May the 4th Be With You: Ranking the Top 15 Lightsaber Duels in Star Wars History
In honor of May the 4th, we're celebrating Star Wars Day by ranking the top 15 lightsaber duels from all the movies in the beloved franchise. These iconic battles have kept fans on the edge of their seats for decades, showcasing not only incredible choreography and special effects, but also representing pivotal moments in the characters' journeys. From the classic showdown between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader in 'A New Hope' to the intense face-off between Rey and Kylo Ren in 'Rise of Skywalker,' we've got you covered on the most epic lightsaber clashes.
So, grab your favorite lightsaber, channel the Force, and join us as we relive the electrifying moments where the forces of good and evil collide in a ballet of glowing blades. May the 4th be with you on this thrilling trip through the galaxy far, far away.
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#15. Kylo Ren vs. Rey - 'The Force Awakens'
As Rey begins to embrace her Force abilities, she faces off against Kylo Ren in a snowy forest on Starkiller Base. Their intense clash showcases Rey's newfound strength, culminating in her overpowering Kylo Ren and leaving him defeated as the planet crumbles around them.
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#14. Qui-Gon Jinn vs. Darth Maul - 'The Phantom Menace'
This brief yet pivotal encounter on Tatooine sees Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn unexpectedly come face-to-face with the sinister Sith Lord, Darth Maul. The fast-paced duel ends with Qui-Gon escaping onto the Nubian royal starship, setting the stage for a more epic rematch later in the film.
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#13. Obi-Wan Kenobi vs. Darth Vader - 'A New Hope'
Taking place aboard the Death Star, the confrontation showcases the stark contrast between Obi-Wan's wisdom and Darth Vader's embrace of the dark side. The duel ends with Obi-Wan willingly allowing himself to be struck down by Vader, becoming one with the Force and, in turn, strengthening the resolve of the Rebellion.
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#12. Obi-Wan Kenobi & Anakin Skywalker vs. Count Dooku - 'Attack of the Clones'
This thrilling battle sees the Jedi duo confront the treacherous Count Dooku on Geonosis. The duel showcases Dooku's exceptional skills, as he defeats Obi-Wan and severs Anakin's arm before Yoda's timely arrival forces him to retreat.
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#11. Kylo Ren Vs. Rey - 'Rise of Skywalker'
Amid the wreckage of the second Death Star, Kylo Ren and Rey engage in an emotionally charged duel. As Leia reaches out through the Force, Kylo falters, and Rey impales him. She then heals his wounds, leaving Kylo to reconsider his allegiance to the dark side.
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#10. Rey & Ren vs. Snoke's Guards - 'The Last Jedi'
Following Snoke's shocking demise, Rey and Kylo Ren join forces to face off against the formidable Praetorian Guards. This visually stunning and expertly choreographed battle sees the two showcase their exceptional abilities, ultimately emerging victorious against the elite guards.
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#9. Mace Windu vs. Chancellor Palpatine - 'Revenge of the Sith'
Jedi Master Mace Windu confronts Palpatine upon discovering his true identity as the Sith Lord, Darth Sidious. Their electrifying battle ends when Anakin intervenes, severing Windu's hand, and allowing Palpatine to hurl him out of the window.
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#8. Anakin & Obi-Wan vs. Count Dooku - 'Revenge of the Sith'
The opening act of Episode III sees the duo confront Count Dooku aboard the Invisible Hand. The fierce battle ends with Anakin disarming Dooku and, under Palpatine's influence, decapitating the Sith Lord, marking a crucial step towards Anakin's fall to the dark side.
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#7. Obi-Wan Kenobi vs. General Grievous - 'Revenge of the Sith'
Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi hunts down the menacing cyborg General Grievous on Utapau. Their intense duel culminates in Obi-Wan gaining the upper hand, using Grievous's own blaster to defeat him, causing the cyborg general to combust.
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#6. Yoda vs. Count Dooku - 'Attack of the Clones'
Yoda arrives to save Anakin and Obi-Wan from Dooku's wrath on Geonosis. The showdown between the wise Jedi Master and the powerful Sith Lord is a dazzling display of Force abilities and lightsaber combat, ultimately ending in a stalemate as Dooku flees.
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#5. Luke Skywalker vs. Darth Vader - 'The Empire Strikes Back'
This epic confrontation marks the first time Luke faces off against the imposing Darth Vader. Their intense duel climaxes with the shocking revelation of Luke's true parentage, leaving him physically and emotionally devastated.
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#4. Luke Skywalker vs. Darth Vader - 'Return of the Jedi'
The final showdown between father and son takes place aboard the second Death Star. As the Emperor looks on, Luke's inner conflict between light and dark comes to a head. Ultimately, he refuses to succumb to the dark side, prompting Vader to redeem himself by saving his son and destroying the Emperor.
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#3. Yoda vs. Emperor Palpatine - 'Revenge of the Sith'
In an epic clash of titans, Jedi Master Yoda faces off against the malevolent Emperor Palpatine in the heart of the Galactic Senate. Their monumental duel showcases the full extent of their powers, with Yoda narrowly escaping after realizing he cannot defeat the newly crowned Emperor.
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#2. Qui-Gon Jinn & Obi-Wan Kenobi vs. Darth Maul - 'The Phantom Menace'
This iconic three-way battle on Naboo sees the Jedi duo take on the formidable Sith Lord, Darth Maul. The fast-paced and acrobatic duel ends tragically with Qui-Gon's death, followed by Obi-Wan avenging his master by slicing Maul in half. That soundtrack though!
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#1. Obi-Wan Kenobi vs. Anakin Skywalker - 'Revenge of the Sith'
A heart-wrenching duel between former friends and brothers in arms, this showdown takes place on the fiery lava world of Mustafar. As Anakin succumbs to the dark side, Obi-Wan reluctantly faces him, ultimately leaving Anakin severely injured and emotionally scarred, setting the stage for his transformation into Darth Vader.
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