Top 40 Best Fight Scenes in Movies and Series
These would be my favorite movies based on fight scenes; some of these were extremely memorable and I found them to be exquisite due to the choreographed madness that took place within these flicks. Of course, most of the villains rocked hard and were my favorites due to their awesome fight scenes and their brilliant fighting technique. I also included the animated brawls I greatly enjoyed, so this list is based on both animated and non-animated fights I've greatly enjoyed most of all.
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- DirectorDaisuke NishioStarsPeter KelamisTerry KlassenBrian DrummondZarbon reveals his ferocious transformation to Vegeta; Krillin and Dende continue their journey to the eldest Namek; Goku trains under 50 times normal gravity; Tien, Yamcha, and Chiaotzu attempt to catch Bubbles as Piccolo meditates.Zarbon versus Vegeta
Zarbon transforms and pounds the life out of Vegeta with relentless brutality. Zarbon unleashes a succession of rapid headbutts, roundhouses, aerial bicycle kicks, devastating choke holds, and a bone-cracking pile-driver against Vegeta, tossing his opponent around like a rag doll. This is the one true episode where the villain completely dominates the protagonist character; this is pretty much the epitome of the series to me. - DirectorDaisuke NishioStarsPeter KelamisSaffron HendersonTerry KlassenDue to his increased strength, Vegeta is able to defeat Zarbon and takes the Dragon Ball from Krillin; the Ginyu Force is launched; Goku continues training at 100 times normal gravity; Gohan has a run-in with Vegeta.Zarbon versus Vegeta
Vegeta mutilates Zarbon with a spine-cracking maneuver, smashing his fist clean through Zarbon's stomach, jamming into him and keeping his hand there while Zarbon begs for his life. Blood gushes out as Vegeta unleashes a blast through Zarbon's stomach, sending him sprawling into the air and directly to a watery grave in the Namekian sea. - DirectorPaul W.S. AndersonStarsChristopher LambertRobin ShouLinden AshbyThree martial artists are forced to battle demonic adversaries in another dimension with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.Reptile versus Liu Kang
Reptile enters his humanoid form and slam-kicks Liu Kang through the wall; bouncing in after him and launching a parallel kick at Kang's neck. After downing him, the two engage in an epic blocking and punching parade where they both nail each other. Reptile falls, fuming from beneath his ninja mask, and Liu Kang uses a spinning stone to slam into Reptile. Then, Liu Kang unleashes a ruthless combination of dominating punches, sending Reptile backwards and out of breath. Before Reptile can recover from the onslaught, Liu Kang fiercely charges his massively painful bicycle kicks, sending Reptile out of the wall whence they came. He then jumps through and steps on what remains of Reptile, eliminating the awesome ninja warrior. - DirectorGeorge LucasStarsEwan McGregorLiam NeesonNatalie PortmanTwo Jedi escape a hostile blockade to find allies and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to claim their original glory.Darth Maul versus Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi
I enormously enjoyed the character of Darth Maul, performed by expert martial artist Ray Park, who had the best fight scene in all Star Wars history with his exquisite backflips and astonishingly awesome posture as a gallant warrior, ruthless, yet elegant. He was the lone powerhouse in this flick. Qui-Gon's eventual brilliant demise was extremely memorable at the hands of the awesome Darth Maul, who slayed him with unflinching nerve, turning to take down his next opponent in a fierce thunderous rage, striking like lightning, yet remaining collected and calm as the flow of water; maintaining his physical composure as an expert martial artist. Of course, he was in turn halved by Obi-Wan, who managed to trick him and use Qui-Gon's lightsaber to bisect the deadly combatant. Due to this movie, Lord Maul quickly became my favorite Star Wars character and had one of the all-time greatest fight scenes and entrances in movie history. - DirectorStephen NorringtonStarsWesley SnipesStephen DorffKris KristoffersonA half-vampire, half-mortal man becomes a protector of the mortal race, while slaying evil vampires.Deacon Frost versus Blade
