Best Sword Fighting Movies

From Peter Jackson, starring Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom
Rated PG-13

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is an epic fantasy-adventure film directed by Peter Jackson. It is the third and final installment in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, following The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) and The Two Towers (2002). The film follows the titular Fellowship as they battle to save Middle-Earth from the forces of the Dark Lord Sauron. The film culminates with a climactic battle at the Black Gate of Mordor, where the Fellowship makes a desperate stand against the forces of evil. The film features a large ensemble cast, with Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, and Orlando Bloom among them. The Return of the King won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Peter Jackson. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all-time.

From Peter Jackson, starring Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom
Rated PG-13

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is the second installment of Peter Jackson's epic fantasy trilogy, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel. The story follows the continuing journey of Frodo and Sam as they progress on their quest to destroy the One Ring in the fiery depths of Mordor. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli are on a mission to rescue their captive friends Merry and Pippin, who are being held by the evil Uruk-hai. As the Fellowship of the Ring is divided and the forces of darkness prepare to launch a final assault on Middle-earth, the brave heroes must stand together against the forces of evil. The film is a thrilling adventure filled with spectacular battle scenes, heart-stopping chases, and stunning visual effects. The Two Towers also features powerful performances by Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Liv Tyler, and Ian McKellen, among others.

From Peter Jackson, starring Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, Sean Bean
Rated PG-13

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, directed by Peter Jackson, is set in the mythical land of Middle Earth. The story follows a fellowship consisting of Frodo Baggins, Gandalf the Grey, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Boromir, and the rest of the nine members of the fellowship as they set out on a quest to destroy the One Ring of Sauron which holds the power to enslave Middle Earth. Along the way, they face many challenges, including the powerful Ringwraiths, Orcs, and the Balrog of Moria. The fellowship must also find a way to get the Ring to Mount Doom in Mordor, the only place strong enough to destroy it. Through their journey, the fellowship must work together in order to survive and protect the Ring from Sauron's forces. Ultimately, the fellowship succeeds in their mission and the Ring is destroyed, allowing the people of Middle Earth to live in peace.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima, Yukiko Shimazaki
Rated Not Rated

Seven Samurai is an epic Japanese adventure film directed by Akira Kurosawa. Set in 1586 Japan, the story follows a group of seven ronin samurai who are hired to defend a small village from a band of marauding bandits. Over the course of the film, the samurai and the villagers develop a bond of friendship and respect as they battle against overwhelming odds. The film follows the heroic samurai as they use their tactical prowess and camaraderie to defeat the bandits and protect the villagers. The film is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Japanese cinema and is considered one of the greatest films ever made.

From Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed
Rated R

Gladiator is a 2000 epic historical drama directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe as the fictional character, Maximus Decimus Meridius. The story is set in 180 AD, during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. It tells the story of a Roman general who is betrayed and sold into slavery by a corrupt emperor. He is forced to fight as a gladiator, and eventually leads a rebellion against the emperor in an attempt to avenge his family and restore the Roman Republic. Along the way, he discovers that he has a personal stake in the conflict, as he learns the truth behind the emperor’s betrayal. As Maximus embarks on his heroic quest for revenge and justice, the film explores themes of honor, courage, and the search for redemption.

From Mel Gibson, starring Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Angus Macfadyen
Rated R

Braveheart is an Academy Award-winning epic historical drama film set in the late 13th century, directed by Mel Gibson and written by Randall Wallace. It tells the story of William Wallace, a Scottish rebel who leads a historic rebellion against the cruel English King Edward I. With the help of his friends and clansmen, Wallace fights against the oppressive English occupation of Scotland in a series of battles and daring raids, ultimately leading to a victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Along the way, he falls in love with the noblewoman Murron MacClannough, only to have her taken away from him by the English. In the end, Wallace's courage and loyalty to his country inspire the Scots to fight bravely for freedom and ultimately defeat the English.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Daryl Hannah, Michael Madsen
Rated R

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a 2003 action-packed martial arts revenge film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film follows The Bride (Uma Thurman), a former assassin seeking revenge on her former boss and lover Bill (David Carradine) for attempting to murder her and her unborn child on her wedding day. With help from her former colleagues, she embarks on a quest for revenge and faces each of the members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. As she fights her way through each foe, The Bride encounters unexpected allies, multiple enemies, and startling revelations about her past. The film culminates in an epic sword fight that leaves The Bride victorious but with a mystery still left to be solved in the sequel.

