Initially, the productions from Marvel Studios followed a PG-13 approach, seen in shows like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the early TV adaptations of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, a groundbreaking deal with Netflix led to an evolution in this universe. This partnership gave birth to a more realistic, interconnected series of shows, such as Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Defenders, and The Punisher. These series delved into complex storylines that deeply resonated with viewers. Over several seasons, the street-level saga became incredibly popular, earning a dedicated fanbase and creating an intricate narrative history. In fact, Marvel Studios decided to adapt Daredevil: Born Again as a continuation of this timeline instead of a full character reboot, which was their initial plan.
One significant characteristic that set the Netflix segment of the MCU apart was its dedication to gritty, intense action scenes. The grueling battles within the Defenders universe stood out due to their portrayal of genuine peril for the characters and unapologetic depiction of the harsh aftermath of their vigilantism. These shows were marked by numerous brutal skirmishes that left both heroes and villains bruised and battered, a stark contrast to the more typical superhero spectacle found in the main MCU narrative. Moreover, the raw fighting sequences and unflinching portrayal of the harsh realities of street-level combat gave these shows an edge, creating iconic moments of brutal beauty that continue to rank among the genre’s best. Here is a list of 12 particularly brutal fights from Marvel’s Netflix series.
12) The Defenders S01E03 | Team Hallway Fight at Midland Circle
In The Defenders series on Netflix, it was natural that the four protagonists would face their initial team fight within a hallway. This battle scene paid tribute to Daredevil’s iconic scenes by taking place at Midland Circle headquarters, where our disparate heroes were compelled to join forces against the Hand’s power. The sequence is a turbulent and exhilarating climax of years of development, showcasing each hero’s unique combat style working in harmony for the first time, in a desperate struggle.
This fight is an exceptional demonstration of character-focused action. Mike Colter as Luke Cage becomes like an unstoppable human bulldozer, Krysten Ritter’s Jessica Jones hurls her raw strength against adversaries, and the finesse in Charlie Cox’s Daredevil and Finn Jones’ Iron Fist martial arts results in a whirlwind of precise blows. Though not as intricate as individual fight scenes from their respective shows, its intensity originates from the immense power unleashed by the team. It was a live-action fulfillment of fan expectations, offering an exhilarating sequence that rewarded the entire premise of the crossover.
11) Jessica Jones S01E13 | Jessica Jones vs. Kilgrave
As a dedicated movie buff, I’d rephrase that scene from Jessica Jones as follows: Instead of the typical superhero showdown filled with dazzling fisticuffs, the climactic face-off between me and Kilgrave (David Tennant) was an intense psychological duel. Over the entire season, I had been hounded, tormented, and manipulated by this mind-controlling psychopath. In the end, I cornered him at the docks, and his renewed confidence turned out to be his fatal flaw. With a final, arrogant attempt to control me one last time, displaying what he thought was ultimate power, Kilgrave’s downfall was set in motion.
In this scene, the violence isn’t about the dance steps, it lies in the heavy emotional impact of the climax. Jessica pretends to yield, drawing Kilgrave near before she says “smile” and breaks his neck. This chilling, startling, and intensely personal act of revenge is not portrayed as a heroic triumph, but as the execution of a monster that had to be dealt with. This pivotal moment encapsulates the show’s grim themes beautifully, offering a satisfying end to Jessica’s struggle for regaining control from her abuser, symbolizing her victory over him.
10) Luke Cage S02E07 | Luke Cage vs. Bushmaster on the Bridge
In the second season of Luke Cage, one particularly intense battle stands out for its brutality. This fight breaks down the hero’s invincibility as Luke Cage (Mike Colter) faces his new adversary, John “Bushmaster” McIver (Mustafa Shakir), on a bridge. With confidence stemming from his bulletproof nature, Luke underestimates Bushmaster, who is equipped with an unusual mix of strength amplified by nightshade and a swift, agile fighting style based on capoeira. This unexpected combination leaves Luke vulnerable. The fight sees Luke being methodically and startlingly defeated.
As a movie enthusiast, I found myself utterly captivated by the scene where Bushmaster outsmarted and overpowered Luke. A flurry of powerful kicks and blows left him reeling, followed by a paralyzing poison dart that momentarily silenced him. The battle’s climax was heart-stopping as an defeated Luke tumbled off a bridge into the river, marking a pivotal turning point for the entire season. This brutal display of force not only left me breathless but also highlighted the shattering of Luke’s belief in his physical dominance, raising the stakes to unprecedented levels.
