- 6 months ago
Sometimes, the weapon is just as iconic as the hero who wields it.
Welcome to watchmojo.world! In this video, we’re counting down 20 of the most legendary, stylish, and unforgettable weapons in movie history.
From futuristic tech in “Star Trek”, to the razor-sharp edge of “Kill Bill Vol. 1”, to the gritty firepower of “Blade Runner”, these weapons became symbols of their characters — and cinematic icons in their own right.
Whether it slices, blasts, or glows, these hero weapons left a lasting mark on the big screen.
Did your favorite piece of movie gear make the cut? Or did we miss a classic? Let us know in the comments!
Welcome to watchmojo.world! In this video, we’re counting down 20 of the most legendary, stylish, and unforgettable weapons in movie history.
From futuristic tech in “Star Trek”, to the razor-sharp edge of “Kill Bill Vol. 1”, to the gritty firepower of “Blade Runner”, these weapons became symbols of their characters — and cinematic icons in their own right.
Whether it slices, blasts, or glows, these hero weapons left a lasting mark on the big screen.
Did your favorite piece of movie gear make the cut? Or did we miss a classic? Let us know in the comments!
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PeopleTranscript
00:00Welcome to WatchMojo and today we're counting down our picks for the 20 most iconic, coolest
00:12and badass weapons in movie history.
00:15We're focusing on non-superhero weapons that can be handheld or worn.
00:19And I'm here to tell you hell, that's what I call a shot.
00:2620. Zorro's Sword – The Mask of Zorro
00:35The story of Zorro, the Mexican vigilante fighting for the common man, has been adapted to film time and again.
00:42In 1998, heartthrob Antonio Banderas donned the vigilante's mask and wielded his sword.
00:48Zorro's signature sword in this reboot is a stunning razor-edge rapier.
00:52Zorro's blade is a symbol embodying justice, skill and rebellion.
00:56He uses it to carve his signature Z mark wherever he appears, representing both his victory and his wildness.
01:02With his black and silver blade in hand, Zorro bravely and skillfully cuts through injustice with both finesse and style.
01:10Do you excuse me, Captain Love?
01:1519. Noisy Cricket – Men in Black
01:21The action comedy has been a staple in film for decades, but to some, the genre was perfected in the 1990s.
01:28Men in Black is an excellent example, and it includes one of the screen's most memorable sci-fi weapons, the Noisy Cricket.
01:3519. Series 4, de-atomizer.
01:3720. That's what I'm talking about.
01:3820. Noisy Cricket.
01:3920. Noisy Cricket.
01:4020. Noisy Cricket.
01:4120. Noisy Cricket.
01:4220. Noisy Cricket.
01:4320. Noisy Cricket.
01:4420. Noisy Cricket.
01:4520. Noisy Cricket.
01:46A perfect visual gag.
01:47On its face, it's a silly-looking thing about the size of a Derringer.
01:50Therein lies the secret of its appeal.
01:52The Noisy Cricket has shocking and unexpected power for such a tiny package.
01:57Will Smith's Agent J, scoffing at the gun, learns the hard way that he isn't quite ready for the weapon.
02:04To be fair, neither were audiences.
02:0618. Identity Disc.
02:11Tron Franchise.
02:12The Tron Franchise is based on a fascinating conceit.
02:15What if a human being entered the digital world?
02:18In that world, a world full of sentient computer programs, what would combat look like?
02:23Programs and earth-wild human programmers literally fight for their lives with their lives.
02:28The Identity Disc serves as a weapon, data storage device, and a symbol of the user's identity all wrapped in one.
02:35You will each receive an identity disc. Everything you do or learn will be imprinted on this disc.
02:44It can be thrown and returned like a boomerang, leaving glowing light trails in its wake.
02:48The weapon represents the desperation of any being in that situation.
02:52It simultaneously acts as a means of aggression and vulnerability.
02:55Lose your disc and you won't live long enough to get another.
02:59If you lose your disc or fail to follow commands, you will be subject to immediate de-resolution.
03:0717. The Auto-9 RoboCop Franchise
03:11The RoboCop films tell the story of Alex Murphy, a Detroit cop forced to become a cyborg to stay alive.
03:17It is my great pleasure to present to you RoboCop.
03:23He's a new breed of cop for a city overrun with violence, utilizing one of the coolest guns in movie history.
03:29His sidearm is the Auto-9 machine pistol, kept in a retractable holster in Murphy's thigh.
03:34Its multiple modes, both single shots and three-round bursts, make it a versatile sidearm in any situation.
03:41You're fired!
