Top 12 Sword Fight Scenes

Updated: Dec 27, 2021

One of the most romanticized weapons in pop culture, the sword has stood as a symbol of power, honor, and elegance after having been first created in the Bronze Age. With their origins found all over the world, swords have been designed with one or two-handed grips, single or double edges, and other variations. In film, sword fights had already existed in stage performances but choreography in early cinema often consisted of random stick whacking. Only later on towards the middle of the twentieth century did swordplay develop into a more sophisticated art form finally evolving into the various styles we see today such as European fencing, Hong Kong Wushu, Japanese Kenjutsu, and many others. So here's a list of my favorite cinematic sword fights. To narrow down the list, the only rule that applies is that all combatants must be wielding swords whether they be one-on-one duels, one against a large group of swordsmen, or anything between.

#12. The Princess Bride (1987)

We're going to begin this list in a more light-hearted manner by featuring a fantasy comedy. Though the highly humorous duel between King Arthur and the Black Knight from the classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail is still absurdly funny, the #10 pick goes to the fencing match between Westley and Inigo Montoya in The Princess Bride.

After scaling the Cliffs of Insanity, Westley must then defeat Inigo so he can continue on his quest to rescue his beloved maiden. In what might be the most polite and complimentary sword duel in cinematic history, Westley and Inigo attempt to outwit one another with their rapiers and their equally witty dialogue while both later reveal their ambidextrous swordsmanship. This entire scene may be more a friendly competition than a rage-fueled fight to the death, but the clever exchange of actual fencing terminology and references to real historical fencing masters like Rocco Benetti and Ridolfo Capo Ferro not only adds to the movie's quotability but also makes it "inconceivable" to not include on this list. Actors Cary Elwes and Mandy Patinkin who respectively played Westley and Inigo spent months of sword training allowing them to perform all of the moves themselves. The acrobatics and gymnastics were the only segments requiring stunt doubles and were added as an afterthought by stunt coordinator Peter Diamond due to the film's director Rob Reiner believing the fight sequence to be far too short. Thus, a larger set piece was created and the sword fighting was expanded upon by the movie's two fight choreographers. Two of Hollywood's greatest sword masters; Bill Tomlinson and Bob Anderson, who had previously doubled as Darth Vader in his lightsaber battles. Thanks to this last minute change, we've been granted one of the most fun fencing engagements put to film.

#11. Tiger Cage 2 (1990)

From the West to the East, we're going from a more satirical sword match to one with a way more serious and dramatic tone. As we make our way from the Middle Ages to a contemporary urban setting, this list is going to really need some Donnie Yen. Having to choose between the final sword fight from Seven Swords and another spectacular sword fight from Tiger Cage 2, I had to go with the latter.

Starring a much younger Donnie Yen in his late 20s', Yen plays former cop Dragon Yau who is on the hunt for the gang leader Waise Chow, played by Robin Shou, before his famous role as Liu Kang in the 1995 Mortal Kombat movie. Tiger Cage 2 was directed by the legendary Hong Kong action choreographer Yuen Woo-Ping which only adds to the credibility of its action scenes. Together with Yuen's brothers Cheung -Yan and Shun-Yee, Donnie Yen himself and his on-screen opponent, played by John Salvitti, all choreographed this sword duel as a team. Besides playing one of Waise Chow's gang members and assisting with the fight choreography, John Salvitti would go on to help Donnie Yen in designing the fight sequences for later films like Blade 2, Flash Point, and Kung Fu Jungle (which itself includes another great sword fight). Actors can only be given so much training until their screen-fighting limitations begin to show, but Tiger Cage 2 includes a cast of professional martial artists who can truly deliver when it comes to the fight scenes. Wielding large katana-like Japanese swords, Donnie Yen and John Salvitti clash in a furious battle of blades cutting through chain-link fences and sending sparks flying off their swords. Yen even throws in a few kicks for good measure while Salvitti manages to weaponize his pony-tail into a whip. This may not be Donnie Yen's breakout film but it's clear that his martial arts star power was certainly present even back in the early 90s'.

#10. Rob Roy (1995)

Next on the list is another western sword fight but without the comedic qualities of The Princess Bride. Of course, I could've chosen the unrivaled realism of The Duellists or the old-fashioned yet well choreographed swordplay of The Adventures of Robin Hood but instead I'm sticking to the climactic sword duel in Rob Roy.

