Top 10s — September 21, 2011 at 3:00 pm

HEATHER’S TOP TEN FIGHT SCENES

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TOP TEN FIGHT SCENES

Technicians, brutal beasts, and incredible use of weaponry are all components of this awesome list.  At the end of the day it becomes one vs. however many.

10.  THE MATRIX (Neo vs. Morpheus)


There are a few notable scenes from this movie but the one that I find most enjoyable to watch again and again is the banter of talents between Neo and Morpheus.  It might not be gun fighting in the lobby, but the martial arts, the excitement of overwhelmed use of CGI technology and the depth of the scene is what makes this so profound to watch again and again.

9.  CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON  (Yu Shu Lien vs. Jen)

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is another film that boasts many fight scenes and moments of martial arts that were completely innovative but this scene between the two main female characters of the story,Yu Shu Lien and Jen takes the cake.  The young and fiery challenging the older, the seasoned, and the wizened makes this battle not only remarkably beautiful to watch but exhilarating as well.

8. THE BOURNE IDENTITY (Jason Bourne Vs. Apartment Assassin)


The new tough and bold style of fighting and shooting that the Jason Bourne movies introduced something far more tangible with the close and brutal combat that The Bourne Trilogy offered.  The apartment scene was what first really captured this on an epically bad a$$ level.  The assassin in the apartment and Jason acting on pure reflex only, was amazing to watch.  Not only was he undeniably dangerous, but he was unaware of exactly what he was doing.  Absolutely amazing and pure entertainment.

7.  KILL BILL VOL. 1 ( The Bride vs. The Crazy 88′s)

For a story that says very little, the inventive brutality of the fight scenes and real exploitation of a raw and hardened killer is Tarantino at his best.  As amazing as the blood splattering scene is from a martial arts point of view, there is always constant humor and a soundtrack playing in the back round may not seem appropriate but somehow only furthers to exemplify the amazing essence this viciously delicious scene creates.  One of the best fight scenes ever, and certainly one of the highest body counts.

6. TROY (Achilles vs. Hector)

The tension that built up to this point was pretty intense, but the excitement of knowing that the two giant heroes Hector and Achilles would finally meet each other.  The most provocative part of their final battle was the fact that both were likable characters, heros of the film, just on different sides.  Who exactly could you root for????  Sure the actual physical showdown was plenty exciting, but it was the emotion behind this battle that really ignited it’s importance and excitement.

5. PREDATOR (Arnold vs. The Predator)

“You are one ugly mother……..BLEEP”

The final showdown between the Predator and Arnie is Epic.  I mean it ends in a nuclear sized explosion with a wicked monster laugh.  The stalking and the planning up to this point was built an extreme climax that didn’t let you down.  Predator is one of the greatest action films of all time, but the combination of Arnold and the monstrous alien at the end is what makes it really excel.

4. LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RINGS (Aragorn vs. Lurtz)

Perhaps not always remembered because of the magnanimous battle scenes throughout The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy, the end of The Fellowship is met with a nasty fight between too almost supernaturally strong beings.  Aragorn avenging the death of Boromir vs. Lurtz the king and leader of the Uruk-hai.  Unfathomable moments happen between the two as they battle to the inevitable death.  The tension is so high and the gruesomeness so realistic it’s difficult not to get caught up in the brutal action.

3. STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE  (Darth Maul vs. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon)

The Phantom Menace might have gotten a bad wrap but it is well known for one of the greatest fight scenes in movie history.  It’s moment of greatness and climax throughout the film was the light sabor duel between Darth Maul, Qui-Gon , and Obi Wan.  The battle goes down as one of the best in Science Fiction/Action moments in film history.  The fluidity, the athleticism, the creative use of the force, and the connection of the character’s in the moment was ultimate movie greatness, and made everything in The Phantom Menace that much better.

2. ALIENS (Ripley vs. Queen Xenomorph)

“Get away from her, you bitch.”

begins one of the greatest fights ever.  The evil Queen Xenomorph is now out to kill what would seem to be Ripley’s child after Ripley destroyed her entire nest, not to mention the planet that was home to it.  When it comes down to it, this was a battle of mother vs. VERY pissed off mother.  This epic showdown is without question of the best one of the most memorable and certainly one of the most entertaining fights ever on film.

1. FIGHT CLUB (Jack vs. Jack)

A lot of the scenes on this list have been noted for man vs. alien or monster, or even a human foe as formidable as they are, but only one great battle boils down to a man vs. himself.  In retrospect this scene in Fight Club where the narrator fights himself is poignant in relevance to the story, but it’s still just damn funny.  Brutal but funny nonetheless.  It’s shocking and intelligent all rolled into one.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Inigo Montoya vs. The black Pirate in The Princess Bride, Bruce Lee vs Chuck Norris in The Way of The Dragon,  Anakin vs. Obi Wan, Olboy Corridor fight, and Maximus vs. Anything.

