Top 10 Star Wars Moments That Made Us Cry
#10: Order 66
Top 10 Jedi Who Survived Order 66
“Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” (2005) The prequel trilogy features more than a few tragic moments. But the largest one by scale comes at the conclusion of the Clone Wars. When Darth Sidious orders the clone troopers to execute Order 66, their inhibitor chips activate and force them to turn on their Jedi allies. In the midst of the carnage, Anakin Skywalker also betrays his former friends. Even … killing Younglings. The heartbreaking sequence really sinks in when we see Yoda feel the loss of so many he holds dear. Since expanded media let us get to know many of these Jedi better, this scene hits even harder now than when the movie debuted.
#9: Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Last Battle
Top 10 Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker Moments
“Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977) During the mission to rescue Princess Leia, Darth Vader confronts Obi-Wan Kenobi for a final duel. After trading blows and insults, Obi-Wan holds up his lightsaber and allows Vader to strike him down – disappearing and becoming one with the Force. This is yet another end that becomes more tragic when you watch more “Star Wars” media. Through the prequels, animated shows, and comics, we’ve gotten to know Obi-Wan a lot better. We also got to understand his complicated relationship with his former student Anakin. So every time we watch him fall to Vader, we start tearing up. This is a moment that will be with us…always.
#8: Ahsoka Leaves the Jedi Order
“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (2008-2020) Accused of a crime she didn’t commit, Jedi padawan Ahsoka Tano is initially cast out of the Order. But after her master Anakin Skywalker uncovers the truth, her name is cleared. When Ahsoka is given the chance to rejoin the Jedi, she rejects the offer. She can’t overcome the pain of knowing that people she trusted didn’t trust her. It’s heartbreaking to see Ahsoka and Anakin say goodbye. Although they both want to join the other, they know they must part. The tender music and gorgeous scenery brings a tear not just to Ashoka’s eye, but to ours as well.
#7: Luke Skywalker Becomes One with the Force
Top 10 Luke Skywalker Moments
“Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi” (2017) With the Resistance cornered and Kylo Ren poised to destroy them, Luke Skywalker arrives in the nick of time to challenge his nephew to a duel. Luke proves he’s still a warrior as he effortlessly dodges attacks. But as soon as he senses that his friends have escaped, he holds up his lightsaber like Obi-Wan did before him. Kylo swings, only to find that his opponent isn’t there. Luke was actually projecting his image from lightyears away. After bidding his nephew farewell, he returns to his exhausted body and disappears while watching one last binary sunset. The end of such an iconic character is bound to get anyone bawling. The iconic John Williams theme that comes with the familiar sunset really tugs on the heartstrings.
#6: 99’s Noble End
Top 10 Star Wars Moments
“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (2008-2020) Given that the clone troopers are mostly identical, a lot of them can blur together. But there’s one in particular that especially stands out – 99. Since he’s considered a defective clone, he was assigned to janitorial duty. Through all 99’s hardships, he remains a nice and surprisingly wise man who just wants to be like his brothers. When the cloning facility is attacked, he finally gets his chance. 99 gives it his all to defend his home. But he’s tragically shot while trying to get more supplies to help his brothers. It was sad to see one of the sweetest and most loveable characters in the whole “Star Wars” franchise pass away. He died as a true soldier.
#5: Ahsoka Pays Tribute to Fallen Clones
“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (2008-2020) Order 66 decimates the Jedi, but it also has an impact on the clones made to carry it out. While Ahsoka is in transit, Palpatine sends out the order, and Rex and the 501st Legion turn on her. Rex desperately struggles against his conditioning, to no avail. Although Ahsoka eventually succeeds in removing his inhibitor chip, she can’t do the same for the other clones, who go down with the ship. In the aftermath, Rex and Ahsoka bury their former comrades, marking the graves with their helmets. It’s a poignant reminder that the clones too were victims of Palatine’s machinations, and of the many casualties of the Clone Wars. As the series closed, our grief felt as raw as Ahsoka’s.
#4: Han Solo Falls
Top 10 Scenes That Ruined Star Wars for Fans
“Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens” (2015) While infiltrating Starkiller Base, Han Solo spots his son Ben, aka Kylo Ren. Earlier, Han told Leia that they had lost their son to the Dark Side forever; but Leia still had hope, and asked Han to bring him home. Rather than turning tail and escaping, Han confronts his son, trying to get through to him one last time. Although Kylo Ren is torn, he ultimately decides to commit patricide. Han reaches out to him one last time before falling from the bridge. Seeing such a beloved character killed off by his own child was especially heartbreaking. Although we know Han Solo hates to hear about the odds, the odds are high that his demise will leave you choked up.
#3: Anakin Loses to Obi-Wan
“Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” (2005) The climactic duel between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker in “Revenge of the Sith” is one of the most intense and emotional battles in the franchise. Its conclusion was bound to be tragic no matter who won. In the final moments of the fight, Vader tries to leap further than he should and loses his legs. He’s left trying to crawl away as lava slowly sets him on fire. It’s hard to see what Anakin has devolved into. And Obi-Wan’s emotional outburst at how far his friend has fallen hits us right in the feels. When Obi-Wan cries, we all cry.
#2: Darth Vader’s Redemption & Sacrifice
Top 10 Best Darth Vader Kills
“Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” (1983) Our last entry makes this one hit even harder. When Luke Skywalker goes to confront Emperor Palpatine, he refuses to strike his father Darth Vader down and stops attacking. The Emperor takes this opportunity to continuously shoot electricity at the young Skywalker. Eventually Vader stops the savage attack at the cost of his own life. The father and son have just enough time to look each other in the eyes and say farewell. We’ve followed Anakin’s journey through six films and supporting material. To see him meet his end this way still gets us teary-eyed. At least he died while doing something truly good again. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: The Death Star Destroys Scarif, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (2016) These Rebels Sacrificed Everything to Keep Hope Alive Fives’ Tragic End, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (2008-2020) Although We Knew His Quest Was Doomed, This Scene Still Hurts Losing Leia, “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” (2019) The Princess Passes On & Brings Her Son Back to the Light Padme’s Funeral, “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” (2005) She Never Got to See How Amazing Her Children Became Satine’s Demise, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (2008-2020) A Tragic Love Story That Ends with Obi-Wan Losing Yet Another Loved One to Maul
#1: Din & Grogu Say Goodbye
Top 20 Times Star Wars Characters Went Beast Mode
“The Mandalorian” (2019-) The relationship between Grogu, a.k.a. Baby Yoda, and the titular Mandalorian, Din Djarin, has been the heart and soul of this “Star Wars” show. That’s why we desperately wanted Din to rescue his young charge when the two got seperated. However, the Mandalorian and his allies need rescuing themselves after they’re cornered by Dark Troopers. Fortunately, the legendary Luke Skywalker comes to their aid. While seeing him kick ass was emotional enough, what followed next devastated us. Din recognizes that Grogu needs to be in the care of a Jedi and he lets Grogu go with Luke. Seeing the Mandalorian remove his helmet to say goodbye to his surrogate son had every fan sobbing! This is the way.