Liam Neeson portrays the eponymous Rob Roy, based on a real 18th-century Scottish chief who must win a no quarter duel against Tim Roth's Archibald Cunningham who had raped Roy's wife earlier in the film. Roy, who towers over his opponent, uses wide powerful swings with his broadsword but is outmaneuvered by a much smaller and agile Cunningham. Cunningham is obviously the superior swordsman whose graceful movements match his somewhat effeminate demeanor which contrasts with the larger and often lumbering Roy. We come to realize that this is likely a losing battle for Roy as he is gradually weakened and tired out by a series of quick cuts and dodges by Cunningham. Like the previous entry, the lack of music heightens the tension complimenting the beautifully choreographed sword combat by the late William Hobbs, possibly Hollywood's greatest sword master who was also responsible for the aforementioned The Duellists. Despite Cunningham being careful to not underestimate his opponent, even having taken off his powdered wig to shows his seriousness, he is ultimately bested by a desperate Roy who resorts to a last minute dirty tactic. Apparently the moral of the story is that in a duel to the death, adhering to values such as honor can sometimes get you killed.

#9. The Myth (2005)

From West back to the East (see the pattern now?), we're gonna have to mention Jackie Chan at some point. Several candidates could've made this spot on the list including the clocktower duel in Shanghai Knights, the brotherly brawl with Hiroyuki Sanada in Rush Hour 3, and a Chinese-Roman duel featuring John Cusack in Dragon Blade. Alas, it had to be 2005's The Myth where Jackie Chan plays an archeologist who tries to regain memories of his past life as a Chinese general.

As part of his journey, he engages in an uncharacteristically non-comedic sword fight against an Indian martial artist played by veteran Hong Kong stuntman Yuen Tak who assisted Jackie with the fight choreography. Jackie slowly realizes he is indeed a reincarnated military commander as he displays incredible skill with his jian (Chinese straight sword) against his double saber wielding opponent. Also choreographed by another highly experienced Hong Kong action director Stanley Tong, this fight constantly flashes back and forth from present to past, as Jackie's previous incarnation faces off against the sword and shield of an ancient Indian prince. Thanks to some assistance by some experts from the C.V.N. Kalari School, this film features the real Indian martial art of Kalaripayattu creating a truly unique international collaboration. Without the usual creative use of furniture or crazy stuntwork that we've grown accustomed to in most Jackie Chan movies, this sword fight works amazingly well as an example of pure blade-on-blade action. In spite of Jackie being in his 50s' at the time of the film's release, this scene proves that he was still very well capable of handling highly intricate choreography.

#8. Troy (2004)

For our next western entry, we venture into another "mythical" film by exploring ancient historical cinema with the likes of Maximus vs. Commodus from Gladiator and Themistocles vs. Artemisia in 300: Rise of an Empire. However, the pinnacle of swords and sandals type action has got to be Achilles vs. Hector in Troy.

Beginning with spear and shield, a frustrated Hector eventually breaks Achilles' spear and pulls out his sword in an attempt to gain the upper hand. Based on the famous story from the Iliad by the Greek poet Homer, Achilles demonstrates his mythological martial skill utilizing unorthodox moves and stances as well as powerful sword thrusts into Hector's shield. While a more bombastic score was introduced for the director's cut of the film, the theatrical version employs a simpler percussion soundtrack which allows a greater focus on the duel itself. Stunt coordinator Simon Crane chose sword master Richard Ryan for this sequence as the confrontation between the two heroes was never explicitly described move-by-move in the original poem. Nor are there any surviving historical records of real ancient Greek one-on-one combat. Which is why this stylized depiction perfectly fits the more fantastical elements of the myth it is derived from. Brad Pitt and Eric Bana didn't rely on any stunt doubles and actually paid each other for every accidental hit they landed on one another with Pitt ironically having to pay $750 to Bana while Bana paid exactly $0 to Pitt. Serving as the movie's most epic fight, the duel results in the death of the Trojan prince Hector. Only one among a series of tragedies that were unfortunately brought on by his younger brother Paris' uncontrollable lustful desire for the spartan princess Helen.

#7. Sword of the Stranger (2007)

Jumping back to the Eastern hemisphere, we're going to take a look at some animated contenders. The world of anime is filled with incredible swordplay with some standing out over others such as the multi-bladed mayhem of Killer Bee vs. Sasuke in Naruto Shippuden and the break dancing infused opening fight in Samurai Champloo. Many of these are adapted from manga but the #7 spot goes to an original anime film called Sword of the Stranger and its climactic fight between Nanashi and Lou-Lang.

