Oliver Stone's ambitious historical epic Alexander attempts to capture the life and conquests of Alexander the Great. The film follows his journey from his youth and education under Aristotle to his vast military campaigns across Persia and India.

While depicting massive armies and strategic maneuvers, the film focuses more on Alexander's personal journey, his relationships, and the political machinations than on prolonged, close-up sword fighting sequences in the style of other films on this list. The battles are shown on a grand scale, emphasizing strategy and the sheer size of the forces involved. Multiple versions exist: Oliver Stone has released several different cuts of the film, each offering a slightly different perspective on Alexander's story. It's a sweeping, if sometimes challenging, look at one of history's most famous military leaders.

Concluding Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is essentially one giant, prolonged war sequence. This film depicts the massive confrontation that erupts at the foot of the Lonely Mountain between various factions – Dwarves, Elves, Men, Orcs, and Goblins.

The film throws everything into the fray, featuring a wide array of combat styles and numerous individual duels amidst the chaos of a sprawling battlefield. A focus on scale: The battle involves multiple fronts and thousands upon thousands of digital combatants, aiming for a sense of overwhelming conflict. While sometimes criticized for its length, the sheer scale of the conflict and the sword-based action are undeniable, providing a grand, if exhausting, conclusion to the saga.

While firmly in the fantasy genre, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers features one of the most epic and iconic siege battles ever filmed. Peter Jackson's second installment in the trilogy builds towards the massive confrontation at Helm's Deep, where Rohan's forces make a desperate stand against Saruman's Uruk-hai army.

The battle sequences are immense in scale, featuring thousands of combatants and a variety of fighting styles, with sword and shield combat front and center for characters like Aragorn and the Rohirrim. Groundbreaking effects: The battle of Helm's Deep was a technical marvel for its time, utilizing groundbreaking CGI to depict the vast armies clashing. It's a cornerstone of epic fantasy warfare, showcasing heroism and brutal combat on a grand scale.

Director Ridley Scott and star Russell Crowe reunite for a new take on the classic outlaw legend in Robin Hood (2010). This film offers an origin story for the famed archer of Sherwood Forest, placing him within the political turmoil of England following the death of King Richard the Lionheart.

The film features large-scale battle sequences, including a notable amphibious landing, and highlights Robin's skills not just with a bow, but also in close-quarters combat. An historical grounding: The film attempts to root the legend in a more realistic historical context, exploring the political landscape and the rights of Englishmen under King John. It's a robust, action-packed adventure that reinvents the familiar tale with impressive medieval warfare.

Step into the realm of myth and legend with John Boorman's visually striking Excalibur. This classic film retells the Arthurian legends, from the sword in the stone to the quest for the Holy Grail, focusing on the rise and fall of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

While more fantasy-leaning than strict historical war, the film features plenty of knightly combat, jousting, and magical duels with swords. Its stylized look and atmospheric score give it a unique, almost dreamlike quality. A fun fact: Many future stars appeared in early roles, including Liam Neeson, Patrick Stewart, and Gabriel Byrne. It's a rich, complex tapestry of myth and magic, anchored by iconic imagery and the timeless appeal of swords and sorcery.

Set in the same rough historical period as Centurion, The Eagle follows a young Roman centurion, Marcus Aquila, who ventures into the wilds of Britain with his slave Esca to recover the lost standard of the Ninth Legion, his father's command.

The film is less a large-scale war film and more an adventure quest with elements of survival and frontier combat. It features tense skirmishes and duels against native tribes, showcasing Roman military tactics and individual fighting skill. Based on literature: The film is an adaptation of Rosemary Sutcliff's historical novel The Eagle of the Ninth. It's a compelling story of honor, duty, and the clash between Roman civilization and the unconquered tribes of Britain, featuring engaging swordplay in a rugged landscape.

From director Neil Marshall, known for his intense thrillers, comes Centurion, a brutal survival story set in Roman Britain. The film follows a group of Roman soldiers, remnants of the legendary Ninth Legion, who must fight their way back to Roman territory after being ambushed by the Picts.

This film is less about grand battles and more about desperate skirmishes and chases through hostile territory. The combat is fast, bloody, and unforgiving, highlighting the harsh reality of frontier warfare. An interesting tidbit: The film draws inspiration from the real-life mystery surrounding the disappearance of the Ninth Legion, offering a fictionalized, action-packed explanation. It's a lean, mean action film focused on the struggle for survival against overwhelming odds, featuring tense sword and axe combat.

If you're looking for gritty, brutal medieval combat, Ironclad delivers in spades. Set during the siege of Rochester Castle in 1215, shortly after the Magna Carta was signed, the film depicts a small group of Templar Knights and mercenaries defending the castle against the tyrannical King John.

