Draw Your Blades: 10 Best Movies With Sword Battles
Guns may be much more effective, but most shootouts pale in comparison to good old-fashioned, beautifully choreographed swordplay.
Although gunfights can look absolutely spectacular, there is a special charm to sword fights, as watching a beautifully choreographed duel makes you hold your breath every time the opponents cross their swords.
So if you want to indulge in movies with some absolutely stunning sword fights, you will definitely find something to your liking among these ten.
Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Although both parts of this revenge story directed by the legendary Quentin Tarantino are well worth your time, the first movie has the most impressive sword fights, which take place during the "House of Blue Leaves" sequence.
The story follows Beatrix Kiddo, portrayed by Uma Thurman, a former member of a group of elite assassins who seeks revenge on her former comrades after they turn on Beatrix and nearly kill her.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Ang Lee's martial arts cult classic starring Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh has earned its iconic status for a reason, as it is absolutely packed with beautiful action scenes, many of which involve swordplay.
The story revolves around a legendary ancient sword, the Green Destiny, which is said to give its wielder immense power, so many people want to get their hands on it.
Highlander (1986)
While the later installments of this franchise (which will soon get a reboot starring Henry Cavill ) turned out to be absolutely atrocious, the original 1986 film deserved its fame.
Starring Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery and Clancy Brown, it tells the story of a centuries-long conflict between immortal warriors who can only be killed by decapitation.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Peter Jackson's take on the legendary fantasy novel trilogy was perfect in almost every way, solidifying it as one of the best adaptations in film history, barely aging even more than two decades after the release of the third film.
It is also filled with absolutely spectacular swordplay, from intense small-scale duels to epic clashes of massive armies, leaving viewers glued to their seats in awe.
Star Wars Prequel Trilogy
Of course, lightsabers are not technically swords, but this "elegant weapon for a more civilized age" has become synonymous with George Lucas' creation.
Although the franchise is packed with visually impressive fight scenes, the prequel trilogy, for all its flaws, has by far the most breathtaking and beautifully choreographed lightsaber duels that give the viewer goosebumps.
The Last Samurai (2003)
If Kill Bill wasn't enough for you and you're craving more katana-wielding action, this Tom Cruise starrer is worth at least a look.
Set in 1876, the film follows Captain Nathan Algren, who is hired to train the Imperial Japanese Army in the use of Western weapons, but ends up joining the samurai rebels led by Lord Moritsugu Katsumoto, portrayed by Ken Watanabe.
Gladiator (2000)
More than two decades later, this stunning historical drama directed by Ridley Scott still holds up incredibly well, and hopefully the upcoming sequel won't tarnish its impressive legacy.
Starring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, it follows a former Roman general, Maximus Decimus Meridius, who is forced to become a gladiator, leaving him no choice but to use his sword and combat skills to fight his way to revenge.
300 (2006)
While Zack Snyder's career as a filmmaker has been incredibly hit and miss, he has still given us some great cinematic masterpieces, and this 2006 historical epic is one of them.
Based on the comic book series of the same name, which itself is based on true historical events, it tells the story of the Spartan army, led by King Leonidas, played by Gerard Butler, and their last stand against the Persian Empire.
The Mask of Zorro (1998)
Starring Antonio Banderas as the titular vigilante, this take on the adventures of the iconic character has no shortage of exciting and intense swordplay.
The story follows Alejandro Murrieta as he takes on the mantle of Zorro from Don Diego de la Vega to face Don Rafael Montero, the old enemy of Murrieta's predecessor.
Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise
This iconic franchise, starring Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, has earned the love of countless fans for a reason, thanks in no small part to the exciting and creative action and sword fights that have remained great throughout the series.