Top 10 Amazing Film Swordfights
Published on May 10, 2008 - 124 Comments
Everyone loves a good swordfight and thankfully there have been an enormous number of movies with brilliant fighting scenes in them. This is a selection of ten of the best from some of my favorite movies. You will definitely not be disappointed by the selection given here.
Remember, if you have your own favorites that you think might deserve a place on this list, be sure to tell us so we can do a follow up at a later date. Be sure to tell us your reasons for your picks.
The “Pirates” series may have overstayed its welcome, but the first entry gave us some of the most inspired and thrilling action sequences in recent memory. Like any respectable blood-and-thunder epic, it comes with some mighty fancy swordplay. The high-flying acrobatics of Depp and Bloom strike just the right balance of adventure and comedy. Interestingly, if Depp had played Jack Sparrow as a classic hero instead of a rum-addled fop, it probably wouldn’t be worth mentioning.
Errol Flynn was no stranger to the adventure genre, and he had more than his share of swordfighting. One instance that is often overlooked is his turn as womanizing, international man-of-mystery Don Juan in 1948. In the midst of a palace coup, Flynn’s Don Juan slogs it out with Douglas’ scheming Duke de Lorca. It is every bit as grandiose as Robin Hood, and the atmosphere of dimly-lit corridors and long shadows adds an impressively artistic look to the film.
Hong Kong films had been using the technique dubbed “wire-fu” for years. But this film was the first major release in the West to use it, and the result was spectacular. Combat was no longer restricted by physics - here we see warriors fly through the air, run up vertical walls, and even balance themselves on flimsy tree branches. The confrontation between Jen Yu and Li Mu Bai in the pine forest is imaginative and beautiful, casting white-clad opponents against a palette of jade greens as they battle among the tree-tops.
Although not a swordfight in the strictest sense, the final battle in this Kurosawa masterpiece is certainly one of the best action sequences of all time. We see the quiet discipline of the vastly-outnumbered samurai as they draw their sabers, ready for the coming onslaught of their enemies. The samurai dispatch many of them, even as they arrive on horseback. A swordfight against mounted cavalry. Does it get any cooler than that?
It is not the most frenetic lightsaber duel in the Star Wars saga. It is certainly not the most elaborately-choreographed. But this ultimate confrontation, between father and son, is by far the most dramatic in the series. As Luke unleashes his fury on Vader, nearly killing him, the eerie vocal score swells to convey the magnitude of this apocalyptic moment. Flashes of red and green light illuminate an otherwise pitch-black scene as sabers clash. And it gives us a nice break from the Ewok scenes.
I must say, I am generally not drawn to films that have the words “princess” or “bride” in the title. However, this is a film that just gets better every time I see it. Rarely has there been a more enjoyable mixture of adventure, comedy, romance, and intrigue. Who could forget the climactic duel between Spanish wanderer Inigo and the sleazy, six-fingered Count Rugen? The conclusion of this fight alone is reason enough to watch the film.
Many swordfights of Hollywood’s Golden Age were epic in scale, spanning entire castles and involving armies of extras. But in this early adventure of the masked Mexican aristocrat, the swordplay occurs entirely within the confines of one room. Zorro crosses rapiers with the magnificently slimy Captain Pasquale in a fast and furious (and likely very dangerous) battle of skill. Oh, and it was done without the use of stunt doubles or special effects.
There was so much blood spilled in Tarantino’s living anime that it had to be filmed in black and white for ratings purposes. No worries, in a way it actually adds to the scene. The sheer level of carnage here, morbid yet strangely beautiful, transcends reality and enters the realm of cartoon. Not only does it pay homage to the flamboyant kung-fu movies of the 70’s, it leaves us with imagery that becomes iconic in its own right.
One aspect of an activity as physically demanding as swordfighting that is rarely addressed in film is the exhaustion that must accompany it. Rob Roy and his opponent, the deceptively effete Cunningham, do not effortlessly fly about the room with balletic dexterity. It is a hard, brutal, draining match whose outcome seems inevitable, until old Rob does something completely unexpected. Of all the swordfights ever depicted on screen, one feels that this is the most realistic.
Is it possible that the coolest swordfight in film history never actually takes place? Rumor has it that Ford was suffering from gastroenteritis and wasn’t up to an elaborately-staged duel with an apparently badass swordsman in the streets of Cairo. The result: one of the most memorable sequences of all time. While the black-clad swordsman gives us the requisite display of skill, Indy pulls out his revolver and shoots him on the spot, to the amazement of the crowd. It is a defining moment for this iconic character who, although he probably could win such a match, would much rather take the easy way out and get on with his day.
