Lightsaber duels are the heart and soul of the Star Wars saga, embodying the epic struggle between good and evil, light and dark. Throughout the franchise, certain duels have captured the imagination of fans, earning their place in cinematic history. In the most recent episode of “The Acolyte,” a mysterious Sith character effortlessly handled seven Jedi, showcasing a new style of lightsaber and introducing the live-action version of Cortosis armor. Despite the series’ divisive reception, most fans agree that this lightsaber battle was impressive. This raises the question: where does this battle rank among the greatest lightsaber duels? Here are my rankings of the ten best lightsaber battles in Star Wars:

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

This battle showcases Obi-Wan’s agility and mastery of the Force as he faces the four-armed cyborg General Grievous. This was the first time fans were able to witness Grievous use multiple lightsabers at one time. The choreography and the intensity of the fight, set against the backdrop of the planet Utapau, make it a memorable encounter. Lets not forget Kenobi drops his memorable line “Hello There” at the beginning of this epic battle.

9. Ahsoka Tano vs. Darth Maul (The Clone Wars)

In the final season of “The Clone Wars,” Ahsoka Tano and Darth Maul engage in a duel that is both visually stunning and emotionally charged. To elevate the realism of the lightsaber battle, despite the ease of orchestrating such scenes in animation, Dave Filoni enlisted Ray Park, the original Darth Maul, to choreograph the fight. This motion capture performance infuses the scene with a layer of authenticity, making it one of the most impressive choreographed battles in animated Star Wars.

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

Episode II is often ranked on the lower end of the Star Wars movies, primarily due to its questionable writing and storyline decisions. However, the film does have its standout moments. Seeing Yoda wield a lightsaber for the first time was a jaw-dropping experience for fans. His acrobatics and ferocity in the duel against Count Dooku not only showcased his incredible skills but also underscored why he is one of the most revered Jedi Masters.

7. Rey and Kylo Ren vs. Praetorian Guards (The Last Jedi)

This battle is a visual feast, as Rey and Kylo Ren form an uneasy alliance to take down Supreme Leader Snoke’s elite guards. While some of the choreography is questionable, the scene stands out as one of the best-filmed lightsaber battles, enhanced by the dramatic flair of Snoke’s throne room’s red backdrop.

6. Qimir vs. Master Sol And Other Jedi (The Acolyte)

This battle has definitely been the highlight of the series. Qimir was the focal point of this battle showcasing a masked and enigmatic warrior battling through all the Jedi with ease The use of long takes without rapid edits coupled with well-executed choreography and the intriguing narrative element of cortosis—a material that temporarily deactivates lightsabers—created a lightsaber battle that was thrilling.

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

The duel on Mustafar is a heartbreaking clash between master and apprentice. The volcanic landscape reflects the intensity and the high stakes of their battle, culminating in Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader. The emotional weight and sheer ferocity of this fight make it unforgettable.

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

This duel is iconic for its dramatic revelation (“I am your father”). Set within the cold, industrial confines of Cloud City, the battle is not just physical but psychological, with Luke facing his greatest challenge and the dark truth about his lineage.

3. Luke Skywalker vs. Darth Vader (Return of the Jedi)

The final confrontation between Luke and Vader, set against the backdrop of the Emperor’s throne room, is a clash of ideologies and destinies. Luke’s struggle to avoid the dark side and his ultimate victory in redeeming his father is a powerful moment that defines the saga’s core theme of redemption.

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

The Duel of the Fates is one of the most beloved lightsaber battles, thanks to its choreography, pacing, and John Williams’ epic score. Darth Maul’s double-bladed lightsaber added a new dimension to the fight, and the stakes were high with the fate of young Anakin Skywalker hanging in the balance.

1. Ahsoka Tano vs. Darth Vader (Star Wars Rebels)

I know I’m going to get some pushback for this choice, but this battle tops my list for its emotional depth and narrative significance. Ahsoka facing her former master, now fully transformed into Darth Vader, is a heart-wrenching and beautifully animated confrontation. The clash is not just physical but symbolic, representing the tragic fall of Anakin Skywalker and the enduring hope of redemption.

Each of these battles has left an indelible mark on the Star Wars saga, showcasing the franchise’s ability to blend action, emotion, and storytelling. Whether through the choreography, the stakes, or the character dynamics, these lightsaber duels continue to capture the imagination of audiences across generations. You can watch all these lightsaber duels and more Star Wars on Disney+.

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