The question of whose weapon reigns supreme across the literary multiverses is a topic hotly contested by fans everywhere. Enthusiasts from all corners of the world passionately champion their favorites. Whether it's Thor’s Mjolnir or King Arthur’s Excalibur, legendary heroes are known for wielding iconic weapons when they enter the fray. These weapons, whether they're handheld, massive destructive devices, or somewhere in between, rarely fail to impress.
So, which one packs more destruction: a quantum torpedo or the blast of the Deathstar? Which fandom holds the ultimate weapon? From Middle Earth to galaxies far, far away, and beyond, weapons frequently determine the balance between life and death. Let’s dive into the ten most badass fictional weapons.
10. Identity Discs: Tron

The original *Tron* film debuted in 1982 and quickly became a box office sensation. In the 2010s, it finally saw its long-awaited sequel. In every iteration of the story, the identity disc has been the weapon of choice for both 'players' and 'programs'. These high-tech devices serve a dual purpose: they act as both storage containers and formidable weapons.
These discs capture the full essence of the user’s experience within the system, storing their entire being in a digitized form. Typically worn on the upper back, these glowing discs record everything the wearer sees, hears, or experiences. But they are not just for recording—these discs serve as a deadly weapon, functioning like a Frisbee with a sharp, lethal edge. In combat, the discs can be thrown to instantly derez an opponent, making them a device that users should be cautious of when stepping into the platform.
9. Excalibur: The Timeless Legends of King Arthur

The legendary sword of King Arthur has been a central figure in stories for centuries. The first known mention of the 'sword in the stone' came in the late 12th century in Robert de Boron’s French poem 'Merlin.' In most versions, Arthur seizes the British throne by pulling the sword from the stone, an act that only the rightful king can perform. Thus, whoever wields Excalibur will claim the throne of England.
Excalibur exists in countless versions, but it is generally portrayed as a longsword with magical powers. In many tales, it can defeat anyone, even gods, immortals, and spirits. Furthermore, Excalibur has the ability to heal and is considered virtually indestructible.
8. M41A Pulse Rifle: Aliens

The M41A Pulse Rifle serves as the go-to weapon for the Colonial Marines in James Cameron’s *Aliens*. As a quintessential ’80s sci-fi firearm, it has the perfect combination of style, sound, and power. The M41A is lightweight yet tough, made primarily of ultra-light alloy metal stampings. Its design includes a titanium aluminide alloy shell and heat-resistant plastics in many internal components.
Sigourney Weaver’s portrayal of Ripley saw her modify the pulse rifle by adding an M240 flamethrower to aid in her battle against the xenomorphs. The M41A is one of the most famous and widely recognized pulse rifles within the *Aliens* and *Predator* franchises. While the rifle can occasionally jam, this issue can be avoided by loading 95 rounds instead of the full 99. In a pinch, the rifle can even be swung as a club, and Ripley proved its effectiveness against the Alien Queen in the finale. The M41A embodies pure badassery.
7. Lightsabers: Star Wars

No list of iconic weapons in fiction would be complete without the famous lightsaber, the signature weapon of both Jedi and Sith. A lightsaber is a laser sword powered by a Kyber crystal, and crafting one is a rite of passage for Jedi padawans and Sith apprentices. While Sith typically wield red lightsabers and Jedi use green or blue, there are some notable exceptions to these color norms.
Lightsabers have the ability to block blaster shots, cut through nearly any material, and cauterize wounds as they strike. They are infamous for severing limbs with ease. As Obi-Wan Kenobi once said, a Jedi’s lightsaber is a symbol of their life, and he also referred to them as ‘elegant weapons for a more civilized age.’ While the lightsaber is undoubtedly the most well-known fictional weapon, its true power is not in raw destruction but in the mastery of the Jedi or Sith who wields it.
6. Phasers: Star Trek

Phasers are the most commonly used weapons throughout the *Star Trek* universe, available in handheld, mounted starship, and planetary configurations. Most phasers operate as particle weapons, emitting nadion particle beams. However, some, like the Ferengi hand phasers, are classified as plasma weapons that discharge concentrated plasma beams.
Phasers offer various settings, including stun, multiple intensity levels, wide beam modes for targeting multiple foes, and other tactical functions. On its highest setting, a handheld phaser can disintegrate a humanoid instantly. Phaser weapon technology was developed in the 23rd century, and Starfleet has been using it since at least 2233. Despite the advancement of alternative weaponry, the phaser remains one of Starfleet’s most iconic tools.
5. Mjölnir: Norse Mythology and Marvel Comics