From Gore Verbinski, starring Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley
Rated PG-13

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a 2003 adventure film directed by Gore Verbinski and starring Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, and Orlando Bloom. The film follows the quest of blacksmith Will Turner, and pirate Captain Jack Sparrow, to rescue the kidnapped Elizabeth Swann from the cursed crew of the Black Pearl commanded by the legendary pirate Barbossa. The two must face off against supernatural threats, sea battles, and a fearsome undead crew in order to save Elizabeth from the curse of the Black Pearl. Along the way, they make unexpected allies, including the eccentric Captain Hector Barbossa, and discover the fabled treasure of Isla de Muerta. As their adventure nears its climax, Will and Jack must confront the ultimate evil in an action-packed battle that will decide the fate of their world.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah
Rated R

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 is a 2004 martial arts film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, and the second installment in the Kill Bill film series. The plot focuses on The Bride (Uma Thurman) continuing her quest of vengeance against her former boss and lover Bill (David Carradine), who had attempted to have her and her unborn child killed. Along the way, she encounters allies and enemies, including the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, led by the murderous Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah). After reuniting with Pai Mei (Gordon Liu), a martial arts master who trained her in the past, The Bride ultimately confronts Bill in a climactic and bloody showdown. The film also stars Lucy Liu, Michael Madsen, and Vivica A. Fox.

From Rob Reiner, starring Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon
Rated PG

The Princess Bride is a classic romantic fantasy adventure directed by Rob Reiner. The film tells the story of Buttercup (Robin Wright), a young woman forced into a loveless arranged marriage with the odious Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon). Before the wedding can take place, however, Buttercup is kidnapped by a band of rogues led by the Dread Pirate Roberts (Cary Elwes), and a series of swashbuckling adventures ensue. Along the way, Buttercup meets a young farmhand named Westley (also Elwes), a mysterious swordsman named Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), and a giant named Fezzik (Andre the Giant). Together, the quartet must battle the forces of evil and rescue Buttercup from her captors. Along the way, they are aided by a magical, wise old man (Billy Crystal) and a group of assorted characters. The Princess Bride is a humorous, magical, and heartwarming tale that has delighted audiences for generations.

From Ang Lee, starring Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Ziyi Zhang, Chang Chen
Rated PG-13

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a martial arts epic set in 19th-century China. It tells the story of warrior Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun-Fat) and his quest to avenge the death of his master, who was killed by an old friend. Along the way, he meets a mysterious woman, Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh), and an even more enigmatic villain, Jade Fox (Cheng Pei-pei). With the help of a legendary, 400-year-old sword, Li and Yu must confront both the villain and their own innermost feelings. Featuring breathtaking martial arts choreography and sweeping cinematography, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is an awe-inspiring masterpiece of modern cinema.

From Directors: Michael Curtiz, William Keighley, starring Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, Claude Rains
Rated PG

The Adventures of Robin Hood is a 1938 American adventure film directed by Michael Curtiz and William Keighley, and starring Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, Claude Rains, and Patric Knowles. Set in 12th-century England, the film follows the legendary Robin Hood and his band of outlaws as they battle against the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, who is intent on taking away the peoples' wealth and oppressing them. Along the way, Robin falls in love with Maid Marian and ultimately helps King Richard regain the throne from Prince John. With his loyal followers, Robin Hood defeats the Sheriff of Nottingham and his forces, proving that love and justice can still triumph in England.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons, Charles Laughton
Rated PG-13

Spartacus is a historic epic set during the Third Servile War in Ancient Rome. The story follows Spartacus (Kirk Douglas), a slave who is forced to fight as a gladiator in the arena. After being betrayed by his friend and lover, Varinia (Jean Simmons), and being tricked into leading a failed revolt, he is captured and sentenced to die in the arena. However, he refuses to reveal the identity of his fellow rebel leaders and is saved by Crassus (Laurence Olivier). He is forced to lead a slave army against the Roman legions in a desperate struggle for freedom, with Crassus determined to crush the rebellion. Spartacus and his forces fight bravely, but their efforts are ultimately in vain, and Spartacus is captured and crucified. In the end, the slaves are defeated, but Spartacus has won the respect of his captors with his courage and self-sacrifice.