Contributor: The Bed-headed Stranger
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1. vesselman - May 10th, 2008 at 6:34 am
Interesting list..
2. bismark - May 10th, 2008 at 6:40 am
love the indiana jones fight
couldn’t pirates sword fights be higher?
3. Good Wolf - May 10th, 2008 at 6:40 am
so close to 1st
4. Good Wolf - May 10th, 2008 at 6:43 am
My english teach told me that the princes bride sword fight was considered the best sword fight to grace the bigscreen. But I think that the Indie fight should be a bonus.
5. chillipacker - May 10th, 2008 at 6:44 am
surprised to see no ‘Gladiator’ in there. Interesting idea for a list though!
6. romerozombie - May 10th, 2008 at 6:53 am
I really agree with the ROTJ scene being on here. Like the list creator said, it may not be the most elaborate, but it’s definetly the most powerful of any Star Wars duel. The light flashes make it look amazing, too.
7. romerozombie - May 10th, 2008 at 6:54 am
Crooching Tiger ,Hidden Dragon make look good, but CHRIST it’s boring.
8. flamiejamie - May 10th, 2008 at 6:57 am
shit list.
gladiator
russel crowe vs that undefeated silver cougar guy.
9. Kreachure - May 10th, 2008 at 7:05 am
Great selection. I’m glad you included fair amounts of classic and modern movies in the list.
But I’m confounded with your selection of the Indiana Jones fight scene as #1. I mean, sure, it’s funny, and sure, it’s memorable, but #1? It’s certainly not more memorable than the other swordfights. I would’ve included it in the list on a lower spot (but not as a bonus either).
10. Tonny SS - May 10th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Hmm… Crouching Tigers Hidden Dragon is not exactly the epitome of Chinese films swordfights, just happen to be the first one widely distributed in the west. Although I completely agreed with number 1.
11. Alicia - May 10th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Princess Bride is a good read.
12. Tonny SS - May 10th, 2008 at 7:29 am
Oh yeah, needs Zatoichi somewhere in that list.
13. AngieWangieMangie - May 10th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Great list!!
Though I must say I was expecting to see Yoda VS Count Dooku fight (Star Wars: The Attack of the Clones)… that was a good one, simply because it was the very first time in all the Star Wars era that we got to see Yoda in action! I mean, look at that computer-animated little green guy jump all around!!! I think Obi-Wan and Anakin’s self-steem might’ve dropped at least 10 points… but I understand why it is not listed; we couldn’t have 2 Star Wars fights on the same list (as much as I love it) if there are so many other fights to be listed, right?
Oh and great choice with “The Princess Bride”. I just love that film and watching that fight is really entertaining and exciting. Kudos to that one!
14. Ruairi - May 10th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Indiana jones! Totally agree!
15. Metalwrath - May 10th, 2008 at 7:35 am
How about the excellent movie The Duellists?.. Ridley Scott’s first movie (starring Harvey Keitel) which was praised by historians for its exact depiction of 19th century french swordfighting.
For those who haven’t seen it I highly recommend you do.
16. Reggie - May 10th, 2008 at 7:36 am
No conan the barbarian
17. stevenh - May 10th, 2008 at 7:39 am
As Kreachure notes - a good mix of the onld and new.
It wasn’t quite a sword fight, but the opening ‘fight’ of Troy (WB, 2004) - when Achilles kills Boagrius is simply graceful.
Perhaps this and your #1 should be on a separate list: “Great swordfights that didn’t happen”.
18. Metalwrath - May 10th, 2008 at 7:40 am
here are some fighting scenes from The Duellists :
http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=.....re=related
http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=3VVHSounmrE
http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=.....re=related
and in bonus, this cool scene :
http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=.....re=related
Yeah, I love that film
19. JwJwBean - May 10th, 2008 at 7:41 am
Intresting list. I was hoping for Princess Bride to be on here. And you can’t have a list of sword fights without a Zorro. And Uma in Kill Bill was amazing. I too am a little surpised by the number one pick, but it is your list to do as you wish.
I will be the first git to point out the Princess Bride pic is Inigo and Wesley sword fighting not the scene where Inigo is fighting the six fingered man. But Ingigo vs. Wesley was a worthy sword fight too.
20. greyMatter - May 10th, 2008 at 7:46 am
huh? what? no highlander here? there can only be one, and all that?
