Every Matrix Fight Ranked Worst To Best
3. Neo Vs Merovingian's Men (The Matrix Reloaded)
As entertaining as The Burly Brawl is, it relied too much on CGI. Thankfully, it was followed up by the chateau fight, which highlights what made the first Matrix special. Instead of bombarding the scene with digital effects, the bout between Neo and The Merovingian's goons focuses on fluid and well-sequenced action.
We had never seen anyone in the franchise fighting with any weapon apart from a gun, so watching combatants wielding spears, sai, swords, two-handed blades, maces, axes, and tridents was a welcome change.
As exhilarating and creative as this scrap is, it wouldn't have the same effect if there were no stakes. That's why it was a great idea to show Neo bleeding after one henchman gets a lucky shot at him. Realising that he can still be killed makes this scene a lot more tense.
The only problem with the fight is The Merovingian's minions have no relationship with Neo so you don't really care when he takes them out. Nevertheless, the scene is one of the highlights of The Matrix Reloaded.