8 Epic Fantasy Battles

Whether it’s the forces of good in Middle-earth versus an orc army or martial arts warriors facing off for control of a post-apocalyptic wasteland, fantasy battles can provide some truly spectacular combat. Read on for some of the most intense sword-fighting, spell-casting and Minotaur slashing in fantasy movies and TV. And to find out how the epic battle for the Badlands ends, catch the final episodes of Into the Badlands, returns for its final episodes in a two-night premiere event, Sunday, March 24th and 25th on AMC.

Sneak attack on Pilgrim’s fortress, Into the Badlands.

In the fourth episode of the third season of Into the Badlands, Pilgrim, Lydia, Castor and The Widow face off against some of Baron Chau’s assassins at Pilgrim’s fortress. Castor uses his “Sight” to show off some high-flying moves and slice through several rivals, while Pilgrim more than holds his own against the attackers with some swift kicks and punches. And of course, Lydia and The Widow are no slouches when it comes to lightning-fast swordplay. (To find out who will control the Badlands, catch the final episodes of Into the Badlands premiering March 24th at 10/9c on AMC.)

Battle of Helm’s Deep, The Lord of the Rings:

Seemingly outnumbered by the oncoming Uruk-hai army, the elves and Rohirrim holed up in Hornburg fortress at Helm’s Deep appear to be facing their final battle. But they stand their ground thanks to a barrage of arrows and the expert combat skills of Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli. Luckily, Gandalf the White arrives in the nick of time with an army of riders to help turn the tide. The colossal battle is a testament to the power of good versus evil, and one of the all-time great fantasy movie moments.

Battle of the Mounds, Conan the Barbarian

Before his epic battle against Thulsa Doom’s troops, Conan prays to Crom to grant him revenge. (And if he doesn’t listen, to hell with him!) The mighty Barbarian then lays waste to Doom’s riders with his axe, while Subotai and the Wizard of the Mounds take out the rest with spears and arrows. (The booby traps our heroes set also prove useful for seeing their enemies driven before them.)

Battle at the Hot Gates, 300

While based on the real battle between the Spartans and Persian army of the God-King Xerxes, this bloody adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novel adds fantasy elements like monstrous creatures and rampaging war elephants. At the Hot Gates, the Spartans plow through the Persian army with their spears, refusing to take prisoners or grant mercy. Limbs fly and blood spews as the Spartans prove their ready to dine in hell.

Battle of Hogwarts, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

In the wizard battle to end all wizarding battles, the wand-wielders of Hogwarts take on the evil Voldemorts’ Death Eaters. The spellbinding melee culminates in a final magic-off between Harry Potter and He Who Must Not Be Named that brings the Potter franchise to a thrilling conclusion.

Van Zan versus a dragon, Reign of Fir

What’s more badass than Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey fighting dragons in a post-apocalyptic England? The McConaissance jumping into the mouth of a dragon while wielding a giant freakin’ axe. McConaughey’s character Van Zan is a crazed soldier who takes out dragons with the help of a trusty tank and helicopter crew. While he meets his demise at the jaws of a hungry winged serpent, Van Zan goes out swinging and helps to save his fellow survivors.

Siege at Nockmaar, Willow

Before The Lord of the Rings brought dragons and Hobbits to the big screen, there was Val Kilmer and Warwick Davis battling a fearsome two-headed dragon in Willow. Madmartigan might have been more interested in wine and women when he first met Willow, but he proves himself in battle by heroically leaping onto the hideous beast and stabbing it through with his sword. The dragon’s head explodes, and Madmartigan earns a kiss from the lovely Sorsha.

Battle of Beruna, Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

Polar bears, griffons, rhinos, tigers (oh my!) and many more creatures all throw down in this climatic battle between Aslan the Lion’s army and the forces of the White Witch. Only in Narnia can you see strangely awesome sights like a centaur and a rhino rampaging through orcs and Minotaurs.For more epic battles, catch the final episodes of Into the Badlands in a two-night premiere event, Sunday, March 24th and 25th on AMC. Check out a sneak peek of “The Last War” below.