21. warrrreagl - May 10th, 2008 at 7:46 am
I love this list! Yay for swordfights. In the Princess Bride, I like the fight shown in the picture above rather than the climactic one at the end. Also, just draw out any old random swordfight involving Errol Flynn and nobody would be disappointed. For further Errol Flynn majesty, everybody should check out The Adventures of Robin Hood where his two major swordfights involve Flynn vs a whole room full of Norman knights, and Flynn vs Sir Guy of Gisbourne. Plus the masterful music was all by Erich Korngold, so you can’t go wrong.
22. boliyou - May 10th, 2008 at 7:47 am
Excellent list. Maybe as a bonus, the duel between Obi-Wan and Darth Maul. As the only thing that made The Phantom Menace worth watching.
23. stevenh - May 10th, 2008 at 7:49 am
BTW: for those who haven’t see Troy…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEZpYe261eY
24. Joel - May 10th, 2008 at 7:51 am
Perhaps Monty Python and the Holy Grail? King Arthur vs. The Black Knight.
‘Tis only a flesh wound!
25. sporty_dan - May 10th, 2008 at 7:53 am
How about the ’sword’ fight in Skin Deep?
26. dizit - May 10th, 2008 at 8:04 am
The only one of these films I haven’t seen is Kill Bill and, though I could add 10 more to the List, these 10 (or 9, anyway) deserve praise.
27. islanderbst - May 10th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Nice list, haven’t seen the older films here, but I’ve heard enough to realize why they’re included.
There are def. enough others for a follow-up:
Bruce Campbell in Army of Darkness, very funny
something from Lord of the Rings, although, as not a big fan, I don’t know of one specifically.
I’m not sure that #1 belongs here (not really a fight) but I do think it is a wonderful scene, worthy of being number one on some list or another
28. Clues - May 10th, 2008 at 8:42 am
The Count of Monty Cristo
29. Randall - May 10th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Well, the two missing here (at least two) are the fight between Ronald Colman and Douglas Fairbanks in “The Prisoner of Zenda” and the fight between Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone in “The Adventures of Robin Hood.”
The former is a matter of subjective opinion. The latter was an unforgivable omission; it’s ranked by most critics as the greatest film swordfight in history. It still thrills today, and it’s marvelously staged, choreographed, and photographed.
Otherwise this is a wonderful list.
30. LooLoo - May 10th, 2008 at 8:50 am
Thanks for including Basil Rathbone - one of the very best fencers & sword fighters in movie history !!! Most people know him as Sherlock Holmes in the series of 1930s & 40s films. “The Mark of Zorro” (1940) climactic duel he had with Tyrone Power is one of the best, the one with Erroll Flynn (himself a very good sword fighter) in “Robin Hood” was second best. But please can you replace the Zorro photo on your site? Too confusing - that’s the 1920 silent one with Fairbanks Sr, altho he was a good sword fighter too. But very different films. BTW, the soundtrack to the 1940 Zorro is rousing - forget who did it…
31. ericxdraven26 - May 10th, 2008 at 8:54 am
when i read the name, i expected three things
a good star wars
the 3 person pirates of the carribean or the one between will and jack in the beginning of the original
and that one from Princess bride
and after reading the others in here, i am gunna say this is one of the few ina while i completely agree with
32. Csimmons - May 10th, 2008 at 9:06 am
#1 is the best, it made me lol the first time I saw it.
33. carpe_noctem - May 10th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Great idea for a list, and it’s almost perfect, but I do agree with popular consent (well… ecxept for Csimmons!) that the Indiana Jones almost certainly deserved a bonus position, not the #1 spot. I was also slightly surprised not to see Hero on this list, there were some beautiful fights, e.g. the one with the raindrops, and the one in the lake.
Other than that, great mix of new and old films, so well done!
34. Eric Gmeinder - May 10th, 2008 at 9:29 am
FYI, the actor who plays Darth Vader is DAVID PROWSE.
35. beep - May 10th, 2008 at 9:40 am
hector vs achilles fight scene in Troy is my fave.
36. shawnw - May 10th, 2008 at 9:52 am
stevenh, THANK YOU for bringing some sense to this list.
37. bdizzle - May 10th, 2008 at 9:56 am
no videos?
38. Cedestra - May 10th, 2008 at 10:00 am
I enjoyed this list. I do have a few tiny (minascule, really) bones to pick.
First, you picked the fight scene with Count Rugan over the one with Cary Elwes? I would’ve chosen that one (”Ah, but you do not know that I, too, am right handed”). The picture chosen was of that scene.
I agree with Clues. Count of Monti Cristo in place of Indiana Jones, Indiana Jones as a bonus. And King Arthur vs. the Black Knight from …the Holy Grail would be another good bonus.
Someone want to make a “Top Ten Comical Duels”?
Again, wonderful list. I do agree with most choices.
