Greatest 30+ Sword Fighting Movies and TV Shows

Sword fights have long been the highlight of action movies and TV shows. The thrill of excitement you get from the CLANG of steel on steel or the spurt of blood after a limb is severed is something you just can’t get from simple barehand brawling. From blue-eyed samurais and Spartan warriors to Jedi masters and Vikings, we face off the mightiest fictional sword-fighting legends to ever grace the screen.

1. The Last Kingdom (BBC/Netflix)

sword fighting series
Netflix

Set in the 9th century, the separate kingdoms which once made up England have fallen to the invading Vikings. Only the great Kingdom of Wessex – the last kingdom – stands defiant under its visionary King Alfred the Great.

Against this turbulent backdrop, Uhtred, who loses his Saxon father in battle, is kidnapped by the Vikings and raised as one of their own. Forced to choose between the country of his birth and the people of his upbringing, his loyalties are ever tested, is he Saxon or Viking?

See also: Best 32 Medieval TV Shows You Should Watch

2. Blue Eye Samura (Netflix)

Blue Eye Samura (Netflix)

In the hushed corridors of 17th-century Japan, where borders stand sentinel against the intrusion of the outside world, a tapestry of intrigue unfolds. Our protagonist, Mizu (Erskine), finds herself tethered to a quest shrouded in the clandestine. In an era where the countenance of Japan remains resolutely Japanese, Mizu’s gaze turns to the rarest of exceptions – four white men who, in the shadows of clandestine commerce, may hold the key to her enigmatic lineage.

Her purpose is one of vengeance, driven by a singular motivation – to confront those who bestowed upon her the mantle of a “creature of shame.” Yet, reprisal is a province typically denied to women in this rigid society. Thus, Mizu navigates the corridors of her quest veiled not only in the garb of a man but also obscured by the azure hue of her foreign eyes.

In this odyssey, Mizu finds companions in an eclectic ensemble: Ringo (Masi Oka), an impassioned soba maker yearning for greatness; Taigen (Darren Barnet), a haughty samurai whose path intersects with Mizu’s in a delicate dance of rivalry and accord; and Princess Akemi (Brenda Song), betrothed to Taigen, her gilded existence a poignant foil to Mizu’s clandestine vendetta.

Their journey through the tapestry of Edo-era Japan unfolds in a provocative series, weaving vivid adult animation with nuanced shades of live-action realism, inviting the viewer to traverse the intricate landscapes of Mizu’s revenge quest.

3. Braveheart

The top 30 Sword Fighting Legends in Movies and TV Shows, William Wallace Braveheart

William Wallace is a Scottish rebel who leads an uprising against the cruel English ruler Edward the Longshanks, who wishes to inherit the crown of Scotland for himself. When he was a young boy, William Wallace’s father and brother, along with many others, lost their lives trying to free Scotland.

Once he loses another of his loved ones, William Wallace begins his long quest to make Scotland free once and for all, along with the assistance of Robert the Bruce.

William Wallace, as Mel Gibson portrays him in one of the best medieval movies ever, uses his sword skills to slay his enemies in a very vengeful and savage way.

4. The Three Musketeers (BBC)

the three musketeers sword fighting tv show

The successful epic action series brings an up-to-date and innovative version of the classic novel. The events take place in 17th-century Paris, where law and order are more fantasy than reality.

The Three Musketeers are much more than a loyal guard of King Louis XIII. Together, the elite team of well-trained swordsmen fights with devotion, honor, justice, and love and also for the sake of excitement alone.

5. Nameless/Hero

best swordsman in movies

Shaw Brothers Studio

Nameless is ostensibly a minor official who claims to have vanquished three assassins—Broken Sword, Flying Snow, and Long Sky—who wanted to kill the King before he could declare himself Emperor.

Nameless is a sword and sorcery movie characterized by combatants doing acrobatics and clashing their weapons. As with any Chinese martial arts movie, the abilities of the warriors are supernatural. Hence, Nameless sword skills are pretty magical.

6. Mulan (2020)

best swordsman in movies
Disney

Mulan is a formidable fighter with military training. She relies on her military apparatus, her sword, armor, or even powder. Mulan is a brave and determined sword-wielding woman. She took on Khan all by herself, but there was no way she could compete with a level of sword-fighting legends.

7. Xena the Warrior Princess

sword fighting series

Admittedly there’s a magical component, and unrealistic, in Xena’s sword fighting. Xena the Warrior Princess IS the daughter of Ares, the God of War. She relies on speed and combat skills. She can jump to extreme heights and she’s strong and big.