03:46It fires all kinds of ammunition, including armor-piercing and explosive rounds,
03:51and appears too big for a normal human to wield with one hand.
03:55With its sleek, futuristic look and incredible firepower, the Auto-9 sure leaves an impression.
04:0116. Medusa's Head – Clash of the Titans
04:04Both the original Clash of the Titans and its 2010 reboot tell the tale of Perseus,
04:09the mythical hero who saved the city of Argos and its princess.
04:13Forced to contend with the wrath of the gods,
04:23Perseus must find a weapon to defeat their monster, the Invincible Kraken.
04:28Perseus seeks out Medusa, a mortal woman turned into a monstrous Gorgon by Athena.
04:33But the goddess felt nothing but disgust.
04:36She made sure no one would ever want Medusa again.
04:40One look at the creature she has become would turn any living thing to stone.
04:44The Gorgon is a tricky foe, as meeting her gaze turns the viewer to stone.
04:48Using his wits, Perseus decapitates Medusa, taking her head at the ultimate weapon.
04:53With it, he is able to turn the giant sea monster into stone.
04:57Number 15. Lawgiver Pistol – Judge Dredd and Dredd
05:02In the dystopian future of Mega City 1, crime isn't fought by normal cops.
05:07The streets are patrolled by judges, including the infamous Judge Dredd.
05:11They are empowered by the law to be judge, jury and executioner.
05:22As such, they wield weapons that act as the futuristic equivalent to an executioner's axe.
05:27The Lawgiver is a horrifying amount of power in a small package.
05:31It fires a variety of round types, changing ammo with voice commands.
05:35Its DNA-coded handgrips make it impossible for anyone but the judge to use the weapon.
05:41If someone tried, they would pay the ultimate price.
05:44How do you want it, kids? Body bags or juve cubes? Makes no difference to me.
05:50Number 14. Atlantean Sword – Conan the Barbarian
05:54No one in this world can you trust. Not men, not women, not beasts. This you can trust.
06:06Older nerds agree. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Conan the Barbarian was the ultimate 1980s sword and sorcery movie.
06:12When his people are slaughtered, young Conan is sold into slavery.
06:16Years manning a milling wheel gave him a supernatural physique and strength.
06:20His days as a pit fighter and wanderer gave him expert training.
06:24But it took the accidental discovery of an ancient tomb to find a weapon worthy of him.
06:29Created by ancient Atlanteans, the sword's design is a blend of fantasy and ancient craftsmanship.
06:35In a film highlighting the importance of good steel from its opening frame,
06:39the blade helps Conan to seize his destiny in his own hands.
06:42They told my lord the way to the mountain of power. They told him to throw down his sword and return to the earth.
06:52Number 13. Walther PPK – James Bond Franchise
06:56What makes James Bond a great spy? It's not just his charm, nor is it all the gadgetry he gets from Q.
07:03James Bond is a great spy because he adapts to every possible situation.
07:07When it comes to combat, Bond has used every gun under the sun.
07:11Still, since 1962's Dr. No, the super spy has been synonymous with a single weapon, the Walther PPK.
07:19Walther PPK – 7.65mm with a delivery like a brick through a plate glass window.
07:25Takes a Broush silencer with very little reduction in muzzle velocity.
07:29More than any other gun, the Walther PPK has become known as a stylish, sophisticated weapon thanks to its association with 007.
07:37It's the perfect sidearm for a spy. Compact, easy to conceal, and reliable.
07:42Walther PPK – 7.65mm. Only three men I know use such a gun. I believe I've killed two of them. Lucky me.
07:51Number 12. Exosuits – Edge of Tomorrow
07:55Edge of Tomorrow begins with humanity in desperate straits. Aliens have landed and conquered all of continental Europe.
08:08A D-Day-esque invasion is humanity's last chance against a superior foe.
08:13To fight the battle, troopers are equipped with advanced exosuits, which give them enhanced strength, speed, and agility.
08:19Unfortunately, without specialized training, the exosuits are essentially mobile coffins.
08:24When Tom Cruise steals the alien's ability to relive the day over and over, he is able to pack years of training into a single morning.
08:42With the exosuits HUD helmet, enhanced capabilities, and advanced weapons, he and Emily Blunt manage to save the world.
08:49Number 11. Deckard's PKD Blaster – Blade Runner Franchise
08:54In 1982, Ridley Scott's Blade Runner was one of several pieces of fiction to launch the cyberpunk genre.
09:00Taking place in a futuristic and dystopian 2019, the film stars Harrison Ford as a Blade Runner, a cop sent to take out rogue android.