39. heavybison - May 10th, 2008 at 10:05 am
I just can’t believe it!! A list about Swordfights and no mention of The Three Musketeers (1948). Do check out this one!!!(Gene Kelly is amazing…)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLdMSsx-oDs
40. The Bed-headed Stranger - May 10th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Wow. I think I’ve found something even dorkier than writing a top ten list: being excessively critical over a completely inconsequential and totally subjective expression of personal opinion. I feel much better about myself now. Thanks a mil’!
41. draco0305 - May 10th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Terrific list - I have seen all of these except the Mark of Zorro, and will now check it out. One omission that I would have squeezed in somehow - Guy Pierce and Jim Caveizel in The Count of Monte Cristo. Not strictly a sword fight, as pistols and fisticuffs do come out - but worth a mention.
42. Riley - May 10th, 2008 at 10:32 am
To add to the nit picking… the picture for the Princess Bride is not the Spanish guy and the 6 fingered man, but the Spanish guy and Wesley (which, in my opinion is a better fight anyway).
43. j0ta! - May 10th, 2008 at 10:59 am
what about Troy??
Achilles Vs Hector
44. stevenh - May 10th, 2008 at 11:22 am
heavybison:
Great Video. Thanks.
Jamie:
the login thing is fubar again
45. Cedestra - May 10th, 2008 at 11:23 am
LOL! You wrote a list and thought it WOULDN’T get nit-picked. Amusing. Come on, you know what site you’re writing for…
46. Brian B - May 10th, 2008 at 11:26 am
The ski pole fight in better Off Dead would’ve been a great addition.
47. lightningclash - May 10th, 2008 at 11:42 am
You should add some honourable mentions. Like the sword fight at the end of equilibrium with Christian bale…. sweet…
48. Nelia - May 10th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Good mention Lightning, i love that film.
I would have put Princess Bride higher, though I can understand why Indy is number one. It is just a completely unexpected moment that was truly clever. I would have made it a bonus myself, but I get the idea.
49. goof_ball - May 10th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
haha i love the swordfight scene in kill bill, especially when the guys get their arms cut off and it looks like a fountain
50. YogiBarrister - May 10th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I’ve got to agree with Metalwrath, THE DUELISTS has some terrific sword fights. It’s a great movie despite the absurd casting choice for the leads. Harvey Keitel and Keith Carradine are not what comes to mind when I think of 19th Century French soldiers.
51. YogiBarrister - May 10th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
For your consideration:
Jason and the Argonauts vs. the harpies was a technological masterpiece.
BTW if you enjoyed Pirates of the Caribbean you should check out the movie they stole a lot of their ideas from: THE CRIMSON PIRATE, starring Burt Lancaster. The sword fights aren’t especially memorable, but this was possibly the original action adventure comedy. Lancaster, a former circus trapeze artist, is simply amazing.
52. Samira - May 10th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
If you’re looking for other sword fights for a future list, I highly recommend the fight between Danny Kaye and Basil Rathbone towards the climax of the Court Jester. My google-fu is weak, and I can’t find a clip of the fight anywhere, but if you haven’t seen or heard of it, I’d honestly suggest you just find a copy of the movie and watch the whole thing so that you’ll have an idea of what’s going on.
By that final fight, Kaye’s been hypnotized to believe he’s the greatest swordsman in history…but a snap either turns him back to normal or back into an excellent swordsman. The whole scene is hysterical, and you get to see several sword fight cliches born.
Most people I know have never heard of the movie, so when I introduce them, I have to have the remote handy. It’s written so well that just about every line is important, and once it really gets rolling (they take the time to set everything up properly, and then it really gets funny and doesn’t stop), everyone always misses stuff because they’re laughing too hard to hear.
53. warningdontreadthis - May 10th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
WHAT?!
I can no longer visit this site Jfrater.
No Monty Python and the Holy Grail… And you call this a top ten list.
54. jfrater - May 10th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
warningsontreadthis: I am holiday at the moment so I can’t reply in depth - but I am not a fan of monty python. I didn’t write this list btw
55. monteze - May 10th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
the fight between Tommy lee Jones and his student (i cant spell his name) at the end of Hunted is pretty brutal and realistic.. though it is a knife fight not a sword fight
56. warningdontreadthis - May 10th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
You’re not a fan of Monty Python and I was beginning to like you D:
No, I’m too addicted to this site, I cant stop now, I’ll let it slide this time.
57. Me - May 10th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
good to see basil rathbone in the list he was a distant relation to my family like great great uncle or something my aunt traced or family tree and found it out
58. dizit - May 10th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Author: Eric Gmeinder
Comment:
FYI, the actor who plays Darth Vader is DAVID PROWSE.
