The top 10 best Star Wars moments might be hard to narrow down, but we did it! 45 years of galactic moments makes it difficult.
45 Years Of Galactic Moments: Top 10 Best Star Wars Moments
Star Wars has remained my favorite film franchise through the good and the bad. The franchise has played an essential role in molding my cinematic palette. With Star Wars celebrating its 45th anniversary, fans of the beloved franchise have debated what moments top them all. With six decades rich in wonderful and iconic moments within the franchise, I’ve put together my 10 favorite moments in the Star Wars saga.
1 – Darth Vader’s Reveal To Luke (The Empire Strikes Back)
It’s impossible for me to think of a bigger moment in the franchise than Vader revealing to Luke he is his father. In an era without social media or a need to spoil climactic events, this iconic moment was first seen the way Lucas and company intended, in cinemas.
The utter shock left me longing to watch the next entry looking for answers as to why and how Anakin Skywalker turned from man to machine. This moment will never be surpassed in my eyes as the essential moment in the series.
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2 – I Love You, I Know (The Empire Strikes Back)
I admit that Princess Leia and Han Solo’s relationship remains one of my favorites in any franchise or film. This moment in The Empire Strikes Back stands above the rest as in a moment of true despair, Han Solo never changes his colors.
In what could be the final time Leia and Han see each other, Lei utters I Love You, and rather than reciprocating it back, Han calmly looks back and Leia and say, “I Know.” A moment that can make you laugh and cry and one that I hold dearly.
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3 – Obi-Wan Vs. Anakin (Revenge of the Sith)
I know that many reading this are thinking, “A moment in the prequels in your top 3?”! Over the past few years, there has been a reappraisal of the prequels, and while I still do not think the first two are anything to rave about, Revenge of the Sith stands as the best prequel, one of my favorite entries in the series.
The moment where after decades of wondering what a battle between Obi-Wan and Anakin would look like, cinephiles were treated to a battle for the ages. Not only does the lightsaber battle show two men who have run out of options but to fight each other, but this battle coincides with Palpatine vs. Yoda in the senate, and a haunting image of democracy dying with the destruction of the senate is close to perfection.
The cherry on top is John William’s brilliant score, and Obi-Wan, heartbroken and in disbelief, yells, “You were the chosen, it was said that you would destroy the Sith, not join it.” Yep, that’s what Star Wars is all about.
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4 – Luke Blows Up the Death Star (A New Hope)
Every hero’s story has its origins. After doubting Obi-Wan’s teachings about the force for a good portion of A New Hope, this moment turns the tide in the story of Luke Skywalker and the rebel alliance.
This was the first time Luke put aside his need for technology and instead put faith in the force. It’s the crucial moment in Luke’s path to becoming a Jedi.
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5 – Snoke’s Throne Room (The Last Jedi)
Ahh, Yes, The Last Jedi is the most divisive film in the entire saga, but one I consider to be the best entry in the series since The Empire Strikes Back. While I can defend this film, this is about moments, and Snoke’s Throne Room is incredible.
From Kylo’s drawing his lightsaber on his true enemy to Steven Yedlin’s brilliant cinematography capturing Kylo and Rey back to back, taking down Snoke’s guards, the beauty of Star Wars is fully charged and realized in this scene.
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6 – Vader’s Vengeance (Rogue One
Darth Vader is widely regarded as one of the greatest villains of all time. However, while warranted, it was not until this moment in Rogue One, that his true evil is seen.
Compared to slashers of the 80s, Vader enters and is relentless in taking down anyone who stands in his way with his lightsaber and the force. It’s the ultimate show of Vader’s powers and prowess as the big bad we all know him to be.
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7 – Yoda lifts Luke’s X-Wing (The Empire Strikes Back)
The Empire Strikes Back introduces us to one of the most important characters of the series, Yoda. An integral part of Luke’s development as a Jedi, Yoda teaches Luke that size does not matter when it comes to force.
Aided by John William’s iconic “Yoda’s Theme,” Yoda uses the force and lifts Luke’s X-Wing from the swamp to prove that nothing is too big.
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8 – The Battle Of Hoth (The Empire Strikes Back)
As the Empire Strikes Back commences, we are introduced to a new planet, Hoth. The introduction of Hoth aids in a critical time for the series in showing an increase in size and scale.
The Battle of Hoth shows the Empire is not taking their defeat lying down but introduces us to AT-ATs and snow speeders. It emphasizes the Empire’s dominance and the rebellion’s vulnerability.
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9 – I Am a Jedi, Like My Father Before Me (The Return of The Jedi)
While The Return of the Jedi has its problems, Luke’s journey is not one of them. Facing the same dark path as his father, Luke realizes that Palpatine wants him to strike his father done.
In the act of defiance, Luke refuses and tells Palpatine, “I Am A Jedi, Like My Father Before Me.”
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10 – Duel of the Fates – (The Phantom Menace)
As mentioned before, I can’t fully defend the reprisal of Episodes 1 and 2. However, there is no denying the doors opening with a hooded Darth Maul awaiting a duel of the dates with a Jedi and Padawan is not essential Star Wars.
The lightsaber battle between Maul, Obi-Wan, and Qui-Gon Jinn was a tease of things in Episode 3. At that point in time, it was a unique lightsaber battle and, along with John William’s “Duel of the Fates,” remains one of the essential and best moments in the franchise.
NEXT: Star Wars: Skeleton Crew New Series Details
David Gonzalez is the founder and chief film critic of Reel Talk Inc. and host of the Reel Chronicles podcast. As a Cuban American independent film critic, David has written fair and diverse criticism covering movies of all genres and spotlighting minority voices through Reel Talk for the past eight years.
David has covered and reviewed films for Tribeca, TIFF, NYFF, Sundance, and several other film festivals. He is a member of New York Film Critics Online (NYFCO) and the Latino Entertainment Journalists Association (LEJA).
As an avid film collector and awards watcher, David’s finger is always on the industry’s pulse. He informs and educates with knowledgeable and exciting content and has become a trusted resource for readers and listeners alike.
Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter and Instagram @reeltalkinc.