9) Daredevil S01E09 | Daredevil vs. Nobu Yoshioka
In the gripping ninth episode of the initial season of Daredevil, titled “Speak of the Devil,” I found myself squarely in the midst of an exhilarating confrontation between Matt Murdock and the Hand assassin, Nobu Yoshioka, portrayed masterfully by Peter Shinkoda. This battle served as a chilling demonstration of unequal combat skills, with Nobu’s mastery over the kyoketsu-shoge rendering him virtually unstoppable against Daredevil. As a critic, I was taken aback to witness Matt encountering an adversary who was not just a brute but a seasoned assassin, whose suppressed heartbeat made him as elusive as a ghost to Murdock’s heightened senses. In this engagement, Nobu held all the cards, employing his deadly weapon to inflict grievous wounds and force Daredevil into a relentless defensive posture.
The intense fight exhausts Matt to the utmost degree, leaving him battered and wounded. In an attempt to deflect Nobu’s assault, Matt maneuvers the kyoketsu-shoge, which results in the chain hitting a nearby light fixture. The collision causes the fixture to shatter, and the ensuing sparks ignite a container of flammable liquid beneath, promptly setting Nobu ablaze. This grim triumph exacts a heavy price, underscoring the dangerous consequences of Matt’s mission. Consequently, Matt struggles to return to his apartment, where Foggy finds him on the verge of death.
8) The Punisher S02E01 | Frank Castle’s Bar Fight
In the second installment of The Punisher, character Frank Castle, played by Jon Bernthal, tries to lead a peaceful existence under the alias “Pete.” However, his tranquil life is shattered when he’s forced back into his old realm at a Michigan tavern. The narrative commences as he witnesses a gang of skilled killers planning to attack a young woman named Rachel (Giorgia Whigham). In a confined bathroom, Frank steps in to protect the woman and swiftly eliminates the initial assailants by bashing their heads against sinks and using their own weapons against them.
The conflict escalates, spreading into the central lounge, transforming into a fierce melee. Here, Frank demonstrates his unique ruthlessness, employing a barstool and various surrounding items to defend himself against the remaining group. This scene is a dual display of raw violence, combining strategy and primal brutality. It effectively refreshes the character, underscoring that while Frank may seek tranquility, he remains an indomitable and mercilessly effective natural force, capable of unleashing chaos even in pursuit of peace.
7) Daredevil S03E04 | Matt Murdock’s Prison Escape
In the third season of Daredevil, there are some incredible action sequences that show off amazing technical skill. One particularly impressive scene is when Matt Murdock has to escape from a riot organized by Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio). This 11-minute escape sequence is filmed as a single, continuous shot, giving viewers the feeling of being right in the middle of the chaos and despair as Matt moves through a nightmarish world filled with prisoners and corrupt guards.
Because Nurse Fisk had previously drugged Matt Murdock prior to the riot commencing, the following scene showcases Matt’s struggle, guided solely by his instincts due to his drugged state. His unsteady footing, frequent blows, and slow movements heighten the suspense significantly. Furthermore, the continuous shooting format gives each strike a tangible impact and every close call an intense sense of danger. This intense, draining, yet masterfully crafted sequence is one of the most daring and impactful in the entire Netflix Marvel series.
6) The Punisher S01E13 | Frank Castle vs. Billy Russo at the Carousel
In the first season finale of The Punisher, one of the most brutal scenes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe unfolds. This fierce encounter occurs at the Central Park carousel, a place where Frank Castle’s family tragically perished, thereby intensifying the emotional turmoil surrounding the fight. From the get-go, it’s evident that Frank’s intention is unadulterated revenge. Consequently, this battle is raw, highly personal, and bereft of any martial arts finesse, a desperate clash driven by the most profound betrayal possible.
In the grim ending of their fierce struggle, the violence escalates to its maximum. Instead of swiftly killing Billy, Frank forcefully holds him down and repeatedly shatters his face against a broken carousel mirror, effectively annihilating the pride that characterized their friendship. This brutal act deeply wounds Russo, both physically and emotionally, paving the way for his metamorphosis into Jigsaw. This chilling scene marks the peak of the series’ gloominess, offering a genuinely unsettling glimpse into the consequences of Frank’s unbridled grief.
5) Daredevil S03E13 | Daredevil vs. Kingpin vs. Bullseye
Instead of a traditional hero-vs-villain showdown in the third season finale of Daredevil, there’s a three-way fight instead. On his wedding night, Daredevil confronts Wilson Fisk (played by Vincent D’Onofrio), but things get complicated when the deranged Bullseye (Wilson Bethel) shows up. This leads to an extended, chaotic, and extremely violent brawl that takes place in Fisk’s penthouse apartment.
The battle exhibits an impressive display of three unique forms of violence: Fisk’s primal, beast-like power, Bullseye’s ingenious and cold-blooded accuracy, and Daredevil’s desperate, bone-crushing martial arts. The personal struggles are equally intense as each character is propelled by distinct motivations. It marks a gritty, violent, and thrilling finale to the series’ most outstanding season, a climactic clash that resolves the central conflicts in a bloody yet satisfying manner.