From Edward Zwick, starring Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Billy Connolly, William Atherton
Rated R

The Last Samurai is a 2003 epic war film set in the late 19th century, starring Tom Cruise as Nathan Algren, an American military officer hired by the Emperor of Japan to train the Japanese army in modern warfare. After witnessing the brutality of the Japanese soldiers towards their own people, Algren is captured by a Samurai clan that is fighting for the preservation of the traditional Samurai way of life. Algren is eventually won over by the Samurai's courage, loyalty and honor and joins them in their fight against the Emperor's forces. The Last Samurai is an action-packed and emotionally-charged story of loyalty and honor, set in a unique and beautiful historical period. It is also a story of redemption and transformation as Algren finds himself slowly drawn in to the Samurai's honorable way of life.

From Kevin Reynolds, starring Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce, Christopher Adamson, JB Blanc
Rated PG-13

The Count of Monte Cristo is a 2002 adventure drama film directed by Kevin Reynolds based on the 1844 novel of the same name by Alexandre Dumas. The film follows Edmond Dantès, a young sailor falsely accused of treason by his enemies and imprisoned in the Chateau d'If. After years of imprisonment, Dantès is rescued by the Abbe Faria, a fellow prisoner. Faria entrusts Dantès with a secret map to an island where a great fortune is hidden. After assuming a new identity, "The Count of Monte Cristo," Dantès embarks on a quest of vengeance against those who betrayed him. With the help of his newfound wealth and influence, he sets out to ruin the lives of those who framed him. Along the way, he learns that revenge is not always the answer and must find a path to redemption.

From Zack Snyder, starring Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham, Dominic West
Rated R

300 is a historical fantasy action film directed by Zack Snyder, based on the 1998 comic series of the same name by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley. The film focuses on the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC, in which King Leonidas of Sparta leads 300 of his elite warriors against an invading Persian army of over one million soldiers. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the 300 Spartans stand their ground against the Persians, resulting in a narrow victory for the Greeks. The film follows the heroic tale of the warriors and their King, as they fight for the freedom of their homeland and the survival of their people. With its stunning visuals and intense action sequences, 300 is an epic retelling of an iconic battle that has stood the test of time.

From Takashi Miike, starring Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yûsuke Iseya, Ikki Sawamura
Rated R

13 Assassins is a Japanese period drama film directed by Takashi Miike, released in 2010. The story follows a group of 13 Samurai swordsmen who are hired by a retired samurai to assassinate an evil and cruel lord who is sacrificing innocent people in his quest for power. The 13 assassins must fight through an army of 200 to reach the lord and complete their mission. Along the way, their honor and loyalty toward each other is tested as they face insurmountable odds. The film is an action-packed adventure filled with intense battle scenes, as well as a story of loyalty, courage, and justice.

From Kenneth Branagh, starring Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jacobi, Simon Shepherd, James Larkin
Rated PG-13

Henry V is a 1989 British historical drama film adapted for the screen and directed by Kenneth Branagh, based on William Shakespeare's play of the same name about King Henry V of England. The film stars Branagh in the title role with Paul Scofield, Derek Jacobi, Ian Holm, Emma Thompson, Alec McCowen, Judi Dench, Robbie Coltrane, and Christian Bale in supporting roles. The film follows young King Henry V of England as he faces civil war in England, and leads his army against the French at the Battle of Agincourt. Along the way, he must make tough decisions, reconcile with his past, and lead his troops to victory. Through his experiences, he comes to understand the importance of leadership, responsibility, and integrity.

From Roland Joffé, starring Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Ray McAnally, Aidan Quinn
Rated PG

From Wolfgang Petersen, starring Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, Julian Glover
Rated R

From John Boorman, starring Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren, Nicholas Clay, Cherie Lunghi
Rated PG

From Ridley Scott, starring Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, Liam Neeson, Martin Hancock
Rated R

From Ron Howard, starring Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Warwick Davis, Jean Marsh
Rated PG

From Brian Helgeland, starring Heath Ledger, Mark Addy, Rufus Sewell, Shannyn Sossamon
Rated PG-13

From Michael Caton-Jones, starring Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, John Hurt, Tim Roth
Rated R