History Main / OneHitKill

** In ''Comicbook/UncannyAvengers'', [[Characters/MarvelComicsRogue Rogue]] accidentally does this to Grim Reaper after absorbing [[Characters/Avengers70sMembers Wonder Man]]'s strength. She was unprepared for just how much more powerful she'd become, and ended up snapping the villain's neck with one punch. ''While still holding back''.

See also ChunkySalsaRule. Often a DeathOrGloryAttack. Compare CoupDeGrace. Note that if the battle is laughably brief because the attacker is much more powerful, as opposed to simply using an instant-death weapon, it's a CurbStompBattle. Compare/Contrast HPToOne, where the attack is merciful enough to spare a single {{Hit Point|s}}. A {{Mook|s}} that can deliver this is an InstakillMook.

** In ''Comicbook/UncannyAvengers'', [[Characters/XMen80sMembers Rogue]] accidentally does this to Grim Reaper after absorbing [[Characters/Avengers70sMembers Wonder Man]]'s strength. She was unprepared for just how much more powerful she'd become, and ended up snapping the villain's neck with one punch. ''While still holding back''.

* In ''Film/BackToTheFuture'', [[HollywoodNerd skinny wimp George McFly]] hits his long-time tormentor [[BarbaricBully Biff Tannen]] with a single left hook after he [[BerserkButton shoves Lorraine to the floor]]. Biff spins over on the spot, falls back against the car behind him, and slumps to the pavement completely out cold. One of the most satisfying moments in film.

** In ''ComicBook/JusticeLeagueInternational'' #5, [[Franchise/GreenLantern Guy Gardner]] challenges Franchise/{{Batman}} for leadership of the League. [[https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e1/b4/fe/e1b4fe023fc5f3445e00586daf30f170.jpg Bats ends]] the fight with [[MemeticMutation one punch!]]

** in ''ComicBook/RedLanterns'' the adorable and [[CuteIsEvil deadly]] Dex-Starr is on the receiving end of a "One Punch" by the Midnighter, [[http://i.imgur.com/lTG8o.jpg whose clearly not proud of this action]].
** Franchise/TheFlash has the [[http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/11111/111115653/3369410-3501809092-thefl.jpg Infinite]] [[https://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/11126/111268742/4982035-0578313732-12456.jpg Mass]] [[https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_p302yr96A/V7fn0HDa_YI/AAAAAAAAIcg/y64uZnu5RScoR6c0hgD0xQhQLkV37feIACLcB/s1600/3392837-9054676007-Flash.jpg Punch]].
** Thanks to Franchise/{{Superman}}'s near-unstoppable SuperStrength, anytime he's [[BewareTheNiceOnes serious]] or [[BerserkButton enraged]] almost ''all'' his confrontations becomes this. The WhatIf scenarios with Supes fighting Batman, [[https://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/11/118094/3085898-9536688289-super.jpg tend to end quickly]] unless Batman is [[TheStrategist crazy prepared]] prior to facing Superman. There's also [[Characters/BatmanTheJoker The Joker]]'s death in [[ComicBook/InjusticeGodsAmongUs Injustice]] aka the [[https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-81e946a6a61df77300d10218a7824620 "Superman high five"]]. Or Superman punching ComicBook/{{Brainiac}} out [[ComicBook/SupermanBrainiac after the latter has gotten him real mad]]. However, if it's a reversal and it's Superman going down in one attack, it's usually an "DidYouJustPunchOutCthulhu" moment or at worst TheWorfEffect.
** Superman's cousin [[ComicBook/{{Supergirl}} Kara]] doesn't fall far from the tree, as proved in [[ComicBook/Supergirl2005 "Girl Power"]] when she knocks [[Characters/GreenLantern1941 Solomon Grundy]] out cold with one single punch.