Actually, Darth Vader was played by several people, all of whom did different parts of the character.
59. Avi - May 10th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Highlander!!!!
There can be only ONE!!!!!!!!!
now that was a good fight!
60. Eupke - May 10th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
My friend would run me through with his katana if I didn’t propose ‘The Sword of Doom’ for this list. It has a bunch of good swordfights, but probably my favourite is where Tatsuya Nakadai slices his way through numerous samurai, all with a completely calm look on his face. It’s truly badass, you guys should look it up!
61. Lizzie - May 10th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Great list. I’ve only seen 5 out of the 10 listed, but I’d have had to start a riot if The Princess Bride wasn’t on here.
I’ve always enjoyed the fight (pictured above) between Inigo and Wesley over the one between Inigo and Count Rugen. But that’s just my opinion.
62. Csimmons - May 10th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
I agree Carpe, Hero should have been on here, but the Raiders Of The Lost Ark sword fight is popular world-wide and very well known and in my view is the best. I am bummed though that are no videos.
63. Sandra Roberts-Anderson - May 10th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
When Princess Bride was first released, my kids, 2 girls and a boy, went to see it. For years they told me how great it was, and when it was released on VHS they’d rent it time and time again, but somehow, I always missed watching it (not hard to do if you put your mind to it).
Finally, one afternoon, they were playing it again, and, with nothing better to do, I sat with them and watched it.
What a surprise! It was great! The sword fight was one of the best I’d seen in a modern film up to that time, but the multitude of jokes, satires, and double-entendres made it simply hilarious.
Great choice for a plethora of reasons.
64. AhClem - May 10th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Thanks, Tonny SS (#12). I would have suggested Zatoichi if you hadn’t already. What a great character (Shintaro Katsu. Takeshi Kitano left me cold.)
65. nejikun - May 10th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Must agree with warningdontreadthis, Shame on you for omitting the Black Knight! ‘Tis but a scratch!
66. Mikkle - May 10th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Now I would like to get in a swordfight!
67. Kreachure - May 10th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
The fight from the Princess Bride in the list (but not in the photo), of course, contains these now famous lines uttered by the Inigo Montoya character… no less than FOUR TIMES in that single scene.
“My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”
(It’s almost like you twist my arm into saying this!)
68. ericxdraven26 - May 10th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
I disagree with the monty python being on this list, yes i am a huge fan, but compared to all these other fights, its not such a great fight, the actual fight is under 5 minutes, then it goes to the black night being chopped apart
its a good movie, good scene, just not deserving of a top 10 best swordfights in film
69. Joe - May 10th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Yeah I’m suprised no Highlander at all
70. ninjabear - May 10th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
I agree with most of the list—the final duel between Luke and Vader was the most realistic I’ve seen in all the Star Wars movies (I don’t know anything about stage fighting, my steel is sharp).
Errol Flynn & Tyrone Power inspired me as a cub!
71. fivestring63 - May 10th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Seriously, I agree with AVI. Highlander must be added.
72. Rodrigo - May 10th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
number 3 was SUCH a sick swordfight. i will never forget it.
haven’t seen 2 or 1 though..
73. liz156 - May 10th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Love number 1! The Crouching Tiger fight was awesome.
74. slipstick - May 10th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
I’m sorry, but “Highlander” should make the cut long before “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Though whether you would consider the sword fight between Ramirez and Kurgan or MacLeod and Kurgan to be the best one is debatable.
Another good Christopher Lambert swordfight is at the end of “The Hunted.”
I know that it’s a brief swordfight, but should receive an honorable mention is in “Yojimbo” where Yojimbo slaughters the men guarding the woman. He then proceeds to slash up the place to make it look like a major assault took place.
75. Pyrratus - May 11th, 2008 at 1:19 am
Was expecting Russel Crowe vs. Joaquin Phoenix in Gladiator but still an excellent list.
76. xave69 - May 11th, 2008 at 1:41 am
I absolutely cannot believe that no one actually spoke of Final Fantasy VII Advent Children. it easily has the best sword fights i have ever seen . not a single movie comes close. maybe it wasnt released in theaters but it was still released as a movie on DVD’s worldwide. it deserves some credit at least as an honorary list entry.
