Top 20 Epic Disney Fights

“Robin Hood” (1973)
Though most of the action sequences are played for laughs, the film’s final act gets pretty intense. As Robin Hood is cornered by royal guards, he scrambles for refuge in the castle. He evades capture only to run into the Sheriff of Nottingham, who comes at him with a blazing torch. The set piece is surprisingly tense, as the titular character has never seemed so close to death as he is here. As the tower is consumed by flames, Robin is just barely able to escape by leaping into a moat.

“Frozen” (2013)
As beautiful as Elsa’s creations can be, her abilities also make her a force to be reckoned with in a fight. Nowhere is this better demonstrated than the standoff within her ice palace. It's not often we get to see Disney heroines fully unleashing their powers upon their enemies. The ice queen not only delivers — she gives us a battle straight out of a superhero movie. She constructs all kinds of weapons on the fly to defend herself. Elsa may not be a monster, but she can be an intimidating fighter when she wants to be.

“Wreck-It Ralph” (2012)
The video game villain-turned-hero was already a powerhouse to begin with, so you know it’s serious if he’s outmatched. In this final battle akin to a “boss level,” Ralph is put on the backfoot by Turbo, who's now a massive cyborg insect. Honestly, calling it a battle may be generous. The living virus proves to be just too fast and strong for Ralph to defeat. Left with no other choice, he decides to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to save Vanellope. It's about as tense and emotional as you can get for a story climax.

“The Princess and the Frog” (2009)
Not all hero-villain encounters are full of action. In Tiana's case, her long-awaited meeting with the Shadow Man turns out to be an emotional conflict, rather than a physical brawl. Instead of trying to overpower her, the antagonist offers to fulfill her dream in exchange for a talisman that would help him take over the city. Fortunately, she realizes that taking his deal would mean dishonoring her father, and backs out. Seeing Tiana set aside her dream for the greater good was a satisfying moment for her character. The showdown also has an enjoyably grim end for Facilier.

“Atlantis: The Lost Empire” (2001)
Even though he's just a clumsy linguist, Milo Thatch proves to be much more in the battle for Atlantis. With Kida merged with the crystal, the mercenary Rourke prepares to escape and collect his pay. That's when Milo rallies a small army to take back the Heart of Atlantis. His daring attack eventually puts him face-to-face with the villain, but he is hopelessly outmatched. On top of Rourke being far stronger than he is, the two are fighting in a burning airship. But Milo is able to outwit the commander, proving that brains can outclass brawn any day.

“The Great Mouse Detective” (1986)
One of the more underrated films in the Disney pantheon, this Sherlock Holmes-inspired flick has one of the most creative showdowns, as Basil takes on Ratigan inside the iconic Big Ben clocktower. Complicating matters is the presence of little Olivia, who is nearly crushed by the clock’s gears before Basil is able to save her. Ratigan gives Basil a pretty good beating, but when the clock bell strikes 10:00, it appears both fall to their deaths. Miraculously, Basil is able to save himself by flying a piece of wreckage from Ratigan’s dirigible.

“The Sword in the Stone” (1963)
Who doesn’t love a wizards’ duel? This showdown pits Merlin’s expertise and knowledge against Madam Mim’s dark magic. It’s all set in motion when Mim changes herself into a cat and attempts to eat Arthur, who has been changed into a sparrow. Merlin arrives just in time to save his life, whereupon Mim challenges Merlin to a wizards’ duel. The wily witch attempts to defeat the old mage by cheating and using black magic. But in the world of Disney, good always triumphs over evil and, after a long and inventive battle, Merlin eventually outwits Mim by turning into a germ and infecting her with a chickenpox-like disease.

“Raya and the Last Dragon” (2021)
Whether or not this film delivered on its promise of a thrilling fantasy adventure is up to you. But there's no denying that Raya’s final confrontation with Namaari is breathtaking. The stakes have also never felt so personal as Raya marches right into the lion's den to avenge Sisu. Everything here from the lighting to the use of color sets the stage for a memorable showdown. The swordplay also just feels so swift and deadly. Plus, the shots of the crumbling palace and the people trying to escape the Druun raise the tension of the one-on-one fight occurring simultaneously.

“The Emperor’s New Groove” (2000)
It's important for showdowns to put us on the edge of our seats. They often do so by depicting the hero in the fight for their lives. But this one isn’t so much dark as it is hilarious. Instead of a white-knuckle duel or a fight to save the world, the final act revolves around a chase for a chemical vial. All kinds of cartoon and magical hijinks ensue, and the gags just keep on coming. But that doesn't mean there isn't room for great emotional payoffs. By the end, Kuzco and Pacha are finally able to work together and scale the palace wall, proving that even the most selfish people can change.

“Big Hero 6” (2014)
The final act of this Oscar-winning film is one of Disney's most impressive visual spectacles. In an attempt to destroy Krei Tech, the vengeful Callaghan opens a portal above San Fransokyo. Hiro and his friends arrive to stop him, but become progressively overpowered by his microbot army, which can create pretty much anything. The heroes are then forced to think outside the box to win the day. From Go Go Tomago's super speed to Fred's sign spinning, this fight has all kinds of awesome superhero action. The depiction of each skillset is so creative that it's basically impossible to look away from the screen.