** The time [[Franchise/GreenLantern Hal Jordan]] tried to measure up to [[Characters/NewGodsDarkseid Darkseid]] in ''ComicBook/New52''... [[https://i.pinimg.com/originals/50/f8/66/50f86627da714bfd7a395cfa9bac6d52.jpg didn't work out well for Hal]].

** [[Characters/BatmanLadyShiva Lady Shiva]]'s signature move is the Leopard's Blow, a single strike to the chest that kills her victim by disrupting their heartbeat (though in more graphic works it's her putting her hand straight through someone's face using the "weak" point across which their eyes lay). Batman, [[ComicBook/Robin1993 Red Robin]], [[ComicBook/Batgirl2000 Cass]], ComicBook/RichardDragon and Bronze Tiger can tell she's nearby if they come across victims of this attack with barely a cursory examination of the bodies (which is much more easily explained by the more gory take on the attack).

** Heavy hitters like ComicBook/TheIncredibleHulk and ComicBook/TheThing [[https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcRU2rXasHUj1EWe7pYVzWDH76-evhfJyL2QEg&usqp=CAU are]] [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/powerlisting/images/6/6a/Megaton_Punch_by_The_Thing.jpeg/revision/latest?cb=20180622221847 fond]] of this.
** [[Characters/TheMightyThorThorOdinson Thor]] [[http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/7/78977/1857806-thor_one_shots_namor.jpg knocks out]] [[Comicbook/SubMariner Namor]] with one punch in ''[[ComicBook/TheInvadersMarvelComics Invaders #33]]''.
** One of Comicbook/IronFist's gimmicks [[https://static0.cbrimages.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/iron-fist-hercules.jpg?q=35&w=864&h=432&fit=crop is]] [[http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/11116/111160825/4312686-9679966291-31474.jpg his]] [[https://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_super/11/117763/2360502-new_avengers_20.jpg ability]] to one shot foes with his signature fist.

** [[Characters/MarvelComicsMagneto Magneto]] has gotten this many times (mainly from [[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v214/SaintSaturn/wolverine185.jpg Wolverine]], [[http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/1/16715/3613339-col22.png Colossus]] and [[https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ca/60/8c/ca608cf6071054f4d5082405422a32ad.jpg Cyclops]]) two clearly fatal, one just a K.O. It's perfectly justified as the [[MagnetismManipulation Master of Magnetism]] is still a SquishyWizard.

** Despite being touted as "Street-level" Franchise/SpiderMan has done this ''a lot'', likely due to Spidey having the necessary [[SuperStrength strength]] to knock ComicBook/TheIncredibleHulk around. The more average or even some higher-level foes don't stand a chance when Peter Parker [[YouWouldntLikeMeWhenImAngry gets serious]].

* ''Fanfic/SeventhEndmostVision'', rather terrifyingly, this is how [[spoiler: Lucrecia fights. She kills four people in Barret's seven-person group, as well as a non-combatant, during their fight, and it only takes her one move for each kill, emphasizing her precision and deadliness.]]

* Jason Voorhees shows [[https://youtu.be/QWuM_NSDhb8?t=134 it's done]] in ''Film/FridayThe13thPartVIIIJasonTakesManhattan'' when he corners ActionSurvivor and [[BoxingBattler promising amateur boxer]] Julius. Julius makes a brave last stand against the walking corpse, punching him [[PunchPunchPunchUhOh over and over]] again even though it proves futile. Finally, when Julius is completely exhausted, his hands broken, and he's literally unable to do anything else he [[FaceDeathWithDignity just calmly stands upright and tells Jason to take his best shot]]. Jason hits Julius with a MegatonPunch that would make [[Webcomic/OnePunchMan Saitama]] proud, as it [[OffWithHisHead literally rips Julius's head clean off]] his body.

** Despite Steve Rogers aka ''ComicBook/CaptainAmerica'' being {{Determinator}} (once again) against Thanos in the ''Film/AvengersInfinityWar'' by [[PunchCatch catching]] and holding back the Infinity Gauntlet, making a stalemate, ''Steve is then instantly knocked out when Thanos uses his other hand''. Considering Thanos overpowered Hulk, Thor, Vision and Spider-Man, the fact that Steve still has a head on his shoulders is mark of his [[SuperSoldier strength]].