Nanashi, the so-called nameless ronin, finally finds something to fight for by protecting an orphan boy Kotaro, who allegedly holds the key to immortality, from a squad of assassins sent by the Chinese Ming emperor. The deadliest of these assassins is Luo-Lang, a man oddly of European descent who's only true desire is to seek a worthy opponent which he finds in Nanashi. Nanashi wields his katana like a traditional samurai while Luo-Lang specializes in the one-handed acrobatic Chinese style of sword fighting. The action animation was directed by Yutaka Nakamura who is responsible for many famous anime movies one of them being the Cowboy Bebop film which ends with arguably one of the best anime fight sequences of all time. A meticulous amount of effort was put into the finale of Sword of the Stranger with detailed animation of Nanashi and Luo-Lang's blades igniting sparks, heaps of snow swept of wooden platforms, Luo-Lang spraying droplets of sweat off his face, and Nanashi's own breath briefly condensing onto the reflective surface of his sword. Combined with high-quality sound effects like the whistling noise produced by Nanashi's jumping slash and an epic musical score by Naoki Sato, this fight scene is a true artistic achievement.

#6. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Sword fights aren't only confined to traditional cinema as we've learned from our previous anime entry. Television is another medium worth considering with recent examples like Henry Cavill's role as the titular The Witcher, Daniel Wu's Wushu Western Into the Badlands, and further back, a Filipino Kali style duel atop a cliff between Oliver Queen and Ra's Al Ghul in Arrow. And what better television series to choose then one of the most popular of the last decade, Game of Thrones. Sadly now remembered as a show that wasted its potential in the last season, there was a time when it outshined most of its competitors in the television landscape.

Out of all the various sword fights featured in the series, one of the most anticipated was the first and only appearance of who many have claimed was the greatest swordsman in the history of Westeros, Arthur Dayne. Bran Stark and the Three-Eyed Raven join the audience in a flashback to Robert's Rebellion where Ned stark must save his sister from the only two remaining knights serving the Mad King. Never given much detailed description in its book series, A Song of Ice and Fire, stunt coordinators Rowley Irlam, Richard Bradshaw, and Paul Shapcott were tasked with visually adapting this mysterious chapter in the narrative. Dual-wielding swords is normally not something witnessed in a Medieval fantasy but the episode's director Daniel Sackheim took creative liberties with Arthur Dayne's character to "exhibit his superhuman prowess". This only further elevates Dayne's legendary status as the Sword of the Morning adding to the fact that one of his two swords was confirmed to be the mythical Dawn, a blade forged from the metals of a meteorite granting it the strength of Valyrian steel. Game of Thrones is not known for well-shot fight scenes but this one seems to be the exception. Wider camera views and longer takes are used to fully capture the effortlessness with which Arthur Dayne cuts down Ned's men until only the soon-to-be King in the North is left standing. An unusual yet amazing fight sequence preceding what would be a pivotal plot point in the series.

#5. Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends (2014)

Given the inclusion of Sword of the Stranger, it's evident that I'm no "stranger" to the beauty of anime. But what happens when you adapt the intense exaggerated style of anime into a live-action format? These adaptations are not always successful especially when produced by Hollywood. But Japan has had some notable hits. The 2018 Bleach film is one great example, with a sword fight between Ichigo and Renji as a highlight to its approach to the action. Yet when it comes to the action sequences, and particularly sword fights, nothing beats the Rurouni Kenshin series.

The third film, Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends, marks the end of the cinematic trilogy and sees a rematch between Himura Kenshin and Sojiro. Their first face-off in the previous film Kyoto Inferno ended in a quick draw in which Sojiro broke Himura's reverse edge blade. The penultimate duel in The Legend Ends gives Himura a second chance at proving himself the one and only battousai. The two swordsmen move at blinding speed while parkouring across the deck of Shishio Makato's battleship until Himura manages to weaken one of Sojiro's legs taking away his light-footed agility. Himura then returns the favor from their original fight, cutting through Sojiro's sword leaving him nothing to defend himself with. Unlike traditional samurai films where duels end in as few moves as possible, the Rurouni Kenshin movies maintain the more complex Hong Kong aesthetic of sword fighting. All thanks to choreography by Kenji Tanigaki, a frequent collaborator of Donnie Yen in films like SPL and Flash Point. Actors Takeru Satoh and Ryunosuke Kamiki who respectively played Himura Kenshin and Sojiro required no stunt doubles bringing only greater admiration for possibly the best sequence of blade work among the many throughout the series. Himura's victory over Sojiro further reinforces his renouncement as the hitokiri ("man-slayer") and his pacifist philosophy countering the ideals of Sojiro and his master Shishio who believe that the weak must always be eradicated to make way for the strong. Another sequel and even prequel are planned for theatrical release which means this isn't the last we'll see of Rurouni Kenshin's outstanding cinematic swordplay.