Mjölnir is the mighty warhammer of Thor, the Norse god of thunder and son of Odin, king of the Norse gods. The hammer's origins trace back to 11th-century mythology. It was later revived in the mid-20th century in Marvel Comics, where it serves as a conduit for Thor's powers, granting him abilities like flight. Although Thor remains the god of Thunder without Mjölnir, the hammer enhances his control over his formidable powers.
Mjölnir, Thor's legendary hammer, can only be lifted or moved by those deemed worthy of his power. It is enchanted, granting it a form of sentience. Mjölnir can return to Thor of its own accord and summon lightning strikes. As both a destructive weapon and a divine channel, it serves Thor’s will.
4. Proton Pack: Ghostbusters

Among the most iconic toys of the 1980s, the proton pack from *Ghostbusters* stands out as one of the coolest weapons ever conceived. Created by Drs. Egon Spangler, Ray Stantz, and Peter Venkman, this device is a portable nuclear accelerator worn as a backpack, equipped with a handheld wand. It generates a charged particle beam of protons, directed by the particle thrower (aka the 'neutrona wand').
When the proton beam hits a ghost, it can trap it in a containment unit. However, it’s also a deadly weapon to the living. The proton packs were first tested in the field at The Sedgewick Hotel, causing massive damage. As Venkman humorously notes, they are unlicensed nuclear devices. In the 2016 reboot, these packs are primarily used to blast enemies. Remember: Never cross the streams.
3. The Neuralyzer: Men in Black

*Men in Black* captivated audiences with a spectacular showcase of diverse alien species and groundbreaking technology. While the powerful (and occasionally compact) weaponry was part of what made MIB one of the most beloved sci-fi series, it’s the neuralyzer that truly stands out. This device, used by MIB agents, has the extraordinary ability to erase memories with a flash by altering specific brain impulses tied to memory.
Once neutralized, individuals fall into a state of trance, making them vulnerable to suggestion. This state allows agents to replace memories with fabricated stories and even issue directives. Although the MIB employs the neuralyzer solely to preserve critical secrets, it holds the potential to become one of the most powerful and iconic tools across the multiverse.
2. The Death Star: *Star Wars*

The notorious Death Star was a pivotal force in the original *Star Wars* trilogy. In the first movie, it’s described as a massive, armored space station capable of destroying an entire planet, cementing its status as the ultimate weapon. While the public knows of only two such stations, the Emperor may have intended to construct an entire fleet to dominate his Galactic Empire. Its moon-sized cannon, powered by an immense Kyber crystal—the same crystal that energizes a lightsaber—is an instrument of immense destruction.
The Death Star’s potential for devastation was staggering, but fortunately, both stations were destroyed not long after their creation. Tragically, Alderaan was obliterated before that could happen. The Death Star has been endlessly parodied and referenced in pop culture for over 45 years, earning its place as one of the most iconic fictional weapons in history. It’s hard to deny the sheer intensity of a moon-sized space station armed with a colossal cannon.
1. Power Ring: DC Comics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjVuIu-Sn-E
The power ring stands as one of the most formidable weapons in the expansive DC universe. These rings appear in various colors, each linked to a different corps, ranging from vast organizations with many members to small groups, and even a singular wielder in some cases. Among the most notable is the Green Lantern Corps, a group of intergalactic peacekeepers overseeing numerous sectors. Earth's Green Lanterns often collaborate with the Justice League.
The power ring's signature ability is the creation of green, solid-light constructs, primarily weapons, whose physical properties remain undefined. The size, complexity, and strength of these constructs are governed by the ring-bearer's imagination and willpower, allowing the wearer to manifest virtually any form they can conceive.
Additionally, the power ring grants its bearer a protective forcefield capable of shielding them from the harsh vacuum of space, any known force, or projectile attacks, even if the wearer is unconscious. The ring also bestows the ability to fly, traverse the cosmos, and provides access to a vast database, along with an intelligent AI companion.