Arrow Vs The Flash: Which TV Show Is Better?

10. Action

Green Arrow Oliver Flash Barry
The CW

Being superhero shows, both Arrow and The Flash are action-packed, with nary an episode going by without some sort of fight sequence, whether it's the more hand-to-hand combat of Oliver Queen or the run-'em-into-the-ground stylings of Barry Allen.

The Flash has made great use of Bary's powers, giving him new abilities each year - such as lightning bolts and mirages - and really turned the speed to his advantage, whether it's having things happen incredibly fast or slowing things right down to see it all unfold. The apex of this was Enter Zoom, which saw Barry being dragged all over Central City by the villain, and given one hell of a beating in a thrilling sequence.

Arrow, being a far more grounded show that is (mostly) without superpowers, relies more on traditional combat, along with the hero's trusty bow. The fight scenes were one of the reasons the series earned a big following in the first place, and it's easy to see why. Especially in the first couple of years they were intense, frenetic encounters with inventive choreography, something that returned with the battles against Prometheus in Season 5. Even in its weaker seasons there were standout moments, such as the mountaintop duel between Ollie and Ra's, and even without its hero the show has delivered some stunning fights, like Speedy vs Andy in Season 4.

The Flash's fight scenes are good fun, if sometimes a little samey, but Arrow's are more violent, visceral, and entertaining to watch.

Winner: Arrow

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Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.