09:08Ford is an iconic actor starring in an epic sci-fi adventure and so deserves a kick-ass weapon.
09:14Deckard's PKD blaster delivers and is a favorite of sci-fi and movie geeks.
09:19Come on, Deckard. I'm right here, but you've got to shoot straight.
09:23Straight doesn't seem to be good enough.
09:27A futuristic revolver with a heavy barrel and festooned with LEDs, the PKD looks like he can take out an android without any problem.
09:36He reads. That's good. Me too. How much else to do around here at night anymore?
09:46Number 10. Wizards Wand – Harry Potter Franchise
09:50In a secret world ruled by wizards, what's possible is limited only by the imagination.
09:55But that imagination requires the tool to be made manifest, namely a wand.
10:00Fantastic, Jenny. Just remember, your patrollers can only protect you for as long as you stay focused, so focus.
10:07Wands can take many shapes and sizes. They're personalized objects that reflect both the identity and abilities of their owners.
10:14The variety of woods, cores, and designs makes every wand unique, enhancing the sense of individuality and craftsmanship within the wizarding community.
10:23The wand famously chooses the wizard, responding to a person's specific magical vibe.
10:28The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter. That much has always been clear to those of us who have studied wand lore.
10:37Through a wand, anything is possible. It's usually more a tool than a weapon, though in times of war, witches and wizards do what they must to survive.
10:46Number 9. Chainsaw Hand – Evil Dead Franchise
10:49Groovy.
10:50The Evil Dead films are at once scary, hilarious, and action-packed.
10:54Ash Williams travels great distances through time and space to fight armies of Evil Deadites, armed with a custom-built arsenal.
11:02Fans of the franchise know well that he likes to use his boomstick, a powerful shotgun, to send zombies back to hell.
11:09Ash's most iconic weapon, however, is his chainsaw hand.
11:13In Evil Dead 2, after a curse infects his hand, Ash is forced to cut it off to save his own life.
11:19He replaces it by modifying a chainsaw as a wearable weapon.
11:22Those pages are down there somewhere.
11:24Whether zombies, skeletons, or evil witches, no undead minion of the Necronomicon can stand against humanity's greatest champion.
11:32Number 8. Sting – The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Franchises
11:39Little more than a dagger for a human or elf, Sting is a fearsome short sword for a hobbit.
11:43I can't take this.
11:44The blade is of elvish make, which means it will glow blue when orcs or goblins are nearby.
11:52Originally found by Bilbo Baggins' crew of dwarves in a troll horde, the blade was later utilized by his nephew Frodo in his quest to destroy the One Ring.
12:00Forged by elves, Sting glows blue in the presence of orcs and goblins.
12:05Sting is one of the most famous blades in modern literature, and its iconic status translates perfectly to the silver screen.
12:12Like the hobbits who wield it, Sting's diminutive size belies its ability to smite the forces of darkness.
12:19Sting.
12:21That's a good name.
12:24Sting.
12:25Number 7. M41A Pulse Rifle – Alien
12:29Lean into it.
12:30Alright, now it will kick some.
12:33Alright, with the counter-read zero here.
12:36I press this up?
12:38That's right.
12:39Xenomorph in the Alien franchise is one of the most dangerous and terrifying villains in movie history.
12:44Sigourney Weaver's Ellen Ripley only managed to survive a single xenomorph by tricking it into the vacuum of space.
12:51In the 1986 sequel Aliens, Ripley is recruited to accompany a squad of colonial marines on a rescue mission to a colony built on a nest of xenomorph eggs.
13:00The marines arm her with a cool futuristic piece of military tech, the M41A Pulse Rifle.
13:06That's a grenade launcher. I don't think you want to mess with that.
13:09You started this. Show me everything. I can handle myself.
13:15The combat rifle uses armor-piercing rounds, crucial for piercing xenomorph carapaces in the middle of a bug hunt.
13:22Number 6. Proton Pack – Ghostbusters Franchise
13:25It took the scientific genius of Egon Spengler to figure out how to physically deal with an incorporeal enemy.
13:32There's something very important I forgot to tell you.
13:35What?
13:36Don't cross the streams. Why?
13:39It would be bad.
13:40Created from negative energy, he needed positive particles to neutralize them.
13:44Enter the Proton Pack, a wearable cyclotron that creates a pool of positively charged energy.
13:50When connected to a launcher, the device can shoot a beam of protons to lasso and debilitate ghosts.
13:55Its design, with its vibrant colors and intricate technical gizmos and doodads, is instantly recognizable to Ghostbusters fans.