* Despite his very hit-and-miss booking, Wrestling/BaronCorbin has possibly the most-protected finisher on the entire current WWE roster in his End of Days (Pendulum Lifting Reverse STO). Only one person has ''ever'' kicked out of it, and that was Wrestling/AustinAries [[EarlyInstallmentWeirdness while Corbin was still in]] [[Wrestling/{{WWENXT}} NXT]].

** When Batman gets his powers swapped with Superman via ''Banshee'', he gets brutal ''one-hit'' [[https://comicnewbies.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/batman-vs-bane-superbat-4.jpg payback]] against poor Characters/{{Ba|tmanRoguesGalleryPart1}}ne. The time where [[ComicBook/{{Knightfall}} Bane broke Batman]] looks tame in comparison.

''(FlashStep, [[FanNickname "Fuck You" Punch]], broken jaw, [[RagdollPhysics ragdolls away]]. KO.)''\\

** ''Film/TheIncredibleHulk'''s [[BigBad Emil Blonsky]] gives a demonstration as to [[https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nPr650hexQ4/VQ4HhlpVsyI/AAAAAAAAE4w/fGzGWUOP_8c/s1600/HulkMovie2TimRothKick54fXLG.gif why]] normal humans (even those who have injected themselves with PsychoSerum) shouldn't be [[TooDumbToLive stupid enough]] to try measure up to the Hulk. Blonsky only survives thanks his HealingFactor.

** Using the power of an Infinity Stone will tend to vaporise your target instantly e.g ''Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy'' using the [[PurpleIsPowerful Power Stone]] to destroy Ronan. Though you are more likely die yourself from just touching or coming into contact with one of the stones.

** Non-lethal variant. In ''Film/DoctorStrange2016'', The Ancient One demonstrates a palm strike move that will kick out a person's astral body out, leaving their physical body unconscious and helpless. Considering she uses the same move against [[spoiler:Professor Hulk in ''Film/AvengersEndgame'']], it's clear that physical might is irrelevant when defending against this move.

* "Morganti" weapons in ''Literature/{{Dragaera}}'' all destroy the soul of the victim upon entry, making revivification impossible, and also making it impossible for the victim to travel the Paths of The Dead to the afterworld. (Assuming the victim has a means of both suiciding and entirely disassociating their soul from their body before contact -- a never certain process, aside from its obvious drawbacks -- they damage the corpse as an ordinary weapon of their type.)

** Thanks to Franchise/{{Superman}}'s near-unstoppable SuperStrength, anytime he's [[BewareTheNiceOnes serious]] or [[BerserkButton enraged]] almost ''all'' his confrontations becomes this. The WhatIf scenarios with Supes fighting Batman, [[https://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/11/118094/3085898-9536688289-super.jpg tend to end quickly]] unless Batman is [[TheStrategist crazy prepared]] prior to facing Superman. There's also [[Characters/BatmanTheJoker The Joker]]'s death in [[ComicBook/InjusticeGodsAmongUs Injustice]] aka the [[https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-81e946a6a61df77300d10218a7824620 "Superman high five"]]. Or Superman punching [[Characters/SupermanBrainiac Brainiac]] out [[ComicBook/SupermanBrainiac after the latter has gotten him real mad]]. However, if it's a reversal and it's Superman going down in one attack, it's usually an "DidYouJustPunchOutCthulhu" moment or at worst TheWorfEffect.

* Done on ''Series/{{CSINY}}'', where a martial arts expert killed the victim of the week with a single blow to the back of the neck.

** [[Characters/TheMightyThorThorOdinson Thor]] [[http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/7/78977/1857806-thor_one_shots_namor.jpg knocks out]] [[Comicbook/SubMariner Namor]] with one punch in ''[[ComicBook/TheInvadersMarvel Invaders #33]]''.

