Buzz
Ever since the unforgettable moment Luke Skywalker ignited his father’s lightsaber in 1977’s A New Hope, Star Wars aficionados have been enthralled by the futuristic laser swords brandished by both Jedi and Sith. While the series boasts a myriad of captivating elements—rich characters, diverse alien species, and exhilarating space battles—the lightsaber duels remain a cornerstone of the saga, often serving as pivotal moments in each film’s climax.
With eight live-action films (and more on the way), the evolution of lightsaber battles has been remarkable. Ranking them is no easy feat, as preferences vary widely. Some fans favor the intricate choreography of the prequel trilogy, while others cherish the raw, unpolished duels of the original films. My personal bias may shine through in this list, but remember, these rankings are purely subjective and open to debate.
Below, you’ll find all 17 lightsaber duels ranked from least to most impressive. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments—let us know which battles you love and which ones you’d rather forget!
*Note: While the Darth Vader hallway scene in Rogue One is undeniably one of the most thrilling lightsaber moments, I’ve excluded it from this list. It’s more of a one-sided massacre than a true duel. Let’s take a moment to honor those Rebel soldiers who tragically crossed paths with the Dark Lord in that fateful corridor …
17. Finn vs. Stormtrooper (The Force Awakens)
Given its brevity and the fact that one participant lacks a lightsaber, the skirmish between Finn and Stormtrooper TR-8R barely qualifies as a lightsaber duel. However, I’ve included it because TR-8R’s weapon bears enough resemblance to a lightsaber to meet the criteria I’ve set for this ranking. This fight is underwhelming—it ends too quickly, and watching Finn struggle against a Stormtrooper wielding a non-lightsaber weapon isn’t particularly thrilling (though the First Order’s Z6 Riot Control Baton’s ability to block lightsaber strikes is undeniably impressive). The real standout moment is Finn igniting Anakin’s lightsaber, marking its first appearance since being lost in The Empire Strikes Back.
16. Darth Vader vs Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars)
The duel that introduced lightsaber battles to the world may have dazzled audiences in 1977, but today, the final showdown between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader appears more like a clumsy exchange between novices than a clash of seasoned warriors. Admittedly, no one in 1977 had a clear vision of what a lightsaber duel should entail or the cultural phenomenon it would become, making it easier to forgive the awkward execution in hindsight.
Thankfully, the lightsaber fight serves as a backdrop for a pivotal conversation between Obi-Wan and Darth Vader. This dialogue lays crucial groundwork for Star Wars lore and delivers some of the franchise’s most iconic lines, such as, “The circle is now complete. When I left you, I was but the learner. Now, I am the master!”
While this isn’t a standout lightsaber duel, fans of intriguing theories might appreciate this one, which offers an explanation for why Obi-Wan and Vader appear to have lost their mastery of the weapon. It’s a fascinating read worth checking out!
15. Qui-Gon Jinn vs Darth Maul (The Phantom Menace)
This short duel primarily serves as an introduction to Darth Maul, and it succeeds in that regard. The encounter leaves much to the imagination about the Sith Lord’s abilities, which are fully showcased later in The Phantom Menace. Qui-Gon Jinn manages to hold his ground, but his struggle against Maul’s relentless attacks is evident. After escaping, Qui-Gon appears visibly exhausted, telling Obi-Wan that his opponent is highly skilled in the “Jedi arts.” While Darth Maul’s true prowess is revealed later, this duel offers a solid introduction to the character and a decent, though not particularly remarkable, lightsaber battle.
14. Obi-Wan Kenobi vs General Grievous (Revenge of the Sith)
Revenge of the Sith features numerous lightsaber duels, but Obi-Wan Kenobi’s clash with General Grievous stands out more for its visuals than its narrative weight. The battle begins impressively, with Grievous igniting his four lightsabers and boasting about his training under Count Dooku, the Sith Lord who easily defeated Obi-Wan in Attack of the Clones. Grievous then employs a spinning attack, slowly advancing on Obi-Wan, making it seem as though the Jedi has no chance of breaking through his defense.
However, the duel takes an unexpectedly mundane turn. Kenobi swiftly gains control, severing two of Grievous’ hands. Before he can deliver the final blow, the Clone army intervenes, enabling Grievous to flee. The ensuing chase is entertaining, but the lightsaber clash itself falls short of expectations and fails to capitalize on its initial promise.
13. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker vs. Count Dooku (Revenge of the Sith)
Looking back, this rematch didn’t live up to the hype. After dominating Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker in Attack of the Clones, Count Dooku faces them again aboard General Grievous’ flagship, where Emperor Palpatine is held captive. While the fight differs from their previous encounter, it’s too short and one-sided to leave a lasting impression. Obi-Wan is knocked out early, leaving Anakin to duel Dooku alone once more. Anakin defeats Dooku with relative ease, culminating in the Sith Lord’s near-decapitation by crossed lightsabers.
The highlight of the scene comes when Palpatine persuades Anakin to avenge his severed hand by beheading Dooku. This moment effectively showcases Anakin’s descent into the Dark Side, but the lightsaber battle itself lacks creativity and fails to stand out.