14:14Thanks to the combination of Proton Packs and Ghost Traps, supernatural beings can be caught and sequestered, leaving the streets of New York ghoul-free.
14:22Number 5. Hattori Hanzo's Katana
14:24Kill Bill Volume 1 and Kill Bill Volume 2
14:27On their face, there is nothing outwardly special about Hattori Hanzo's katanas.
14:32The first clue the audience gets as to their quality is Beatrix's reaction to being in their presence.
14:38As one of the world's deadliest killers, we are forced to defer to her expertise in tools of death.
14:43She and her fellow killers treat the blades with unbelievable reverence.
14:47Hanzo, named after one of Japan's real-life master swordsmiths, is the greatest craftsman in the world of Kill Bill.
15:00His blades are masterworks, each taking a month to forge.
15:04The blade he makes for the bride is, by his own admission, the greatest of his works.
15:09She proceeds to wield it with deadly efficiency, slicing a bloody swatch through hordes of deadly enemies.
15:27Number 4. Phaser
15:29Star Trek Franchise
15:30The original Star Trek series presented a contradiction of sorts.
15:34While meant to portray a utopian future human society bent on peace and exploration, it's also an allegory for the Cold War.
15:41Whether dealing with warlike Klingons, treacherous Romulans, or other strange threats, Starfleet officers need to be armed.
15:49Enter the Hand Phaser, a versatile particle beam weapon.
15:52What took you so long?
15:54Kill him, he's the one.
15:57Not me, you idiot.
15:59Him!
16:01The handheld device has been redesigned time and again over the years, but its functionality has never changed.
16:07The phaser is capable of stunning, heating, or disintegrating targets with adjustable settings.
16:12In 60 years of Star Trek television shows and films, the phaser has consistently protected the United Federation of Planets from harm.
16:20Do you know where it is?
16:22The black hole device?
16:25And Captain Pike.
16:27Number 3.
16:28Indy's Whip
16:30Indiana Jones Franchise
16:31Indiana Jones is one of Harrison Ford's best and most iconic roles.
16:34For four decades, Indy has searched for and fought to preserve history's greatest treasures.
16:39Buried in the sand for a thousand years, it becomes priceless.
16:42Like the Ark.
16:45Men will kill for it.
16:47Men like you and me.
16:49No matter where his travels take him, Indy can never be parted from his trademark fedora and bullwhip.
16:54At first blush, the whip seems like a silly weapon to use and, to be fair, Indy is no stranger to firearms.
17:00But whether fighting Nazis or traversing jungles, Indy uses a whip to a great effect.
17:05Ever since stumbling into a train car with an angry lion as a teenager,
17:09Indiana Jones decided to take his whip with him wherever and whenever his travels took him.
17:14Toss up the whip!
17:17Number 2.
17:26Excalibur
17:27Excalibur and King Arthur Legend of the Sword
17:30Tales of Excalibur, the legendary sword of the fabled King Arthur, have floated around since the 11th century.
17:36The legend of Excalibur has grown and spread throughout popular culture, first in Europe and eventually throughout the world.
17:44He who draws the sword from the stone, he shall be king.
17:48Hollywood has adapted Arthur's tale many times over the years.
17:51Both Excalibur and King Arthur Legend of the Sword lean heavily into the sword's legend.
17:56The sword transforms its wielder into an unstoppable warrior, provided they fight for the right cause.
18:02Guy Ritchie's adaptation in particular emphasized the blade's magical properties,
18:07able to slay whole squads of men in mere moment.
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18:30Number 1. Lightsaber, Star Wars franchise.
18:35This is the weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy or random as a blaster. An elegant weapon, but a more civilized age.
18:47It should come as no surprise to anyone that the lightsaber is the most iconic weapon in the history of cinema.
18:53Let's face it, a space sword made out of plasma that can deflect laser beams is just cool.
18:59Though its wielders are sometimes mocked by the odd scruffy nerf herder who prefers a good blaster.
19:05They never seem to mind.
19:07The lightsaber is an honorable weapon, wielded by those who can use the force to deflect ranged attacks.
19:13Powered by kyber crystals, lightsabers come in many colors, reflecting the personality and vocation of its Jedi or Sith owner.
19:20They can cut through almost anything and have inspired multiple generations of children to sword fight with cardboard tubes.
19:32Did our list go off with a bang or a dud?
19:34Is there an iconic movie weapon that we forgot?
19:36Let us know in the comments down below.
19:38And don't forget to like and subscribe for more WatchMojo videos.
19:42How many weapons do you plan on taking? You only got the two arms.
19:44Well, I just get excited for the last choice. I like to have my options open.
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