Top 10 Movie Cheapshots

In the climax of this true story about boxer James J. Braddock, the Cinderella Man is getting the better of his fearsome rival Max Baer. Braddock is a huge underdog and, in a desperate attempt to regain his upper hand, Baer delivers a full-forced low blow that enrages Braddock’s trainer. These actions demonstrate to the audience the distinction between the two fighters: Braddock is your honest, by-the-book boxer while Baer is willing to do whatever it takes to gain a competitive edge. When all’s said and done, though, the everyman stands tall as the new heavyweight champ.

Two brothers go head to head in the final of a MMA tournament with way more on the line than just the $5 million prize. This sports drama expertly portrays every hit in an MMA fight, but it’s the one that lands after the horn sounds that strikes the hardest. Tommy, the favorite, has already spent a whole round pummeling his older brother, Brendan, but still feels the need to land a dirty right shot. Brothers always fight, although this takes it to a whole new level.
 

In this action comedy, we’re given a fight scene that begins with both men landing dirty blows to try to down the other. Cates, a no nonsense cop, has been forced to work with convict Reggie Hammond to solve a murder, and tensions between the two soon boil over. Cates lands the first sly blow by distracting Hammond with his handcuffs, but Hammond cleverly reacts by slamming the car door into the cop’s shin. The ensuing fight is slightly more honorable – minus the odd trashcan being thrown of course.
 

This oddball comedy was never afraid to use a bit of physical humor, and Uncle Rico’s perfectly aimed steak-throw is just one more example of that. However, when Napoleon sneakily slaps his brother, it’s one of the funniest moments of the film. Kip tells his younger sibling not to be jealous that he’s been chatting online with babes all day and then dares Napoleon to try and hit him. Napoleon cleverly uses the doorbell distraction to get in a quick slap with the left hand before scuttling off to answer the door. At least he didn’t break out the nun chucks.

The Coen Brothers are masters in the art of the farcical black comedy, and “Burn After Reading” gives us another classic moment as the clueless Chad tries to blackmail former CIA analyst Osborne Cox. Chad attempts to be cool and mysterious, but this façade only angers Cox who grows increasingly irate as he recognizes that his blackmailer is really a blithering idiot. Cox finally reaches his limit with Chad and lands a swift right jab on his perfectly formed nose.

The murderous Commodus is one of the great movie villains, so it’s not surprising he was more than happy to land a cheap shot on the restrained and unarmed protagonist Maximus before their final duel. Commodus menacingly speaks to Maximus and the tension of the scene makes viewers feel as though something bad is about to transpire. That is dramatically confirmed as Commodus thrusts a small blade into Maximus’ side in a vain attempt to give himself a chance of beating the former general in the Colosseum. Just as Russell Crowe proved in “Cinderella Man,” though, it takes more than a cheap shot to keep him down.
 

The most deadly cheap shot on our list is featured in this drama about women’s boxing. Main character Maggie has worked her way through the ranks to earn a title fight against a brutal ex-prostitute who has a reputation as a dirty boxer. That is proven with disastrous consequences as a punch from behind - after the bell - knocks Maggie out. As she falls to the canvas, the spirited Maggie lands on a stool, breaking her neck and paralyzing her in the process.
 

One of the most famous scenes in movie history sees legendary archaeologist Indiana Jones mercilessly gun down a sword-spinning warrior. This action-adventure film has Indy in a tiring chase through the streets of Cairo looking to find the kidnapped Marion. A skilled fighter who spins his sword like a baton confronts Jones, but our hero clearly has no time for his flamboyant attacker. He whips out his revolver and with one blast puts down the over-the-top swordsman. Hey, whatever gets the job done, right?
 
Before we reveal our top pick, here are some honorable mentions.
Goro’s Weak Spot  
 “Mortal Kombat” (1995)
Kevin Shoots the Wet Bandits 
“Home Alone” (1990)
Quaid Takes a Low Blow
“Total Recall” (1990)
  

Under instruction from evil sensei John Kreese, Bobby Brown is told to do whatever it takes to get Daniel out of the competition. Reluctantly, Bobby delivers a jumping kick to Daniel’s knee in the very first attack of the semi-final confrontation. This severely injures Daniel who writhes in pain as Bobby begs for his forgiveness. It is the ultimate underhanded move from the Cobra Kai dojo, but still it sets up the famous climax of this popular karate flick.
 
Do you agree with out list? Which unexpected hits upset your moral fiber? For more fight-filled top 10s published everyday, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.