* Jason Voorhees shows [[https://youtu.be/QWuM_NSDhb8?t=134 it's done]] in ''Film/FridayThe13thPartVIIIJasonTakesManhattan'' as ActionSurvivor Julius makes a last stand against the walking corpse by punching him [[PunchPunchPunchUhOh over and over]] again even though it proves futile. Then it's Jason turn and [[MegatonPunch makes Saitama proud]] by punching the dude's [[OffWithHisHead head clean off]].

** [[Characters/TheMightyThorThorOdinson Thor]] [[http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/7/78977/1857806-thor_one_shots_namor.jpg knocked out]] [[Comicbook/SubMariner Namor]] with one punch in ''[[ComicBook/TheInvadersMarvel Invaders #33]]''.

** [[Characters/MarvelComicsMagneto Magneto]] has gotten this many times (mainly from [[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v214/SaintSaturn/wolverine185.jpg Wolverine]], [[http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/1/16715/3613339-col22.png Colossus]] and [[https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ca/60/8c/ca608cf6071054f4d5082405422a32ad.jpg Cyclops]]) two clearly fatal, one just a K.O. It perfectly justified as the [[MagnetismManipulation Master of Magnetism]] is still a SquishyWizard.

** Despite being touted as "Street-level" Franchise/SpiderMan has done this ''alot'', likely due to Spidey has the necessary [[SuperStrength strength]] to knock ComicBook/TheIncredibleHulk around the more average or even some higher foes don't stand a chance when Peter Parker [[YouWouldntLikeMeWhenImAngry gets serious]].
*** Early example with [[JerkJock Flash Thompson]] who made the dear mistake of challenging Peter to a boxing match, Peter ''tried'' using just a fraction of his strength to end bout before Flash got hurt. But even a love tap from Peter sent [[https://i.stack.imgur.com/nDuRR.jpg Flash flying]].
*** Grey Hulk had a memorial "[[http://www.chasingamazingblog.com/wp-content/uploads/CosmicSpidey_13.jpg encounter]]" Cosmic Spider-Man, aka [[MegatonPunch punched into space]]. Nearby kids appropriately stated if Spidey starts pulling stunts like that he'd better start [[TheCape wearing a cape]].
*** The poor [[https://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/11114/111142536/4068785-spiderman_t-rex.jpg T-rex]] who met Spidey in the [[HungryJungle Savage Land]].
*** Happens in ComicBook/DarkReign where [[[[Characters/MarvelComicsNormanOsborn Norman Osborn]] who had [[VillainousBreakdown long since gone off the deep end]], was ranting madly and was [[http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4irVuZamOhA/S7y4NPN-iVI/AAAAAAAAA9M/eDGTL0uIagw/s1600/Blog+Sunday+7feb10+360.jpg quickly]] [[ShutUpHannibal silenced]] by his ArchEnemy.
*** In ''[[Comicbook/UltimateSpiderMan The Death of Spider-Man]]'', the Human Torch does this to the Green Goblin. Keep in mind, that in [[ComicBook/UltimateMarvel this universe]], the Goblin is a nigh-invincible hulking beast with the ability to throw fireballs and ''not'' a guy in a suit as he is in most media. Though this then shifts into BrokeYourArmPunchingOutCthulhu, when Goblin -- who's fire powered in the Ultimate universe -- comes back from this bigger and stronger than ever, allowing him to fulfill the name of the arc. Later in that same arc, Peter Parker shows up, bleeding from a gunshot wound, and takes the Vulture out for a while with one web.
*** It's revealed in ''ComicBook/SuperiorSpiderMan'', that Peter [[AfraidOfTheirOwnStrength is holding back]] ''all the time'' as Doc-Ock discovered [[GrandTheftMe when took over Peter's body]] and punched Scorpion in the face [[https://i.pinimg.com/originals/46/68/9c/46689c52746718fa8055b9280435f8d0.jpg tearing his jaw off]].

