Top 10 Movie Swords

Written by Max Lett:

Top 10 Movie Swords

It’s time to draw your weapon sword and join the fight. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 movie swords.

For this list, we’ve chosen those swords that appear in live-action films not based on video games that are the most ornate, most effective and most badass.

#10: Inigo Montoya’s Rapier
“The Princess Bride” (1987)

The days of chivalry when a swordsman would tell you who he was and exactly why he was going to kill you are long gone. That’s why this swashbuckler and his blade are rare. Inigo’s father, Domingo Montoya, forged this sword for the villainous Count Rugen, whose six-fingered hand required a unique grip. After Rugen killed Inigo’s father, the latter vowed a fiery vengeance and became the greatest swordsman of his generation, making this sword the symbol of a lifelong quest.

#9: The Wallace Sword
“Braveheart” (1995)

You don’t liberate an entire people without lopping off a few limbs. That’s why it’s always handy to keep a big weapon around. Both on-screen and in real life, William Wallace’s claymore was as big as they came way back in the 13thcentury, with a blade measuring over four feet. With his trusty weapon, Wallace led the charge for Scottish independence, until the English quietly executed him.

#8: Dragon Head Katana
“Highlander” (1986)

And to be that One you need quick wits, cat-like reflexes and a sword that can lop off all manner of immortal heads in all manner of time periods. Also known as the Ivory-Handled Katana, this blade was forged, as many great blades are, by a legendary Japanese sword smith. It was given to the ever-mustachioed Sean Connery as a wedding gift and was then passed down to Connor MacLeod to continue the legacy of bloody beheadings.

#7: Atlantean Sword
“Conan the Barbarian” (1982)

Long ago, when pushing a grindstone around granted you a god-like physique and brutal fighting skills; there lived a loquacious Barbarian named Conan. With the mighty Atlantean sword he pillaged from an ancient grave, Conan avenged his people by cutting a lotta bad guys in half. Ironically, when he finally punishes his enemy, it’s with a different sword altogether – one that belonged to his father. But that doesn’t diminish the importance of his Atlantean blade.

#6: The Green Destiny
“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000)

This Chinese Jian is a legendary blade wielded by the great Li Mu Bai. In the right hands, the 400-year-old sword has the ability to slice through almost anything, which makes it a hot prize among thieves and warriors. However, not everyone is worthy of such a weapon; only a true master can handle the Green Destiny.

#5: Sword of the Daywalker
“Blade” (1998)

Blade’s got plenty of weapons, but only one can slice a shadow. This sword is a fine piece forged from Damascus steel and coated in acid for that special touch. Made primarily for the brutal slaughter of all vampires, this sword comes with an extra safety feature that comes in handy when warding off thieves: because of its straight-edged blade, it’s ideal for stabbing opponents through the heart; but it also packs a wallop for slicing and dicing.

#4: Excalibur
“Excalibur” (1981)

Retrieved by the wizard Merlin from the Lady of the Lake and originally given to Uther Pendragon, Excalibur grants its wielder executive power. After Uther’s downfall, the sword is yanked from the famed stone by his son, Arthur, who takes his place as rightful king of England. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and he who wields Excalibur must fight the urge to summon its power for evil instead of good. But don’t worry: that lake lady will judge who’s worthy.

#3: The Bride’s Hattori Hanzo Sword
“Kill Bill” (2003-04)

This sword was created for one purpose, and one purpose only – hey, that’d make a catchy title. The blade is a Japanese katana forged by the legendary Hattori Hanzo, a sword-smith who vowed almost thirty years previously never again to create an instrument of death. Even after that hiatus, this Katana is, by Hanzo’s own admission, his greatest creation and as such is priceless. It’s with this tool that Beatrix Kiddo seeks her revenge – and what bloody revenge it is, too.

#2: Sting
“The Lord of the Rings” (2001-03) & “The Hobbit” franchises (2012-14)

It slices, it dices and it comes in a delightful shade of blue! Though many valuable weapons, like the Narsil, aid the Fellowship of the Ring reach their goal, Sting is by far the most memorable. Created in the First Age, Sting is an elven blade with the very convenient habit of glowing anytime Orcs or goblins are afoot. Originally forged as a dagger, its size is perfect for Hobbits who really crave the heat of battle.

Before we unsheathe our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- The Three-Bladed Sword “The Sword and the Sorcerer” (1982)
- The Power Sword “Masters of the Universe” (1987)
- The Sword of the Witch-king “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2003)
- Sulu’s Retractable Sword “Star Trek” (2009)

#1: The Skywalker Lightsaber
“Star Wars” franchise (1977-)

The lightsaber is the weapon of choice for Jedi and Sith alike – and it comes in all the colors of the rainbow. After his defeat at the Battle of Geonosis, Jedi warrior Anakin Skywalker created himself a new weapon to ensure future victories. The blue blade stayed with him until he turned to the Dark Side of the Force, when it was seized by Obi-Wan Kenobi and eventually passed down to Anakin’s son, Luke. But we’re guessing Darth Vader didn’t approve of that hand-me-down.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite movie sword? For more sharp Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.