Given that Star Wars: The Force Awakens is going to be in theaters in a matter of weeks, I figured someone had to put a list of the top scenes from the films together!
I’d like to start off by saying that narrowing down only 10 scenes from 6 Star Wars films was probably one of the hardest things I have ever done. Obviously some of them are my opinion, but I know that I wish I could have done like 50 scenes. Here it goes!
10. Yoda v Dooku – Attack of the Clones
It’s been noted that this probably doesn’t show up on most people’s list of top Star Wars scenes, but for me it did. This fight in general had already exposed how inexperienced and foolish Anakin was, but also showed how powerful Dooku was as well. It also eventually showed how freaking bad ass Yoda is. Despite spending most of his time with a cane, Yoda shows in this scene that he means business and that you don’t want to get the little green guy angry.
9. Padme and Anakin’s First Kiss- Attack of the Clones
This was kinda an added one of my favorites as well. First off I would like to say that Padme looked gorgeous as hell in this entire scene. Somehow, throughout all of the fighting and turmoil that goes on, she looks close to perfect. However, plot-wise, this moment brings Anakin and Padme’s love out in the open which will in the end be the main cause for Anakin to turn to the Dark Side. Following this scene Anakin and Padme’s relationship only continues to flourish ultimately leading to his demise.
8. Han Shoots Greedo- A New Hope
From the minute we meet Han Solo, we know he’s a slimeball manipulative guy who can’t be trusted just yet. It’s immediately shown when he shows Greedo who’s boss by shooting him under the table. A little cowardly for my liking, but we know at this point that Han means business and he doesn’t take crap from scum like Greedo.
7. Darth Vader Overthrows Palpatine- Return of the Jedi
Throughout Revenge of the Jedi, we all know that there is some sense of good in Vader. We know at some point he has to side with Luke because why else would he keep Luke alive for so long? When we have pretty much lost all hope in Luke as he is writhing on the floor being electrocuted by the force lightning, Vader just straight up picks up the emperor and throws him into that weird pit (why he has a death pit on his ship, I still don’t know). It marks the completed character development of Vader and it makes everyone all fuzzy inside to see Vader stick up for his son.
6. Darth Vader Awakening- Revenge of the Sith
To this day, watching the scene where Darth Vader gets his mask and takes his first breath in HD, I get chills from head to toe. In that scene, one of the most famous movie villains of all time is born and the scene pretty much defined what was my childhood. Personally, I wish the movie would have ended right there. That gave all of the closure for the movie and it marked the completed transition of Anakin to Darth Vader. Scene was done perfectly in my opinion.
5. Qui Gon and Obi Wan v Darth Maul- The Phantom Menace
Aside from this movie being absolutely terrible, I always think of this scene at some point when I think of Star Wars. One, Liam Neeson has a freaking lightsaber which is absolutely awesome and terrifying. Two, this is a huge turning point for Obi Wan. In this scene, Obi Wan goes from an apprentice to basically straight to Jedi Master by whooping Darth Maul’s butt. Lastly, Darth Maul is just straight up cool as hell. He has a double-sided lightsaber and despite saying all of 5 words in the entire movie, he is probably the scariest villain in the entire Star Wars saga.
4. Blow up Death Star Pt 1 – A New Hope
Throughout the first film, Luke is kind of a little whiney baby and you want him to shut up half the time. However, when he hops into his X-wing and has the voice of the ghost of Obi Wan in his ear, we all know he has shown up to kick some Dark Side butt. When we all thought the mission was a complete failure, Luke came in the clutch and hit the Galactic Empire right where it hurt and showed everyone that those guys were beatable.
Writer’s Note: I was a little disappointed in how that huge explosion at the end still left parts of the Death Star operational. That thing looked like it should not have existed anymore.
3. “I love you.” “I know.” – Empire Strikes Back
Two words. Only two words were said by Han Solo when Leia told Han she loved him. Yet you felt all of the affection and sexual tension buildup that Lucas had been creating for the past two films. Sorry that was a lot of graphic feelings…but let’s be honest, after that scene you know the two are bound to end up together and once again we see Han’s bad-ass/I do what I want, attitude displayed right in front of everyone. Arguably one of the most famous movie quotes of all time as well.
2. Anakin v. Obi Wan- Revenge of the Sith
Despite this movie being a bit of a letdown, this scene was one of, if not the best fight scene ever created. Good versus evil. Mentor versus apprentice. Almost father versus son given their relationship. Anakin versus Obi Wan was not only exhilarating and exciting, but also extremely heartbreaking. At this point, we know one of them either has to die, or in the end, be completely turned to the Dark Side. The scene only ended up being a matter of minutes but it was decades in the making.
1. “IT’S A TRAP!” – Return of the Jedi
Arguably the best scene in all of the Star Wars films. Absolutely impeccable acting and cinematography. The utmost turning point of the space battle and the most dramatic and exciting part of the film. I could propose no other number 1 scene.
(Actual) 1. “I am your father.”- Empire Strikes Back
I mean this one is a little bit obvious. As a kid, I remember watching this scene and being almost in tears. As an adult, you kinda see it coming especially once the new trilogy came out. However, the scene is still easily one of the hugest turning points in the movie and is arguably one of the most famous scenes in movie history. Luke’s emotion over the scene is pretty much how all of us feel watching the scene whether it’s your first time watching it or your 100th time watching it.
Thanks for reading and feel free to add your favorites in the comments!
