People who don’t knowStar Warsstill know a few things about the franchise: Darth Vader, Yoda, and definitely lightsabers. Everyone knows what a lightsaber is, and most non-fans even know the sounds they make. That’s because the duels are typically the most famous scenes and the climax of each of the films (barringSoloandRogue One).
The lightsaber duels in the films are usually what the plot of any givenStar Warsmovie is building up to. It’s the moment that good meets evil and they each must fight for their individual cause. It’s the ultimate test for each padawan who spent the whole movie training under a Master Jedi, or for each Sith Lord who is trying to wipe out anyone in their way of galactic domination.
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Between the three trilogies of the Skywalker saga, there are many lightsaber duels. The best ones are not only the ones that look cool, but the ones that mean so much to the greater plot. The ones that leave such a lasting impact on the future of the storyline make them the best, and these are the most memorable from each trilogy.
Prequel Trilogy: Obi-Wan vs. Anakin (Revenge of the Sith)
The prequel trilogy is, at its core, the story of how Anakin Skywalker turns into Darth Vader. As the chosen one, the prophecy suggested that he would bring balance to the Force. From the Jedi point of view, this supposedly meant he would destroy the Sith. However, that is clearly not the route he ended up taking.
After it was clear to Obi-Wan that Anakin had been lost to the Dark Side, he had to face his greatest test by not only destroying the supposed chosen one, but having to defeat his padawan and best friend. Obi-Wan took Anakin under his wing in honor ofhis own master, Qui-Gon Jinn, whom Obi-Wan respected and looked up to. But along the way, Obi-Wan formed a bond stronger than any relationship he had ever had. So, to have to take Anakin down was truly devastating to him, but he had no choice.
The duel itself is epic. Taking place on the lava planet Mustafar, and having to maneuver around the collapsing separatist base, Anakin and Obi-Wan battle on top of towers, while floating in the lava, and even while swinging from cables above certain death. Ultimately, Obi-Wan regained the high ground and severed Anakin’s legs with a move he desperately did not want to use.But by fighting Anakin, Obi-Wan solidified Anakin’s false perception that the Jedi were truly evil, thus creating the monster that is Darth Vader. That’s what makes this the best prequel lightsaber duel. It sets up Vader’s endless hatred for the Jedi and makes him completely submissive to Sidious' evil plans, that is untilReturn of the Jedi.
Honorable Mentions:The Duel of the Fates (The Phantom Menace); Yoda vs. Sidious (Revenge of the Sith).
Original Trilogy: Luke Skywalker vs. Darth Vader (The Empire Strikes Back)
In the original trilogy, Luke is led to believe that Darth Vader is an all-powerful Sith Lord hellbent on ruling the galaxy, who also killed his father. Not only that, but tales of the Jedi are widely seen as a thing of myth. But after Obi-Wan speaks to Luke in his X-Wing, despite having just died, Luke confirms that the Force is very much real, which helps him realize just how dangerous Darth Vader is.
When the time comes thatLuke must face Vader, he is only partially trained, having fled Dagobah early to save his friends who were in trouble. Vader, however, is possibly the greatest Sith Lord to ever exist at the time. From the start, the duel is extremely uneven, which is shown with Vader’s slow movements and relaxed stature. Vader holds his saber with a single hand, while Luke clenches to his with both hands and tries so hard to overpower Vader. Vader takes on the duel with such ease, often walking towards a scared Luke in Michael Myers fashion: menacing, yet patient.
This duel shows both how powerful and terrifying Vader is, with his robotic breathing sounding in the corner and his dark silhouette standing above the young padawan. What truly makes this duel great, though, is the iconic reveal that Vader is actually Luke’s father. After the revelation, Luke has to come to terms that he not only has to kill the strongest Sith Lord in the galaxy, but he muststrike down his own father. The conflict within Luke begins to shadow over what he knows must be done. But he overcomes his strife and takes it a step further into the light by believing his father can be good again. If it weren’t for that knowledge, Luke might have killed Vader inReturn of the Jedi,and his hatred might have led him down the path of the Dark Side.
Honorable Mention:Luke Skywalker vs. Darth Vader and Sidious (Return of the Jedi)
Sequel Trilogy: Rey vs. Kylo Ren (The Force Awakens)
Years after the fall of the Galactic Empire, a new Force-sensitive warrior rises to power and commands the First Order: Kylo Ren. All the while, the galaxy believes the Jedi have gone extinct once again after the disappearance of Luke Skywalker. But a scavenger from Jakku begins to feel a pull towards the Force: Rey.
Throughout the film, Rey is very reluctant to being in touch with the Force. It almost scares her, both because of its power and because of responsibility she would have to accept. But soon she has no choice but to face off against Kylo, and she falls quickly.Finn attempts to avenge her, but is also struck down by Ren. But like a phoenix from the ashes, Rey rises and force pulls Luke’s lightsaber and duels with Kylo in the snowy forest on the Starkiller base.
This duel showed how the duels would look in the sequel trilogy, which was very aggressive. (The fanbase was very divided on whether they liked it). But in a way, that’s how it had to be, because Rey had zero training with either the Force or a lightsaber. She was literally fighting for her life with a weapon she hadn’t the slightest clue how to use. But her motions become much smoother and determined once she realizes she must accept the Force into herself, and she ultimatelytakes down Kylo for the time being. This duel showed Rey that if she follows the Force, then she can beat anybody. This confidence helped her eventually take down the resurrected Sidious and finally bring complete balance to the Force.
Honorable Mentions:Finn vs. Kylo Ren (The Force Awakens); Rey vs. Kylo Ren (The Rise of Skywalker)
