10 Best Epic Hollywood Punch-Ups

10. Westley V Fessik (The Princess Bride)

OK, so the fight between Westley (or, if you prefer, The Dread Pirate Roberts) and Inigo is perhaps the true iconic and brilliant set-piece from the entire film, full of delightful wit, charm, pathos, and dazzlingly choreographed sword-play. But, when it comes to laying down the weapons and going hand-to-hand, it’s to Roberts’ next battle, against the man-mountain Fessik (the late Andre the Giant) that we turn our attention.

Oddly, for a fight supposedly to the death (although, not really), it's a rather beautiful moment of genteel wit. And one of the more polite encounters on the list. A battle of Fessik’s lumbering power and Westley’s nimble footwork and wily smarts. There is something oddly touching at the sight of Fessik’s boulder like hands slowly swinging and missing their target, discussing how he’s more accustomed to fighting multiple foes, displaying a certain respectful and slightly melancholic acceptance that the fight is not going well.

And that line: “Sleep well, and dream of large women,” the perfect final touch.