“Moana” (2016)
This duo's first assault on Te Kā ended in disaster. Moana’s sailing was reckless, and Maui nearly lost his source of power in the process. Fortunately the two would later find their inner strength, and work together to restore the heart of Te Fiti. The ensuing battle actually feels like a showdown between two gods. Maui does everything in his power to hold off the massive lava monster, even going as far as destroying his trusty hook to save Moana. His sacrifice was worth it in the end, however, as he bought the time she needed to figure out the truth behind Te Kā and Te Fiti.

“Peter Pan” (1953)
Who doesn't love a swashbuckling sword fight? On board the Jolly Roger, Peter Pan faces off against his long time nemesis Captain Hook. Although the atmosphere is generally playful, things ramp up as the pirate captain becomes more bloodthirsty. The finale gets a suspenseful edge as Hook comes closer than ever to beating his foe. Of course, Pan takes him down and reminds him of the coward that he really is. It's a thrilling sequence from start to finish. But we'd expect no less from one of Disney's most iconic fantasy films.

“Tarzan” (1999)
This showdown results in one of the nastiest deaths ever seen in a Disney film. After blasting Kerchak with his shotgun, Clayton attempts to shoot Tarzan, who flees into the trees. Clayton follows him, and the two engage in a vicious fight. Tarzan has Clayton where he wants him, but – making the typical Disney good guy mistake – he spares the villain’s life, after which point Clayton naturally tries to do him in. Tarzan then gets the upper hand by immobilizing his nemesis with vines. Clayton begins wildly hacking away at them, but does not cut the one around his neck – and gets what he deserves.

“Mulan” (1998)
At first, this seems like less of a showdown and more of a beatdown, as Shan Yu chases Mulan throughout the palace, nearly decapitating her with his sword. They eventually end up on the roof, where Mulan uses her fan to steal Shan Yu’s sword. After a beautiful leg swipe, Mulan pins him down with the sword. Then, acting on Mulan’s orders, Mushu blasts a bag of fireworks at him, sending him flying across the sky to his own demise.

“The Little Mermaid” (1989)
This is your classic Disney showdown – the villain takes the form of a giant monster while the prince shows up at the last second to rescue the princess. Things look bleak for Ariel and Eric when Ursula transforms into a giant and creates a massive whirlpool with her newly-acquired trident. Unfortunately for her, this causes several sunken ships to come to the surface, one of which is boarded by Eric. The prince then steers the ship into Ursula, impaling her and ending the nightmare once and for all.

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)
It’s hard enough taking on a sword-wielding religious madman on your own; it’s even harder when you have to prevent the girl you love from falling into a pit of fire at the same time. Quasimodo is able to save Esmeralda but there’s still the evil Judge Claude Frollo to contend with. This showdown is notable in that it doesn’t have a classic fistfight or duel; instead, there’s a lot of verbal fighting as Frollo unleashes vicious insults, including one about the death of Quasimodo’s mother. Quasimodo doesn’t hold back, either, denouncing Frollo as the cruel, prejudiced monster that he is. Fortunately for the Hunchback and for the audience, the fiendish Frollo finally falls to a well-deserved fiery death.

“Aladdin” (1992)
Aladdin is truly up against the odds in this showdown – his best friend, an all-powerful genie, is enslaved by his enemy, who turns into a giant snake. As if that wasn’t enough, the girl he loves is trapped in an hourglass with sand threatening to suffocate her. Aladdin shows some skill with a sword and is able to fight Jafar off, but winning against this villain takes quick thinking more than brawn – and our street rat hero is all about thinking on his feet. By appealing to Jafar’s giant ego, Aladdin triumphs and saves the day.

“Sleeping Beauty” (1959)
Arguably one of the most famous scenes in the entire Disney canon, this showdown is everything you want from a fairy tale – a knight in shining armor taking on a dragon to save a princess. And, while the fight ultimately comes down to Phillip versus Maleficent, the three fairies are also heroes. They equip the prince with the magical Sword of Truth and Shield of Virtue, which help him hold his own against the witch, even in her terrifying dragon form. But eventually Phillip is cornered, so the fairies expertly enchant his sword. Its aim is true and it pierces Maleficent’s heart, causing her to fall to her death, and breaking her spell in the process.

“Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
There are no dragons, genies, or magic spells in this showdown. This fight comes down to brute strength versus brute strength, as Gaston and Beast settle their differences high atop the castle roof. While Gaston is strong, something he never lets us forget, he is no match for Beast’s monstrous power. Beast refuses to kill Gaston, however, and is literally stabbed in the back for his mercy. Of course, like all good Disney villains, Gaston ends up paying for his treachery. Beast’s life is spared as Belle professes her love for him, breaking his curse and finally changing him back into his human form.

“The Lion King” (1994)
The minute Scar killed Mufusa, you knew this moment was coming. Simba finally gets a chance to confront his father’s killer, but mercifully gives Scar a chance to save himself by telling him to run far away from Pride Rock. Naturally, Scar refuses, and the two engage in an epic fight and fiery fight. Both sides land solid blows, but it is Simba who gets the upper hand when he flips a lunging Scar over the side of the cliff, resulting in his death at the hands of his own hyena henchmen. The irony is delicious.


Are there any showdowns where you were rooting for the villain? Let us know in the comments.