12. Obi-Wan and Anakin Skywalker vs. Count Dooku (Attack of the Clones)
The late Sir Christopher Lee was renowned for his portrayal of iconic villains, and his role as the treacherous Jedi Count Dooku stands out as one of his finest. Lee’s performance is a highlight of Attack of the Clones, a film otherwise considered lackluster in the Star Wars saga. He truly shines when Dooku ignites his lightsaber and unleashes chaos. Although it’s evident that a stunt double handles much of the action, the duel remains gripping as the overconfident Obi-Wan and Anakin are thoroughly outclassed by the seasoned Sith Lord.
Even with Anakin wielding two lightsabers, he’s no match for Dooku’s skill. The Sith Lord humbles the young Jedi by severing his hand and leaving both him and Obi-Wan defeated. When Attack of the Clones debuted, fans were used to seeing Jedi overcome adversity, making it a refreshing change to witness them suffer a decisive loss.
11. Yoda vs. Count Dooku (Attack of the Clones)
Immediately following the previous duel, Yoda faces Count Dooku in his first on-screen action sequence. While Yoda drawing his lightsaber was a thrilling moment for fans, the execution of the fight falls short. The idea of Yoda battling Dooku is compelling, but the reality—filled with exaggerated flips and loud exclamations—feels more absurd than awe-inspiring.
Yoda’s strength always seemed to transcend physical combat, making it disappointing to see him reduced to acrobatic antics. While the duel showcases his mastery of Force push and pull, it pales in comparison to other, more memorable lightsaber battles in the Star Wars saga.
10. Battle of Geonosis (Attack of the Clones)
This battle slightly deviates from the norm as it doesn’t involve direct lightsaber-on-lightsaber combat, but its sheer scale and significance to the Star Wars universe earn it a place on this list. Hundreds of Jedi clash with Separatist forces to rescue Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Padme, marking a pivotal moment that arguably signals the beginning of the Jedi Order’s downfall, as many perish in the fight. While the CGI has aged poorly, the scene remains a technical achievement.
The scene is packed with action: countless lightsabers clash with battle droids, Anakin rides a chariot, and Mace Windu showcases his skills by decisively defeating Jango Fett (though it’s jarring to see him decapitate Jango in front of his son, Boba). After nearly two hours of awkward romantic subplots, this battle felt like a breath of fresh air upon release. While it lacks subtlety, its ambition and scale make it a memorable and entertaining sequence.
9. Rey and Finn vs. Kylo Ren (The Force Awakens)
Shortly after The Force Awakens premiered, Samuel L. Jackson critiqued the film’s climactic lightsaber duel, suggesting the participants needed “lightsaber fight school.” While his critique holds some truth—the battle lacks the polished elegance of prequel trilogy duels—it overlooks the context. Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren are far less trained than the Jedi of earlier films, which explains the fight’s raw and unrefined nature. This lack of finesse adds a layer of realism, reflecting their inexperience and the stakes of the moment.
Finn is quickly overpowered due to his lack of experience, while Rey, still discovering her abilities, fights with an unrefined style. Kylo Ren, the most skilled of the trio, is hindered by his emotional instability and a severe bowcaster wound, which weakens his performance. Despite its lack of intricate choreography, the scene compensates with emotional depth and thematic weight, making it a memorable, if not flawless, addition to Star Wars’ lightsaber battles.
8. Luke Skywalker vs. Kylo Ren (The Last Jedi)
This confrontation is unique, as it’s debatable whether it even qualifies as a traditional lightsaber duel. Set on the salt flats of Crait, Luke Skywalker’s stand against the First Order is one of the most visually striking moments in Star Wars. Luke deflects blaster fire effortlessly and outmaneuvers Kylo Ren, only for the audience to discover he’s projecting himself through the Force from another planet. This act of immense power costs Luke his life but redeems him, allowing the Resistance to escape. The scene is bold, unexpected, and emotionally resonant, offering a fitting conclusion to Luke’s arc.
While Rian Johnson deserves praise for subverting expectations and delivering an emotionally satisfying end to Luke’s story, some fans may feel disappointed by the lack of a physical duel. However, it’s fitting that Kylo Ren is humiliated by an uncle who doesn’t even need to be present. Ultimately, the scene’s unconventional approach feels right for the story.
7. Yoda vs. Darth Sidious (Revenge of the Sith)
While Yoda still appears somewhat awkward wielding a lightsaber, his second on-screen duel is far more compelling due to the higher stakes. The battle between Yoda and Darth Sidious feels like a monumental clash, transitioning from Palpatine’s office to the Senate chamber, where the environment itself becomes a weapon. Senate pods are hurled as the two titans exchange blows, and despite knowing the outcome, viewers can’t help but root for Yoda’s victory.
Unfortunately, the wise Jedi Master is ultimately defeated and forced to retreat, burdened by the knowledge that he failed the Jedi Order by not being strong enough to defeat Sidious. While there are more nuanced and entertaining duels, this one remains one of the most pivotal in the Star Wars saga.