** There's the time Ultimate Universe Wolverine [[https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--d1fYb9IA--/c_fill,fl_progressive,g_center,h_900,q_80,w_1600/17j9qqitkp0mkjpg.jpg met]] Ultimate Universe Hulk.

** Thanos himself is a fan of this trope using his [[SuperStrength insane strengh]] to murder [[https://boundingintocomics.com/files/2018/02/Thanos-Kills-War-Machine1.jpg War Machine]], [[https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcS0Be39NtxiJY_Vg8EEeUBoKG_WGlUhpBPeQQ&usqp=CAU Star Lord]],[[https://boundingintocomics.com/files/2018/02/Thanos-Kills-Sam-Wilson-e1519667217156.jpg Falcon]] and [[https://boundingintocomics.com/files/2018/02/Thanos-Mentor2.jpg Mentor]] (his [[{{Patricide}} own father]]) with a single attack.
** In ''Comicbook/UncannyAvengers'', [[Characters/XMen80sMembers Rogue]] accidentally does this to Grim Reaper after absorbing [[Characters/Avengers70sMembers Wonder Man]]'s strength. She was unprepared for just how much more powerful she'd become, and ended up snapping the villain's neck with one punch. ''while still holding back''.
** Rogue's main powers come from [[Characters/MarvelComicsCarolDanvers Carol Danvers]], who dropped Norman Osborn (who was wearing PoweredArmor) with [[https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d7/aa/4e/d7aa4e8b96035960f8952a99811ae533.jpg a single punch]].

** Tony Stark aka ''Film/IronMan'' given the abilities of his suit, can [[https://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/11122/111225346/6293661-5910612138-giphy.gif easily]] MegatonPunch the average joe so hard it kills him. On a less lethal note Iron Man One-Hit K.Os The Hulk in ''Film/AvengersAgeOfUltron'' with the [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Hulkbuster Armour]], justified as Hulk was distracted having just come to his senses after Scarlet Witch meddled with his mind.
** ''Film/TheIncredibleHulk'''s [[BigBad Emil Blonsky]] gives a demonstration as to [[https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nPr650hexQ4/VQ4HhlpVsyI/AAAAAAAAE4w/fGzGWUOP_8c/s1600/HulkMovie2TimRothKick54fXLG.gif why]] normal humans (even those who have injected themselves with PsychoSerum) shouldn't be [[TooDumbToLive stupid enough]] to try measure up to the Hulk. Best way to avoid getting your ass spartan kicked into next week, Blonsky only survives thanks his HealingFactor.
** The Bunker Buster aka "Ex-wife" from ''Film/IronMan2'' was ''supposed'' to be this but it being developed by the inept Justin Hammer means it failed miserably when Rhoedy used it against Whiplash.

*** [[spoiler: Thor does [[DidYouJustPunchOutCthulhu the near impossible]] and takes out Thanos with a single throw of Stormbreaker into the Titan's chest, however it would've been a true One Hit Kill if he'd [[RemovingtheHeadorDestroyingtheBrain aimed]] for the head]].

** Despite Steve Rogers aka ''ComicBook/CaptainAmerica'' being {{Determinator}} (once again) against Thanos in the ''Film/AvengersInfinityWar'' by [[PunchCatch catching]] and holding back the Infinity Gauntlet, making a stalemate ''Steve is then instantly knocked out when Thanos uses his other hand''. Considering Thanos overpowered Hulk, Thor, Vision and Spider-Man the fact that Steve still has a head on his shoulders is mark of his [[SuperSoldier strength]].

* Hydrogen-filled Zeppelins in UsefulNotes/WorldWarI were surprisingly resilient to being brought down by machine gun fire, though they could be downed with just one burst of incendiary ammunition or a single explosive shell in the right place. This was, in a roundabout way, also the cause for the Hindenburg disaster... The US, seeing UsefulNotes/NaziGermany gear up for a war, refused to sell helium to them, forcing the Nazis to use hydrogen as lift gas.