77. Dante - May 11th, 2008 at 1:44 am
Am I the first to mention Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children between Cloud and Kadaj/Sephiroth? That swordfight was like the king of all swordfights. Now THAT was epic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1H3bQ0p7Dg
78. wyzyrd - May 11th, 2008 at 2:17 am
my vote for #1 would be “Robin and Marian” starring Sean Connery -
a pair of aging knights slug it out in a true medeieval fashion with hand-and-a-half blades, and they get TIRED
79. Tomo - May 11th, 2008 at 4:18 am
Good idea for a list but as you can see, so many good suggestions thereafter. Maybe a top 20 list or Another Top Ten Swordfights list is in order.
The Equilibrium fight was really cool. Also, I know we are only talking ‘films’, but there have been more than a few cool swordfights in the Samurai Jack cartoon series.
I, too, fail to comprehend the #1 pick. Its not a swordfight at all. Very witty, but no swordfight.
80. astraya - May 11th, 2008 at 4:39 am
Princess Bride: My vote is for Westley v Inigo rather than Inigo v the Count (just!).
In “Galaxy Quest” Alan Rickman played a space-saga actor who was forced to say “By Grabthar’s hammer, by the suns of Warvan, you *shall* be avenged!” ad infinitum at sf conventions. Mandy Patinkin probably got sick of his line, or more likely having drunks at parties quote it to him. I am trying to remember off-hand *anything* else Inigo said in the film.
I agree that no 1 really shouldn’t be. Snopes confirms that Harrison Ford was suffering from something on that day, and pursuaded Spielberg to cut the scene short. My first comment on the List Universe was under “Great movie face-offs”, and I mentioned that scene.
81. Gerry Alanguilan - May 11th, 2008 at 6:06 am
Say what you will of the Highlander movies after the first one, but the swordfights with Duncan and the immortal gang in Endgame was just awesome.
82. Gerry Alanguilan - May 11th, 2008 at 6:08 am
Oh yeah, glad to see Seven Samurai is on there, but the graphic that came with it, if I’m not mistaken, actually comes from either Yojimbo or Sanjuro.
83. Miss Destiny - May 11th, 2008 at 7:16 am
So while I’m glad you’ve included the Princess Bride on this list, because it’s my very favorite movie, the picture doesn’t match the description. That’s Inigo fighting Westley, which IMO was a better sword fight than Inigo fighting Count Rugen. Yeah, there was the whole revenge thing with the six-fingered man, but the fight with Westley had more actual sword fighting and more spectacular stunts.
84. cambrex - May 11th, 2008 at 11:19 am
As soon as I saw the title,
I thought of the Princess Bride,
and was so glad to see it on here.
I love that book and movie.
Also, the Indie one,
that part amused me to no end when I was a kid,
I love it.
85. nz girl - May 11th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
As soon as i saw this list i just knew that the princess bride had to be on it. It is one of the best movies of all time i think and does have the most fantastic sword fight scene!
86. Amanda - May 11th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
I have to ask… on the Princess Bride picture it is Mandy Patinkin fighting Cary Elwes. Is that because a picture of Mandy Patinkin and Christopher Guest wasn’t available? Sorry… it’s just bugging me so I HAD to ask.
87. anthony p - May 11th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
great list, yoda vs doku (or however you spell it) was a memorable one for me and i would say number 1 may have been better of as an extra since it was more sword vs gun,
I know its cg but cloud vs sephirtoh in advent children was a goody
88. I’m an Amanda too - May 11th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Highlander…most definitely. It might be cheese, but it’s classic cheese.
89. fgherman - May 11th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
How could you leave off the Richard Lester Three Musketeers? The fights are even better than those in Robin Hood.
90. robneiderman - May 11th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I’m glad slipstick mentioned The Hunted. Awesome movie! Though I might go with the entire scene on the train. I have to watch that movie again now!
Also, the final fight from the first Highlander movie, DEFINITELY!
And the Raiders of the Lost Ark scene? Hilarious, but not a swordfight.
Any list is imperfect and will be nitpicked, but major respect to The Bed-Headed Stranger for a great idea for a list and some excellent picks!
91. kentperrodin - May 11th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
I have to agree with Comments 15 & 18 Metalwrath: The Duellists raised the bar in terms of historical accuracy. Another historically accurate fight that beautifully capped an excellent film was that between Sean Connery as Robin Hood and Robert Shaw as the Sheriff of Nottingham - a pure, exhausting, brutal medieval bludgeon-match.
92. copperdragon - May 11th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
another vote for wesley v. inigo over rugen v. inigo.
also, obi-wan and qui-gonn v. maul at the end of Phantom Menace is more interesting that Luke v. Vader.
I always liked the sword fight in the club in Die Another Day. (bond v. graves) they switch weapons every 3 swings and run around all over the place. hilarious and fun to watch.
93. Lwheeler4 - May 11th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
I was looking for The Princess Bride scene.
