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10 Epic Movies With Incredible Action Scenes

Sarah Parker

The most effective achievement in cinema normally happens when filmmakers are capable to make ambitious leaps forward with technologies, and that is seldom extra present than in the epic genre. Whether they are primarily based on true moments in history, inspired by preferred supply material, or fully original, epic films are typically bigger in scope and scale than any other genre. Epic films call for such immersive experiences that it is virtually a certainty that they will need to be noticed on the significant screen.




While not each and every epic film is broadly classified as an action film, the two genres are often compared. Epic films will normally consist of enormous scale stunt or fight sequences in order to make certain that the stakes really feel true, and that the audience is invested in seeing the characters full their mission. Here are ten epic motion pictures with extraordinary action scenes.


10 ‘Seven Samurai’ (1954)

Directed by Akira Kurosawa

The Seven Samurai stand assembled in one of the film's more iconic moments.
Image by way of Toho Studios

Seven Samurai is one particular of lots of samurai films produced by the good Akira Kurosawa, but it really is arguably the most iconic project of his complete profession. Seven Samurai lionized the notion of a brave group of noble warriors banding collectively to aid innocent men and women defend themselves from villains. It became a theme that would surface once more in Westerns like The Magnificent Seven and all through the Star Wars franchise.


The final sword fight and village raid sequence in Seven Samurai are amongst the most striking sequences in Kurosawa’s complete profession. Considering that it is a film that runs at more than 3 hours in length, it is a very good factor that Kurosawa saved the most impressive moment of spectacle for the pretty finish. Seven Samurai’s action scenes are so iconic that the film has turn out to be a shorthand for any discussion about what the genre can achieve at its most effective.

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9 ‘Ben-Hur’ (1959)

Directed by William Wyler

A man races a chariot pulled by eight horses in Ben-Hur
Image via Loew’s, Inc.


Ben-Hurtowers above all other religious and historical epics with its grandiose scale and extraordinary performances, like Charlton Heston in a efficiency that won him the Academy Award for Best Actor. What’s exceptional is that Ben-Hur is really a pretty grounded character drama about betrayal, redemption, and loyalty it really is only in the final hour of the film that the extraordinary chariot chase sequence is unveiled. It’s simply one particular of the most iconic action scenes in film history, and for very good purpose.

The chariot chase in Ben-Hur set the common for what sensible action filmmaking could appear like, and nonetheless holds up remarkably nicely nowadays. It’s rather telling that when the film was remade in 2016, the reboot failed to provide a new version of the chariot chase that was capable to top rated what William Wyler had perfected way back in 1959.


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8 ‘Spartacus’ (1960)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick

Spartacus - 1960 - poster
Image via Universal International

Spartacus was a pretty distinctive film than the other classics directed by Stanley Kubrick. While Kubrick had started his profession functioning on various compact-scale crime films, Spartacus was a sword-and-sandals epic about the slave revolt against the Roman Empire. Kubrick spared no expense in terms of spectacle, crafting exhilarating combat scenes set in the Roman gladiatorial arenas. Kirk Douglas was one particular of the earliest action stars in film history, and by no means had a different function as physically demanding as his function in Spartacus.


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Spartacus succeeded as each a good show of cinematic combat and a rousing contact to arms, as it really is a film about the energy of democracy to suppress fascism. The final “I am Spartacus” lines are as effective as they are mainly because Kubrick had so brilliantly unveiled the threat that these brave rebels have been up against as they fought for their freedoms.

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7 ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ (1962)

Directed by David Lean

T.S. Lawrence raising a dagger in the desert in Lawrence of Arabia
Image via Columbia Pictures


Lawrence of Arabia is not just the most defining epic film of the 21st century, but one particular of the greatest films ever produced. David Lean developed a sweeping masterpiece that chronicled the rise of Lawrence (Peter O’Toole) as he rallied the Turks against the oppressive German army for the duration of the most defining moments of World War I. Given that the film tackled some of the most crucial battles in history, it really is unsurprising that Lawrence of Arabia contains some remarkable scenes of mass combat.

Lawrence of Arabia did a good job at defining the exclusive parameters of desert combat, and what produced it extra difficult than regular warfare. In addition to fending off against enemies that have been far improved equipped than they have been, Lawrence and his Turkish allies have been forced to guard their livelihoods when dealing with the oppressive climate circumstances of the desert.


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6 ‘Barry Lyndon’ (1975)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick

Barry Lyndon - 1975
Image by way of Warner Bros.

Barry Lyndon is a brilliant subversion of the epic film genre mainly because it focuses on a character that couldn’t be additional from getting a hero. The titular Irish scoundrel (played by the late good Ryan O’Neal in the most effective efficiency of his profession) is a manipulative, womanizing villain who is prepared to alter sides for the duration of any conflict in order to get out on top rated. Kubrick developed intriguing action scenes in which Barry is prepared to swap loyalties primarily based on what ever side appears to be coming out on top rated.


Barry Lyndon also ends with one particular of the greatest duels in cinematic history, in which an angered Barry is forced to face off with his son. It was a good, compact-scale way to finish a film that had currently verified to audiences that there have been no limits to the spectacle that it could obtain.