When Xena draws her sword from her back her motion is always a little clumsy, not the kind of smoothness a real fighter would want—and that’s with a sword that’s a little shorter than many knightly swords.

8. Wonder Woman

best swordsman in movies
DC Universe

Wonder Woman’s sword was blessed by Skyfather, and only the worthy could wield it with expertise. One thing that makes the DC’s Justice League member’s sword superior is that it was hammered so sharp, that it can cut through Kryptonians.

That’s why her sword seems magical and works against virtually anybody, it ignores durability. Her sword, along with the rest of her equipment, seems far stronger than naturally occurring metals.

9. Game of Thrones

The top 30 Sword Fighting Legends in Movies and TV Shows, Brienne, Game of Thrones
HBO

Ser Brienne of Tarth is a knight of House Tarth. She was knighted by Ser Jaime Lannister. She is the first woman of the Seven Kingdoms to become a knight. Brienne is unusually tall and muscular for a woman by Westeros standards. She developed a taste for martial activity in childhood.

She was able to beat the Hound in combat, by pushing him down a cliff. Brienne participated in The Battle of Winterfell. It was the final battle of the Great War between alliances of living armies, against the army of the dead. And thanks to her amazing skills at arms, survived it.

Following the death of Daenerys Targaryen, Brienne is appointed the new Lady Commander of the Kingsguard.

10. Highlander

The top 30 Sword Fighting Legends in Movies and TV Shows, Connor McLeod, Highlander

Connor MacLeod, aka The Highlander, is a powerful Immortal, who was born in A.D. 1518 in Glenfinnan, Scotland. He was mentored by Juan Sánchez Villa-Lobos Ramírez, an ancient immortal of Egyptian origin, who taught him the ways of the sword and the rules of the game of immortals.

Connor eventually won the Prize in The Gathering of 1985 after beheading the most dreaded immortal opponent ever – the Kurgan. He defended the title again in 2024.

11. Willow

willow sword show

Disney + “Willow” (2022) is based on the beloved 1988 fantasy sword movie that captivates audiences with its enchanting story, memorable characters, and epic swordplay. The series delivers exciting swordplay and action sequences. From thrilling battles with mythical creatures to intense duels between skilled warriors, the film offers a satisfying dose of sword-fighting action. The choreography and visual effects help bring these scenes to life, creating a sense of excitement and adventure.

12. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

The top 30 Sword Fighting Legends in Movies and TV Shows,  Jen Yu, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

Trained by Jade Fox in the Wudang martial arts techniques and has been secretly reading the Wudang manual behind her illiterate master’s back to the point that she surpassed her fighting skills. Jen Yu’s stubborn and fearless nature, as well as her obvious leaning toward the dark side, makes her a dreadful warrior but also leads to a tragic end.

13. Kill Bill

The top 30 Sword Fighting Legends in Movies and TV Shows, The Bride, Kill Bill

AKA “The Bride” and “Black Mamba”, Kiddo uses every skill she learned under the cruel tutelage of the legendary martial arts master Pai Mei to kill the assassination team members one by one and slay any of their subordinates who stand in her way. Armed with a sword crafted especially for her by the famous swordsmith Hattori Hanzō, she cuts through an army of Yakuza fighters, some of the world’s top assassins, and whatnot.

The Bride was trained in some of the secrets and deadliest blows in all of the martial arts, including the Three Inch Punch, and the Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique and she can pluck an eyeball out of its socket. Combined with her ability to force her body to recover from injuries and her exceptional determination Kiddo makes an unbeatable warrior.

14. The Letter of The King

The Letter of The King best sowrd shows

“The Letter for the King” (2020) is a good sword show for several reasons, as it combines elements of adventure, fantasy, and swordplay to create an engaging viewing experience.

The show follows the journey of a young squire named Tiuri, who is tasked with delivering an important letter that could determine the fate of the kingdom. This quest provides a strong narrative backbone and drives the story forward, keeping viewers invested and eager to see how Tiuri overcomes the challenges he faces along the way.

15. The Witcher (Netflix)

The top 30 Sword Fighting Legends in Movies and TV Shows,  Geralt of Rivia, The Witcher
Netflix

Geralt of Rivia, aka The Witcher, is a magically enhanced mutant who was active throughout the 13th century. He wields two swords one with a silver blade for monsters and one from steel for humans – and exercises a range of effective spells and signs he can use to subdue enemies. Geralt is one of the most dangerous swordsmen in fiction.