4) Daredevil S03E06 | Daredevil vs. Bullseye at the New York Bulletin
In the TV series Daredevil, the fight scene between the Bulletin and Daredevil, portrayed by Benjamin Poindexter, revolutionized the concept of action sequences. When Matt Murdock encounters an adversary who is essentially a weapon in disguise within the New York Bulletin, he’s drawn into a fierce battle. This confrontation rapidly escalates the tension, as Dex transforms the newsroom into a battleground, launching ordinary office supplies with lethal precision.
Because of Bullseye’s extraordinary shooting skills, Matt finds himself needing to adjust his combat strategy drastically, now focusing on defense, evasion, and using the environment to get closer to an adversary who can strike from a distance. Moreover, this part is creatively thrilling, demonstrating Bullseye’s special abilities in a way that is true to the comics yet grounded in reality. It breaks away from the series’ typical hand-to-hand fighting style and positions Daredevil against an opponent he can’t just overpower through brute force.
3) Daredevil S02E09 | Frank Castle’s Prison Fight
In the second season of Daredevil, Frank Castle (the Punisher) performs one of the most gruesome and startling scenes throughout the series. Tricked by Wilson Fisk, Frank finds himself trapped in a cell block filled with a dozen armed convicts. What unfolds next is a methodical massacre. With no weapons at his disposal and surrounded on all sides, Frank displays the raw power of the Punisher in a blood-soaked corridor.
The situation showcases a crucial point for the character, revealing his exceptional combat skills and cold-blooded ruthlessness. Frank employs his adversaries’ knives against them, causing fractures and injuring eyes with a chilling, indifferent fury. This segment solidified Jon Bernthal’s interpretation as the iconic portrayal of the character for countless fans throughout a generation. It represents an extreme level of brutality that set a new standard for violence within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, effectively highlighting the gap between Frank Castle and champions such as Daredevil.
2) Daredevil S02E03 | The Stairwell Fight
In its second season, Daredevil aimed to surpass the renowned hallway scene from the initial season. The stairwell sequence, therefore, becomes an impressive, multi-tiered showcase of action coordination, orchestrated meticulously across levels. Following a rooftop clash with the Punisher, Daredevil is compelled to battle his way down a spiraling staircase and through corridors teeming with irate members of the Dogs of Hell motorcycle gang, all in what appears as a single, uninterrupted shot.
This battle represents the zenith of action choreography in the Netflix universe. Equipped with a gun strapped to one wrist and a chain coiled around the other, Matt’s actions are a tornado of innovative and devastating offense. The chain serves as an extension of his body, used as a whip, a weapon, and a grappling tool. Furthermore, the visible fatigue and exhaustion add authenticity to his struggle, making every triumph feel genuine and deserved. It’s an exhilarating, grueling, and masterfully executed scene that encapsulates the pinnacle of the series’ dedication to intense fighting sequences.
1) Daredevil S01E02 | The Hallway Fight
In the initial hallway sequence of “Daredevil,” Marvel’s Netflix universe gained significant recognition. The long-take battle from episode 2 of “Daredevil” serves as a testament to the series’ philosophy, skillfully merging intense action with profound character development. To rescue a kidnapped child, a weary and battered Matt Murdock navigates through a crowded corridor filled with Russian mobsters, using combat that appears intentionally disorganized and gritty to portray the raw desperation of the situation.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at what makes this sequence so memorable and defining – its raw, authentic portrayal. The character I root for, Matt, starts to tire out. His punches lose their power, he stumbles, and he takes breaks to regain his breath. The camera never cuts away, keeping me right there with him throughout every grueling second of the fight. This fight set the tone for what was to come, demonstrating that superhero action could be intense, painful, and strikingly human. It continues to stand out as a pivotal moment in television, a brutal dance of exhaustion and determination.
Read More
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Wrestler Marcus “Buff” Bagwell Undergoes Leg Amputation
- PS5’s ChinaJoy Booth Needs to Be Seen to Be Believed
- xAI’s $300/month Grok 4, billed as a “maximally truth-seeking AI” — seemingly solicits Elon Musk’s opinion on controversial topics
- Microsoft is on track to become the second $4 trillion company by market cap, following NVIDIA — and mass layoffs
- AI-powered malware eludes Microsoft Defender’s security checks 8% of the time — with just 3 months of training and “reinforcement learning” for around $1,600
- Powell’s Exit? A Financial Drama! 🎭
- Lewis Capaldi Details “Mental Episode” That Led to Him “Convulsing”
- President Trump: “What the hell is NVIDIA? I’ve never heard of it before” — but is it right to dunk on him?
- Anime’s Greatest Summer 2024 Shonen Hit Drops New Look Ahead of Season 2
2025-08-02 18:44