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 the third installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the culmination of the journey of the Fellowship of the Ring. The film follows hobbit Frodo Baggins, who is on a quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat the dark lord Sauron. In order to do so, he must travel to Mt. Doom where the Ring was forged. Meanwhile, Aragorn must muster the armies of Men to march on the Black Gate and distract Sauron while Frodo makes his journey. The forces of good are pitted against the armies of Mordor in a desperate battle for Middle-Earth. In the end, Frodo succeeds in destroying the One Ring, Sauron is defeated, and peace is restored to Middle-Earth.

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

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is a 2002 epic fantasy adventure film directed by Peter Jackson and based on the second volume of J. R. R. Tolkien's novel The Lord of the Rings. The film follows the members of the Fellowship as they struggle against the forces of evil that have descended upon Middle-earth. Frodo and Sam must continue their quest to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom, while Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli battle the forces of the wizard Saruman in an attempt to protect the people of Rohan. Along the way, they discover a powerful new ally in the form of the ents, a race of tree-like creatures. With courage, friendship, and determination, they set out to save Middle-earth.

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 is a 2001 epic fantasy adventure film directed by Peter Jackson. It is based on J. R. R. Tolkien's novel of the same name. The film follows hobbit Frodo Baggins as he embarks on a quest to destroy the One Ring, which has been forged by the Dark Lord Sauron. Along the way, he is joined by a fellowship of eight others: Gandalf the wizard; Aragorn, the human Ranger; Legolas, the Elven prince; Gimli, the Dwarf; Boromir, the human warrior; Merry and Pippin, a pair of Hobbit friends; and Samwise Gamgee, Frodo's loyal companion. As they journey across Middle-earth, they must battle the forces of evil led by Sauron and his Ringwraiths. Along the way, they find strength, courage and friendship in each other to help them on their quest. The Fellowship of the Ring is an epic and thrilling adventure that tells the story of the quest to save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron.

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

Set in feudal Japan, Seven Samurai tells the story of a small village that is constantly under attack from bandits. In order to protect themselves, the villagers hire seven masterless samurai to defend their village. The samurai overcome numerous obstacles, including a lack of supplies and a numerically superior enemy, to train and equip the villagers in battle tactics. In the end, they are able to save the village from the bandit's onslaught. Despite the odds, the seven samurai ultimately sacrifice their own lives to ensure the village's safety and freedom.

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

Gladiator is a 2000 epic historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe. The film tells the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general who is betrayed by the Emperor's ambitious son and is sold into slavery. Now, as a gladiator, Maximus must battle his way to freedom, avenge the murder of his family, and restore his honor. Along the way, Maximus becomes a popular symbol of courage and freedom to the people of Rome, and ultimately defeats the Emperor's son in a final fight to the death.

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

Braveheart is an epic historical drama film directed by Mel Gibson. The film tells the story of the legendary 13th-century Scottish warrior William Wallace, who led a revolt against the English crown. After his wife is murdered, Wallace rallies the Scottish clans to battle for Scottish independence. Wallace is eventually betrayed and captured, leading to a dramatic finale in which he is viciously executed. The film features a powerful score and stunning cinematography, and earned five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

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

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a 2003 martial arts action film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The story follows the Bride (Uma Thurman), a former assassin who is betrayed by her former boss and left for dead on her wedding day. After being in a coma for four years, she awakens and sets out to take revenge on those who wronged her. Along the way, she encounters a series of memorable characters, including a team of elite assassins led by her ultimate nemesis, Bill (David Carradine). With a mixture of memorable action sequences, stunning visuals, and unexpected humor, Kill Bill: Vol. 1 has become a cult classic and is widely considered one of Tarantino's best films.

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 swashbuckling adventure film directed by Gore Verbinski and released in 2003. It follows the unlikely hero, Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), who teams up with the infamous pirate Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) to rescue the kidnapped Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), daughter of the governor of Port Royal. Together, they set out on a daring quest to lift the curse of the Black Pearl, a cursed ship and crew of undead pirate sailors. Along the way, they encounter a host of adversaries, including the evil Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) and his crew of cursed pirates, and uncover secrets about Elizabeth’s past. With time running out, they must fight to lift the curse and save Port Royal.

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

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 is a 2004 American martial arts film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film is the second instalment in Tarantino's two-part "Kill Bill" movie series. It stars Uma Thurman as "The Bride", a former assassin seeking revenge on a team of assassins (Bill, Budd, Elle, and O-Ren) who betrayed her. The movie follows The Bride as she continues her quest to exact revenge on her former associates and to kill Bill, the team's leader. Along the way, she faces challenges within her own mind as she questions her morality and her ultimate goals. The film features fight scenes and action sequences that showcase a variety of martial arts styles. With a strong emphasis on female empowerment, Kill Bill: Vol. 2 is a classic Tarantino film that is sure to please fans of action and violence.

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

The Princess Bride is a classic fairytale adventure about a beautiful young woman and her one true love. The story follows Buttercup, a former farm girl who has been promised to the odious Prince Humperdinck of Florian. Before the two are united in marriage, Buttercup is kidnapped and her true love, Westley, sets off on a quest to save her. Along the way he meets a cast of characters including a giant, a skilled swordsman, a Sicilian criminal, and a master of disguise. Together, they must battle the odds to rescue Buttercup and help her find true love. With a witty script and plenty of action, The Princess Bride is a timeless classic that's sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

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

"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is a martial arts movie set in 19th century China. The story follows the adventures of two warriors, Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lien, who have sworn to protect the Green Destiny, a legendary and powerful sword. When the sword is stolen and the hunt begins to find it, they discover the mysterious and highly skilled thief is none other than Yu Shu Lien's childhood friend, Jen Yu. As the two warriors learn how deeply Jen is involved in the theft, they must face their own feelings towards each other, while protecting a powerful secret. Along the way, they must confront a powerful and dangerous adversary, Jade Fox. Ultimately, through a series of intense martial arts battles, Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lien must come together to protect the Green Destiny and discover the truth behind the theft.

