Top 10 Flirty Fight Scenes in Movies

The second “Indiana Jones” movie is actually a prequel - which explains the sudden absence of previous leading lady, Marion Ravenwood. In “Temple of Doom,” Indy gets a new love interest, nightclub singer Willie Scott. They’re not exactly well suited. In fact, they can’t stand each other. But nevertheless, the simmering sexual tension is there from the beginning. While guests for the night at the lavish Pankot Palace, the pair are given two rooms across the hall from each other. When he knocks on her door late at night, it seems that the inevitable is about to happen. Though they kiss, neither party wants to be the first to give in. Who can say what would have happened, had Indy not been inconveniently abducted?

This battle of the sexes comedy pits Katherine Heigl’s control freak, Abby, against Mike Chadway, Gerard Butler’s cynical chauvinist. At first, their dislike is mutual. But when Mike persuades Abby that he can help her get the guy she’s pining after, they begin to get to know each other better. After one sexy dance and a passionate kiss in a hotel elevator, it becomes obvious that they’ve both caught feelings. But can they stop bickering long enough to admit it to themselves? The hot air balloon scene sees Mike stumble into an admission of love, after first provoking Abby into an argument. These two epitomize the enemies-to-lovers trope, and keep challenging each other right up until the movie’s final moments.

In this fun fight scene, pick-pocket Kar drops in on his crush, Jade, to return her necklace and ask for her help. But since he stole the necklace from her in the first place, she’s not too happy about that – even if he was just looking for an excuse to see her again. The couple first meet on the streets of the city, when Kar gets into a fight with Jade’s gang leader. Kar thinks she’s from a similar background as him, so he’s surprised to discover her in such lavish surroundings. They’ve both got some impressive moves, but also a twinkle in their eye. It’s more of a play-fight than anything, with some decidedly flirty undertones.

For rom-com couples, some flirtatious verbal sparring is a necessity. With this in mind, we can’t leave out the duo that started it all - Shakespeare’s own Beatrice and Benedick. The 1993 movie adaptation of “Much Ado” stars Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh. The then-married couple brought the required chemistry and playfulness to the bard’s tale of warring lovers. The movie has a dreamy, romantic setting but the dialogue is fast-paced and funny. From their first scene together to their final kiss, Beatrice and Benedick are constantly arguing. They tear strips off each other with their barbed words and always have a ready come-back. But in their last flirtatious argument they finally admit their love to the world.

“Mr. & Mrs. Smith” stars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as two assassins in a failing marriage. They both work for different contract killing agencies and neither is aware of what the other really does for a living. When they’re finally pitted against each other, they discover the truth. This is the movie that brought the two actors together in real life and the attraction between them is painfully evident. After a few failed attempts to finish the job they’ve been assigned, the Smiths come together in their marital home - where they face off in an explosive shoot-out. They both do equally well, but in the end, they can’t bring themselves to kill each other. Instead, their love is reignited with a passionate kiss.

Doris Day is probably best known for her romantic comedies of the fifties and sixties, including another hate-to-love classic, “Pillow Talk.” But “Calamity Jane” - the musical about the eponymous heroine of the wild west - might just be her best loved role. Calam’s relationship with friend Bill Hickok is fiery. They’re always at each other’s throats and both do their best to wind the other up. They might not see each other in a romantic way, but everyone around them can tell that they’re made for one another. Their duet, “I Can Do Without You”, is a masterpiece of physical comedy and underlying romantic tension. Howard Keel is a very masculine presence next to the tiny Day, and their on-screen chemistry has the sparks flying.

Jane Austen’s beloved novel puts the clashing couple, Elizabeth and Darcy, at its center, and this adaptation does a wonderful job capturing their dynamic. They get off on the wrong foot when he snubs her at a local ball. But eventually, he asks her to dance at another event, and she accepts. At this point, Lizzie genuinely dislikes him, but Darcy has already fallen hard. She has no suspicion of his true feelings and therefore is as rude to him as her nature will allow. Still, we can tell something’s brewing. Later, a misjudged proposal becomes a full blown argument – which “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” reimagined as a physical altercation. But it’s the fight on the dance floor that feels the most romantically charged.

Since Michael didn’t didn’t return for “Princess Diaries 2”, Mia traded him in for a new love interest. Chris Pine plays the handsome Nicholas, a rival for the Genovian throne who also attempts to win the heart of its princess. Nicholas and Mia are attracted to each other from jump, but his attempts at seduction initially can’t be taken at face value, thanks to a sneaky ulterior motive. She also gets engaged to someone else. But this pair are sparky together. In the crucial fountain scene, Mia has a momentary lapse in judgment and stops fighting her feelings for her royal rival amid their bickering. But really, who can blame her? Their explosive connection turns this sequel into romantic comedy gold.

In 1999, writing duo Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith turned one of Shakepeare’s most problematic plays into one of the best teen rom-coms of all time. The power dynamic between Kat and Patrick is exciting, but unlike in the original, you never feel like he’s breaking her spirit. They’re well matched and when things are good between them, their scenes are joyful to watch. The paintball date, set to the song “Fascinating New Thing” by Semisonic, is especially cute. The playful war sees both characters lower their defenses while they have some flirty fun. The cherry on top is the perfect, sweet kiss they share. Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger have an electric bond we just can’t get enough of here.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Drunken Dancing, “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” (2015)
A Tipsy Gaby Goads Illya Into a Physical Tussle

Dionne & Murray, “Clueless” (1995)
They’re Constantly Bickering, But Are Obviously Really Into Each Other

Snowball Fight, “Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
It Seems There’s Something There That Wasn’t There Before

The Mandarin vs. Ying Li, “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings” (2021)
This Elegant Battle Marks the Start of a Love Story

In this iconic scene, Zorro is fleeing the Governor’s house when he’s confronted by Elena, his host’s daughter. They draw their swords and Elena proves his match. She’s the first to score a point, but the tables soon turn. The air is charged as their foils flash back and forth and Zorro steals a kiss or two. It’s all rather different from the corresponding scene in the old Hollywood movie, and just a little bit tongue in cheek. But Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have a fabulous rapport and the sword fight itself is fast and furious. Ultimately, Zorro is the victor, but Elena doesn’t seem to mind too much.

Which of these couples do you think has the most chemistry? Let us know in the comments.