10 Of Hollywood’s Most Iconic Movie Rivalries, Ranked

Set for a wide theatrical release on March 31, 2021, Adam Wingard’s mega-budget monster mash Godzilla Vs. Kong is poised to feature one of Hollywood’s all-time most legendary movie rivalries. As separate entities, both King Gong and Godzilla have a long and infamous history of being the biggest and most badass bullies on the block. When forced to face one another for ultimate supremacy, anything can happen.

On-screen rivalries have been a popular mainstay in Hollywood since the dawn of cinema, but some remain far more iconic and transcendent than others.

10 Thor & Loki – The Avengers (2012)

Since the Marvel Cinematic Universe currently dominates Hollywood, the superhero studio’s chief rivalry must be included. Despite several worthy nominees, Thor and Loki have the most iconic conflict of the bunch.

In a sibling rivalry that is almost Biblical in The Avengers, Loki flies into a jealous rage when his father shows favoritism to his brother, Thor. Out of spiteful revenge, Loki fools Thor into acting against Odin’s best interests and has him exiled to Earth.

9 Alien Vs. Predator (2004)

As a standalone horror villain, the Xenomorph extraterrestrial in the Alien series is one of the most formidable on-screen baddies of all time. The creature has been directed by such esteemed filmmakers as Ridley Scott, James Cameron, and David Fincher.

While the creature in Predator saw slightly less success across two sequels, the high-concept of pitting the Predator against the Xenomorph in Alien Vs. Predator and its sequel, AVP: Requiem, are among the most iconic high-profile franchise crossovers of all time.

8 Freddy Krueger Vs. Jason Voorhees – Freddy Vs. Jason (2003)

Another monumental crossover horror rivalry belongs to Freddy Vs. Jason, the critically and commercially successful showdown between the formidable foe of Camp Crystal Lake, Jason Voorhees, and Elm Street’s most baleful boogeyman, Freddy Krueger.

Voorhees extended his abject reign of terror in 10 franchise films, while Freddy did the same in seven Nightmares, before the two all-time iconic horror villains faced-off for hellish supremacy.

7 Neo Vs. Agent Smith – The Matrix Trilogy (1999-2003)

Given the game-changing impact that The Matrix trilogy had on Hollywood’s sci-fi resurgence, Neo (Keanu Reeves) vs. Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) ranks among the all-time greatest movie rivalries.

While Neo and Agent Smith begin as sworn enemies, their motives begin to align as the series progresses when they both desire to control the Matrix and decide the fate of human existence. Yet, through one no-holds-barred battle after another, the two forge a fierce rivalry of legendary proportion.

6 Rocky Balboa Vs. Apollo Creed – Rocky Series (1976-1985)

Considering the fascinating evolution of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) and Apollo Creed’s (Carl Weathers) rivalry depicted over a decade and four films, their inclusion is a must.

In the first film, Creed defeats his chief boxing rival, Rocky Balboa, in a close split-decision. In the sequel, Rocky narrowly defeats his rival in a heated rematch. In Rocky III, Creed becomes Rocky’s close friend and trainer when Mickey (Burgess Meredith) passes away. Finally, Rocky fights to avenge Creed’s in-ring death at the hands of Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) in Rocky IV.

5 Harry Potter Vs. Lord Voldemort – Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)

While one could cite Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) as Harry’s (Daniel Radcliffe) arch-rival in the seven-part film series, Lord Voldemort remains the wizardly orphan’s number one antagonist.

Given the monumental pop-cultural impact the Harry Potter series continues to have, not to mention the breadth of their contention, Harry and Lord Voldemort are among the most popular cinematic rivalries of all time. Without Voldemort’s wicked ways and dastardly deeds, there would be no film franchise to celebrate.

4 Godzilla Vs. King Kong – Godzilla Vs. Kong (2021)

Based on the sheer size, scale, and scope of these two historical on-screen titans, Godzilla Vs. Kong is bound to be an epic clash for the ages.

King Kong was first introduced to the world in 1933 and has appeared in 12 feature films to date (including Godzilla Vs. Kong). Godzilla made its first cinematic appearance in 1954 before appearing in roughly 40 films and counting. Judging by experience alone, Godzilla has the edge when the iconic rivalry hits the masses on March 31st.

3 The Jets Vs. The Sharks – West Side Story

Since the 10-time Oscar-winning musical epic West Side Story is loosely based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, consider this a nod to the rivaling Capulets and Montagues as well as the Sharks and Jets.

Tony (Richard Beymer) and Maria (Natalie Wood) are two star-crossed lovers from opposite sides of the tracks. Tony is a former member of The Jets, a white upper-class gang. Maria is the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Latino Sharks gang. With the two rival gangs on a combat collision course, Tony and Maria must overcome their differences to pursue true love.

2 Anakin Skywalker Vs. Obi-Wan Kenobi – Star Wars Saga

While it’s easy to point to the rivalry between Luke Skywalker and his evil father, Darth Vader, the duel between Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars saga has become even more substantial.

Obi-Wan and Anakin begin a relationship as master and student that evolves into a more familial kinship. But when Anakin strays from the Jedi path and falls into the Dark Side, an epic rivalry between the two ensues. The height of their rivalry comes during a legendary one-on-one battle on Mustafar, where Obi-Wan strikes Anakin into a flaming pit of lava.

1 Michael Corleone Vs. Fredo Corleone – The Godfather Part II (1974)

Respectively ranked #2 and #3 on IMDB’s Top 250, Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather and The Godfather Part II are universally hailed as two of the greatest movies ever made. As such, the Shakespearean family tragedy between sibling rivals Michael and Fredo Corleone ranks equally high.

After feeling disrespected as not intelligent enough, Fredo Corleone (John Cazale) arranges a mob hit on his own brother, Michael (Al Pacino), in order to gain control of the family business. Michael is forced to retaliate and make Fredo pay the ultimate price…his life.