WATCH: 10 Iconic ‘Star Wars’ Moments
It’s been 44 years since Star Wars first hit the big screen! Since Monday is May 4th, we’re celebrating the beloved space films all weekend long.
There have been many moments throughout the years that have left fans all over the world stunned and right now, we’re ranking the most iconic scenes from Star Wars.
Duel of the Fates
This scene occurred in Episode I: The Phantom Menace. For those who remember (or try to forget the prequels), it is the final battle scene in which Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn duel it out with sith lord, Darth Maul. What makes this scene so iconic is Maul’s double-sided red lightsaber not to mention the incredible score playing through out the scene entitled, ‘Duel of the Fates’. Even with the tragic death of Qui-Gon and Maul’s defeat, what really stands out in this scene is the red saber.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYZFJSI9dBk&t=177s
Kylo Ren kills Han Solo
A scene that will leave you with goosebumps. This moment from The Force Awakens is one of the most unforgettable moments of the entire franchise. When Han Solo confronts his son, Kylo Ren and tries to get him to see the light, but it ultimately leads to Solo’s demise. The acting is phenomenal and the chemistry between Harrison Ford and Adam Driver is unmatched.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hh-zGP-LcQQ
The Battle of Geonosis
Although Episode II: Attack of the Clones was not a box office hit, this scene is primarily what held the film together. After Obi Wan, Anakin and Padme Amidala are captured and sentenced to death by Separatist leader, Count Dooku, the Jedi order intervene and battle if out in this iconic scene. Never before have fans seen this many Jedi in one place together!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut4WoDi-AEM
Darth Vader Attacks
This moment from Rogue One left us all in shambles! It was the moment fans finally got to see the OG villain, Darth Vader once more. What makes this scene so iconic is that it solely relies on the emotions of the characters. The lights are cut and all you can hear is the famous ‘darth vader breathing’ that surely sends chills down your spine. Then, his red lightsaber is ignited and you know it’s all over for the Rebels!
“I Know”
This scene all tugged at our heartstrings in The Empire Strikes Back. Han Solo shares a final moment with his love, Princes Leia before being frozen in carbonate. The two share a passionate kiss and Leia tells Han she loves him. Solo’s response to her declaration is, ‘I know”. A moment that has become iconic for the couple and was reiterated by Leia to Han in Return of The Jedi.
Anakin Skywalker Vs. Obi-Wan Kenobi
This might be one of the most iconic battles scenes from the entire Star Wars franchise. In Revenge of the Sith, we see Jedi knight, Anakin Skywalker succumb to the evils of the dark side. When his master Obi Wan learns of his betrayal, he goes to intervene. When he sees Anakin mind is far too twisted, he know’s he has to defeat him. The two duel it out and Obi Wan eventually earns the high ground, defeating Anakin and leaving him on planet, Mustafar to die. This battle is a 6-minute long scene and some of the most iconic dialogue of the whole franchise.
Luke Skywalker vs. Darth Vader
Many years later, Anakin (now Darth Vader) duels with his son Luke in this ultimate showdown from The Empire Strikes Back. The scene is chilling as we see Luke light up his saber and steadily walk through the carbon-freezing chamber. We then hear Vader’s breathing followed by the immortal line that shall begin the fight, “The force is with you young Skywalker. But you are not a Jedi yet”. The father and son duo battle it out once more at the end of Return of the Jedi.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRcUdD5nthc
“I am your father”
Following up from the previous scene, here Luke learns of his true identity. This moment lives as one of the most iconic pop culture moments from the entire Star Wars franchise. This scene has been recreated so many times and is regarded as the moment everything in the films shifted. It was not solely about space wars anymore. Fans were now dealing with intergalactic family issues. Luke is shocked and deeply disturbed learning the truth about where he comes from and in this scene, you can truly feel the pain he is in.
Order 66
The scene that shocked many. After Anakin Skywalker officially accepted his new fate as Darth Vader, he is ordered by Sith lord, Darth Sidious to eliminate the Jedi order all together. With the assistance of the clone army, Darth Sidious announces, ‘Execute Order 66’. By hearing that, the Clones are programmed to kill. Fans see many beloved Jedi that they came to know and love, killed and the score makes the scene all that more powerful. Many regard this scene being the darkest moments in Star Wars history; as we also see Anakin pay a visit to the Jedi temple where he then executes young Jedi knights (or younglings as they are referred to as).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJTiK9l-t7A
The ‘Birth’ of Darth Vader
Hailed as THE moment in the entire Star Wars world. In Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Anakin is defeated by Obi Wan, and left severely burned and mutilated; missing many of his limbs. Sidious learns of his whereabouts and takes him to be operated on; giving him mechanical arms and legs and putting him in his official ‘villain suit’. What makes this scene so heartbreaking is at the same time, we go back and forth between Anakin and his love Padme, as she suffers in childbirth and ultimately dies. In many ways, Anakin ‘dies’ too in this scene and alas, all good that was left in the Star Wars world disappears, for many, many years.
