For an empire built on magic, dreams, princesses, and all things whimsical and colorful, Disney certainly has a long laundry list of weapons and arms deliberately designed to do some damage. While the studio is no stranger to magic wands, staves, and even blasters and rifles, the selection of bladed weaponry here is more than worthy of recognition.
From cutlasses and rapiers to longswords and sabers, many of Disney's greatest heroes and villains have carried a variety of different blades. Whether they're custom jobs to fit the character, magical items, or symbols of status or power, many have felt the sting of these enchanting swords.
The Magic Sword (The Black Cauldron)
While its name might not allude to much in terms of reputation, the sword found in the bowels of the Horned King's castle from Disney's dark fantasy epic is easily one many would-be-warriors would love to own. Not only is it a magnificent and mighty blade that can cut like a hot knife through butter, but it has a mind of its own.
A weapon's main purpose is to fend off attackers and protect the one that wields it, and it looks like this glowing sword took the directive to heart. Even someone as inexperienced and green as Taran the Wanderer can pick it up and wield it with the greatest of ease.
The Singing Sword (Who Framed Roger Rabbit)
Yes, it's an honorable mention. Yes, it's an old gag from the days of Tex Avery cartoons. But thanks to this Sinatra-shaped sword, many viewers can't hear the song "Witchcraft" without thinking of this bit from Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
It earns the spot on the list simply because it's one of the more unforgettable gags and visuals from the film. Plus, Bob Hoskins' reaction to drawing an animated weapon is certainly laugh-worthy.
Sword Of Triton (Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides)
Every great pirate captain needs an equally infamous blade to back up the claim. Of course, a pirate as infamous and deadly as the notorious as this Pirates of the Caribbean villain needs something a little extra special to further sell his intimidating nature. Blackbeard has a reputation to uphold.
This enchanted hybrid of broadsword and cutlass isn't just a large blade capable of cleaving a pirate in twain but can bring the dead back to life, manipulate lifeless objects, and a great deal more than the blade of a basic buccaneer could ever dream. A touch OP for something of this setting, but definitely one of the studio's best weapons.
The Vorpal Sword (Alice In Wonderland)
It might feel like a standard-issue fantasy sword, but this beautiful blade is much more than just an aesthetically pleasing piece of weaponry. Not only is it the only weapon effective against the Red Queen's Jabberwocky, but it acts as a visual symbol of Alice accepting her identity.
Similar to Alice having her own epiphany about her identity, the completion of the vorpal armor reflects the completion of Alice's mental journey. Although the film is hit-and-miss in parts, the imagery with the sword is great visual storytelling.
Raya’s Whip-Sword (Raya And The Last Dragon)
It should come as no surprise that Raya and the Last Dragon takes a lot of heavy inspiration from Asian films, mythology, and fiction. Naturally, any great warrior deserves a large bladed weapon to slice and dice their way through any obstacles that hinder them, and Raya's whip-sword goes the extra mile in terms of style and effectiveness.
Raya is an absolute artist with that blade. Even when blinded by her own rage, she is still able to wield her weapon with the ferocity and skill of Jet-Li in the heat of an epic fight sequence. Someone needs to add Raya to the Soul Calibur series or the next Smash DLC.
The Darksaber (Star Wars)
Although it might have been introduced to the fandom through the Clone Wars series, it was The Mandalorian that brought the Darksaber to life. The image of Moff Gideon carving himself out of the wreckage after season one's epic battle with the infamous weapon is a moment in Star Wars that few fans will ever forget.
Since the Jedi are often considered some of the greatest warriors in the galaxy, building a weapon that can take on their lightsabers is truly a feat. As deadly as it is visually striking, the Darksaber is just as much a symbol of power as it is a brutal weapon. Truly one of the most sought-after treasures across the galaxy.
Fa Zhou’s Sword (Mulan)
Although the live-action Mulan remake gave her a beautiful blade, the original sword seen in Disney's Mulan is one of the most recognizable character pieces. Not many Disney princesses can boast that they have a weapon of choice, but Mulan's blade has as much personality as she does.
One only has to look at the monstrous face on the guard to recognize it as Mulan's. Not only does she use her sword to save off the Huns, but she uses its highly reflective blade to lay waste to their numbers and save her own battalion. Like Mulan, the sword is much more than it seems.
Kylo Ren’s Lightsaber (Star Wars)
Yet another character whose weapon reflects their aura, Kylo Ren's sputtering cross-guard saber was a massively impressive piece of Sith tech when the trailer for The Force Awakens first dropped. It was as brutal and unstable as its user, and it remains a favorite even when compared to alternative sabers like Darth Maul's staff.
Everything about Kylo Ren's aesthetic makes a statement, whether for good or bad. The flickering lightsaber is a symbol of power and rage, while its fractured Kyber crystal represents the shattered state of its wielder's being. All things are connected through the force, including details of the dark side.
The Keyblade (Kingdom Hearts)
Leave it to Disney to create one of the most iconic video game weapons in recent years. The fate of the hearts of various worlds lies in Kingdom Hearts' Keyblade. Held by users like Sora, Riku, and King Mickey, the weapon has the ability to turn the tides in the battle between light and darkness.
Not only is it effective against Nobodies and the Heartless, but it functions as a universal key, a sturdy blade, and a symbol of multiversal magic. In the wrong hands, it could spell out doom for all existence. That's some impressive firepower coming from the likes of Mickey Mouse.
The Sword In The Stone (The Sword In The Stone)
Often regarded as one of the most famous fictional blades, King Arthur's Excalibur has more than a sterling reputation surrounding it. Seeing how Disney's take on the legend is likely the first many viewers are introduced to, it feels only fitting that it should take the top spot.
Seeing the boy in his squire attire laying his hand upon the sword as a heavenly light descends upon him and a choir sings from above truly cements Arthur's status as the Once and Future King. Like the enchanted rose, the castle clock striking midnight, or Snow White's first kiss, it's one of the most familiar images in the fantasy and fairytale genre.