Frost steams of bloody goodness here as he has a rapid clash with Blade, in which Blade uses his deadly katana-esque sword, slicing with the sharp edge of the blade. Frost, however, uses his own arms to deflect the rapid blows. Eventually, he is halved by the swift strikes... although when Blade turns to move away, Frost recombines his upper and lower half as any blood god would. He then swiftly unleashes a repertoire of kicks, sending Blade flailing around. As Blade notices the deadly serum, he uses a swift strike to obtain the needles, quickly sending them at Frost's body. After Frost is nailed with a consecutive barrage of these needles, Blade delivers a crushing good line and slam-kicks the last needle at Frost's head, which proceeds to force Frost's body to bulge to the max and explode from the chemical reaction. Wonderful Frost had an awesome struggle. - DirectorBryan SingerStarsPatrick StewartHugh JackmanIan McKellenIn a world where mutants (evolved super-powered humans) exist and are discriminated against, two groups form for an inevitable clash: the supremacist Brotherhood, and the pacifist X-Men.Toad versus Storm, Cyclops, and Jean Grey
Likely the best fight in X-Men movie history, the tricky and acrobatic Toad uses his tongue to propel Storm into the second level and double-kicks Jean Grey and Cyclops in opposite directions as he makes a pretty landing. Cyclops is sent crashing as Toad begins to hop around, teasing Jean Grey, who then attempts to use her telepathic powers against the sadistic Toad... who spits a nice gooey substance in her face to halt her in her tracks. Toad then scales the wall to crash into Storm, who is sent down an elevator shaft. As Cyclops attempts to help Jean Grey up, Toad is attacked from behind by Storm, who is infuriated and uses her power to send Toad out of the floor and into the sky. Toad barely manages to cling for his life using his tongue before Storm delivers a thunderous lightning attack to fry him in midair, sending him to his death in the water around the Statue of Liberty. - DirectorMark Steven JohnsonStarsBen AffleckJennifer GarnerColin FarrellA man blinded by toxic waste which also enhanced his remaining senses fights crime as an acrobatic martial arts superhero.The Kingpin versus Daredevil
Daredevil launches a full-scale assault against Kingpin, who is unaffected by his attempt and uses his body as a ragdoll, slamming him into the ceiling and ground. Kingpin's awesome bulging muscles pound Daredevil around, making sport of his adversary. Eventually, Daredevil slams into a tube on the wall and releases a shower of water from the ceiling, which he uses in an infrared-esque fashion to devastate his opponent. Daredevil slides on the ground and slam-kicks Kingpin in the knees, busting his legs and forcing him to slam into the ground. Daredevil allows him to live, with the Kingpin swearing vengeance for his defeat. Kingpin was one awesome fighter here. - DirectorWei LoChia-Hsiang WuStarsBruce LeeMaria YiJames TienA young Chinese man sworn an oath of non-violence moves to Thailand to work with his cousins in an ice factory, which he discovers to be a front for a sinister heroin-smuggling operation.Hsiao Mi "The Boss" versus Cheng Chao-an
Likely the best choreographed fight scene in all Bruce Lee flicks. The calm and collected Hsiao Mi fights Cheng in a rapid progression of masterful stances and uses his finesse with his feet to pin his opponent. Eventually, Cheng gets infuriated and manages to get the upper hand, unleashing a furious combo of punches, and an aerial assault that sends Hsiao Mi crawling on the ground. Of course, Cheng doesn't let him slip away and brutally uses his fists to dig into him, bleeding him to death. - DirectorBenny ChanJackie ChanStarsJackie ChanMichelle FerreMirai YamamotoA Secret Agent loses his memory after falling from a crashing helicopter. He is then chased by several other agency operatives, but he has no idea why.Morgan's Hitmen (Ron Smoorenburg and Yung Kwan) versus Jackie Chan a.k.a. Who Am I?
This scene needs to be watched in order to fully understand what an excellent fight scene is composed of. The two hitmen attack Jackie Chan's character in a flurry of systematic kicks and punches, in an explosion of double trouble. Eventually, they grow tired of Chan's relentlessness and are slammed into the cement and painfully struck down. However, both of these baddies put up such a great fight, it's likely the best choreographed one in all of Jackie Chan's flicks. - DirectorLouis LeterrierStarsEdward NortonLiv TylerTim RothBruce Banner, a scientist on the run from the U.S. Government, must find a cure for the monster he turns into whenever he loses his temper.Abomination versus The Hulk
Abomination pierces and penetrates the Hulk with a slam in midair, thunderously pinning him to the wall, piercing him with his jagged and sharp protruding elbows. After repeated relentless crushing blows, Hulk appears behind Abomination and grabs the chains that are sent upward, proceeding to tie them around Abomination and grab him in a choke hold, finally releasing his grip when Abomination loses his strength to fight back. Hulk allows the deadly brute to crash to the ground. - DirectorGeorge LucasStarsHayden ChristensenNatalie PortmanEwan McGregorThree years into the Clone Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi pursues a new threat, while Anakin Skywalker is lured by Chancellor Palpatine into a sinister plot to rule the galaxy.Darth Sidious versus Yoda
