Buzz
It was wonderful to read the comments when I shared my first ever list. I truly appreciate all the positive and constructive feedback. As I stated in the comments, this list is purely subjective and may not be the most educational unless you’re looking for great films to rent. The main lesson I learned was to focus more on my grammar (a long-standing issue) and to include spoiler warnings. Many of the suggestions helped jog my memory, and I came up with another 25 one-on-one battles that could make it into a second list. So, I’ve created a follow-up list, combining your suggestions and my own personal favorites, narrowing it down to ten. I know I missed some, and I apologize. While I enjoy films from all over, I admit my experience with Asian and martial arts films is limited. I’d also have a tough time picking from this genre since almost every movie likely has epic battles. So, I chose to be a little more diverse in my picks. Maybe someone could create a list of martial arts one-on-one fights? Feel free to share your recommendations. Keep in mind that I rank the fights based on their significance and dramatic impact. Happy reading and… SPOILER ALERT
10. Dean Youngblood Vs. Carl Racki Youngblood
With incredible athletic ability, Dean Youngblood heads to Canada, quickly realizing that raw talent alone won’t cut it in Junior Hockey. After getting thoroughly beaten by Carl Racki during tryouts, the coaches decide to give Youngblood a shot, and he manages to steal Racki’s place on the team. This sets the stage for a rivalry that continues all the way to the Memorial Cup playoffs, where their teams are set to clash. In the game, Racki and Youngblood engage in a fight (though highly unrealistic) driven by revenge, the pursuit of victory, and, of course, the championship.
9. Simba Vs. Scar The Lion King
Drama isn’t exclusive to live-action films. In The Lion King, we witness the treacherous Scar murder his brother, the King of the Pridelands, and seize the throne for himself. Simba, the King’s son, escapes into exile and returns years later, now an adult. Thought to be dead, Simba finds his home in ruins and his family enslaved. Upon learning the truth about his father’s death, Simba confronts his uncle in a battle for revenge, but more crucially, to restore peace and harmony to his homeland.
8. Éowyn Vs. The Witch King Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
While this battle eventually turns into a two-on-one confrontation, the one-on-one portion of the fight is still noteworthy. Éowyn, the courageous niece of the King of Rohan, witnesses her uncle being gravely injured by one of the film's most dreaded villains. The Witch King, “whom no man can kill,” orders his beast to consume the wounded king. Seeing this injustice unfold with no one else to intervene, Éowyn steps forward to confront both the Witch King and the monstrous winged beast he commands. After she defeats the beast, the Witch King brandishes a massive mace and sword. Éowyn bravely holds her own, but ultimately, she requires a bit of assistance. Still, it’s a memorable underdog fight worth watching.
7. Madmartigan Vs. Kael Willow
My favorite battles often blend themes of vengeance and the classic battle of good versus evil. Madmartigan is a rough-around-the-edges, self-serving yet talented swordsman who starts the film imprisoned for his misdeeds. His old friend Airk comes across Madmartigan in his cage, but chooses to leave him behind. As the story unfolds, Madmartigan evolves into a dependable, if somewhat unpredictable, ally to the heroes. In the climactic battle, Madmartigan joins forces with Airk, only to witness his friend’s death at the hands of the malevolent General Kael. Madmartigan then faces Kael in an intense swordfight, ultimately defeating him and cementing his reputation as “the greatest swordsman of all time.”
6. T-800 Vs. T-1000 T2: Judgment Day
It’s hard to find anyone from my generation who doesn’t recall Terminator 2 as the moment when special effects in movies truly became awe-inspiring. What I love most about this fight is how the entire film builds up to it. The two Terminators spend the entire movie trying to outdo each other with a range of weapons, until they finally engage in a close-quarters battle to the death. The older T-800 puts up a strong fight but is eventually overpowered by his newer, faster adversary. However, we do get to see who ultimately gets the last laugh at the end of the film.
5. Tommy Lee Vs. Dae Han Best of the Best
Best of the Best is one of my all-time favorite films, offering a compelling story about honor and pride. The movie revolves around an American karate team training for an important international competition. The team forms a bond and trains hard, preparing for a showdown where they are clearly outmatched. The heart of the film lies in the final fight between Tommy Lee and Dae Han, the captain of the Korean team, who killed Tommy’s brother in a previous match. After a brutal battle, Tommy defeats Dae Han, but chooses to spare his life.
4. The Bride Vs. O-Ren Ishii Kill Bill Volume 1
In a scene almost reminiscent of a video game, The Bride must battle her way through a group of henchmen and two mini-bosses before finally facing off with O-Ren. The atmosphere, enhanced by the music, setting, and the delicate snowfall, creates a perfect backdrop for the duel—one that could be described as almost elegant. Ultimately, The Bride prevails in the fight and earns the respect of her fallen opponent.
3. Rocky Balboa Vs. Apollo Creed Rocky
There’s little to say about the classic Rocky, except that the fight between Rocky and Apollo is undoubtedly the highlight. It’s the ultimate underdog story, and the battle between Rocky and Apollo Creed defines the entire film. In the end, Rocky proves to himself that he is a true fighter, and the world is introduced to a future champion. One of the greatest films ever made.
Honorable Mention: Bruce Lee… While I admit I haven’t seen many martial arts films or all of Bruce Lee’s works, it’s clear that Lee deserves recognition. Although I’m hesitant to pick a specific fight due to my limited experience, I believe that Han Vs. Lee deserves a mention.
2. Robert Roy MacGregor Vs. Archibald Cunningham Rob Roy
What sets this battle apart is that it’s a formal, arranged sword fight designed to settle the conflict between the villain and the hero. Cunningham is a vile and sadistic character, a villain audiences love to despise. At the film’s climax, Roy endures cut after cut from Cunningham’s blade, his strength slowly draining. Kneeling, Roy seems destined to be finished off by Cunningham. Yet with his last ounce of power, Roy grabs the thin point of Cunningham’s sword, cutting his own hand but rendering the weapon useless. With a stunned look from Cunningham, Roy seizes his broadsword and delivers a fatal strike, killing his opponent.
1. Obi Wan Kenobi Vs. Anakin Skywalker Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
The battle between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker may have topped my first list, but I absolutely had to highlight the epic duel between master and former student. From the start of the film, viewers sense that a monumental confrontation is inevitable. As Anakin falls further into the dark side, he and Obi Wan finally meet in a dramatic clash. Obi Wan, pleading with Anakin to reconsider his path, soon realizes his old friend cannot be saved. With a heavy heart, Obi Wan reaches for his lightsaber and declares, 'I will do what I must.' As the Jedi edge toward extinction, Obi Wan is one of the last remaining who can defeat the now-powerful Anakin.