#4. Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003)

The Game of Thrones entry from a lower ranking on the list involved a 2 vs. 6 scenario that eventually lead to a one against all fight. However, the # 4 spot will be a true example of 1 vs. many with honorable mentions going to the recently released Crazy Samurai Musashi and the classic Jet Li movie Fong Sai-Yuk 2. But you can't get any more classic than Kill Bill Vol. 1 where The Bride takes on the entire Crazy 88 gang lead by Shaw Brothers film legend Gordon Liu who also happened to portray Master Pai Mei.

The fight serves as a prelude to the duel between the Bride and Lucy Liu's O-Ren Ishi, one of several assailants who had betrayed the Bride and left her for dead in the first act of the film. Yuen Woo-Ping makes his second appearance on this list this time as the martial arts advisor leaving the nuances of the choreography to Rob Moses and Japanese martial arts movie star Sonny Chiba, the same man that played Hattori Hanzo, the craftsman behind the Bride's katana. Though it's the film's kenjutsu trainer, Tetsuro Shimaguchi, who put together much of the sword fighting. Funnily enough, Shimaguchi played the very first of the 88 yakuza members to be killed by the Bride. Shimaguchi's top-notch choreography perfectly matches Quentin Tarantino's intention for the film being a tribute to old school kung fu and samurai cinema. Kill Bill is filled with homages to these sub-genres with the Bride's motorcycle jacket resembling Bruce Lee's track suit in Game of Death and the over-the-top method in which she decapitates, dismembers, and eye-plucks her way through the House of Blue Leaves. This fight scene was so violent in fact that most of the footage had to be presented in black-and-white to escape complete censorship, a trick also used in 70s'/80s' television. Uma Thurman's months-long training for the role is commendable but a huge amount of credit should also go to Thurman's stunt double Zoe Belle. Tarantino's passion for martial arts films is undeniable as two whole months were used just to film this fight sequence alone. The same time normally spent to shoot an entire film. That extra time is exactly what was necessary to create one of Hollywood's most iconic sword fights.

#3. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

From one femme fatale to two others, we now move on to Yuen Woo-Ping's most recognizable choreographic masterpiece, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Released during the peak of wire-fu popularity and widely regarded as the quintessential wuxia epic, this film was adapted from a Chinese novel by director Ang Lee. It set the record for most Oscar wins and nominations for a non-English language film until 2018 and is still the highest grossing non-English language film in the US with no other martial arts movie since having been nominated for Best Picture.

One of the most famous Asian actresses, Michelle Yeoh, plays Yu Shu Lien, while the then rising star, Zhang Ziyi, plays Jen Yu, both taking advantage of their extensive dancing backgrounds to skillfully execute the fight choreography. In a choreographic style reminiscent of competitive wushu, a multitude of Chinese weaponry are on display including a spear and a mace but it's the swordplay that is especially well sequenced. Zhang Ziyi tests her seemingly indestructible Green Destiny against Michelle Yeoh's dual daos (Chinese sabers) and hook swords until finally pulling out a jian in the last and most exciting blade-to-blade exchange of the entire fight. The inclusion of the jian was interestingly an afterthought as Yeoh's character normally prefers the dao. The primary sword style used in this scene, particularly for Yeoh's jian and Zhang Ziyi's Green Destiny, is based on the Chinese martial arts of the Wudang Mountains, known for their elegant flowing movements. Both characters, and to a certain degree their respective actresses, are undoubtedly well-versed in these arts ultimately conveying the lesson that victory lies not in the weapon but the one who wields it.

The fight also functions in symbolizing the disagreements between Yu Shu Lien's adherence to tradition and Jen Yu's rebellious desire for forbidden love.