Maul had the best fight scene, but this would likely be my second choice in Star Wars movies. I loved the way Sidious propelled the senate pods at Yoda, who attempted to use the force to shift their direction. Palpatine fought so well, deflecting the rapid Yoda's attacks, sending the pesky little critter down the corridor and running for his life; as Yoda went into exile, the ruthlessly awesome and brilliant Sidious clinged to a pod, laughing in harmonious yet wicked glory, his voice echoing in the entire Galactic Senate grounds. - DirectorPaul LynchStarsLucy LawlessRenée O'ConnorKathryn MorrisXena finds a heavy rival in her love to Gabrielle: the leader of a fundamentalist religion who seduces the blonde bard.Najara versus Xena
Najara's fight with Xena is likely one of the best ones in this series, respectively. With a flurry of table-cracking, wall-smashing, ground sliding techniques in rapid succession, Najara sends Xena flailing in what appears to be Xena's defeat in combat. Of course, Xena returns later and fights her again, but the first time around is a masterpiece of combat to the greatest magnitude - in essence, the zenith of pulse-pounding, bone-cracking maneuvers that two females showcase in a single brawl. - DirectorDaisuke NishioStarsPeter KelamisSaffron HendersonTerry KlassenGohan struggles against Recoome; Chi-Chi worries about Gohan; Captain Ginyu delivers the Dragon Balls to Frieza, but they learn they need a password for the activation of the balls; Goku finally arrives on Namek.Recoome versus Gohan
Recoome's awesome onslaught continues after he's downed Vegeta and Krillin. Recoome's enormously powerful bomber attack perfectly takes down Gohan directly prior to unleashing a neck-breaking kick that paralyzes him. - DirectorDaisuke NishioStarsSaffron HendersonTerry KlassenBrian DrummondThe battle with Guldo may be over, but the real nightmare is just beginning! Recoome, the most massive member of the Ginyu Force, is ready to fight, and even the mighty Vegeta's attacks have no effect on this monstrous foe!Recoome versus Vegeta, Krillin, and Gohan
Recoome completely obliterates Vegeta, Gohan, and Krillin in a relentless combination of deadly maneuvers, the likes of which devastate his opponents to the brink of death... Recoome pulverizes Vegeta with a relentless take-down and topples Krillin with a single kick. - DirectorYasunori UrataUmanosuke IidaStarsJôji NakataYoshiko SakakibaraFumiko OrikasaIntegra attends the funeral of her dead subordinates. Meanwhile, Seras Victoria and a Hellsing squad led by Mason Fox engage in battle against a vampire after he turns the civilians in the London Underground into ghouls to hold them off.Alexander Anderson versus Alucard
The awesomeness that is Vatican Priest Alexander Anderson efficiently lays waste to the brigade in front while impaling them with his devastating bayonets and leaving his fanatical scrolls all over, shortly before successfully decapitating Alucard and halving the entire train with a precise stroke shredding the ground and ceiling. What brilliant sword dancing indeed. - 1992–199524mTV-148.3 (557)TV EpisodeDirectorNoriyuki AbeAkiyuki ShinbôStarsNozomu SasakiLaura BaileyDave BridgesWith three fighters down and no recovery time, Team Urameshi faces Team Macho, who are soon revealed as the Shinobi, mercenaries of Spirit World. Kurama decides to take on Gama, whose make-up brushes prove to be a much greater weapon than they would seem.Gama versus Kurama
The exquisite Gama uses a multitude of makeup attacks to seal his opponents life energy. As Kurama focuses, he manages to use his rose whip to cut through the seal and shred Gama into pieces. However, the shredded Gama leaves a parting gift - likely the most exciting one in the entire series - he uses his blood to seal Kurama in a frozen state in order to bind him for the next match... as Gama dies in the ring... leaving Kurama to face the next opponent, Touya, while being bound by Gama's devastating blood seal. - 1999– 25mTV-147.5 (2.9K)TV EpisodeDirectorKônosuke UdaStarsMayumi TanakaAkemi OkamuraKazuya NakaiThe city's mayor rushes to fight Buggy but the Straw Hat Pirates come to his aid. Zoro fights Cajabi while Luffy faces Buggy himself.Cabaji versus Roronoa Zoro
The acrobatic awesomeness that is Cabaji (one of the most compelling of maniacal warriors) manages to throw a slew of deadly spinning tops, fire-breathing, and other acrobatic mayhem (including scaling the wall with his unicycle and launching a fierce stab) at swordsman extraordinaire Roronoa Zoro. After kicking Zoro in a previous stan wound, Zoro further wounds himself to prove that if he cannot defeat this enemy, then he should not be called a pirate. He has a rush attack against Cabaji in his wounded state and slices through him, allowing him to fall to the ground as he obtains victory against Cabaji in an expert perfectionist stance. - StarsSean SchemmelKyle HebertChristopher SabatTo everyoneâ€ôs horror, Spopovitch delays his inevitable victory for the purposes of torturing Videl! It appears the muscle-bound thug isnâ€ôt going to stop until he kills her! Will Videl make it out of the ring alive?Spopovich versus Videl
