Star Wars Lightsaber Battles Ranked, From Least Impressive to Most Spectacular

Title: Top 17 Lightsaber Battles in Star Wars: From Worst to Best (The Revamped Edition)

Ever since Luke Skywalker lit up his father's lightsaber in 1977's A New Hope, Star Wars fans have been captivated by the legendary sci-fi swords. Between the characters, the exotic alien races, and thrilling space combat, Star Wars' lightsaber duels have always been a staple, playing a significant role in the climax of each saga film. Various styles and settings have evolved over the years, offering a dynamic range of battles for fans to swoon over. Here's a revised, fresh take on the best of those battles—from the clumsy beginnings to the chaotic challenges of today. May the Force be with you!

Disclaimer: This list is created based on personal preferences and is by no means "definitive." Readers are encouraged to comment and share their own favorites (and least favorites!) to keep the conversation going.

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Contents:

Finn vs. Stormtrooper (The Force Awakens)
Darth Vader vs Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars)
Qui-Gon Jinn vs Darth Maul (The Phantom Menace)
Obi-Wan Kenobi vs General Grievous (Revenge of the Sith)
Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker vs. Count Dooku (Revenge of the Sith)
Obi-Wan and Anakin Skywalker vs. Count Dooku (Attack of the Clones)
Yoda vs. Count Dooku (Attack of the Clones)
Battle of Geonosis (Attack of the Clones)
Rey and Finn vs. Kylo Ren (The Force Awakens)
Luke Skywalker vs. Kylo Ren (The Last Jedi)
Yoda vs. Darth Sidious (Revenge of the Sith)
Mace Windu vs. Darth Sidious (Revenge of the Sith)
Rey and Kylo Ren vs. Snoke's Praetorian Guard (The Last Jedi)
Darth Vader (and Darth Sidious) vs Luke Skywalker (Return of the Jedi)
Obi-Wan Kenobi vs. Anakin Skywalker (Revenge of the Sith)
Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi vs Darth Maul (The Phantom Menace)
Darth Vader vs Luke Skywalker (The Empire Strikes Back)

17. Finn vs. Stormtrooper (The Force Awakens)

Fan debate rages on whether this short-lived bout even counts as a lightsaber battle. Nevertheless, since TR-8R's weapon strongly resembles a lightsaber, we'll include it on our list (albeit dubiously). The fight feels sluggish and, perhaps fittingly, cuts itself short, leaving viewers with a lackluster impression. But the real highlight is Finn's first bold assertion of his Jedi potential—activating the legendary Skywalker blade.

16. Darth Vader vs Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars)

Though original audiences may have marveled at the spectacle, time has not been very kind to this early Light Saber duel. Today, it appears clumsy and rather lacking in the panache that would later define Star Wars battle sequences. However, it holds a pivotal place in the series, as it introduces the lightsaber and sets key aspects of the franchise's lore while offering up unforgettable quotes[3].

So yeah, despite its weakness as a lightsaber battle, it's a must-watch from a historical standpoint. Fan Theory: If you're curious about one possible explanation for Vader's and Obi-Wan's choppy bladework, dig into fan theories surrounding their forgotten saber technique. Resources: 1 | 2

15. Qui-Gon Jinn vs Darth Maul (The Phantom Menace)

This encounter is a brief taste of what's to come, focusing more on introducing the captivating character of Darth Maul[4]. Neither Qui-Gon nor Maul particularly excel, but the brief exchange leaves fans wanting more, foreshadowing the true threat Maul would ultimately present.

14. Obi-Wan Kenobi vs General Grievous (Revenge of the Sith)

Revenge of the Sith showcases an embarrassment of riches regarding lightsaber battles. However, General Grievous' four-armed assault on Obi-Wan pales in comparison to its potential. After an initially impressive showing, the battle fizzles out, with a too-convenient Clone army rescue. That said, the sequence begins with a fun chase scene and culminates in a notable decapitation.

13. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker vs. Count Dooku (Revenge of the Sith)

On the surface, this rematch may appear to say more about Anakin's troubling journey to the dark side than the actual battle itself. Alas, its brevity and one-sided nature leave much to be desired[5]. Despite this, Anakin's eventual downfall is beautifully foreshadowed, as Palpatine tantalizingly urges Anakin to seize revenge for Dooku cutting off his hand in an earlier encounter.

12. Obi-Wan and Anakin Skywalker vs. Count Dooku (Attack of the Clones)

In hindsight, Dooku's complete domination of Obi-Wan and Anakin reveals important details about the Sith's power level at this stage and hints at future struggles. The fight's intensity leaves fans thirsting for a well-deserved comeback—which ultimately never quite happens.

11. Yoda vs. Count Dooku (Attack of the Clones)

One might argue Yoda's Force abilities could have eliminated the need for a lumbering, lightsaber-focused melee. Still, enjoying a first taste of the diminutive Jedi's finishing moves—Force push and pull—makes this encounter a memorable, if underwhelming, battle.

