The Five Best Movie Fight Scenes Of 2020 So Far

Okay, so confession time. I was trying to remember that one specific scene from a movie last year – you know, the one where the protagonist finally confronts the villain, and it's all dramatic slow-mo and perfectly timed punches? I scrolled through my watch history, feeling like a digital detective. After about an hour of fruitless searching, I realized I was probably thinking of about five different movies. My brain is basically a curated list of impressive fight choreography at this point. And honestly? Who can blame me? 2020, despite all its... unique challenges, gifted us some seriously jaw-dropping action sequences. So, grab your popcorn (or your emergency snack stash, we’ve all been there) because we're diving headfirst into the five best movie fight scenes of 2020 (so far, because who knows what the rest of the year holds, right? Fingers crossed for more!).

It's easy to dismiss fight scenes as just 'people hitting each other.' But when it's done right, it's a whole different ballgame. It’s storytelling through motion. It’s character development distilled into pure physicality. It's that primal surge of adrenaline we get from watching someone overcome impossible odds, or sometimes, just someone really, really good at kicking butt.

So, let's get this cinematic brawl on the road, shall we?

The Undisputed Champion: John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (Released 2019, but its shadow loomed large over early 2020 cinematic discourse!)

Alright, alright, I know what you're thinking. "Wait, 'Parabellum' came out in 2019!" And you're totally right. But hear me out. The impact of John Wick's hyper-stylized, balletic violence continued to ripple through the movie-watching consciousness well into 2020. It set a benchmark. It was the standard against which other action films were inevitably measured. And let's be honest, it's hard to talk about incredible fight scenes without giving the Baba Yaga his due. Even if it technically sneaked in just under the wire of our 2020 cutoff!

The sheer inventiveness in Wick's fights is mind-blowing. We’re talking about using everything as a weapon. Books, horses, even a goddamn dog. The scene in the Moroccan marketplace, with its tight corridors and overwhelming odds? Pure chaos, beautifully orchestrated. The knife fight, a brutal ballet of precision and desperation. And that finale, where he’s literally just trying to survive against an endless tide of assassins? My palms were sweating the entire time. It’s a testament to Chad Stahelski's vision that these fights feel both visceral and strangely elegant. It's not just about the moves; it's about the intent behind every single strike, parry, and dodge. You feel John's exhaustion, his determination, his sheer, unadulterated will to live. That's what makes it so damn compelling, even a year later.

Honestly, I’m pretty sure I felt sore just watching him. Anyone else? No? Just me? Okay, cool.

The Unexpectedly Brutal Ballet: The Invisible Man

This one caught me completely off guard. When you think of The Invisible Man, you think of suspense, psychological horror, the chilling dread of being stalked by something you can't see. You don't necessarily think of fight scenes. But then, Cecilia’s fight against her invisible tormentor, when she's trapped in the kitchen, happens. And suddenly, you're on the edge of your seat, not just from fear, but from the sheer, raw intensity of her struggle.

This isn't a choreographed martial arts masterpiece in the traditional sense. It's a fight for survival. It’s messy, it’s desperate, and it’s absolutely terrifying because the threat is invisible. Cecilia is fighting against thin air, against an unseen force that's throwing things, slamming doors, and trying to crush her. The brilliance here is in how the film shows the invisible. The rattling of cabinets, the displaced objects, the sheer terror on Elisabeth Moss's face as she flails and defends herself. The scene where she uses the knives, frantically trying to defend against an unseen attacker, is a masterclass in tension. It’s brutal, it’s primal, and it's incredibly effective. You feel her panic, her rage, and her sheer will to not be a victim.

I swear, I flinched more during this scene than in any superhero battle. Which, let’s be honest, says a lot about the power of not seeing your enemy.

The Gritty, Grounded Brawl: Extraction

Chris Hemsworth. Gritty. Intense. One-shot fight sequences. Need I say more? Extraction was a film that promised a lot of explosive action, and boy, did it deliver. While the entire movie is a relentless barrage of well-executed violence, there are specific sequences that just stick with you. The standout for me has to be the extended, seemingly one-shot apartment building sequence. It’s a masterclass in sustained tension and brutal, close-quarters combat.