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

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) is a classic swashbuckling adventure directed by Michael Curtiz and William Keighley. It stars Errol Flynn as Robin Hood, Olivia de Havilland as Maid Marian, and Basil Rathbone as the Sheriff of Nottingham. The film follows Robin Hood, a nobleman-turned-outlaw, as he defends England’s oppressed against the tyrannical rule of the evil Prince John. With the help of his band of merry men, Robin Hood steals from the rich and gives to the poor while evading capture by the Sheriff of Nottingham. Along the way, Robin Hood also falls in love with Maid Marian and defeats the Sheriff in a classic sword fight. In the end, Robin Hood is triumphant and the oppressed people of England are liberated.

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

Spartacus is a 1960 historical drama film directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film follows the story of Spartacus, a slave and gladiator who leads a slave revolt against the Roman Republic. The story is adapted from the novel by Howard Fast and stars Kirk Douglas in the title role, alongside Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov, and Tony Curtis. The film portrays Spartacus as a heroic figure who fights for the freedom of the slaves and leads a daring revolt against the oppressive Roman Republic. The rebel slaves fight to the death against their Roman oppressors and eventually manage to defeat them. Along the way, Spartacus earns the respect of his fellow gladiators and the admiration of fellow slaves. Ultimately, Spartacus is betrayed and captured by Crassus, a Roman general who is determined to crush the rebellion. Crassus forces Spartacus to fight against the might of the Roman army in a gladiator battle. In the end, Spartacus manages to win the battle, but ultimately dies in the process. The film ends with a powerful and inspiring message that no matter how great the odds are, one should never give up the fight for freedom.

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

The Last Samurai is a 2003 American epic period drama film directed and co-produced by Edward Zwick, who also co-wrote the screenplay with John Logan and Marshall Herskovitz. Set in the late 19th century during Japan's Meiji period, the film follows the story of an American military advisor who is hired to train the Imperial Japanese Army in modern warfare and ends up aiding the samurai in their resistance to the modernization of Japan. The film stars Tom Cruise as Captain Nathan Algren, an American Army Captain who is hired by the Japanese government to help modernize their army and fight the rebellious samurai. He is initially a reluctant participant, as he has experienced firsthand the horrors of modern warfare. However, he slowly learns to appreciate and respect the samurai's way of life, and eventually joins their cause. Ken Watanabe co-stars as Katsumoto, the leader of the rebellious samurai, who strives to preserve the ancient traditions and values of Japan in the face of the new Western influences. The Last Samurai is a story of redemption and cultural clash in which Algren and Katsumoto form an unlikely alliance that ultimately leads to an epic and thrilling battle between the samurai and the modernized Japanese forces. The film was a critical and

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

The Count of Monte Cristo is a 2002 American romantic adventure film directed by Kevin Reynolds. Based on the classic novel of the same name by Alexandre Dumas, the film follows Edmond Dantes (Jim Caviezel), a young sailor falsely accused of treason. When his enemies leave him in jail to rot, he makes a daring escape and sets out to exact revenge, disguised as the mysterious Count of Monte Cristo. With the help of a new identity, Edmond is able to win the heart of his beloved, Mercedes (Dagmara Domińczyk), and use his newfound wealth to bring down his enemies. Along the way, he discovers the true meaning of justice, friendship, and courage.

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

300 is a 2006 American epic action drama film directed by Zack Snyder, based on the 1998 comic series of the same name by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley. The film is set in 480 BC, during the Persian and Greek wars, and tells the story of King Leonidas and 300 Spartans as they march to battle against the invading Persian army led by King Xerxes. The action-packed film features stunning visuals and incredible battle scenes as the Spartans fight against overwhelming odds to defend their homeland. Along the way, the Spartans must overcome treachery within their own ranks, fight off monstrous creatures, and face the god-like power of the Persian emperor himself. In the end, their courage, strength, and valor make them legendary heroes of the ancient world.

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

13 Assassins is a 2010 Japanese action-adventure film directed by Takashi Miike. The story follows Shinzaemon Shimada, an experienced samurai in the declining days of the Shogunate, who is tasked with the mission of eliminating an evil, sadistic lord before he can take power and plunge the country into a war-torn future. Shimada assembles a team of masterless samurai to join him in his mission and together, they embark on a suicide mission to battle the lord's massive army of warriors. With limited resources and facing incredible odds, the team of assassins must rely on their courage, skill, and cunning to survive and complete their mission. The film culminates in an epic battle between the assassins and the enemy's forces.

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, alongside Paul Scofield, Derek Jacobi, Ian Holm, Emma Thompson, Alec McCowen, Judi Dench and Robbie Coltrane. In the film, the young King Henry V (Branagh) seeks to press his claim to the French throne and unite England and France through war. However, it is an uncertain venture, as the French remain defiant and the English army is outnumbered. After a miraculous victory at the Battle of Agincourt, Henry emerges victorious and is finally able to unite the two countries. The film is notable for its use of Shakespeare's original text, as well as for its cinematography and its sweeping score by Patrick Doyle.

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