Our Top 10 Live-Action Star Wars Sequences (So Far)

There were a lot to choose from

Since 1977, the Star Wars universe has birthed some of the coolest moments for screens big and small. From emotional reunions to action packed lightsaber battles, Lucasfilm property has continuously had fans on the edge of their seats.

But, which are the best? Our team have put together and picked our favourite sequences from the galaxy far, far away. Take a look below!

10. Luke & Leia Race Through Endor (Episode 6: Return Of The Jedi)

May not be an obvious choice, but its a sequence that was ahead of it’s time. On the forest moon of Endor, the rebels plot to shut down the shield generator for the second Death Star, until they run into stormtroopers. As some flee to alert the empire, Luke and Leia are quickly in pursuit via a speeder.

The use of special effects look amazing for 1983 and given the revelation of Luke and Leia being twins, it is cool to see the pair being badass alone.

9. Anakin Finds Shmi (Episode 2: Attack Of The Clones)

One of the most heartbreaking moments of any Star Wars content. It has been 10 years since Anakin left his mother on Tatooine to begin his Jedi training. After nightmares of his suffering, the young apprentice returns to the desert planet to find she has been sold out of slavery and married to a moisture farmer. The downside is she was taken hostage by Tuskan Raiders weeks prior to her son’s return, prompting him to go on the hunt for his mother and her captors.

When he finds her, she dies moments after looking into her son’s eyes one last time…and queue the beginning of the young jedi’s fall to the dark side as he cuts down every Tuskan Raider in the camp. And not just the men…but the women…and the OH YOU KNOW WHAT I’M GETTING AT.

8. Rey & Kylo Fight Side By Side (Episode 8: The Last Jedi)

I know. I’m as amazed as anyone that a sequence from the sequel trilogy made it into the top 10. In a surprising twist of events, Kylo Ren decapitates his mentor, Supreme Leader Snoke, and fights off the imperial guards back to back with Jedi apprentice Rey.

Though The Last Jedi is not one of the best Star Wars films, this fight sequence is pretty cool to watch and it is unexpected at this point to see a red lightsaber and blue lightsaber fighting on the same side…at least for a bit.

7. Palpatine Vs Mace Windu (Episode 3: Revenge Of The Sith)

This is where we finally get to see the badass-ery of Palpatine. Its also the moment that gave us the now famous “I am the Senate” meme. Upon the revelation that Palpatine is the Sith Lord the Jedi have been looking for and he’s been pulling the strings all along, Mace Windu arrives to arrest him with other Jedi Masters in tow. In no time, Palpatine has dropped his facade and is locked in a quick, no-messing-around lightsaber battle.

The quick moves. The fact that its a Jedi Master against a fully fledged Sith Lord. How quickly Palpatine cuts down the other Jedi Masters. Its a very cool entrance for Darth Sidious.

6. Luke Faces The First Order (Episode 8: The Last Jedi)

Again, I know, another sequel trilogy moment. But it is pretty great, right? Having already turned down returning to fight the First Order, Luke Skywalker has a change of heart and shows up to stand against his nephew Ben Solo and his army. Unknown to us at the time is that Luke is appearing as a projection (the sudden younger look should have been a giveaway mind you). After surviving an armada of laser blasts and a quick no-contact duel with his nephew, Luke shows how powerful he is and shows he doesn’t need to physically be there to win the battle, as his presence has bided time for the resistance to escape.

A great last stand for such an iconic character. Just a shame that the majority of the film was a let down all in all.

5. Luke Vs Darth Vader (Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back)

Probably the most well known fight in the entire Saga. Empire Strikes Back brings Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader face to face finally, and they duke it out, making it the first full length lightsaber battle of the Star Wars universe.

The battle covers a lot of ground, has some scary moments, and despite the lack of quick moments we see in later films, it has you on the edge of your seat. Lest we forget, it ends with the biggest plot twist in the history of cinema. If you aren’t of what I’m referring to, do you even deserve to be reading this article?

4. Darth Vader Attacks (Rogue One)

Star Wars movies helped to make Darth Vader an iconic villain. One that would scare children, not fully grown men. Then Rogue One happened, and we got the most eye opening side of Vader ever.

Leading into the events of A New Hope, the rebels are escaping with the plans for the Death Star. Then, we get Vader aboard their ship, with a group of rebels prepared to shoot…little do they know they have no chance in hell of surviving the moment the dark lord ignites his lightsaber. It is thrilling to see Vader so dark and it really does give you a goosebump or two.

3. Obi-Wan & Qui-Gonn Vs Darth Maul (Episode 1: The Phantom Menace)

In 1999, we wondered how lightsaber battles would look for Jedi at the height of their power. The Phantom Menace divided fans in a couple of ways, but it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the clashing of laser swords.

The Duel of the Fates track. The ferocity of Darth Maul. The two on one. THE DOUBLE HEADED LIGHTSABER. How can you not like this fight?

2. Luke Retrieves Grogu (The Mandalorian 2×08 “The Rescue”)

The Mandalorian has grown to become a fan-favourite, with a fair few lovely easter eggs for hardcore fans. Then, the final episode of the second season did the unthinkable.

Just as we believe our characters are about to perish, a (to them) seemingly useless x-wing flies in and lands. From it emerges a cloaked figure armed with a green lightsaber. What follows is thrilling as the “unknown figure” cuts down anything evil in his path as he heads towards Grogu. ITS THE RETURN OF A YOUNG LUKE SKYWALKER. Such an unexpected appearance that had fans around the world squealing. Perfectly delivered and just punch-the-air exciting.

1. Anakin Vs Obi-Wan/Palpatine Vs Yoda (Episode 3: Revenge Of The Sith)

At the top of the Jedi temple is technically a split but they’re presented together so lets pair them for arguments sake. Revenge of the Sith culminates the prequel trilogy with two fights that fans had waited years for; Anakin vs. Obi-Wan, and Yoda vs. Sidious. With Anakin finally turning into Darth Vader and the empire being created, we get our loyal Jedi Order crumbling as the surviving members of the religion fight for what is left.

Two intense battles weaved in together as an updated version of Duel of the Fates plays and long-standing grudges finally are let loose. The battles end in gripping ways, one being much more emotional than the other, but all in all they truly deserve the top spot. We don’t expect these to ever be topped.

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What are your thoughts on our top 10 Star Wars sequences? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.