16. Spartacus, Blood, and Sand (HBO)

sword fighting series
Netflix

Spartacus is a gladiator commander and leader of a failed revolution. In the TV show Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Spartacus is one hell of a badass swordsman. He’s the best one on one blade combatant the world has ever seen. He’s also an expert-trained warrior with shields.

Let’s just say that Spartacus is very accustomed to one-on-one sword fights. He’s no stranger to a battlefield either.

17. Gladiator

best swordsman in movies

Everyone knows the gladiator Maximus as a warrior. He is clearly based on Lucius Quintius Cincinnatus, a hero of the earliest days of the old Roman Republic. He’s led thousands of men into battle and has killed more than his fair share. He’s a true one-man powerhouse.

Maximus is also gifted with leadership and tactical skills. He was thrown into so many Colloisium fights where he fought alone or in a small band of misfits in that we would say Maximus would be a killer one on one fighter due to his ability to fight alone or in small groups.

18. Vikings (The History Channel/Netflix)

sword fighting series

Bjorn is the King of Kattegat. Following in his father’s Ragnar footsteps, Bjorn desires to test himself as a fighter as well as an explorer. He fights in battles without getting a scratch. he garnered the famous nickname “Bjorn Ironside.” Björn is as skilled a warrior, strong enough to match his uncle Rollo in a drunken brawl and fast enough to go through a battle and never be struck.

A testament to his prowess came during his time alone in the wilderness. Surviving for several months in the icy mountains of Scandinavia, he managed to track down and kill a bear with only a hatchet and knife; he received only a minor injury to the chest. He also manages to overpower a supposedly invincible “Berserker” warrior who intends to assassinate him. Physically, Bjorn is even more formidable than his father. While both of them were severely wounded during the siege of Paris Björn recovered quickly, while Ragnar remained weakened by his injuries for a long time.

19. 300 Movie

The top 30 Sword Fighting Legends in Movies and TV Shows,  Leonidas, 3000

As a child, Leonidas was trained by the Spartan army both physically and mentally to become a Hoplite Warrior. Believed to be a decedent of mighty Hercules, Leonidas quickly became a warrior-king and a general of elite, vicious killers.

Leonidas, the commander of the Spartan army, took 300 men to face a Persian army and slaughtered tens of thousands of Persian soldiers. He used their corpses as walls around their base. 11 days of mass killing led by an over-the-top, insane tactician and sword fighter.

20. King Arthur, Legend of the Sword

best swordsman in movies

King Arthur is the son of King Uther Pendragon, who was murdered by his treacherous brother. He was raised by prostitutes and was taught the art of battle by a martial arts master from the East. Arthur grew up to be an extremely skilled fighter. When he unleashes his magical sword’s potential, he becomes the “chosen one” and is practically invincible.

He proved it by single-handedly killing a whole platoon of soldiers sent to kill him. His superior skills are put to a fatal test when he confronts the demon knight in a separate dimension. He managed to slay him.

21. The Lord of the Rings

Aka Elessar and Strider, he is the greatest of the Dúnadan. Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings movies wields the sword reforged, Narsil, the sword that cut the One Ring from Sauron’s finger. This magical sword was now used by Aragorn as Andúril – The Flame of the West. As the true king, Aragorn has inherent power, majesty, and presence.

He inspired men and other races to fight for him. In addition, he is a master swordsman, one of the best swordsmen on Middle Earth. He also fought off the five Nazgul ring servants and killed Orcs and Wargs on several occasions.

22. Conan The Barbarian

The top 30 Sword Fighting Legends in Movies and TV Shows, Conan, Conan the barbarian

Conan is a 27 inches long blade, including a 36.5-inch long handle. Conan is a powerful warlord who killed plenty of people with swords. He is the descendant of Atlantis, which was swallowed by the Ocean and only reverted to Barbarism due to the endless conflict with the Picts. Conan’s destiny trumps any opponent during a fight.

He has trained and lived and fought with a great adept with many different weapons during his adventures. A big issue with Conan (Conan the Barbarian) is that he has this prophecy going for him. That he cannot die until he becomes king. This is what ultimately allows him to defeat enemies far more powerful than he is.

23. Troy

The top 30 Sword Fighting Legends in Movies and TV Shows, Achilles, Troy

Troy’s Achilles is invulnerable, and one of the world’s greatest sword fighters. He was immersed in the River Styx by his goddess mother. Achilles is a Myrmidon king who by default is the best warrior leader based on prowess in combat.

