-
There are many things robots can do better than humans. If the movies are any indication, they can definitely fight better than us. With Neill Blomkamp's new film, 'Chappie,' exploring the relationship between man and ‘bot, here are 10 must-see robot-centric brawls.
-
Optimus Prime vs. Megatron in ‘Transformers: The Movie’ (1986)
Before Michael Bay brought the “robots in disguise” to life, this animated film gave fans their Optimus vs. Megatron fix. The violent battle ended with Optimus’ death, traumatizing a generation of young Transformers fans.
-
RoboCop vs. ED-209 in ‘RoboCop’ (1987)
Robo got pummeled in his first showdown with the trigger-happy ED-209. Thankfully for RoboCop, his opponent couldn’t negotiate stairs. For Round 2, the future of law enforcement brought a .50 cal rail gun to ensure victory.
-
T-800 vs. T-100 in ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991)
The two robots from the future duke it out several times in this sequel. Their best brawl is arguably their last, which takes place in a factory that makes sparks. Arnuld first freezes, then shoots, then explodes his enemy – making for one of the best mech brawls ever.
-
Sky Captain vs. Giant Robots in ‘Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow’ (2004)
Giant robots took a retro turn in this 2004 film that never quite found an audience, despite some amazing visual effects and fantastic world building. While an army of giant robots proved to be no match for the heroic Sky Captain, these machines did prove that you don't need to look futuristic to look cool (and cause ridiculous amounts of damage).
-
Ginormica vs. Robot Probe in ‘Monsters vs. Aliens’ (2009)
Sometimes the best way to fight giant, alien robots invading Earth is with giant monsters of our own. And that's exactly what happened in this 2009 animated film, which pitted a team of homegrown "monsters" against an alien conqueror. The highlight is the battle between Ginormica and the probe at the Golden Gate Bridge.
-
Optimus Prime Vs. Bonecrusher in ‘Transformers’ (2007)
Bonecrusher kinda roller blades after Optimus and into a freeway chase that ends with Prime using his fists to permanently deactivate the Decepticon. This fight helped set a new standard for ILM’s photo-real CG.
-
Humans vs. Harvester in ‘Terminator: Salvation’ (2009)
This most recent chapter of the ‘Terminator’ franchise gave fans their first skyscraper-sized creation from Skynet. Scary in both scale and destructive force, the Harvester's attack was one of the film’s most memorable scenes.
-
Atom vs. Twin Cities in ‘Real Steel’ (2011)
Combine the 'Rocky' franchise with Battlebots and you have 'Real Steel'. While the film offered plenty of satisfying clashes, our favorite was when the plucky underdog Atom took on the two-headed behemoth Twin Cities and emerged victorious.
-
Pacific Rim (2013)
If you love the idea of Godzilla-like creatures battling giant robots, 'Pacific Rim' is your 'Citizen Kane'. The most memorable of this film's many battle sequences came when multiple Jaegers joined forces to battle the tag-team threat of Otachi and Leatherback in the middle of the ocean.
-
Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
Michael Bay's live-action Transformers films have always attracted far more money than critical acclaim. However, the latest sequel hit the sweet spot when it teamed the Autobots with the Dinobots for a massive showdown in Hong Kong. Who doesn't love the sight of Optimus Prime wielding a sword and riding Grimlock into battle?
Special Offer
Buy 1 ticket to Black Phone 2, get 1 ticket free (equal or lesser price, up to $15 total ticket price and fees) with code DGABP2.
Limited time offer. While supplies last. There is a limited quantity of Code redemptions allowed in this promotion. Log into your Fandango account on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app between 5:00am PT on 10/1/25 and 11:59pm PT on 10/24/25, purchase one or more tickets to see Black Phone 2, and use the Fandango Promotional Code DGABP2 (“Code”) to get up to $15 off an additional ticket for the same showtime (equal or lesser value, up to $15 total ticket price and associated fees and charges). Code must be entered at checkout. Code expires, and can no longer be used, on 10/24/25, or when Black Phone 2 is no longer in theaters, or when the limit of Code redemptions is reached, whichever comes first. Only valid for purchase of movie tickets made at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app and cannot be redeemed directly at any theater box office. You must have a Fandango account, and be logged into your account, to use the Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. No cash value, except as required by law. Void where prohibited. Not valid with any other offer. Offer valid in U.S. only (excluding U.S territories and where prohibited by law). Non-transferable. One-time use only. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. You may have to pay taxes additionally. If cost of the ticket (and associated fees and charges) obtained through the Code is more than Code’s maximum discount, then you must pay the difference. Any price difference between total transaction price and Code’s maximum discount will not be refunded. Limit 1 Code redemption per person. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
