Parry and thrust into the cinematic world of fencing, where the clash of steel rings as loud as the drama.
These tales weave the elegance of the blade with the complexity of the human spirit.
Eager to engage with the finest Fencing films and documentaries that cut to the heart of passion and precision?
Best Fencing Movies, Shows, and Documentaries:
- The Princess Bride (1987)
- By the Sword (1991)
- Die Another Day (2002)
- The Mask of Zorro (1998)
- Hamlet (1996)
- Sunshine (1999)
- The Fencer (2015)
- The Duelists (1977)
- Scaramouche (1952)
- On Guard (1997)
Table of Contents
#1 The Princess Bride (1987)
- 🎬 Directed by: Rob Reiner
- 🌟 Starring: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest
The Princess Bride is a beloved fairy tale adventure about a young woman and her true love. When her love, Westley, must rescue her from the clutches of the evil Prince Humperdinck, the film captivates with its romance, humor, and thrilling swordplay.
In particular, the duel between Westley and Inigo Montoya is celebrated for its witty dialogue and expert fencing choreography. The film has grown into a cult classic thanks to its memorable characters, quotable lines, and a charming mix of adventure and romance.
Where to watch: Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
#2 By the Sword (1991)
- 🎬 Directed by: Jeremy Kagan
- 🌟 Starring: F. Murray Abraham, Eric Roberts
By the Sword is a drama centered around the world of fencing. F. Murray Abraham plays a fencing master who runs an elite school, and Eric Roberts is a mysterious new arrival with a hidden agenda.
The movie focuses on the relationship between the two men, exploring their past and their passion for fencing, leading up to a climactic duel. The film dives deep into the themes of honor, redemption, and the psychological aspect of the sport, while treating viewers to intricately choreographed fencing scenes.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#3 Die Another Day (2002)
- 🎬 Directed by: Lee Tamahori
- 🌟 Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Halle Berry, Toby Stephens, Rosamund Pike
Die Another Day is the twentieth installment in the James Bond series featuring Pierce Brosnan as the debonair spy. Among the high action and espionage, the film features an unforgettable fencing match between James Bond and the villain Gustav Graves.
The sequence, which escalates from sport to a life-or-death struggle, showcases the elegance and danger of fencing as it is integrated into the plot of the film. As expected from a James Bond film, it includes high-tech gadgets, global intrigue, and dramatic set pieces.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV
#4 The Mask of Zorro (1998)
- 🎬 Directed by: Martin Campbell
- 🌟 Starring: Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones
The Mask of Zorro is an action-adventure film that revitalized the Zorro franchise. Anthony Hopkins plays the original Zorro who trains a reckless young thief, played by Antonio Banderas, to assume the mantle.
A significant part of their training involves fencing, and the action scenes are both exhilarating and beautifully choreographed, capturing the spirit and flair of the legendary swordsman. The film is infused with romance, humor, and swashbuckling action, paying homage to the classic Zorro stories.
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
#5 Hamlet (1996)
- 🎬 Directed by: Kenneth Branagh
- 🌟 Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Kate Winslet, Derek Jacobi, Julie Christie
Hamlet, directed and starred in by Kenneth Branagh, is a complete cinematic adaptation of William Shakespeare’s famous play. The film retains the rich language of the original text and is notable for its full-length portrayal of the tragedy.
In the film, the climactic scene revolves around a fencing duel between Hamlet and Laertes, which becomes the catalyst for the play’s tragic ending. The sequence stands out for its dramatic tension and showcases the eloquence of Shakespeare’s writing, complemented by the precision and emotion of the fencing choreography.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#6 Sunshine (1999)
- 🎬 Directed by: István Szabó
- 🌟 Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Rosemary Harris, Rachel Weisz, Jennifer Ehle
Sunshine is an epic historical drama following a Hungarian Jewish family across generations, from the Austro-Hungarian Empire through to the end of the 20th century. Ralph Fiennes plays three different roles as successive generations engage with their Jewish identity and the sociopolitical changes in Hungary.
Fencing features in the film as a symbol of prestige and assimilation for Jewish characters seeking acceptance among the Hungarian elite. This ambitious narrative provides a poignant look at identity, perseverance, and the impact of history on one family.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#7 The Fencer (2015)
- 🎬 Directed by: Klaus Härö
- 🌟 Starring: Märt Avandi, Ursula Ratasepp
The Fencer is an Estonian drama based on the true story of Endel Nelis, a fencing instructor who founded a school for young fencers in Estonia during the Soviet occupation. The protagonist adopts fencing as a form of expression and rebellion against the oppressive regime.
He becomes a father figure to his students as he teaches them not just fencing, but life lessons beyond the sport. The film was selected as the Estonian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards and offers a moving depiction of resistance, mentorship, and empowerment through sportsmanship.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#8 The Duelists (1977)
- 🎬 Directed by: Ridley Scott
- 🌟 Starring: Keith Carradine, Harvey Keitel, Albert Finney
The Duelists marks the directorial debut of Ridley Scott and is based on a Joseph Conrad story. It tells the tale of two officers in Napoleon’s army who engage in a series of duels with each other over the span of several years.
The film’s portrayal of obsession and the personal cost of honor is compelling, as is the detailed and realistic depiction of swordplay of the era. The Duelists won the Best Debut Film award at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival and is renowned for its authentic representation of the period and engrossing narrative.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#9 Scaramouche (1952)
- 🎬 Directed by: George Sidney
- 🌟 Starring: Stewart Granger, Eleanor Parker, Janet Leigh
Scaramouche is a classic swashbuckler film set in the French Revolution era. It tells the story of a man who becomes a revolutionary while seeking to avenge his friend’s death in a duel.
The film culminates in a spectacular six-and-a-half-minute fencing sequence, which is considered one of the longest and most elaborate in cinema history. Full of adventure, romance, and wit, Scaramouche is praised for its exceptional fencing scenes and flamboyant storytelling style.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#10 On Guard (1997)
- 🎬 Directed by: Philippe de Broca
- 🌟 Starring: Daniel Auteuil, Vincent Perez, Fabrice Luchini
On Guard, also known as “Le Bossu”, is a French swashbuckling film that tells the story of a skilled swordsman who becomes embroiled in a quest to protect a young woman’s inheritance and clear his name.
The film features spirited and skillful fencing sequences that are as witty as they are exciting, displaying a dedication to the art of swordsmanship. This historical drama combines action, romance, and humor to create a compelling narrative with plenty of thrilling swordplay.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
What is the best Fencing movie of all time?
“The Princess Bride” (1987) is the best Fencing movie of all time, featuring iconic sword-fighting scenes combined with a whimsical love story.
What are some good Fencing movies?
“By the Sword” (1991), “The Mask of Zorro” (1998), and “Scaramouche” (1952) are good Fencing movies, each showcasing the art of swordplay and dueling.
What Fencing movies, shows, and documentaries are on Netflix?
The best Fencing movies, shows, and documentaries on Netflix currently are limited, as their offerings change frequently. Please check Netflix’s latest catalogue for up-to-date selections.
Get creative with your team’s identity using this fencing team name generator, perfect for documentaries, movies, or even local competitions.