Videl gets butchered in the tournament by Spopovich's ever-awesome combos. Now Spopovich is the kind of guy that doesn't go easy just 'cause Videl's a girl. This is what the audience wants to see: an all-out butchering of a female protagonist at the hands of a chaotic musclebound madman who doesn't stop his gruesome assault. A combination of stomach punches and face punches have never been so well placed... and the kneeing is done so well, it's unparalleled. Spopovich defined this saga's battles and took the spotlight when it came to being one tough psycho. - StarsSean SchemmelKyle HebertChristopher SabatVidel takes to the ring for what is expected to be an easy victory over Spopovitch. She hits the towering brute with everything sheâ€ôs got, but her attacks have no effect. It seems Spopovitch is possessed by a supernatural power!Spopovich versus Videl
After Videl keeps pounding into Spopovich with everything she's got, he just keeps on getting up... and is unaffected by her maneuvers. He has a fiendish secret; he's protected by Majin power, giving him limitless energy. Videl's systematic slaughter at the hands of Spopovich begins. - DirectorLana WachowskiLilly WachowskiStarsKeanu ReevesLaurence FishburneCarrie-Anne MossFreedom fighters Neo, Trinity and Morpheus continue to lead the revolt against the Machine Army, unleashing their arsenal of extraordinary skills and weaponry against the systematic forces of repression and exploitation.The Twins versus Morpheus and Trinity
As the Twins attempt to use Trinity to get Morpheus to drop his weapons, the unflinching fighter unleashes a slew of bullets, which go directly through the Twin. With Trinity out of the way, the ghostly Twins disappear and reappear as they dodge the blade-wielding Morpheus' assault with rapid blocks and fades. - DirectorGuillermo del ToroStarsWesley SnipesKris KristoffersonRon PerlmanBlade forms an uneasy alliance with the vampire council in order to combat the Reapers, who are feeding on vampires.Nomak versus Blade
There's lots of grappling and body launching involved here. Nomak pummels Blade in a good combo, flexing and fixing his busted arm back into place... and Blade retaliates by sending him up and down. Nomak is eventually pierced through the heart, where he himself continues to pierce himself in order to end the suffering. - StarsSean SchemmelStephanie NadolnyChristopher SabatAttacked from within by a crippling virus, Goku is helpless against the maniacal Android 19. But just when it looks like the end for Goku, Vegeta appears on the scene! And he's got a few big surprises in store for the Androids!Android 19 versus Goku and Vegeta
Vegeta pummels Android 19 after intervening in Goku's scuffle... where Android 19 was about to choke the life out of Goku with his deadly grip. As Goku tries to fight for his life due to his ailing heart virus... Vegeta comes to his aid and topples Android 19, claiming that it shall be he and only he who defeats Goku. Awesome plot and extremely awesome battle scene. - StarsStephanie NadolnyChristopher SabatPhillip WilburnIn his first fight as a Super Saiyan, Vegeta takes control of the battlefield and defeats Android 19 in convincing fashion! Unwilling to share 19's fate, Android 20 runs for cover in the mountains!Android 19 versus Vegeta
Android 19 gets eradicated by Vegeta's ruthless onslaught. The intense ferocity of the manner in which 19's arms are ripped off and he is decapitated clearly makes this one brilliant. - DirectorDaisuke NishioStarsIan James CorlettSaffron HendersonTerry KlassenAs Goku trains on his ship, Gohan and Krillin watch as Frieza and his henchmen Zarbon and Dodoria, interrogate a group of Namekians about their Dragon Ball, and another group of Namekian Warriors show up to stand against them.Dodoria versus Namekian warriors
Dodoria butchers the Namek warriors. Dodoria slams his elbow through one warrior, mouth blasts another, roasting him... and headbutts another into a mountain, wiping the bloody remnants from his spiky head. Dodoria then proceeds to eliminate the eldest Namek. - DirectorDaisuke NishioStarsIan James CorlettSaffron HendersonScott McNeilNappa begins his assault on the Z Warriors who can't seem to stop him.Nappa versus Tien, Piccolo, Gohan, Krillin, and Chiaotzu
Nappa butchers Tien's arm... unleashes an onslaught of attacks against Gohan, Krillin, and Piccolo... and is left unharmed after Chiaotzu sacrifices himself against the beast. Nappa continues to lay down the pain on his opponents.