When we started making this list, we set out to narrow it down to fifteen. However, very quickly we realised this was not possible because throughout cinematic history there has been a lot more than fifteen incredible fight scenes. What’s more, they are all so different (though the sound effects are curiously similar). So this is 25 best fight scenes of all time, with iconic duels that span the boxing ring, the streets, dream world and pride rock in Africa.
The Matrix (1999)
This martial arts sparring sequence between Neo and Morpheus is filled with incredibly tempo and rhythm changes as Neo figures out (pretty quickly) exactly what lengths he can push his body to in this simulated reality.
Rocky (1976)
One of the most iconic fight scenes of all time, this is Rocky Balboa vs Apollo Creed. Rocky, the eternal fighting underdog never gives up, putting everything into the fight (including his desire to have a normal looking face at the end of it).
Taken (2008), , Liam Neeson against, well, everyone. As he searches for his kidnapped daughter he catches up with the Albanians that took her taking down anyone and everyone who is stupid enough to get in his way. What can you do? It’s family. Highlight is when Neeson uses one of the guys he has killed as a human shield.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
In this beautifully choreographed scene, Yu Shu Lien and Jen Yu combat with incredible precision, fluditity and skill. A great piece of martial arts to watch, if you can keep up…
The Warriors (1979), , What is great is even when the heroes of film are completely outnumbered, they still manage to come out on top. This exactly what happens with Ajax and Swan from the Warriors when they come up against rival gang, the Baseball Furies.
300 (2006), , It is Spartans vs Persians, King Leonidas vs Persian ‘god-king Xerxes, 300 vs 300,000. In this particular battle triumph by combining the use of their shields and their brut strength to force the Persians back over a cliff. Beautifully shot in order to adhere to the comic book origin, the scene is graphic and powerful.
The Princess Bride (1987)
Supreme skill, dramatic music and witty back and forth from Westley and Inigo Montoya make this gentlemanly duel both hilarious and engaging.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
It’s Bane vs Batman, the ultimate battle of pure strength. Each time one lands you can see the energy being sapped away. Bane’s taunts don’t help either…
The Quiet Man (1952)
Amazing street fight between ex-boxer Sean (John Wayne) and his soon to be brother in law Will.
Inception (2010)
Probably one of the most original fight scenes on our list, this see Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s character, Arthur, fight a projection of Cillian Murphy’s subconscious. As with this entire film, they are in a dream within a dream, so Levitt’s fight is actually taking place in a state of zero gravity.
Kill Bill Vol.1 (2003)
Quentin Tarantino’s cinematic style is very different to everyone else in his field and no where is this more apparent than in his fight scenes. This fight vs The Crazy 88s is particularly memorable.
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001), , Two posh gents going at it on the streets of London. Well, kind of. Probably the most like real life fight of the bunch it is much more scrapping, limp kicking and attempting to fight than actually fighting. Plus, Hugh Grant getting punched in the face (one of the ones that does land) never gets old.
Snatch (2000), , If you though Brad Pitt in Fight Club was good, then you have to check out Snatch. Mickey O’Neil (Pitt) is supposed throw a fight having been promised fortunes aplenty. But something tells me O’Neil isn’t the forfeiting type.
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Clint Eastwood’s brilliant underdog story of Maggie (Hilary Swank) who finally gets what she has been waiting for, a chance to fight Billie ‘The Blue Bear’ in a $1,000,000 match.
Kick-Ass (2010)
, Chloe Moretz showing everyone how it’s done. Oh, and just to add insult to injury, she was only 13 when she film it.
They Live (1988),
This fight breaks out because Keith David won’t put on some glasses. Now isn’t that the catalyst for all great street fights?
Old Boy (2003), , Oh-Dae Su vs a team of henchman. Oh, and a sledge hammer. You can see its only going to go one way…
Ip Man (2008)
Though the odds are severly stacked against him, wing chun master Ip Man goes up again 10 black belt karate masters and proceeds to take them all down with ease. Look out for the extremely painful looking leg break mid way through.
The Lion King (1994), , This is supposed to be a kids film, right? Simba and Scar finally battle it out for leader of the pack.
Raging Bull (1980)
Jake LaMotta and Sugar Ray Robinson fight it out in the ring. Its a test of endurance and, ultimately, who can make the big hit. The knock out.
Enter the Dragon (1973), , Lee vs O’Hara – less of a fight and more of a Bruce Lee ass-whooping.
Warrior (2011), , Two brothers locked in a final fight of MMA. Power and emotion come to the forefront with a fight of drive and perseverance. Great use of music from The National as well.
Fight Club (1999)
“The first rule of fight club is..” In this film, Ed Norton’s unnamed protagonist teams up with ‘friend’ Tyler Durden to form a fight club. This fight sees him take on Angel Face – “I felt like destroying something beautiful”
The Bourne Ultimatum (2004), , So many to fights to choose from in the Bourne series but this particular one between Bourne (Matt Damon) and hitman Desh is epic.
Monty Python and The Holy Grail (1975), , When Arthur is refused passage across a bridge by a Black Knight, a ‘fight’ breaks out. “Tis but a scratch.” “A scratch? Your arm’s off.”
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