Barry Lyndon Poster

Barry Lyndon (1975)

Release Date
December 18, 1975

Director
Stanley Kubrick

Cast
Ryan O’Neal , Marisa Berenson , Patrick Magee

Runtime
185 minutes

Main Genre
Drama

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5 ‘Braveheart’ (1995)

Directed by Mel Gibson

A bloodied William Wallace (Mel Gibson) in 'Braveheart'
Image by way of Paramount Pictures


Mel Gibson had defined the action genre with his starring roles in the Mad Max and Lethal Weapon franchises, so it really is not all that surprising that a film that he directed would be just as ruthless and intense. Braveheartis a rousing examination of the Scottish revolution against the English crown that also operates as an outstanding revenge thriller in its personal suitable. Gibson stars as William Walace, a Scottish leader who rallies his nation’s forces soon after British soldiers rape and murder his wife.

Braveheart includes all the epic sword fights, battle approach, and inspirational speeches that cinephiles could want out of an action film. Although its historical inaccuracy and sheer level of violence invoked some backlash, Braveheart ended up walking away with the Academy Awards for each Best Picture and Best Director, solidifying Gibson’s legacy as an auteur filmmaker.


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4 ‘Gladiator’ (2000)

Directed by Ridley Scott

Maximus standing in the arena with the sunlight above him in Gladiator.
Image by way of Universal Pictures

Gladiator is a brilliant examination of Roman history that also serves as a effective story of revenge and redemption. Set soon after the Roman Empire has defeated the Germanic rebel tribes, Gladiator follows the Roman General Maximus (Russell Crowe) soon after his household is murdered, and he is sold into slavery. In order to bring the Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) to justice, Maximus is forced to fight in a series of gladiatorial combats all through the Empire.


<em>Gladiator </em>did a good job at displaying the distinctive forms of combat that have been present in the Roman arenas, like the use of animals and cars. Although the opening battle with the Germanic forces was absolutely an thrilling way to get started the film, it is the final duel involving Maximus and Commodus that produced Gladiator such an immediate classic inside each the action and epic film genres.

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3 ‘Gangs of New York’ (2002)

Directed by Martin Scorsese

Gangs of New York (1)
Credit: Touchstone Pictures


Gangs of New York is a film that Martin Scorsese had wanted to make for decades, and it really is uncomplicated to see why it really is a story that dominated his imagination. Gangs of New York served as an origin story for America’s obsession with gangsters, as it showed the evolution of crime households all through the 19th century. The opening action scene that establishes just how brutal “Bill the Butcher” (Daniel Day-Lewis) is may possibly be the most disturbing scene in Scorsese’s complete filmography thinking of that he is the man behind Goodfellas, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Casino amongst other folks, that is no compact statement.

Gangs of New York showed how political tension can outcome in violence in its exploration of civil politics. It’s one particular of the savviest and most elaborate productions that Scorsese ever produced, even if it was initially regarded to be a economic disappointment.


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2 ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ (2003)

Directed by Peter Jackson

Eowyn battling the Witch King from Lord of the Rings The Return of the King
Image by way of Warner Bros

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King served as a effective finish to Peter Jackson’s trilogy of J.R.R. Tolkien adaptations, and tied the record with Ben-Hur and Titanic for most Academy Award wins with its eleven victories, like Best Picture and Best Director. While it may possibly have been really hard to top rated the epic Battle of Helm’s Deep in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, the Battle of Gondor and fight outdoors Mount Doom make The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King just as exhilarating as its predecessor.


There’s a sense of finality in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King that enables the series to go out on a higher note. Although some viewers have criticized the film’s a number of endings, the satisfied conclusion is justified thinking of all the violence, bloodshed, and terror that the Fellowship skilled more than the course of their mission to destroy Sauron and the One Ring.

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1 ‘Napoleon’ (2023)

Directed by Ridley Scott

Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon Bonaparte covering his ears on the battlefield in Ridley Scott's Napoleon
Image by way of Apple Television+


Napoleon proved after once more that Ridley Scott is unmatched when it comes to the sheer technical craft of epic filmmaking. While Scott had helmed such epics as Black Hawk Down, Kingdom of Heaven, Robin Hood, Exodus: Gods and Kings, and The Last Duel, Napoleon opted to examine one particular of the most iconic military leaders in history. Joaquin Phoenix showed how Napoleon’s ruthless approach and willingness to sacrifice his males gave him a monopoly more than Europe in the 19th century.

Although there has undeniably been a mixed response from some fans and critics, it could simply be argued the Napoleonic Wars have seldom been as immersively depicted as they are in Napoleon, as Scott understood what extraordinary stakes the conflict had on European politics and civility. While the theatrical reduce received marginally good testimonials and received 3 Academy Award nominations, Scott plans to release an extended edition on Apple Television+ that contains even extra footage of Napoleon’s numerous campaign tactics and most vital victories.


Napoleon New Film Poster

Napoleon

An epic that information the checkered rise and fall of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his relentless journey to energy by means of the prism of his addictive, volatile partnership with his wife, Josephine.

Release Date
November 22, 2023

Runtime
157

Watch on Apple Television+

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