Remembering some classic comic book movie fight scenes

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From much-loved DC creations among fans to a wide range of Marvel products that are adored around the world, fight scenes are heavily featured in comic book movies. These films are adaptations of the comics people know and love and they bring the printed action to life even further. In fact, while reading comic books will always be a preference, watching a comic book movie is too tempting for many comic book readers.

Additionally, the fight scenes that have successfully transitioned over to the movie genre are a real treat for comic book fanatics. As seen through the success of titles like Vikings: War of Clans and Sparta: War of Empires, people generally adore fight scenes and playing the leading war games of today. Likewise, even away from the gaming sphere, war scenes from other genres in the movie category of entertainment also stand out, with productions like Braveheart and Gladiator being filled with epic fight scenes between warring populations.

It, therefore, makes sense that classic comic book movie fight scenes would also appeal to movie watchers and comic book connoisseurs alike, with a wide range of classic moments being created over the years. Let’s remember some of them below.

Spider-Man against Dr. Octopus in Spider-Man 2 (2004)

The Spider-Man movies have always pulled in global audiences, but as soon as Spider-Man 2 was released, fans of the comic books could wait to witness the battle with Dr. Octopus in movie form. As the 2004 masterpiece’s undoubted highlight, there was some epic combat-based action to enjoy between the two. A tough fight to call, Peter manages to toughen up just in time to take on his nemesis on top of a building before they eventually aim to end each other on the roof of a New York City Subway train. It’s fair to say Dr. Octopus wins this particular battle, but Spider-Man definitely wins the overall war.

Batman fighting the Joker in The Dark Knight (2008)

A match-up comic book fans enjoyed seeing in the cinemas, Batman taking on the Joker in The Dark Knight was a special battle. With it being a clear mismatch, there isn’t a great deal of action to enjoy, although the Joker does manage to put up a good fight. The main takeaway from their clash, though, is undoubtedly Heath Ledger’s memorable monologue. For fans of the Batman comics, it was a special moment.

The Hulk taking on the US Army in Hulk (2003)

The Hulk is a formidable opponent nobody wants to take on, including an army of soldiers with deadly weapons at their disposal. This is seen in the 2003 release of Hulk, as the big green beast has the ability to smash through almost anything. The comic books also showcase this, but it was perhaps best illustrated in this excellent production when the Hulk destroyed the US Army while being held in an underground base in New Mexico. Showcasing his immense power in the very best way possible, the army were simply no match for one of the most popular superheroes ever.

The final battle in Hellboy II: The Golden Army is epic (2008)

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A fight scene that simply had to make the list, the final battle in Hellboy II: The Golden Army is one of the finest displays of warfare the superhero genre has ever seen. Released in 2006, this epic final moment is easily some of Guillermo del Toro’s best work, as some truly formidable characters come to blows. The film is packed full of memorable moments anyway, but the final battle has to be the best of the lot. It’s iconic.

The Avengers & Friends Versus Thanos’ Army in Avengers: Endgame

Some fans prefer the Battle of Wakanda in Infinity War, and that’s understandable. Yet, the epic conclusion to the MCU’s Phase 4 lived up to the hype. Yes, you’ve rewatched it a million times over, but if you transport yourself back to the theater in 2019 and recall the goosebumps you had on that first watch. The battle clocks in at 40 minutes, but the genius of it is that it never feels repetitive. There are stories being told all over the battlefield. You all know exactly what happens by now, but it’s worth repeating that it’s an ambitious and worthy conclusion to one of the most incredible story arcs in comic-book movie history.