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Author: I'm Kai's bat shit crazy co-host on the MILFcast and he and Dylan, the hetero-life mates invited me over here at Man, I Love Films to write your Wednesday lists. My box of tricks involves a compulsive obsession with David Bowie, adoration for anything James Cameron, and an affinity for Michael Bay movies. Shoot me, he'll blow ya up.

43 Comments

  • Reply
    AndyS September 21, 2011 3:27 pm

    GREAT LIST!

    Just out of curiosity, why choose the three way Maul/Qui-Gon/Obi duel instead of the Mustafar Anakin/Obi? Both are extremely well done, powerful, and given tremendous music by Williams. But I do love this duel, too.

    I love, love, love, love, LOVE the inclusion of PREDATOR in this list (rock on!), and I can’t possibly argue with TROY or KILL BILL VOL. 1. You’ve really made me wanna run to YouTube and rewatch these masterpieces.

    Even though I’m not a huge fan of FIGHT CLUB (hate me now), but I did love that scene. Now, off to YouTube…

    • Reply
      Heather
      Twitter:
      September 26, 2011 5:57 pm

      For some reason I fell in love with Darth Maul as a villain, but I dug getting to see Obi Wan so young in this position and tale we didn’t know about his life, and to see his own Master die. It makes his relationship with Anakin much more poignant. Also Ray Parks martial arts were beautiful and the intensity builty throughout was just substantial. You knew the final result of Obi Wan vs. Ani. I still dig that fight though, even though Phantom Menace is obviously the weaker film.

  • Reply
    Nick September 21, 2011 3:34 pm

    I think I like more of your honorable mentions than your actual list! :P

    Some good choices, though.

  • Reply
    Red September 21, 2011 3:37 pm

    As always, you’re unabashed love of Troy brings me happiness.

    Others to consider:
    -River’s bar fight in Serenity (or one of the Malcolm vs Operative fights)
    -Alley fight in Anchorman
    -Walk-off in Zoolander

  • Reply
    Castor September 21, 2011 5:30 pm

    Nice list Heather. Nothing beats Ed Norton beating himself up to extort his boss, I think we have all dreamed so at one point or another ;) I would have a scene from Ong Bak and/or Ip Man in there for good measure.

  • Reply
    Tom Clift
    Twitter:
    September 21, 2011 6:10 pm

    Awesome, awesome picks Heather! I also throw in The Bride vs. Elle Driver from KILL BILL VOL 2 and the hand to hand marionette fight from the beginning of TEAM AMERICA

  • Reply
    Nikhat September 21, 2011 8:49 pm

    Brilliant list! Personally I love The Bride fighting O-Ren Ishii more, but the Crazy 88 scene is great too.
    I love love Hugh Grant and Colin Firth fighting in Bridget Jones’s Diary.
    I think I fell in love with Ed Norton when he kicked his own butt.

  • Reply
    justin September 21, 2011 10:04 pm

    wow. i think this is the only list that i have seen nearly every film actually ON the list. the only exception is the aliens movie. i’ve seen the two horrible ones (parts 3 & 4) but i’ve never seen the first two movies. i will have to go and watch those.
    great list heather. i only know half of the honorable mentions. the princess bride and the way of the dragon. lots of movies for me to see still. thankfully i have dylan close by to get me to sit down and watch them.

  • Reply
    Tyler September 22, 2011 12:53 am

    I just recently rewatched The Seven Samurai the other night so I feel obliged to mention that it’s final fight sequence is absolutely mindblowingly awesome, especially when you consider the film was made in 1954. I could probably think of a few more, but that one has just stuck in my mind.

  • Reply
    Rich September 22, 2011 6:48 am

    I recently wrote about the film ‘Way of the Dragon’ and I’m convinced that entire film was made for the sole purpose of that Bruce Lee/Chuck Norris fight.

  • Reply
    Sir Phobos
    Twitter:
    September 22, 2011 7:04 am

    Roddy Piper and Keith David in They Live. ’nuff said.

    Also, I’ll throw in Jet Li’s end fight in Fist of Legend. Oh, and some Jackie Chan while I’m at it.

    There are so many fights to choose from, it’s ridiculous.

    • Reply
      Dylan
      Twitter:
      September 22, 2011 9:52 am

      Haha – I do love that They Live fight, but it’s so ridiculous at the same time.

      • Reply
        Sir Phobos
        Twitter:
        September 22, 2011 3:12 pm

        It feels like it goes on for like 20 minutes, but I think it’s actually something like 4 minutes. Yea, neither one of them would be standing at the end of that. Just like when Piper flew out of the window, tumbled down a mountain, and landed on concrete just to get up and walk away.

    • Reply
      Thaddeus September 22, 2011 10:02 am

      I love the fight from They Live, dumb as it is. If I had to pick one Jackie Chan fight it would be Drunken Master II, the fight in the bar. It’s just amazing.

