The 20 Best Lightsaber Duels In All Of ‘Star Wars’
Star Wars has given us galaxies full of droids, rebels, and politics, but nothing compares to a good old lightsaber clash. A single duel can decide the fate of planets, careers, and sometimes entire childhoods. Boomers remember the originals, millennials swear by the prequels, and Gen Z gets sequels with flashy acrobatics. Yet no matter the trilogy, nothing beats the thrill of two glowing blades smashing together while John Williams makes the moment feel holy. Lightsaber fights are messy, emotional, dramatic, and always unforgettable. These are the twenty best duels that defined Star Wars history and still ignite fan debates today.
Rey vs Palpatine – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Lightning, lineage, and destiny. Rey finally takes the family tree pruning very seriously.
Finn vs Kylo Ren – The Force Awakens (2015)
Brave, reckless, and short-lived. Finn’s duel proved stormtroopers can dream bigger than blasters.
Han Solo and the Tauntaun – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Han’s surgery skills with Luke’s lightsaber prove that sometimes duels are against hypothermia, not Sith.
Obi-Wan Kenobi vs Darth Vader – Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
The rematch fans dreamed of: Broken masks, raw emotion, and nostalgic tears everywhere.
Rey vs Kylo Ren – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Dueling atop Death Star wreckage as waves crash harder than their family baggage.
Rey vs Kylo Ren – The Force Awakens (2015)
Snowy woods, raw power. Rey shocks everyone by holding her own against Vader’s grandson.
Rey & Kylo Ren vs Praetorian Guards – The Last Jedi (2017)
Red curtains, stylish moves, awkward chemistry. The one scene that fans from every generation loved.
Luke Skywalker vs Kylo Ren – The Last Jedi (2017)
A phantom duel with no strikes, but maximum trolling and Jedi sass.
Obi-Wan Kenobi vs General Grievous – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Four arms, spinning blades, pure chaos solved by a single blaster shot. “So uncivilized.”
Yoda vs Darth Sidious – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Senate furniture turned into weapons. Democracy was spectacularly thrown across the room.
Mace Windu vs Darth Sidious – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Windu’s purple blade nearly wins until Anakin commits galactic HR’s worst betrayal.
Anakin Skywalker vs Count Dooku – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Quick, brutal, and decisive. Anakin’s anger sets him firmly on the dark path.
Yoda vs Count Dooku – Attack of the Clones (2002)
Tiny master bounces like a green pinball, while Christopher Lee looks mildly inconvenienced.
Anakin Skywalker vs Count Dooku – Attack of the Clones (2002)
Messy and flashy, ending with Yoda’s surprise entrance to remind boomers that the little guy rules.
Obi-Wan Kenobi vs Anakin Skywalker – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
A fiery Mustafar showdown between brothers turned enemies, complete with lava surfing and heartbreak.
Qui-Gon Jinn & Obi-Wan vs Darth Maul – The Phantom Menace (1999)
Double-bladed saber, flips, speed, and a tragic Jedi loss. The one duel everyone admits is spectacular.
Luke Skywalker vs Training Remote – A New Hope (1977)
Helmet down, instincts up. The goofy little sparring session that made every kid swing brooms.
Luke Skywalker vs Darth Vader – Return of the Jedi (1983)
Family drama with glowing swords. Luke’s rage proves redemption can shine brighter than Palpatine’s lightning.
Luke Skywalker vs Darth Vader – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Luke loses a hand and his illusions, giving audiences one of cinema’s most unforgettable shocks.
Obi-Wan Kenobi vs Darth Vader – A New Hope (1977)
Slow, tense, and historic. Two aging masters duel while boomers fell in love with Star Wars.