6. Mace Windu vs. Darth Sidious (Revenge of the Sith)
The prequels often face criticism, but Revenge of the Sith stands out for its dark tone and numerous lightsaber battles. Among them, the duel between Mace Windu and Darth Sidious is a franchise highlight. The scene is dripping with tension as Windu, accompanied by three fellow Jedi, confronts Chancellor Palpatine, only for the Sith Lord to reveal his true power. Sidious swiftly dispatches the other Jedi, leaving Windu to engage in a fierce lightsaber duel. Windu appears to gain the upper hand, but the outcome remains uncertain.
This scene’s brilliance lies in its ambiguity—it’s unclear whether Windu could have defeated Sidious without Anakin’s interference or if Palpatine orchestrated the entire event to manipulate Anakin. Regardless, the sequence concludes with one of the franchise’s most memorable deaths, as Windu loses his hand, is struck by Force Lightning, and is hurled to his demise. A masterful moment from George Lucas.
5. Rey and Kylo Ren vs. Snoke's Praetorian Guard (The Last Jedi)
The sole lightsaber duel in The Last Jedi, Rey and Kylo Ren’s collaboration against Snoke’s Praetorian Guard, is an electrifying sequence where the Light and Dark Sides briefly unite to confront a shared enemy. The battle follows Kylo Ren’s shocking assassination of Snoke, as he and Rey join forces to dismantle the existing power structure. Despite their combined strength, the Praetorian Guard proves formidable, with one guard nearly defeating Kylo Ren before Rey intervenes by tossing him her lightsaber.
While the choreography doesn’t quite match the precision of the prequel trilogy’s duels, it surpasses the uneven fights in The Force Awakens, establishing itself as the standout lightsaber battle of the sequel trilogy.
4. Darth Vader (and Darth Sidious) vs Luke Skywalker (Return of the Jedi)
Now we’re entering the realm of Star Wars’ finest moments. Despite its imperfections, Return of the Jedi delivers a thrilling third act, featuring three simultaneous battles: the ground skirmish between Rebels, Ewoks, and the 501st Legion; a massive space battle; and the climactic duel between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. While the original trilogy’s lightsaber duels lack the flashy acrobatics of the prequels, this confrontation compensates with its profound emotional weight, making it one of the saga’s most memorable.
Luke reluctantly enters combat with his father, spurred on by the manipulative Emperor Palpatine, whose presence elevates the scene. Ian McDiarmid shines as Palpatine, while Mark Hamill delivers a powerful performance, capturing Luke’s internal struggle to resist the Dark Side. Combined with John Williams’ iconic score, this sequence stands as one of Star Wars’ most memorable moments and a stellar lightsaber duel.
3. Obi-Wan Kenobi vs. Anakin Skywalker (Revenge of the Sith)
George Lucas went all out for his final lightsaber duel: the legendary showdown between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, a pivotal moment in Star Wars lore. Set on the fiery planet Mustafar, this battle is a visual spectacle, filled with acrobatics and intricate choreography as the former friends clash. The fight begins in a confined control room but quickly escalates to a grand scale, with the combatants even riding droids over a river of lava.
While the scene borders on absurdity, it succeeds due to the strong performances of Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen, who convey the pain of two allies turned enemies. Obi-Wan’s heartfelt declaration of brotherly love for Anakin is deeply moving, while Anakin’s infamous “I HATE YOU!” scream is both tragic and, at times, unintentionally humorous. Despite its flaws, this duel remains one of the most iconic in Star Wars history.
2. Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi vs Darth Maul (The Phantom Menace)
While The Phantom Menace may not be a standout film, it features what is arguably George Lucas’ greatest achievement in the prequel trilogy: the lightsaber duel between Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Darth Maul. The moment Maul reveals his double-bladed lightsaber is iconic, and the ensuing battle is a masterclass in choreography, storytelling, and musical accompaniment. Set to John Williams’ legendary “Duel of the Fates,” the fight pushes both Jedi to their limits as they battle through the Naboo Palace’s control rooms.
A standout moment is the red door sequence, where Obi-Wan is forced to wait helplessly as Qui-Gon is struck down by Maul. Despite some questionable choices in the final moments—like Maul’s inexplicable pause as Obi-Wan leaps from the pit—this duel would easily claim the top spot if not for one other legendary scene.
1. Darth Vader vs Luke Skywalker (The Empire Strikes Back)
While some may argue that ‘Duel of the Fates’ deserves the top spot for its action, nothing surpasses the climactic duel between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back. Fittingly, the greatest Star Wars film features the best lightsaber battle, culminating in one of cinema’s most shocking twists. The fight itself is a significant improvement over the duel in A New Hope, though it lacks the elegance of the prequel battles. Instead, director Irvin Kershner uses the duel to tell a compelling story, making it far more impactful.
Luke’s incomplete Jedi training is evident in his fighting style, as Vader dominates him. This scene solidifies Vader as one of cinema’s greatest villains, showcasing his ferocity and power. His taunt, “You’re not a Jedi yet,” underscores Luke’s inadequacy. This duel remains the gold standard for lightsaber battles and one of the franchise’s most iconic moments.