Any time people gather with the goal of hitting each other until one of them falls over, the ultimate trump card would be a weapon, spell, technique, trick, or what-have-you that makes people fall over ''immediately'', without all that annoying [[TheStrategist strategizing]] and [[TheMedic healing]] and stuff. The One-Hit Kill is that trump card.

** Done [[ShoutOut again]], in ''ComicBook/InjusticeGodsAmongUs'' with [[ComicBook/HellBlazer John Constantine]] taking the Garder's place... [[https://comicnewbies.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/batman-takes-out-constantine-with-one-punch-4.jpg on the floor]].

** When Batman gets his powers swapped with Superman via ''Banshee'', he gets brutal ''one-hit'' [[https://comicnewbies.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/batman-vs-bane-superbat-4.jpg payback]] against poor ComicBook/{{Bane}}. The time where [[ComicBook/{{Knightfall}} Bane broke Batman]] looks tame in comparison.

** Thanks to ComicBook/{{Superman}}'s near-unstoppable SuperStrength, anytime he's [[BewareTheNiceOnes serious]] or [[BerserkButton enraged]] almost ''all'' his confrontations becomes this. The WhatIf scenarios with Supes fighting Batman, [[https://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/11/118094/3085898-9536688289-super.jpg tend to end quickly]] unless Batman is [[TheStrategist crazy prepared]] prior to facing Superman. There's also Joker's death in [[ComicBook/InjusticeGodsAmongUs Injustice]] aka the [[https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-81e946a6a61df77300d10218a7824620 "Superman high five"]]. Or Superman punching ComicBook/{{Brainiac}} out [[ComicBook/SupermanBrainiac after the latter has gotten him real mad]]. However, if it's a reversal and it's Superman going down in one attack, it's usually an "DidYouJustPunchOutCthulhu" moment or at worst TheWorfEffect.

** Superman's son ComicBook/{{Jonathan|SamuelKent}} doesn't fall from the tree either as he gives a love tap to Damian Wayne that knocks the [[https://www.bleedingcool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/1514987711656-600x677.jpg little bugger out cold]].
** The time [[Franchise/GreenLantern Hal Jordan]] tried to measure up to ComicBook/{{Darkseid}} in ''ComicBook/New52''... [[https://i.pinimg.com/originals/50/f8/66/50f86627da714bfd7a395cfa9bac6d52.jpg didn't work out well for Hal]].

** ComicBook/LadyShiva's signature move is the Leopard's Blow, a single strike to the chest that kills her victim by disrupting their heartbeat (though in more graphic works it's her putting her hand straight through someone's face using the "weak" point across which their eyes lay). Batman, [[ComicBook/RobinSeries Red Robin]], [[ComicBook/Batgirl2000 Cass]], ComicBook/RichardDragon and Bronze Tiger can tell she's nearby if they come across victims of this attack with barely a cursory examination of the bodies (which is much more easily explained by the more gory take on the attack).

** Heavy hitters like ComicBook/IncredibleHulk and ComicBook/TheThing [[https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcRU2rXasHUj1EWe7pYVzWDH76-evhfJyL2QEg&usqp=CAU are]] [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/powerlisting/images/6/6a/Megaton_Punch_by_The_Thing.jpeg/revision/latest?cb=20180622221847 fond]] of this.
** Comicbook/{{Th|eMightyThor}}or [[http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/7/78977/1857806-thor_one_shots_namor.jpg knocked out]] [[Comicbook/SubMariner Namor]] with one punch in ''[[ComicBook/TheInvadersMarvel Invaders #33]]''.