This isn't Hollywood polish; the action is visceral and bloody, focusing on the desperate close-quarters fighting of a siege. The film doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of medieval warfare. A notable performance: Paul Giamatti gives a standout, menacing portrayal of King John. It's a tense, action-packed historical flick that puts you right in the thick of a brutal castle defense, complete with plenty of sword and axe work.

Travel to 19th-century Japan in The Last Samurai, a film that beautifully blends historical drama with thrilling action. Tom Cruise stars as Nathan Algren, an American veteran hired to train the Meiji Restoration army, who finds himself immersed in the culture of the samurai he was sent to suppress.

The film offers a fascinating look at the clash between tradition and modernity, with exquisite attention paid to the art of samurai sword fighting. The training sequences and final battle are particularly well-choreographed and impactful. Behind the scenes: Tom Cruise and the other actors underwent extensive training in kendo and other martial arts to bring authenticity to the fight scenes. It's an epic story of cultural exchange, honor, and breathtaking swordplay set against a backdrop of historical change.

From the director of Gladiator, Ridley Scott explores the complex era of the Crusades in Kingdom of Heaven. This film follows Balian of Ibelin, a French blacksmith who travels to Jerusalem and becomes involved in the defense of the city against the forces of Saladin.

The movie features large-scale siege warfare and detailed depictions of knightly combat. The Director's Cut, widely considered superior to the theatrical release, adds significant depth to the political and religious conflicts. A historical angle: The film attempts to portray figures like Balian, King Baldwin IV, and Saladin with nuance, exploring the intricate relationships and fragile peace in the Holy Land. It's a visually stunning and thought-provoking look at a pivotal period of history, complete with impressive battlefield action.

Journey to the ancient world and witness the legendary conflict in Troy. Wolfgang Petersen directs this grand-scale epic based loosely on Homer's Iliad, focusing on the clash between the kingdoms of Troy and Sparta, ignited by the love affair between Paris and Helen.

The film boasts massive armies and impressive siege sequences, but it truly shines in its depiction of the legendary heroes and their duels. The confrontations between Achilles (Brad Pitt) and Hector (Eric Bana) are particular highlights, showcasing skilled, impactful sword and spear combat. An interesting note: While based on myth, the film attempts a more grounded, historical feel, removing the direct intervention of the gods seen in Homer's original text. It's a sweeping saga of war, fate, and heroism on an immense canvas.

Get ready for a visually stunning, action-packed adaptation with 300. Directed by Zack Snyder, this film brings Frank Miller's graphic novel to life with a unique, stylized aesthetic that sets it apart. It tells the story of King Leonidas and his 300 Spartan warriors as they make a legendary stand against Xerxes' massive Persian army at the Battle of Thermopylae.

The combat is the absolute heart of this movie, presented in hyper-stylized slow-motion and fast bursts of brutal, acrobatic violence. Every sword clash, every spear thrust, is designed for maximum visual impact. Did you know? The film was shot almost entirely against blue screens, allowing for the creation of its distinct, painterly look and the massive scale of the Persian forces. Gerard Butler's roaring portrayal of Leonidas is utterly compelling, making this a high-octane, unforgettable war film focused squarely on the intense close-quarters combat.

Step into the Colosseum and the battlefields of the Roman Empire with Gladiator, a film that resurrected the historical epic for a new generation. Ridley Scott's masterpiece follows the tragic journey of General Maximus Decimus Meridius, brought brilliantly to life by Russell Crowe, as he seeks vengeance against the corrupt Emperor Commodus.

While the arena duels are iconic, the film also features large-scale Roman battles that feel incredibly grounded and intense. A fascinating detail: The opening battle in the Germanian forests was meticulously planned to feel chaotic yet strategic, utilizing practical effects and thousands of extras to create a sense of overwhelming conflict. The film's incredible score by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard perfectly complements the grandeur and pathos of the story. It's a powerful tale of honor, betrayal, and the fight for freedom, packed with gripping combat.

Prepare for an epic journey into the heart of Scottish rebellion! Braveheart isn't just a war film; it's a sprawling historical drama centered on William Wallace's fight for freedom against English rule. Mel Gibson, pulling double duty as director and star, delivers a raw, visceral portrayal of medieval warfare.

The battle scenes here are legendary for their scale and brutality, showcasing chaotic, muddy fields where courage is the only armor. Did you know? The film's massive battle sequences involved thousands of extras, many of whom were members of the Irish Reserve Defence Force, giving the clashes a truly authentic, overwhelming feel. The film swept the Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, solidifying its place as a modern classic of the genre. It's a powerful, emotionally charged spectacle that lives up to its reputation.