Fantastic!
Hello. My name is Inigo Montoa. You killed my father, prepare to die.
=D
94. WatAbout - May 12th, 2008 at 12:37 am
When I saw the title I told myself I’d never come back to the site if the Princess Bride scene wasn’t on this list, so no one worry, it’s ok. I’m a little disappointed there’s no lord of the rings on here, though. Or ninja turtles.
95. chershey - May 12th, 2008 at 8:09 am
The picture you used is actually from the second Pirates film, but that’s okay because Jack Davenport is in that picture and he’s yummy. ;P
96. Christine - May 12th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Ahahaha.. oh I love #1. I expected to see Princess Bride on here but that one was a surprise. I love that part of Raiders!
Another pretty funny “swordfight” is from The Three Muskateers (if I remember correctly). I just think it’s funny how the Oliver Platt muskateer makes all that silly hiyayaya noise and then cuts a rope that holds some barrels or something that fall on the bad guy.
97. Valerie - May 12th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
So glad the Princess Bride made the list…love that movie!!
98. miller - May 12th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
I liked the the blade & steven frost sword fight in the first blade movie
99. BrotherMan - May 12th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Outstanding comments for outstanding sword-play!
I was shocked that no one included this list as a reference:
http://listverse.com/miscellan.....ss-swords/
I thank Miss Destiny (for inspiring me to write the list via The Princess Bride) and Jamie Frater for publishing my dorky list
carry on…
100. BrotherMan - May 12th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
http://listverse.com/miscellan.....ss-swords/
Thank you, Miss Destiny for inspiring me to write the above list
jfrater:
Do you have a recording of your operatic voice!?
101. Nightstalker - May 12th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Ok, uuuuuuuuhhhh where are any of the Highlander fights???
examples…
1. Connor Macleod vs. The Kurgan,
2. Duncan Macleod vs. Connor Macleod - EPIC!!!!!
3. Duncan Macleod vs. Jacob Kell
there were options to choose from. Now having the Princess bride swordfight on your list makes it an excellent list but the fight between Inigo and Wesley was better. Beyond that, the list was quite good.
“Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father, prepare to die.” - The Princess Bride is an amazing movie.
102. Rafael - May 13th, 2008 at 4:38 am
I haven’t seen all of the movies on this list so I can’t honestly compare one or more to the others. That said, one movie I thought for certain would be included is “The Yakuza” starring Robert Mitchum. Although I have never fenced, I can appreciate the difference between the highly stylized and choreographed swordplay in “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon” and the unnerving intensity of the swordsmen in “The Yakuza”. I remember the final fight scene in Yakuza absolutely gripping me with its realistic grit.
103. CONAN121 - May 13th, 2008 at 8:43 am
“SHOGUN ASSASSIN”
nuff said!
104. BigHairyMonster - May 13th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
@astraya:
“You keep using that word. I do no’ think it means what you think it means.”
Also, very sad not to see “Le Bossu” on that list. Watched it with my fencing club, and when the credits rolled, *everyone* reached for their swords…
105. astraya - May 13th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
BigHairyMonster:
Inconceivable!
I’d forgotten that.
106. BishopWhiteT - May 14th, 2008 at 9:20 am
How about the 1950 version of Cyrano de Bergerac?
Jose Ferrer was a pimp:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related
107. BishopWhiteT - May 14th, 2008 at 9:21 am
I’m not sure why it double posted. I guess because Jose Ferrer was such a pimp.
108. WildMan - May 15th, 2008 at 6:28 am
What about the Mummy 2??? Two women with great bodies battling it out????????????????
109. Doc Moonlight - May 17th, 2008 at 6:16 am
Good list, but I can think of 3 crucial omissions (all pre-1960).
1. It’s already been mentioned, but the fight between Danny Kaye and Basil Rathbone in THE COURT JESTER is absolutely classic! It’s a situation where a parody is executed with such precision that it comes off as exciting as the real thing. (BTW, I saw a lecture/reading given by Rathbone in the mid-sixties. In it he said: “I studied fencing for years, and I’ll have you know that I could have beaten Mr Errol Flynn any time I wanted to,”)
2. Stewart Granger vs. Mel Ferrar in SCARAMOUCHE. Reportedly the longest sword fight in screen history. Takes place in a theater and has the duelers moving from the lobby to the seats to the stage. Has to be seen to be believed!
3. Kerwin Matthews vs. The Skeleton in 7TH VOYAGE OF SINDBAD. Evil magician Torin Thatcher brings the skeleton to life and bids it to fight with Sindbad. The correography of the fight is incredible, especially when you consider that Matthews was filmed fighting alone and the skeleton was added later.