** ComicBook/TheEnchantress vs ComicBook/SheHulk in ''ComicBook/SecretWars1984''... take a wild guess [[https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ff/73/73/ff737356053dc222d8e86cad754b937d.jpg who wins]].
** ComicBook/{{Magneto}} has gotten this many times (mainly from [[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v214/SaintSaturn/wolverine185.jpg Wolverine]], [[http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/1/16715/3613339-col22.png Colossus]] and [[https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ca/60/8c/ca608cf6071054f4d5082405422a32ad.jpg Cyclops]]) two clearly fatal, one just a K.O. It perfectly justified as the [[MagnetismManipulation Master of Magnetism]] is still a SquishyWizard.
** Magneto in the finale of ''ComicBook/XMen: ComicBook/AgeOfApocalypse'' (where he's the closest thing this CrapsackWorld has to a BigGood) goes one on one with ComicBook/{{Apocalypse}}, who's pounding on Magneto and asks why he doesn't fight back. Magneto responds that he can't, because he's concentrating. Apocalypse doesn't even have time to wonder what Magneto means before [[HalfTheManHeUsedToBe getting ripped in half]].
** Despite being touted as "Street-level" Franchise/SpiderMan has done this ''alot'', likely due to Spidey has the necessary [[SuperStrength strength]] to knock the ComicBook/IncredibleHulk around the more average or even some higher foes don't stand a chance when Peter Parker [[YouWouldntLikeMeWhenImAngry gets serious]].

*** Happens in ComicBook/DarkReign where Norman Osborn who had [[VillainousBreakdown long since gone off the deep end]], was ranting madly and was [[http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4irVuZamOhA/S7y4NPN-iVI/AAAAAAAAA9M/eDGTL0uIagw/s1600/Blog+Sunday+7feb10+360.jpg quickly]] [[ShutUpHannibal silenced]] by his ArchEnemy.

** [[Characters/MarvelComicsDraxTheDestroyer Drax the Destroyer]] once did what he born/created for and killed ComicBook/{{Thanos}} with a [[https://i.imgur.com/g4t527U.png?1 single]] ''Franchise/MortalKombat''-esque FinishingMove; this [[JokerImmunity being Thanos]] he got better soon.

** In ''Comicbook/UncannyAvengers'', ComicBook/{{Rogue}} accidentally does this to Grim Reaper after absorbing ComicBook/WonderMan's strength. She was unprepared for just how much more powerful she'd become, and ended up snapping the villain's neck with one punch. ''while still holding back''.
** Rogue's main powers come from ComicBook/CarolDanvers, who dropped [[ComicBook/GreenGoblin Norman Osborn]] (who was wearing PoweredArmor) with [[https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d7/aa/4e/d7aa4e8b96035960f8952a99811ae533.jpg a single punch]].

* In ''Literature/WayOfTheTiger'', your ninja assassin Avenger can instantly kill opponents if he has the Poison Needle skill and is given the option of using it. He sometimes can kill enemies with the Nerve Strike skill if he took that as his special skill learnt from the Island of Dawn. Additionally he carries a garrotte and a single dose of the "Blood of Nil" - which is the deadliest poison in the world, sometimes he gets the option of using those particular tools on a hapless victim. Finally there are rare instances that he ends up killing someone if you chose a specific attack, for example in one book he breaks the neck of an attacking ninja by throwing that novice who ends up landing poorly.

** Every single [[OurVampiresAreDifferent vampire]] goes down ([[NoBodyLeftBehind turns to dust]]) with one stab of a wooden stake (or sharp wooden object) to the heart. ''Usually'' there's a drawn out fight at the very least to showcase vampires as powerful foes, then at other times they get staked instantly, and some don't even make it out of their own graves before Buffy dusts them. [[WeakenedbytheLight Sunlight]] also ends vamp-fights quickly e.g. Russel Winters in the first episode of ''Series/{{Angel}}'' who [[DestinationDefenestration is pushed out]] a skyscraper's window by the titular hero and doesn't make it to the ground.

* In ''Series/{{Smallville}}'', especially early seasons, there are very few opponents that Clark doesn't take out in one hit.

