Top 10 Manliest Movie Moments Ever

“Commando” (1985)

It’s difficult to know for sure exactly how serious director Mark L. Lester and crew were feeling when they filmed this introduction for 1985’s “Commando.” The camera makes absolutely no bones about lingering upon all of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s bulging muscles as it introduces the latter’s character, John Matrix. Oh, and there’s also the fact that Arnold-as-Matrix just happens to be lugging a friggin’ tree around like it’s nothing. Y’know, as you do. Elsewhere, these masculine moments are intercut with impossibly feel-good footage of Schwarzenegger and co-star Alyssa Milano making food and palling around with a deer. It’s amazing stuff.

“Gladiator” (2000)

A gladiatorial battle to the death is what we have here with our next pick, as Maximus Decimus Meridius slays his opponents. Russell Crowe’s star was already on the rise when he took the lead role in “Gladiator,” but it was this performance that helped put him over the top. The combat sequences are well-actualized and shot with an intense, personal viciousness. Meanwhile, Crowe plays up to his increasing popularity with the crowd, asking them [1] with a look that speaks to Meridius’ disgust with the entire affair. It’s a nice mixture of character beats and physicality that helps make this scene succeed.

“Road House” (1989)

We all miss Patrick Swayze. The man was an underrated performer with plenty of range, able to switch easily between moments of tenderness and hyper-masculinity. This scene from “Road House” is a great example of that, as a wounded James Dalton is being read his proverbial rights by an attending physician, Doc Clay. The doctor rattles off all of the cooler’s various injuries over the years, while Dalton is receiving staples for his wound. He declines anesthesia during the procedure, telling Clay that [“Pain don’t hurt”.] Sure, Dalton flinches a bit when the staple gun is used, but Swayze’s hair remains impeccable through it all, and that smile is still worth a million bucks.

“Lethal Weapon” (1987)

Gary Busey provides legitimate menace and unpredictability in his portrayal of “Lethal Weapon” antagonist, Mr. Joshua. This is seen right from his character’s introduction, thanks to a very memorable interaction with a cigarette lighter. The movie’s main heavy, General McCallister, is attempting to prove exactly how loyal Joshua is. McCallister holds an open flame to Joshua’s arm, and the latter almost seems to enjoy the pain that’s being inflicted on him…all to prove a point. The scene helps send a message that this group of ex-military men and mercenaries mean business.

“They Live” (1988)

Some of the best movie moments in the world have been the result of ad-libs, including this scene from 1988’s “They Live.” “Rowdy” Roddy Piper was already used to improvising dialogue, thanks to his history as a professional wrestler. As a result, Piper turned on the charm when it came to this scene where his character of Nada enters a bank. Nada is wearing the special sunglasses that enable him to see how an alien race has infiltrated nearly every aspect of human life. Oh, and he’s also armed, and intends to do something about that infiltration. That something involves kicking butt, and lots of it, but not before he utters one iconic line.

“Dr. No” (1962)

What’s the best way to properly introduce a character? It’s a difficult question, with many different answers, depending on the style of film. James Bond’s world of spies, intrigue, sex and danger required a truly iconic opening, with an actor able to communicate that world on screen. Sean Connery embodies all of this and more with a laconic performance that’s smooth, suave and debonair. The cigarette dangling from Bond’s lip is almost a character unto itself, and Connery introduces the world to Sir Ian Fleming’s super-spy. It’s a scene that would set the template for countless imitators, as well as solidifying Connery as the perfect secret agent.

“300” (2006)

Zack Snyder’s “300” is chock full of memorably masculine dialogue, such as that particularly memorable line about “fighting in the shade.” However, Snyder’s film is probably most associated with this speech from lead Gerard Butler. Sparta has been visited by an emissary from King Xerxes of Persia, one who seems to feel no fear of Butler’s character, King Leonidas. The messenger is in for a rude awakening, however, when his insults, threats and requests for “earth and water” in tribute are met with defiance. Leonidas boots the Persian into the pit, effectively setting the stage for all of the action to come.

“Rocky III” (1982)

The “Rocky” franchise is somewhat synonymous with training montages. “Rocky IV” had a great one that was set to “No Easy Way Out” by Robert Tepper. Yet there’s just something about the relationship between Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed that makes this montage from “Rocky III” feel special. For starters, we love seeing these old opponents team up, as Apollo assists Rocky in regaining the “eye of the tiger.” The challenge of a rematch with Clubber Lang looms large, and the pair’s training is intense and seems to be working. Rocky’s progress is measured primarily against his ability to outrun Creed on the beach…which he finally does. The pair’s embrace in water shortly thereafter makes us raise our fists and yell every time.

“Heartbreak Ridge” (1986)

Let’s be real: we could’ve populated this entire list with scenes taken solely from the filmography of Clint Eastwood. Films like “Gran Torino,” “Dirty Harry” and “A Fistful of Dollars” all proved Eastwood’s mettle as a cinematic tough-guy. For our money, however, there’s just something special about the poetry Eastwood’s character of Tom Highway spouts off in “Heartbreak Ridge.” We’re specifically referencing a scene where Highway is interrupted by a tough guy while he’s trying to tell old war stories in jail. Not only does Eastwood beat the life out of his would-be assailant, but he does so while spouting off one-liners with ease.

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

Cap Doing It the Old Fashioned Way

One Epic Final Showdown

Ouch!

A Farewell for Johnny Ringo

“Predator” (1987)

There are few films as testosterone-laden as 1987’s “Predator.” There are lots of memorable moments to underline this fact, too, such as star Arnold Schwarzenegger’s impassioned battle cry near the film’s climax. However, we’d be remiss in NOT mentioning what just has to be the hardest handshake in the history of cinema. This reunion between Arnold Schwarenegger’s “Dutch” and Carl Weathers’ “Dillon” is solidified with a hand clasp that soon turns into an arm wrestling match. The sweat glistens and biceps flex as Dutch admonishes Dillon for “pushing too many pencils.” It’s a contest of machismo, sure, but in the best possible way. A way that emphasizes just how much we love this stuff.