Top 10 Greatest Darth Vader Scenes
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most legendary Darth Vader moments from across the “Star Wars” universe. You might sense some spoilers ahead. Is there a badass Darth Vader moment we missed? Let us know in the comments!
#10: Vader’s Introduction
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“Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977)
Darth Vader has become one of the greatest villains in cinema, and justifiably so! Right off the bat, his debut in “A New Hope” does not disappoint. When the rebel spaceship the Tantive IV is intercepted by the Empire, a fleet of stormtroopers overpower the rebels. And then, out steps Vader. In terms of first impressions, this moment is pretty much perfect. It has everything from his signature raspy breathing, to dispatching a foe, to bossing the stormtroopers around. Immediately, we know Darth Vader is a force to be reckoned with.
#9: Capture at Cloud City
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“Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” (1980)
It goes without saying that Darth Vader can hold his own against pretty much anyone. In this scene, he comes across like an apex predator playing with his prey, and it’s terrifyingly mesmerizing. When Lando Calrissian meets with Han, Chewbacca, and Leia on Cloud City, he ends up betraying them, taking them right to the Sith lord. Honestly, seeing Vader at a dining table like he’s just someone pleasantly awaiting his guests is pretty funny. But when he deflects Han’s blaster shots and takes the gun using the Force, we quickly remember that he’s not messing around.
#8: Force Choking Conan Motti
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“Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977)
You’d think it’d be a no-brainer not to try and belittle Darth Vader. After all, he’s one of the most feared Sith lords for good reason. Unfortunately, the imperial officer Conan Motti proves he isn’t the brightest in that regard. He verbally berates Vader in “A New Hope”, and even criticizes his connection to the Force. This bold move (and by bold we mean dumb and highly insulting) leads to a rude awakening for Conan as Vader proceeds to force-choke him. Grand Moff Tarkin convinces him to release Conan, but we bet he got the message. He, like Krennic in “Rogue One”, would be wise not to choke on his aspirations.
#7: Becoming Darth Vader
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“Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” (2005)
When Anakin turns to the dark side, he does heinous things like leading an attack on the Jedi Temple in what would be known as the Great Jedi Purge. But what initially cements his transformation into Darth Vader is when he strikes Mace Windu to save Chancellor Palpatine. By doing this, he gives the Chancellor (who’s been outed as a Sith lord) enough time to recover and kill Windu. While Anakin feels bad, this regret is only temporary. As Palpatine reveals his true nature, he gives Anakin the name he’d become best known by. You can say what you want about the prequels, but Anakin’s tragic fall from grace is incredible to watch.
#6: The Duel With Ahsoka
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“Star Wars Rebels” (2014-18)
“Twilight of the Apprentice” is one of the most memorable episodes of “Star Wars Rebels” for a reason. After all, it gives us the long-awaited clash between Darth Vader and Ahsoka Tano. She was Anakin Skywalker’s padawan. But when she finally confronts her former master on Malachor, she knows she has to stop him. Their fast-paced duel is as emotional as it is action-packed. We thought Vader finding her discarded lightsaber at the end of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” was intense, but this takes the cake. For them to face off now, after so long, only adds to the drama of this already deeply personal showdown. This is a beautiful battle we couldn’t forget even if we tried.
#5: Darth Vader Kills Obi-Wan
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“Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977)
Few have inflicted as much damage onto Darth Vader as Obi-Wan Kenobi. So when the two friends-turned-enemies see each other once again, you can bet Vader wants revenge. When the group infiltrates the Death Star to save Princess Leia, Obi-Wan sacrifices himself so the others can make it out alive. This means taking on Vader one last time. Their duel is short but swift, with the villain delivering a deadly blow to his former master, who resigns himself. What makes the scene so compelling is that even though he finally kills him, he arguably doesn’t get closure. Of course, that’s why it’s such an unforgettable Darth Vader moment – it brings the complexity of his story to the fore.
#4: Hallway Destruction
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“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (2016)
How do you make someone who’s already one of the most menacing villains ever even scarier? Bathe him in red light and stick him in a hallway with people who have wronged him. As the rebels try to dash away with the Death Star plans, he stops them. And let’s just say there’s no need to worry about him fighting slowly. He moves a mile a minute as he indiscriminately does away with everyone. This is a grand sci-fi epic, but with this moment, it feels like we’re watching a horror movie. Rebels meeting such a gruesome fate reminds us that we’d never want to be in a confined space with this guy.
#3: Returning to the Light
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“Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” (1983)
Considering every atrocious thing Darth Vader’s done, you might liken the idea of his redemption to a cold day in hell. Well, we’re here to tell you it sure is a cold day in hell during the final moments of “Return of the Jedi.” When Luke is nearly killed by the Emperor, Vader eventually decides to betray his master. He overpowers Darth Sidious and defeats him, saving his son. This finally brings Anakin Skywalker back. While he succumbs to his injuries and dies, he is able to look at Luke one final time. Whether he deserves forgiveness is debatable, but this scene could warm even the iciest of hearts.
#2: Fighting Obi-Wan on Mustafar
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“Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” (2005)
The tensions between Anakin and Obi-Wan finally boil over on the lava planet of Mustafar. From start to finish, this epic clash of two ideologically-opposed enemies keeps us on the edge of our seats. As they engage in a relentless battle, it becomes clear to both Obi-Wan and the audience that Anakin is long gone. We’re now dealing with Darth Vader, and we can practically feel the aura of hatred radiating off of him. While he ultimately ends up on the losing end of the battle, the loss is instrumental to his evolution. After all, he wouldn’t have donned the suit if his body wasn’t burnt to a crisp!
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Getting His Armor, “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” (2005)
This Suit Completes Anakin’s Transformation Into Darth Vader
Dragging Obi-Wan Through Fire, “Obi-Wan Kenobi” (2022)
Darth Vader Gets Payback
Intercepting the Rebels, “Star Wars Rebels” (2014-18)
Vader Isn’t Prepared to Let Them Win, After All
#1: “I Am Your Father”
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“Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” (1980)
We’re not exaggerating when we say that this is one of the greatest plot twists in cinematic history. As Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader battle on Bespin during “The Empire Strikes Back,” the villain overpowers the young Jedi. Luke has some impressive outings against the Empire, but when it comes down to fighting this Sith lord here, he’s hopelessly outmatched. Vader corners him, before dropping the enormous bombshell that he is in fact his father. We can’t quite blame Luke for being upset. If anything he might’ve been a little more willing to join the dark side if dear old dad hadn’t done that to his arm! Hey, Darth Vader knows how to leave his mark, and it’s epic, unbeatable stuff.
