Summary
As the firstStar Warscharacter to have a lightsaber duel onscreen,Darth Vaderset the standard that each subsequent entry would strive to top. A good lightsaber duel is now a quintessential aspect of theStar Warsexperience, creating a visually stunning and highly entertaining fight and physically representing the battle between the light and dark sides. While the first lightsaber duel in the originalStar Warsfilm was relatively simple compared to what came later, the franchise now encompasses an impressive variety of emotional and expertly choreographed sword fights.
Darth Vader himself has been at the center of many of the saga’s best lightsaber duels, from the first movie tothe latestStar WarsTV shows. The franchise has even branched out to include Vader in animation, video games, and more, allowing fans to experience lightsaber duels in new and interesting ways. 10Star Warslightsaber duels show Vader at his most terrifying, offer the greatest entertainment value, and encompass that which makes the franchise so special.
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Darth Vader’s first lightsaber duel - and the first duel of theStar Warsfranchise - was his final confrontation with Obi-Wan “Ben” Kenobi on the Death Star. While the choreography of this scene is admittedly limited and a bit silly compared to other lightsaber duels, it’s still an iconicStar Warsmoment. The direction, editing, and sound create a gripping atmosphere that makes up for the simple swordsmanship, while the performances add emotional depth.
The style also allows the scene to focus more on the characters, with witty dialogue that hints at their shared history. However, the most memorable part of the scene comes when Obi-Wan realizes he won’t make it out alive, choosing to let Vader strike him down and become one with the Force.The firstStar Warslightsaber duel ended with a victory for Darth Vaderbut established the themes that would come full circle by the end of the original trilogy.
Another Darth Vader duel with simple choreography came in theStar Wars Rebelsseason 2 premiere. An animated show that specifically sought to recapture the magic of the original trilogy,Star Wars Rebelsdrew heavy inspiration from Darth Vader’s previous duels, especially when the Sith Lord himself made a dramatic entrance. Rather than relying on speed or advanced moves,Vader overwhelms Kanan Jarrus through physical strength and the power of the dark side, making each move seem effortless.
It was a brilliant way to show how powerful Vader was compared to the Grand Inquisitor from the first season, who died in a fast-paced and acrobatic duel with Kanan. Vader easily bests a master and apprentice, survives being crushed by an Imperial walker, and deflects blaster bolts back at Sabine Wren, who would have died without her Mandalorian armor. Vader and Kanan’s duel adopted the general style of the firstStar Warsmovie while adding more weight and purpose to each strike.
Most viewers thought there would never be another onscreen fight between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi afterStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, but theObi-Wan Kenobiseries surprised fans with multiple lightsaber duels. The show revealed that the two had in fact crossed paths between Episodes III and IV, fighting once on the planet Mapuzo and a second time on a barren moon. This was complemented by a flashback showing the two in a sparring match during the prequels that foreshadowed their respective fates.
However, their final climactic duel in theObi-Wan Kenobiseason finale was by far the most engaging duel of the series. The choreography impressively combines aspects of the prequels, originals, and the flashback from the previous episodes, while also featuring parallels to otherStar Warsmovies and TV shows. What truly makes the duel iconic isObi-Wan seeing beneath Vader’s mask and accepting that his friend is gone for good, with brilliant performances from Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen.
Star Warshas had many impressive lightsaber duels across several video games, and theStar Wars Jedigames deserve praise for having some of the best to date. Darth Vader’s duel with Cere Junda inStar Wars Jedi: Survivorwas thrilling both in the cutscenes and the gameplay, topped by incredible graphics and an intense score.TheStar Wars Jedigames make Vader feel absolutely terrifying, and no matter how powerful Cere is, she’s ultimately no match for him. Her death feels especially tragic after coming so close to striking Vader down in her last moments.
Most of Darth Vader’s duels show him wearing his trademark suit of armor, butAhsokaseason 1, episode 5 “Part Five: Shadow Warrior” proved to be an exception. Despite initially meeting Anakin Skywalker’s spirit in theWorld Between Worlds, Ahsoka Tano is later confronted by his dark half, unleashing Vader’s ferocity with none of the restraints of his mechanical body. It’s a rare glimpse of what Vader may have looked like had Obi-Wan Kenobi not defeated him on Mustafar, and having Ahsoka fight her master while seeing his face is heartbreaking.
AnotherStar Warsvideo game series that pushed the boundaries of lightsaber combat wasStar Wars: The Force Unleashed.Telling the story of Darth Vader’s secret apprentice, Starkiller, each game ends with the assassin-turned-Jedi dueling his former master. While the first game was great, their second duel on Kamino at the end ofStar Wars: The Force Unleashed IIwas phenomenal, with each opponent displaying incredible power in the gameplay and scenes. The voice actors take the duel to another level with outstanding performances, particularly Sam Witwer as Starkiller.
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While seeing Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano together in live-action was incredible inAhsoka, their roles as master and apprentice began in animation, making it the best medium for the final duel. Darth Vader’s fight with Ahsoka in theStar Wars Rebelsseason 2 finale is well-choreographed, brilliantly scored, charged with emotion, and sports some of the most gorgeous animation in the franchise.Ahsoka seeing Anakin under the mask was a devastating way for the two to part ways, placing this among the most tragic lightsaber duels inStar Wars.
Darth Vader’s final lightsaber duel in life was also one of his best, serving as the final test for Luke Skywalker becoming a Jedi Knight. Reluctant to fight his father, Luke is manipulated by Palpatine and Vader into unleashing his Vader, finally gaining the upper hand on a foe who had previously appeared unstoppable. However, Vader’s defeat is far from triumphant, and Luke realizes that killing Vader would only make him his replacement. This inspires Vader to save his son and turn on his master, rejecting the dark side and offering him redemption in his final moments.
Luke Skywalker’s first duel with Darth Vader, meanwhile, showed how ruthless the Dark Lord of the Sith really was. Perfectly paced, expertly shot, and with choreography that perfectly balances skill with raw power,Vader’s second onscreen lightsaber duel showed whatStar Warssword fights were capable of. The final stretch of the fight on the bridge is one of the most intense action scenes in the franchise, ending with Luke losing a hand and learning that his greatest enemy is his father. Only one other Darth Vader lightsaber duel inStar Warscould top this one.
Darth Vader’s best lightsaber duel - arguably the greatest in the entireStar Warsfranchise - was his fight with Obi-Wan Kenobi on Mustafar at the end of theStar Warsprequel trilogy. Although he had not yet been placed inside the armor, Anakin Skywalker had accepted the title of Darth Vader by this point and given himself to the dark side.The choreography of this duel far surpasses anything else in the saga, requiring months of rehearsal and countless hours of work in every department. The end result is a credit toStar Wars, lightsaber duels, andDarth Vader’s abilities.