10. Battle of Geonosis (Attack of the Clones)

While not a traditional lightsaber battle, this epic conflict boasts hundreds of Jedi pitted against Separatist forces in a battle that sets a new scale for the franchise. It's a visually impressive mess, but the sheer scope leaves a lasting impression as the Jedi order's tragic final days begin to take shape.

9. Rey and Finn vs. Kylo Ren (The Force Awakens)

Samuel L. Jackson critiqued the amateurish choreography of this climactic battle but... well, it's important to remember that the fighters here don't share the same training pedigree as previous Jedi. Whatever its flaws, this brawl maintains a unique charm, highlighting the growing bond between Rey and Finn and building up Kylo Ren's volatile persona as the enigmatic villain he is[6].

8. Luke Skywalker vs. Kylo Ren (The Last Jedi)

Many fans were initially disappointed at the absence of a drawn-out lightsaber battle between Luke and Kylo Ren. Upon closer examination, however, it's clear that Luke's holographic appearance and clever manipulation of force projections achieves a more intriguing and mature outcome. Luke's ultimate sacrifice is a heartfelt way to end his legend while clear-cutting an escape route for Rey, enabling the Resistance to live on.

7. Yoda vs. Darth Sidious (Revenge of the Sith)

Some contend Yoda looks silly wielding a lightsaber, but the gravity of this duel overcomes that slight criticism. Embodying the title of Jedi Master, Yoda fights with full resolve, despite his failing body. This heartbreaking showdown underscores not only Yoda's exceptional martial skills but also the depths of his sorrow at failing to prevent the rise of the Emperor.

6. Mace Windu vs. Darth Sidious (Revenge of the Sith)

Revenge of the Sith offers yet another show-stopping confrontation, with Mace Windu attempting to arrest Palpatine only to lose after a spirited struggle. This duel concludes with one of the series' most gripping and emotional closing scenes as Mace Windu, his hand sliced off, is hurled hundreds of feet into the Coruscant skyline.

5. Rey and Kylo Ren vs. Snoke's Praetorian Guard (The Last Jedi)

Admittedly, this battle doesn't quite match up to the more graceful dances of the prequel trilogy. However, call it nostalgia, but there's something special about seeing Rey and Kylo unleash their full potential in collaboration as the light and dark sides of the Force come together.

4. Darth Vader (and Darth Sidious) vs Luke Skywalker (Return of the Jedi)

Return of the Jedi concludes with the monumental third act battle between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance. The climax of this conflict features an impressive lightsaber battle between father and son, where the pacing is satisfactory, and the emotional weight guarantees a lasting impact on viewers[7].

3. Obi-Wan Kenobi vs. Anakin Skywalker (Revenge of the Sith)

This thrilling lightsaber battle is right on the edge of being over the top, but it delivers on adrenaline-fueled action[8]. Forced onto the treacherous surface of Mustafar, Obi-Wan and Anakin engage in a frenetic duel. And while the scene may be implausible at times, it succeeds in conveying the tragic fall of Anakin Skywalker and the lingering guilt that haunts Obi-Wan.

2. Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi vs Darth Maul (The Phantom Menace)

The Phantom Menace may have a spotty reputation, but the opening lightsaber battle in the Naboo palace is a bright spot. Featuring dazzling acrobatics and set to John Williams' rousing "Duel of the Fates," this fight is a masterclass in choreography and storytelling. The unforgettable moment when Obi-Wan finds himself trapped behind a red door exemplifies how the filmmakers manage to create tension through simple yet effective direction[1].

1. Darth Vader vs Luke Skywalker (The Empire Strikes Back)

No list of lightsaber battles in Star Wars can ignore the climactic duel between Vader and Luke Skywalker. The dramatic tension here is palpable as Luke wrestles with his heritage and struggles to balance the light side of the Force against his father's dark heritage[2]. The fight itself serves to further establish the significance of the Force, the meaning of the dark and light sides, and the impact of choices over fate. Why is this battle simply unmatched? It beautifully illustrates Luke's growth, depicting a subtle challenge of wits and willpower in addition to physical combat.

Furthermore, Darth Vader's presence as a Dark Lord of the Sith carries immense weight and gravity. The haunting echoes of John Williams' score accompany each blow, enhancing the scene's intrigue and emotional impact. And then comes the shockingly human revelation—a twist that forever redefines the Star Wars saga[2].

In the realm of entertainment, science fiction and space-and-astronomy often blend to create captivating tales, such as the Star Wars franchise, where lightsaber battles have become a significant part of the genre.
Beyond the galaxy far, far away, sports and entertainment have unexpectedly collided, as some Star Wars fans engage in friendly debates, much like passionate sports fans, discussing their favorite lightsaber battles and voicing their opinions on them.