* It's pretty common in North America for a pro wrestler's FinishingMove to be used as a One Hit Kill. There are many, many matches where one participant spends the whole match getting the snot beaten out of him, then seizes an opportunity to hit his finisher and win the match. Note that this is less common in Mexico, Japan (except in Wrestling/NewJapanProWrestling, where finishers are treated as One Hit Killers there), and Europe.

* {{Wrestling/Sheamus}}. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7SqCOpDzpI The]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQB6u7n_OJc Brogue]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2PGmPevQ74 Kick]].

** Ty Lee was also feared enough for her ability to ''temporarily'' kill someone's Bending. Not a 'kill', but in a world where children can throw fireballs it leaves you pretty helpless (various big name mundanes aside). The horror is taken to a whole another level in the sequel series, ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra'', which features characters who can kill someone's Bending permanently, much like Aang's Energybending, except it doesn't need much to work with. Judging by how the victims of the procedure are treated, this is basically the Avatar-verse equivalent of lobotomy.
* ''WesternAnimation/{{Castlevania}}'':

* ''WesternAnimation/CodeLyoko'' :

* {{Film/Kramer vs|Kramer}}. Franchise/{{Predator}}, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxI6ITD42RY as seen on]] ''WesternAnimation/FamilyGuy''.

* David (the original DavidAndGoliath story) was able to knock out Goliath with one sling in theLiterature/BooksOfSamuel in Literature/TheBible.

** Superman's cousin [[ComicBook/{{Supergirl}} Kara]] doesn't fall far from the tree, as proved in [[ComicBook/Supergirl2005 "Girl Power"]] when she knocks ComicBook/SolomonGrundy out cold with one single punch.

* It is entirely possible to kill or knock out a person instantly with a single surprisingly gentle blow. However, beyond accidental cases there is [[http://www.straightdope.com/columns/040521.html little evidence for the existence of a reliable martial technique]]. Chances of an instant knockout are significant if any highly trained fighter is given a reason to go all out against an opponent with little or no conditioning. Even if the attacker has no training, (un)lucky hits can lethally aggravate a pre-existing condition (aneurysms are particularly infamous) and kill in short order. If the initial blow causes the victim to fall over (not necessarily unconscious) onto a hard surface or an object that results in critical trauma to the brain or spinal cord, the fall and resultant impact can easily paralyse the unfortunate victim, or even be fatal.

* In ''Series/DoctorWho'' the [[OmnicidalManiac Dalek race's]] beams are this, even for other daleks, who are usually really hard to even scratch. There's a very memorable scene in the 9th Doctor's first Dalek episode where a room full of soldiers shoot at a Dalek [[ImmunetoBullets uselessly]] and instead of shooting back the Dalek just hits the fire sprinkler on and shoots one death beam and [[ElectrifiedBathtub electrifies all the wet soldiers in one]].

** Glaciator can turn people into statues of ice cream if they're hit by the ice cream he uses as ammo, but he refuses to attack loving couples.
** Style Queen's main offensive power is that she can turn anyone into a statue of golden glitter.

** King Cash can turn whoever he flashes with the gold blades of his fan into golden statues. [[spoiler:However, [[InformedAbility that ability was never seen in action.]]]]

** One of [[ComicBook/ImmortalIronFist Iron Fist]]'s gimmicks [[https://static0.cbrimages.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/iron-fist-hercules.jpg?q=35&w=864&h=432&fit=crop is]] [[http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/11116/111160825/4312686-9679966291-31474.jpg his]] [[https://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_super/11/117763/2360502-new_avengers_20.jpg ability]] to one shot foes with his signature fist.

* In ''Literature/WayOfTheTiger'', your character Avenger can instantly kill opponents if he has the Poison Needle skin and is given the option of using it. He sometimes can kill enemies with the Nerve Strike skill if he took that as his special skill from the Island of Dawn. Finally there are rare instances that he ends up killing someone if you chose a specific attack, for example in one book he breaks the neck of an attacking ninja by throwing that novice who ends up landing poorly.