We all turn to fantasy movies to daydream. Not only do they make the impossible seem pretty real, but they also give us characters to feel inspired by. But while all of the creatures, catapults, and castles look appealing, the real anticipation lies in the final battle for power between warring factions.
We’re all basically here for the chaos, war clans, and cool weapons being used to defeat the big bad, or at least try to in some cases! This new list features some of the most epic battle sequences of recent decades, and we reckon you’ll find all of them familiar since they are that iconic!
10. Warcraft (2016)
The video game adaptation may have been a critical failure, but it does a good job with Lothar and Blackhand’s final battle. Until that point, we see everything build up inside Lothar as he seeks to avenge his son’s death.
It is the final duel amidst the Alliance’s rebellion that makes Lothar’s ascension as the leader well-earned. You also see several snippets from the video games make an appearance, including the notable armor worn by King Llane.
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9. King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)
Technically, the battle in this is more of an isolated duel, but its setting is still all the more exciting. ‘King Arthur: Legend of the Sword’ swaps the traditional depiction of Arthurian legends by infusing high fantasy magic into its storyline.
In the fight between Arthur and Vortigern, the combat is choreographed to perfection, with the backgrounds reflecting Excalibur’s power through thunder strikes and smoke.
8. The Mummy (1999)
Scorpions, Tombs, and a group of archaeologists collide in the final battle with Imhotep. The film keeps you on edge, anxiously waiting for Evelyn to turn Imhotep mortal for Rick to end him.
‘The Mummy’ takes a break from swords, myths, and stereotypical medieval fantasy and instead gives you a historically accurate representation of Egyptian lore with its fights. The sudden resurrection of the Scorpion King, the swarm of the ancient army, and Hamunaptra are extensions of that aestheticity!
7. Clash of the Titans (2010)
Greek myths are notorious for their Godly wars, because for some reason, they can’t stop meddling with mortals. In ‘Clash of the Titans’, we see Perseus’ story from the myths get fulfilled in real time.
Yet, even as Peseus is the center point, the film manages to infuse many Greek myth elements into its final battle sequence, with Medusa’s Head, Pegasus, Mount Olympus, and the Kraken itself!
6. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
It gave us some of the brightest and most appealing visuals known to the fantasy genre. But what makes the first film stand out in particular is the way Aslan’s sacrifice and ultimate resurrection culminate in an epic battle sequence that will decide the fate of Narnia.
The film not only captures Medieval chivalry perfectly but also brings it to life believably, without making it feel clichéd.
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5. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)
Who would have thought Davy Jones had a heart if it wasn’t for the third ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie? By presenting the notorious villain with layers, you stop rooting for Jack Sparrow and his pirate crew alone. In the final sea war, you truly don’t know who will end up winning.
The whirlpool only adds to the rush and the tension. It feels like Poseidon himself is joining in with Calypso to meddle with the two sides until Will ends up stabbing the Heart and ending it.
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011)
The second wizarding war makes for several key moments in the whole franchise. Neville leading the fight, Snape’s revelation, Draco’s redemption, and the loss of some of the most loved characters in the series.
The war is realistic in its portrayal of the aftermath of an insurgency. It doesn’t magically save everyone on the right side; it nonetheless showcases the loss everyone has to endure.
3. Return of the Jedi (1983)
The final war of the series stands out because it’s not just a regular war between two factions representing good and evil. With Darth Vader’s secret out in the open, you see the twisted relations and emotionally complex links blur the lines for Luke Skywalker.
Plus, the film has stunning shots of contrasting colors, particularly with reds and greens, that somehow make the futurism work!
2. Avatar (2009)
This one builds up to a massive final battle on Pandora after humans destroy the Na’vi’s sacred tree, pushing both sides into a full-scale war. The Na’vi, fighting to protect their home, take on the human forces who are determined to mine the planet’s resources.
The battle spreads across the skies and the ground, with the Na’vi riding flying creatures while the humans attack with gunships, missiles, and powerful AMP suits. The entire sequence is visually stunning and captures the idea of a fight not just for land, but for the survival of an entire world.
1. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
The final war in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ is the classic case of defeating the big bad villain. Except, we see an array of mythical creatures and unlikely allies join the cause, including Gollum at one point. We know that the film is preparing for the war against Sauron, it’s literally foreshadowed in the first two movies of the trilogy.
That still doesn’t brace us for all the twists that the finale presents. The film doesn’t just put the weight of victory on one chosen one but instead showcases it as a collective effort by everyone roped into it.
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