Top 10 Crazy Robot Fights in Movies

Given all the other robot-related lists we’ve done, this one has been a long time coming. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 movie robot fights.

For this list, we’re taking a look at the most visually stunning, intense, and all around badass brawls between mechanical characters on the big screen. Colossal monsters without any robotic elements, such as Kaijus, that fight against robots or giant humanoid mechas, have been excluded.

Number 5, later Johnny 5, of “Short Circuit” is one of the most lovable robots you’ll ever encounter, but you wouldn’t think he’d fare well in battle. When his soulless counterparts attempt to terminate him, though, the robot uses mud, rope, and outhouses to overcome the weapons of mass destruction. It’s hard not to smile at this goofy showdown with its Looney Tunes-type slapstick and the quintessential ‘80s robot at the center of the action. Quick-witted and always prepared with a one-liner, Johnny 5 reminds us that sometimes puns triumph over laser guns.

If you had to choose which of these robots from “The Black Hole” would win in a fight, you’d probably bet on the big guy. You wouldn’t think the roly-poly V.I.N.CENT’s pathetic lasers would stand a chance against the dominating Maximilian’s buzz saws of doom. Just when it looks like Maximilian has his opponent cornered, however, it turns out V.I.N.CENT has an ace up his sleeve. With his central core drilled through, Max drifts into space while letting out muddled cries of defeat. Huh, looks like robots can feel pain.

Here’s another robot fight that teaches us not to judge a book by its cover or a robot by what it’s made of. In “Big Hero 6,” we’re introduced to young Hiro as he enters a robot street fight with a dinky droid. The whiz kid purposely loses the first match to raise the stakes, then shows off what his invention can really do. Able to disassemble and reassemble itself with ease, Megabot gives his rival a proper samurai decapitation. Forget Baymax. Give us a Megabot action figure already, Disney!

You can’t have a countdown like this without “Transformers.” Taking a page from the 1986 animated feature, this massive forest fight from “Revenge of the Fallen” finds Optimus Prime officially rock ‘emed and sock ‘emed out. While the Autobot leader manages to rip Starscream and Grindor each a new one, Megatron gains the upper hand and reduces Optimus to scrap metal. Sure, it’s mindless action. Sure, it’s pointless to kill Optimus off only to resurrect him later. But the primitive ten-year-old in us all can’t help but be entranced.

Okay, so Iron Man and War Machine technically aren’t robots, but their armor is just machine-like enough to qualify for this list. In traditional “Iron Man” fashion, Tony Stark and his pal Rhodey start making playful banter as danger approaches. Although they try to map out a game plan, the two decide to just start shooting stuff when a fleet of Hammer Drones drops in. While the action is dazzling and skillfully choreographed, it’s the interplay between our heroes that gives this scene a much-needed human touch.

Before there was “Pacific Rim,” man-operated mechas went head-to-head in this 1990 cult classic. Reminiscent of “Voltron” meets “Gladiator,” the Market’s Achilles clashes with the Confederation’s Alexander. In an ironic twist, Achilles takes a blow to Alexander’s heel and knocks the villain over. Alexander the not-so-great retaliates by launching his fist across the arena. Achilles tries to stop the projectile, but collapses onto the bleachers in the process. Oh the humanity! I guess we’ll just call it a draw.

It’s never good when robots start flashing the color red. As the NS-5 Models start rebelling against their creators in “I, Robot,” mankind finds an unlikely savior in an A.I. named Sonny. Rushing through the corridors to save the day, Sonny is confronted by his fellow machines. With moves worthy of Neo from “The Matrix,” Sonny pulls off some impressive midair strikes, neck breaks, and fatal punches to the head. Not only is Sonny able to think and feel, he’s also a robot that knows how to kick ass. Technically he’s the same model, but who’s asking questions?

“Real Steel” is often described as the robot equivalent to “Rocky,” meaning that the film’s climax is certain to be both exhilarating and heartfelt. It’s a classic set up as the underdog Atom and the reigning champ Zeus enter the ring. Zeus appears to have it in the bag, but the crowd motivates Atom to keep going. While Zeus hits with all his might, he can’t break Atom’s unrelenting spirit. As corny as it may be, your heart is made of steel if you aren’t uproariously cheering by the end.

Seeing how “RoboCop” is largely about man versus machine, it’s only natural that the film would work up to a fight between a man and a machine. It appears that RoboCop has met his match when the ED-209 is unleashed. Although the enforcement droid is mounting in size and equipped with an arsenal of missiles, ED-209 has one fatal flaw: It can’t walk down stairs. With one small step, this multi-million dollar mechanism falls flat on its back and whines like a baby. Man, this thing can’t do anything right.

Before we fry our final pick’s circuits, here are a few honorable mentions:
- AMS vs. AMS
“Screamers” (1995)
- R4-P17 vs. Buzz Droids
“Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith” (2005)
- MEGA-1 vs. MRAS-2
“Robot Wars” (1993)

While the T-X was a worthy adversary for the T-800, nothing can top his final face-off with the T-1000 in “Terminator 2.” Director James Cameron has a knack for building on great action with great suspense. This is highly showcased at the film’s boiling point as the Connors are pursued through a haunting steel mill and Arnie seemingly meets his demise. Then at the very last second, the Terminator reemerges and blasts the cold villain into a scorching grave. It’s the perfect way to wish him hasta la vista, baby.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite movie robot fight? For more enthralling Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.