What makes this scene so good is its relentless pacing and its raw, unvarnished brutality. There’s no fancy wirework or gravity-defying leaps here. It’s a messy, desperate fight for survival in a confined space. Hemsworth’s character, Tyler Rake, is just a force of nature, but he’s also clearly taking a beating. The way the camera follows him through the narrow hallways, the close-ups on the sweat and the grimaces, the sheer impact of every punch and kick – it’s all incredibly immersive. You feel every blow alongside him. The integration of the various stages of the fight – the hand-to-hand, the use of improvised weapons, the brief moments of tactical breathing room – all seamlessly woven together to create an almost overwhelming sense of chaos and desperation. It feels real, in that terrifying, "I don't want to be in that situation" kind of way.

And that moment where he uses the… well, you know. Let’s just say it was memorable. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but undeniably effective filmmaking. I may have had to cover my eyes for a split second. Maybe. Don't judge.

The Stylized, Yet Surprisingly Emotional Clash: Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)

Okay, so this one is a bit different. Birds of Prey isn’t exactly known for its gritty realism. It’s a vibrant, over-the-top, neon-drenched spectacle. But that doesn’t mean it can’t deliver some seriously kick-ass fight choreography. The Chinatown funhouse sequence, in particular, is a prime example of this. It’s a visually stunning and incredibly creative fight that manages to be both hilarious and, surprisingly, emotionally resonant.

What I love about this scene is its sheer playfulness and inventiveness. It’s not just about punches and kicks; it’s about using the environment in the most absurd and fun ways possible. The use of reflective surfaces, the colorful traps, the sheer energy of the characters – it all comes together to create something truly unique. Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn is a whirlwind of chaotic energy, and her interactions with the other members of the newly formed "girl gang" are electric. The fight has a great rhythm, building from individual skirmishes to a more cohesive group effort. And it’s not just about the action; it’s about the characters finding their footing, their power, and their solidarity. It’s a fight that’s as much about empowerment as it is about kicking butt. Plus, who doesn't love a good chase scene through a house of mirrors?

It’s the kind of fight scene that makes you want to put on some roller skates and try some ridiculous moves. (Disclaimer: Please do not try ridiculous moves in roller skates. Unless you're a professional. Then, by all means, go wild.)

The Elegant, Yet Lethal Display: Mulan (The Live-Action Remake)

Now, this is a controversial pick for some, I know. The live-action Mulan had its critics. But you cannot deny the sheer skill and visual flair of some of its action sequences. The battle scenes, particularly the climactic confrontation and Mulan’s individual duels, showcase a different kind of fight choreography – one that is more grounded in martial arts tradition, yet infused with the epic scope of a war film. The fight between Mulan and Böri Khan is a standout.

This isn’t about brute force; it's about skill, strategy, and immense dedication. The fight choreography here is inspired by Wuxia films, with a focus on graceful movements, precise strikes, and the elegant flow of weapons. Mulan's transformation from a hesitant warrior to a formidable fighter is powerfully displayed in her duels. The scene where she uses her sword fighting skills to defend herself and her comrades against Böri Khan is a testament to her training and her inner strength. There's a sense of weight and impact to the blows, even within the more stylized movements. It’s a beautifully shot sequence, with the camera capturing the intensity of the combat without feeling overly chaotic. It’s a more measured, but no less thrilling, display of martial prowess.

I found myself genuinely impressed by the dedication to the craft of sword fighting. It’s a different flavor of action than what we often see, and it’s a welcome one. It reminded me that a well-executed sword fight can be just as captivating as any high-octane car chase. It’s about the dance of death, and in this case, Mulan was leading.

So there you have it! My top five fight scenes of 2020 so far. Of course, this is subjective, and I’m sure I’ve missed some absolute gems. What were your favorite fight scenes from the year? Did any of these make your list? Let me know in the comments! Until then, keep those fight scenes coming, Hollywood. We’re ready for more.