Top 10 Movie Fights in Nightclubs and Bars

Want a quick way to show your audience just how tough your film’s protagonist is? Having him take on the starting line-up of a group of huge men with NFL connections is certainly a good way of doing it. In this scene from the action comedy, The Rock actually walks by Arnold Schwarzenegger in what can be considered a symbolic passing-of-the-action-star-torch gesture. But that’s just the icing on the cake of this nightclub bashing. Just watch and you’ll see.

Most people have that friend who always seems to be angling for a fight whenever he or she has a couple of drinks. In this crime comedy-drama, Begbie is the ultimate example of this syndrome. He’s just perpetually angry and is only slightest provocation away from battling anyone and everyone. One scene from “Trainspotting” involves him describing an earlier fight while about to start another. And it’s the barroom brawl that lands here.

The only brawl from a western to make the list, this fight has a lot to live up to. In this scene from the Sergio Leone film, Clint Eastwood’s “one-armed” bounty hunter is only in this saloon so he can capture his target. After Manco gives the outlaw his choice between coming peacefully or in a grave, the arrival of his henchmen – all brandishing guns – ultimately seals Red’s fate.

In “From Dusk till Dawn,” a ragtag group of people join forces to stave off a legion of vampires in a bar just over the Mexican border. Most of this action horror takes place in strip club, and as you’d imagine from a flick written by Quentin Tarantino, there’s a whole lotta fighting throughout. While the short battle between Tom Savini’s Sex Machine and Fred Williamson’s Frost is worth a mention, it’s really the epic final showdown at the Titty Twister with a jackhammer stake-wielding George Clooney that’s got our vote. And we’re sure you can see why.

Being the first time Jet Li was cast in the lead role of an American film, “Romeo Must Die” needed to enforce what made the Chinese actor such a unique entity for his new audience. And the best way to do that was to start off with a bang – and this martial arts nightclub fight that takes place early on accomplished that goal. Though it doesn’t feature Li himself, it does set up the caliber of action that Li’s films would come to be known for.

After a season on the show “Firefly,” Summer Glau as River Tam was set up as the perfect fighting machine. Vastly intelligent, River underwent experimentation that gave her abilities that even her closest allies feared. The transition to film via “Serenity” allowed the character to truly let loose and kick ass, as particularly demonstrated in this bar fight that left her onscreen friends and movie audiences shocked.

Fraught with incredible visuals, awesome Daft Punk beats and unique weaponry, this fight is without a doubt something to behold. The first “Tron” film is an ‘80s flick with sweet light cycles and a huge cult following, but could be considered cheesy by some. However, this scene from its sequel is the ultimate example of how modern effects can improve on old concepts, and it has awesome action to back it up.

One person in a Bruce Lee-style jumpsuit versus dozens upon dozens of adversaries without the possibility of escape? Not very good odds, if you ask us. But if you’re The Bride and those sword-wielding henchmen stand between you and the vengeance you seek, then those guys are probably the ones who should tuck tail and run. In the first volume of Tarantino’s martial arts action flick, we’ve got a battle that’s without a doubt amongst the most bloody ever put to celluloid, and one in which The Bride remains unscathed.

If you’re a cyborg from the future that has gone back in time and you’re looking for some clothes, you’re probably not going to want to go to Old Navy. You’ll more likely want clothes that’ll strike fear and make you look like the badass you are. So it’s a good thing for the T-800 in “Terminator 2” that a biker bar is nearby. All he has to do is beat up all the bikers inside, steal some clothes, a weapon and a pair of bitching sunglasses.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
- I Don’t Want Any Trouble
“The Book of Eli” (2010)
- Light a Fire on His Ass
“Boondock Saints” (1999)
- Who Brings a Gun to a Club?
“Collateral” (2004)
- We Don’t Pay Mooks
“Mean Streets” (1973)
- The Red Shirts Always Fall First
“Road House” (1989)

Walking into a bar that’s inhabited entirely by patrons with cartoonish New York-accented tough guys, Steven Seagal’s NYPD detective in “Out for Justice” just seems to be itching for a fight. While giving up his gun, he challenges anyone to try him and even offers up a bounty on himself of five thousand dollars. Seagal then proceeds to take down anyone who tries to collect and – unsurprisingly – leaves the place in shambles.