserted constructing.
The battle is a brutal and violent spectacle, and it is clear how a lot enjoyable Brown is having as Kurgan. He is an intimidating villain and a becoming opponent for MacLeod as they commerce blows.
4
Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi Vs Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode One – The Phantom Menace (1999)
Say what you want concerning the Star Wars prequels, however they comprise some epic fights. They don’t seem to be conventional fantasy flicks, however the inclusion of the Pressure lands them firmly in ‘house fantasy’ territory.
The Phantom Menace introduces us to Darth Maul, performed by Ray Park. He is remained a fan-favorite Star Wars villain, largely because of his epic duel with Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson).
To sq. off towards a pair of Jedi, Maul makes use of a double-bladed lightsaber as they battle round a grand generator complicated. The fight is flashy and fast-paced, and made a lot extra dramatic because of John Williams’ epic rating within the background.
The battle is intense, and the stakes couldn’t be increased as The Phantom Menace reaches its crescendo.
3
Jack Sparrow Vs Will Turner – Pirates Of The Caribbean (2003)
The Pirates of the Caribbean films are overflowing with swashbuckling goodness, however Captain Jack Sparrow’s first encounter with Will Turner is arguably the most effective battle within the first movie.
Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Jack Sparrow is famous. He meets Will Turner, performed by Orlando Bloom, as he tries to flee the port.
Turner refuses to let Sparrow escape, and a mighty battle ensues. The sword battle is delicate, with obstacles across the mill enjoying an enormous half within the battle. Actually, the busy area forces the pair to battle in all places, from round equipment to the rafters above.
Each fighters are evenly matched, and the duel is finally determined when one celebration decides to “cheat.”
2
Elena Vs Zorro – The Masks Of Zorro (1998)
Antonio Banderas performs a superb Zorro. Swashbuckling fight is all the time entertaining to observe, and the toughest half is choosing a single battle for this record.
I rewatched The Masks of Zorro not too long ago and imagine Zorro’s tussle with Elena (Catherine Zeta-Jones) is essentially the most memorable. Elena isn’t any slouch with a sword and retains Zorro on his toes regardless of his in depth coaching.
Each fighters are elegant and playful, and their quips and chemistry make you would like the battle lasted longer.
1
Inigo Montoya Vs Westley – The Princess Bride (1988)
I am positive many fantasy film followers noticed this one coming a mile away. The Princess Bride is a masterpiece, and the battle between Inigo and Westley is arguably one of many best sword duels in cinema historical past.
Inigo, performed by Mandy Patinkin, and Westley, performed by Cary Elwes, each ooze allure and charisma all through their whole duel. A witty battle of phrases ensues between the 2 expert warriors who look like evenly matched.
The battle takes a sudden flip when Inigo feedback on Westley being left-handed, as that is how he holds his weapon. It seems that Westley was handicapping himself your complete time, and it is such a superb revelation when the viewers realizes how nice a swordsman he actually is.