      This I’d a good list, even if iI have two issues with it. Vader vs Luke in ESB is better than the the three way from Phantom Menace.

      Also, Troy is deeply-flawed movie because Wolfgang decided to remove the gods from the equation. Y’know who to root for? The side that’s trying to defend themselves, not the side that will sack the city & then *throw the Trojan babies from the wall so their heads get smashed in.* Call me old-fashioned, but you don’t cheer for the baby-murderers.

  • Reply
    Melody
    Twitter:
    September 22, 2011 9:04 am

    HEATHER!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE THEM ALL! great LIST ;)

  • Reply
    Dylan
    Twitter:
    September 22, 2011 9:58 am

    Love it as well, Heather – truly solid all-around list with few holes that I can think of. My only major issues are with placement:

    Believe it or not, despite my love of Predator, I think I’d move that one down/off. Great as the planning and all that is, I wouldn’t call the final fight a let down, but it’s not terribly memorable for me, either. I want Westley vs. Inigo in the top 10 – their duel has always been one of my favorite parts of one of my favorite movies. So graceful.

    Again, I love Fight Club like few others and absolutely adore the Jack. vs. Jack “fight,” but it’s too funny and gimmicky to include on something like this, especially at number 1.

    • Reply
      Heather
      Twitter:
      September 26, 2011 6:07 pm

      I’ll give you the fact that the actual combat itself isn’t as great as some of the other choices here, but the end of Predator and that Arnie showdown, getting to see the monster as one ugly mother fucker full force is still one of my favorite moments in film.

      As for Fight Club, I see part of your argument, but I disagree about it being too funny or gimmicky. It may be humorous, but the scene itself is also a very important scene in the movie when taking it’s entirety into consideration. That included with the originality of it and the fact that I’m clearly obsessed with the flick win me over ten fold.

      I had a hard time not adding Wesley and Inigo.

  • Reply
    Dan
    Twitter:
    September 22, 2011 10:26 am

    Nice list, Heather. Can’t really argue with any of them.

    I’d also throw in the original Darth Vader/Luke light saber fight in Empire. I’ll back up the awesome wrestling fight in They Live (more elbow drops!). In the Matrix, the Neo/Smith fight near the end is great too (100 times better than their lame flying battle in Revolutions).

    How can we all forget the Rocky/Tommy Gunn street fight at the end of Rocky 5? I wish I could forget it.

  • Reply
    Fox Force Five September 22, 2011 11:13 am

    love morpheus/neo fight…the build up is great…for the sheer fact that mouse runs in to tell the others “morpheus is fighting neo” and they all run…you know it’s a big deal!!

    i think the only thing this list is missing is a “food fight”…although it might require another list of it’s own entirely…i vote hook, or whip it…

  • Reply
    Kaiderman
    Twitter:
    September 22, 2011 5:30 pm

    Troy? Seriously? :)
    This list is solid. My only beef is that Neo vs. Morpheus should be wahaaaay higher!
    Overall good though. This is why it’s nice to have Heather back around again!

  • Reply
    Fitz
    Twitter:
    September 22, 2011 8:23 pm

    Solid list! The final lightsaber duel between Qui-Gon/Darth Maul/Obi-Wan is maybe the only redeeming thing about that film.

  • Reply
    Nic Cage September 23, 2011 11:04 am

    Eastern Promises!! The Viggo fight scene…holy crap intense. Minus Viggo’s junk shot a few times, insane fight scene.

    • Reply
      Sir Phobos
      Twitter:
      September 27, 2011 12:52 am

      Ahhhh, good choice. I didn’t think of that one. You have to power through the junk shots if you’re inclined to look away. All those shots tole me was that even though he’s waving it all out there, he still can’t be beat. That is the essence of Viggo.

    • Reply
      Heather
      Twitter:
      September 27, 2011 6:51 am

      I’m an enormous fan of Viggo………..and his junk. See what I did there. ;-)

      • Reply
        Sir Phobos
        Twitter:
        September 29, 2011 2:17 am

        I see what you did there.

        Maybe I’m in the minority (in general), but I don’t really care if I see man parts. All of us men have them.

        The fact that that whole scene is done in the nude makes it even more fucking impressive. Doesn’t he punch one of the guys in the nuts? Holy shit….I shall pass on the feeling of getting nut-punched while in the buff.

  • Reply
    Andrew
    Twitter:
    September 26, 2011 12:00 pm

    It’s rule that any top-ten fight scene list must have at least one Donnie Yen scene on it.

  • Reply
    SJHoneywell September 28, 2011 3:12 pm

    Okay. It’s been a week.

    “Magnanimous” (as in #4 above) means forgiving and free from pettiness, not incredible or great.

    Please, for the love of God, change it.

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