Movie Battles

Last updated: April 28, 2026

From ultra-choreographed sword fights to sweeping clashes with casts of thousands, there's no denying that Hollywood has staged some pretty epic battle scenes. These movies have some of the most impressive -- and they also offer an opportunity to discuss the ongoing impact of media violence.

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Star Wars: Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi movie poster: Silhouettes of Luke and Darth Vader dueling, with images of other characters around them
MOVIE

Star Wars: Episode VI - The Return of the Jedi

age 8+

Sci-fi violence, peril, deaths in Ewok-filled installment.

May 25, 1983 1983 PG (135 minutes)
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Poster Image
MOVIE

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

age 11+

Epic conclusion to fantasy trilogy, but very violent.

December 19, 2003 2003 PG-13 (200 minutes)
The Last Samurai Movie Poster: Tom Cruise looks serious
MOVIE

The Last Samurai

age 14+

Japan-set war epic has intense battle violence, drinking.

December 4, 2003 2003 R (154 minutes)
Braveheart movie poster: William stands with a sword, with hazy red image of couple embracing in background
MOVIE

Braveheart

age 16+

Mel Gibson's intense, bloody take on Scottish history.

August 29, 1995 1995 R (178 minutes)
Gladiator Poster Image
MOVIE

Gladiator

age 16+

Masterful but really violent Oscar winner.

May 5, 2000 2000 R (155 minutes)
Saving Private Ryan Poster Image
MOVIE

Saving Private Ryan

age 16+

Bloody, tragic war epic doesn't hold back.

July 24, 1998 1998 R (170 minutes)
Black Hawk Down Poster Image
MOVIE

Black Hawk Down

age 17+

Excellent but very violent depiction of a risky rescue.

January 1, 2002 2002 R (144 minutes)
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