All of these films are available on DVD and I heartily recommend that you check them out, because beyond the swordfighting sequences, they are all great films!
ps. It’s not a swordfight, but I’m also particularly fond of the the knife fight between David Carradine and James Remar in THE LONG RIDERS.
110. morozco420 - May 17th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
It’s like so many have already said…the Princess Bride fight to make the list should’ve been Wesley vs. Inigo…while the final fight w/ the six fingered man is fine, and yes, the emotional climax for Inigo since he’s been searching for this man since the beginning of time and that is the essentially the basis for his existence and drive for revenge; the fight in and of itself was only so so…we can obviously see that in his search for revenge of the years (decades?) that he had surpassed the skill of the six fingered man long ago and was merely fulfilling the forgone conclusion of his defeat…
Wesley and Inigo? Come on…THEY WERE BOTH RIGHT HANDED!!! You can’t beat that!!!
111. rp - May 17th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
A bit disappointed that you were “not entertained” enough for Russell Crowe’s inclusion. Incidently, his instructor, Andy Shaw, teaches my niece and several other young students here in Shreveport.
112. RAK - May 17th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
YOU MENTION THE 7 SAMURI, YET SHOW A PHOTO STILL FROM THE FINAL FIGHT IN YOJIMBO. MAYBE SHOULDA DONE A TOP 30 SWORDS FIGHTS SO AS TO PLEASE EVERYONE:-)
113. Tron - May 20th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
cool list, and cool site (just found it today),
about the Indy # 1, I read (somewhere, can’t remember where, a book of trivia or something), that the reason he (ford) shot the guy it was cuz Ford said ‘well. If I were in a fight, i’d just shoot the guy’
so thats what they did, but NEVER told the sword guy, so he spent months practicing and then didn’t get to do any of it! poor shot man lol
114. jumbo jim - May 21st, 2008 at 12:39 pm
hello my fellow sword fighting fanatics. tron i believe that the one in raiders is very entertaining and realistic if i might add, but i would have to go with anikin vs oby one kanoby in episode 111. this fight was phanominal to all sword fighting lovers in the world and parts of asia. so i belive that that sword fight should be number one.
115. ben - May 21st, 2008 at 12:42 pm
dude star wars like totaly kicks all other fight’s butts. thats because of light sabers. Light sabers are actualy real, I am one of the priveledged few to own my own personal light saber. Its illegal in my state so i ordered it on the french black market.
116. someone - May 22nd, 2008 at 3:03 am
What about obi-wan vs. anakin skywalker.?
117. Elle Rayne - May 24th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Haha! I love that Indiana Jones scene.
118. Slightly - May 24th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Hector Vs. Achilles during Troy was an amazing fight, the action had me on the edge of my seat, and it was so full of emotion.
119. Slightly - May 24th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related
achilles vs. hector for your viewing pleasure
or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related
the edited version with out the cut aways, makes the fight very fluid and nice.
however after watching it again, not just a sword fight so possibly why it didn’t qualify.
120. Matt - May 27th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Great List
Raiders scene is hilioruos but should have not made the list let alone #1!!
I agree needs at least one scene from Highlander
Hector Vs. Achilles at least in the top three
and if your going to have a lightsaber fight
Anakin vs Obi-one is the most epic.
121. ChaoticPython - May 28th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Princess Bride was the first thing I thought of when I read the title of the list. Good choice!
Also loved the Pirates one, but I would have put it higher.
Nice job!
122. Fazdeconta - June 3rd, 2008 at 9:37 am
You either have to change the caption or the picture for The Princess Bride. I hope we’re talking about the swordfight between Mandy Patinkin and Cary Elwes as shown in the photo, not the later one with Christopher Guest.
123. MusicalPirate - June 4th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
While I agree that the Return of the Jedi is a great sword fight, the fight at the end of the Phantom Menace is by far my favorite - even though I prefer the original trilogy of movies, The opera in the background and the fight itself, to me is far superior to any other Light Saber fight.
124. Michael Llaneza - June 4th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
I have a suggestion. How about “Top 10 Amazing literary swordfights” ? Or just fights
It’d be great. Dumas is in. Princess Bride is in *again*. Death vs the Buddha from Robert Zelazny’s is a must. David vs Goliath can be fit in too (I said *literary* not *fictional*, it was written down, ok ?). Tolkein has a lot of candidates. One from Chinese traditions is a must, but I don’t know any. There’s a Polish named Henryk Sienkiewicz who wrote terrific historical epics set in the 17th century - but if I find a candidate no one can give an honest opinion.
Any other thoughts ?