8. The Assault on the Hornburg
The image of a vast, rain-swept barbarian horde is perhaps the defining memory most movie-goers have of The Two Towers. Not even certain Hobbits making cracks about Peter Jacksons skill at directing ants on the commentary track can deflate the atmosphere of violent hostility and cruel hunger that the Uruk-Hai project as they address the cramped defences of the Hornburg. Everything from that first patter of rainwater on armour to the final charges mowing the enemy down like wheat is some of the best bombastic military spectacle in cinema.
7. Aragorns Charge, Boromirs Death
Boromirs heroic sacrifice is the centrepiece of the furious forest battle that seals the Breaking of the Fellowship. His nobility tainted by the Rings corruption, which compelled him to try and steal it from Frodo, Boromir redeems himself in spectacular fashion by giving his life to hold back the charging Uruk-Hai, cutting down Orc after Orc even while sporting deep, mortal wounds. At the same time, Aragorn proves himself a worthier man by letting Frodo keep the ring and escape towards Mordor, while striding forth to battle a whole regiment of Uruk-Hai and cover Frodos flight. The two Gondorians are reconciled after acquitting themselves gloriously in the heat of combat; Aragorn faces down the grotesque strength and ferocity of the Orc leader and Boromir finally accepts him as his King even as he shivers and dies on the leaf-mould.