The cinematic landscape of 2024 has been rife with exhilarating fight scenes that captivate audiences and invigorate the storytelling process. From the intense knife duel between Paul and Feyd in Dune: Part Two to the sword clash between Lucius and Macrinus in Gladiator II, films this year have not held back on showcasing dynamic and engaging combat sequences. Such scenes offer choreographers an opportunity to shine creatively, fundamentally enhancing the excitement of a hero’s victory over a malevolent foe.
In 2024, viewers have witnessed a spectrum of fight scenes—from gruesome and blood-soaked action in Monkey Man‘s nightclub brawl to the comedic chaos of a cartoonish saloon fight in Hundreds of Beavers. Even films that are not primarily action-oriented, such as the body horror thriller The Substance, deliver memorable confrontations. Highlights include the thrilling final showdown in Boy Kills World and the multiverse battle in Deadpool & Wolverine, making this year a remarkable one for fight choreography.
5 Boy & Mina Vs. The Shaman
Boy Kills World
Boy Kills World features some of the most shocking violence seen on-screen this year. In a particularly harrowing kitchen scene, the titular character uses a cheese grater in a brutal assault against a group of assailants. Additionally, an unsettling moment reveals Glen suffering a fatal injury as a weight crushes his skull. While the film consistently delivers shock value, it saves its most intense sequence for the climactic battle. Boy learns that June 27 is his sister, Mina, and that both she and his mentor, the Shaman, have deceived him. Seeking vengeance, he confronts the Shaman in a brutal underground parking lot encounter, showcasing jaw-dropping violence and relentless action.
4 Lucius Vs. Macrinus
Gladiator II
Throughout much of Gladiator II, Macrinus serves as a source of comic relief and guidance for Lucius. However, a dramatic turn reveals Macrinus’s true ambitions: to betray the Emperors and seize control of Rome. This ultimate betrayal ignites Lucius’s determination to defend his heritage and fight for a noble cause. The ensuing confrontation leads them to a river, emblematic of Rome’s revival. In a shocking moment that defines the intensity of the film, Lucius manages to sever Macrinus’s arm, underlining the brutal stakes involved.
3 Elisabeth Vs. Sue
The Substance
The Substance succeeds in building tension throughout its runtime, keeping its protagonist Elisabeth and antagonist Sue apart for much of the film. Their conflict escalates as Sue drains Elisabeth’s youth while Elisabeth attempts to overshadow Sue. Their long-anticipated face-off finally occurs when Elisabeth, torn between doubt and determination, confronts Sue. The ensuing battle transforms into a high-energy fight reminiscent of classic martial arts cinema, with Elisabeth facing an empowered Sue. Director Coralie Fargeat’s inspiration from wuxia films shines through, as the stunt team delivers a sequence full of creative choreography.
2 Paul Atreides Vs. Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen
Dune: Part Two
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two builds to a masterfully choreographed duel between Paul and Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen. This pivotal confrontation encompasses themes of destiny, power, and survival as it determines the fate of Empires and the future of Arrakis. The tension is palpable; viewers are immersed in the brutal choreography that places both combatants on the brink of death. Villeneuve crafts this duel with precision, making it impossible for those unfamiliar with the source material to predict the outcome, enhancing the stakes of this epic narrative.
1 Deadpool & Wolverine Vs. The Deadpool Corps
Deadpool & Wolverine
The dynamic partnership of Deadpool and Wolverine delivers a series of breathtaking fights in Deadpool & Wolverine. Their memorable encounters, including a brutal clash in a Honda Odyssey, culminate in a spectacular fight against the Deadpool Corps. Filmmaker Shawn Levy presents this action-packed sequence with a masterful tracking shot, guiding audiences through the chaos. The choreography is not only fluid but also offers comedic elements that highlight Deadpool’s unique style. Coupled with Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” this scene stands out as an unforgettable highlight of 2024’s film offerings.
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