#2. Star Wars: Episode 3 - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

A list of greatest cinematic sword fights simply cannot be compiled without the inclusion of at least one lightsaber duel. The old-school lightsaber battles of the original trilogy are absolute classics and the sequel trilogy respected its roots by bringing back a similar flavor of sword fighting. And the insanely exaggerated lightsaber fights in Gendy Tartokovsky's Star Wars: Clone Wars series showcase some of the best animated action sequences out there. In the end, the #2 spot has to go to the final duel between Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: Episode 3 - Revenge of the Sith.

Anakin has now fully embraced the dark side and his new Sith persona leaving Obi-Wan with no choice but to confront his former padawan and closest companion. George Lucas envisioned the Jedi to be in their prime during the prequel trilogy when lightsaber combat had been developed to its highest form. Several Hong Kong choreographers were considered for the prequels including Sammo Hung (can you imagine?) but Lucas finally settled on hiring sword master Nick Gillard. Besides playing Jedi master Cin Drallig in Episode 3, Gillard is the creative mind behind all of the lightsaber fights in the prequel films having combined Fencing, Kendo, and Iaido (the Japanese martial art specializing in the efficient drawing of one's sword) into a single distinctive style of swordplay. Anakin is not yet restricted by his stiff robotic Vader suit enabling full acrobatic freedom as he relentlessly pushes back a calm and collected Obi-Wan who steers both of them towards more tactically advantageous areas. As is the theme with many of the previous entries on this list, no stunt doubles were used by Hayden Christensen and Ewyn McGregor having memorized the entirety of their complex choreography without speeding up the footage at all translating into a blindingly fast blur of blue blades. Disregarding Anakin's cheesy dialogue, Episode 3 is undoubtedly the most dramatic of the prequel trilogy. John Williams' Battle of the Heroes score and the volcanic hellscape of Mustafar intensify the emotional climax of the film and the fateful duel that would lead to Anakin's transformation into the Sith lord Darth Vader.

#1. Fearless (2006)

If you've been waiting for Jet Li to make an appearance on this list, it's because I saved him for the top spot. Jet Li is an expert of all manner of wushu weaponry and Fearless is one of the most noteworthy examples. Also titled Huo Yuanjia after the titular character and historical figure it is centered around, one of the opening tournament fights against a Spanish swordsman is undeniably worthy of mentioning but the #1 pick must go to the restaurant fight between Jet Li's Huo Yuanjia and rival martial arts master Qin.

After Qin had allegedly assaulted one of Huo's students, Huo confronts Qin in the middle of his birthday party challenging him to a duel. Huo is initially overwhelmed by Qin's sheer ferocity, incredible power, and larger uniquely designed dao even whittling down Huo's blade into a fancy dagger. It's not until Huo ditches what is left of his sword and resorts to dirty hand-to-hand combat that he is able to finally turn the tables. Jet Li's world-class martial arts skills and Qin's actor Chen Zhihui's background in Shaobei Fist are utilized at their maximum potential in a fight sequence that mixes awesome swordplay with powerful kicks and acrobatic maneuvering all choreographed by none other than Yuen Woo-Ping. The Star Wars prequel fights have been criticized for being too flashy with an overabundance of fancy twirling and not enough full-contact swings. Which is why seeing the unrelenting malice of two combatants actually trying to kill each other in Fearless raises itself a level above Revenge of the Sith. The night-time setting and background music amplify the emotional intensity as Huo's utter contempt for his opponent drives him towards his own dark side sending him on a path of redemption and spiritual peace. Originally intended to be Jet Li's final martial arts film, this fight sequence is one of his career highlights and unquestionably one of the best cinematic sword fights ever filmed.

So feel free to comment down below on your agreements or disagreements on this list. I may make two other separate lists for only Eastern or Western sword fights in the near future. And if you wanna read more top 12 fight scene listicles subscribe to my website so you can be notified via email. Next time we cover Top 12 Knife Fights so keep an eye out for that! But here's a list of other sword fights that are also very entertaining to watch. I'm sure you might've been wondering why some of them didn't make the list....

The Four Musketeers: Milady's Revenge (final fight)

The Musketeer (final ladder fight)

Pirates of the Caribbean series (various)

Die Another Day (Bond vs Graves)

The Last Samurai (various)

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (final fight)

Kill Order (apartment fight)

John Wick 3 (motorcycle sword fight)

The Villainess (motorcycle sword fight)

Versus (Tak Sakaguchi vs. Hideo Sakaki)

13 Assassins (more of a battle)

Revenger (2 vs. 1 fight)