Myrmidons are semi-gods or direct descendants of Gods blessed by Zeus himself. He’s a demigod-level human. He lives and breathes fighting. Even without magically enhanced skin as he had in mythology, he is the superior fighter. 

24. Blade

Blade (Wesley Snipes) is a hybrid creature, half-human, and half-vampire. From the vampire side he received superhuman powers and bloodthirsty, and thanks to the human side he maintained his invulnerability to sunlight and received the (ridiculous) nickname “The Daywalker”. Blade uses his Blade hand-crafted sword to protect the human race from blood-thirsty vampires.

25. Merlin (BBC)

Merlin sword fighting tv show

The British BBC produced a TV show about the young Merlin, a teenage magician, coming to Camelot to develop his magic skills. He is invited by the kingdom’s physician, but Merlin quickly learns magic which is forbidden by King Arthur’s father. (King Arthur’s father), the punishment for learning magic is death.

Merlin joins Arthur the spoiled prince and heir to the throne of the kingdom and they quickly become good friends. He discovers that his mission is to protect Arthur who is destined to become the best king Camelot ever had. During the series, we come across iconic swordsmen such as Gaius, Morgana, and Sir Gwaine.

26. The Walking Dead (AMC)

sword fighting series
AMC

Michonne from AMC’s The Walking Dead discovered her sword at the beginning of the outbreak. Her experience with it came through practice, killing hundreds if not thousands of zombies every day for years.

Most of the time she’s slicing into some walker and then shaking her katana off and not even wiping it down. She is usually seen brandishing the Samurai sword which makes for easy mob slicing. She stabbed Governor Thru in the eye and then put her sword through his body. She’s is sword badass.

27. Pirates of the Caribbean (Disney Film Franchise)

pirates of the caribbean sword fighting movie

No one saw it coming. After all, this adventure movie franchise was based on a Disney facility! What were the chances that it would work? But when ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ finally arrived, all movie critics sharpened their “pirated movies” jokes, and all moviegoers flocked to watch flock on the big screen. ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ conquered us with utter surprise.

The sequel was only a matter of time, Captain Jack Sparrow, Elizabeth, Will Turner, Yo-Ho-Ho, and a bottle of rum – all keep returning to our lives with raised sails and sharpened swords.

28. Knightfall (History Channel / Netflix)

knightfall sword fighting tv show

A period series that follows a commander in the Order of the Templars in the period after the Crusades in France during the reign of King Philip. Dark secrets related to the Holy Grail, internal politics of the King of France, intrigue, plots to overthrow governments, betrayals, and false love. Based part on historical events, but mostly on fiction.

29. The Princess Bride

best swordsman in movies

As mentioned in The Princess Bride movie, Inigo is one of the “Greatest swordsmen on the planet”. He is one of the top 5 swordsmen in the world. He loves to use a theatrical sword-fighting style. Montoya has studied La Verada Destreza started by Narváez, as well as Fabris, Thibauld, Cappo Ferro, Agrippa, Liechetenauer, Talhoffer, Meyer, Mair, Fiore, and so on.

He can fight afoot, on a horse, against multiple opponents, and with all bladed weapons including daggers, arming swords, & longswords. Again he is one of the most dangerous and deadly men on the planet.

30. The Mask of Zorro

best swordsman in movies

Our number one sword fighter is Zorro. He is a skilled sword fighter and has a great range of knowledge to draw on. Zoro’s advantage is the power and quickness he uses with his sword strikes (Zorro inspired the creator of Batman).

Hands down Zorro is the complete swordsman. His dynamic fighting style allows him to master multiple sword fighting techniques. He’s spent the majority of his life mastering a sword. Pure skill goes to Zorro.

31. Star Wars

“Star Wars” boasts a vast and intricate mythology that spans multiple films, TV shows, books, and comics. It showcases some of the most exciting and visually stunning sword fights in film. From the acrobatic lightsaber battles of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker in the prequel trilogy to the epic duels between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker in the original trilogy, these scenes are masterfully choreographed and filled with suspense, drama, and emotional stakes. The franchise has introduced groundbreaking techniques and designs, from the creation of realistic lightsaber battles to the development of intricate alien creatures and vast space battles.

Having studied scriptwriting in London, I subsequently worked on a number of film sets. I write about pop culture trends, films, and tv series on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and Hulu.