"Star Wars" is known for its amazing lightsaber duels — and some are noticeably better than others. So I will rank these battles once and for all, so everyone will know which ones are the best ... at least until episodes eight and nine come out. I am only going to be doing one duel per film, and it will be the best one from that film, (usually the one at the climax).
7. Obi-Wan vs. Darth Vader, "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope"
This one was difficult to put in last place, as it was the first time we ever got see lightsabers in action and was the final meeting between this legendary Master/Apprentice duo, something only hinted at during the duel. Nostalgia aside, however, this wasn't the best fight to watch. Between the "riveting" dialogue and slow movements of these once great swordsman, there was something good there ... but not enough to overtake the next entry on this list.
6. Obi-Wan, Anakin, Yoda vs. Count Dooku, "Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones"
This battle features the best swordsman in the galaxy (Dooku), the first Jedi to kill a Sith in about a thousand years (Obi), and the chosen one (if you're reading this, you know who that is), and then Yoda, a surprisingly nimble almost 900 year old CGI monster. All of the elements of an epic duel are there, however it falls short; Obi-Wan is pushed aside too easily, Anakin shows no real promise and is also too easily defeated, and then Yoda struggles to keep a piece of machinery off the two, even though we've seen him pull an X-Wing out of the Swamps of Dagobah. All in all, this duel is aesthetically pleasing, but fails in every other spot
5. Rey vs. Kylo Ren, "Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens"
A showdown of proportions that we still don't completely comprehend. (Who is Rey?) While their skills are lacking, this was a great battle that brought us back into "Star Wars" after a decade break. The battle was emotional and full of grit, but their inexperience doesn't earn them anything above 5th place. Who knows, maybe future showdowns between the two will earn a higher spot.
4. Luke vs. Darth Vader, "Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back"
The first duel (that we get to see) between Luke and Vader was a great one. From the carbonation chamber, to Vader throwing a bunch of crap at Luke, it was fantastic, building on the previous film and showing audiences what these duels can really be like! Ending with the dismemberment of Luke's hand and the revelation of his lineage, this duel resonated throughout the entire galaxy and was truly one of the most iconic scenes in film history ... but despite this, it's not in the top three.
3. Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon vs. Darth Maul, Star "Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace"
The "Duel of the Fates." This is the first duel of the prequel trilogy, and the best musically scored duel of them all. Seriously, if you don't know this theme by heart, I implore you to go listen to it now. Honestly, stop reading, go listen, and then come back. I'll wait...
Anyways, Ray Park's (Darth Maul) choreography was simply stunning! The double sided lightsaber: unlike anything we had ever seen. And the fight, phew! The only thing this duel lacked was the raw emotion that the top two duels have. While the death of Qui-Gon was unexpected and heartbreaking, it wasn't anything to write home about, as they didn't develop the character enough to be too attached to him.
2. Luke vs. Darth Vader, "Star Wars Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi"
The final duel between father and son, and the best of the original trilogy. The ultimate showdown between good and evil, and the Emperor was there in the background toying with Luke's emotions throughout the fight. Then there was Vader searching Luke's mind and finding out about Leia, something that forced the anger in Luke to swell up and almost kill his father, hacking off his arm in the process. It is only after seeing the similarity between himself and his father (robot hand) that he turns away from the Dark Side one final time, and gives in to the Emperor's torment, sacrificing himself to spur his father's redemption. Easily the best moment of the entire original trilogy, and maybe "Star Wars" as a whole.
1. Obi-Wan vs. Anakin, "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith"
The fight that we waited nearly thirty years to see, the epic first encounter between Master and Apprentice, the Chosen One and his ultimate fall to the Dark Side of the Force. Could the top spot be anything else? I've brought up the word emotion when it comes to these duels a lot, and that's because that is what makes it so great; I mean, these are space operas, and when we talk about emotion driven duels, this one takes it. Push past some of the weaker lines of dialogue and you get the core elements of what this really is, two men, once like father and son, and later like brothers, pitted against each other. Anakin, corrupted by the evils of the Dark Side, betrayed and destroyed the Jedi Order, and Obi-Wan (who begged Yoda not to send him) having the solemn task to end this reign of terror — and the stage is set for an epic fight, all of the pieces are there, and oh boy does this duel deliver. When all is said and done, Anakin is left to die, writhing in pain, screaming his hatred for his former master — the most heartbreaking moment of the entire saga, and one that we will never forget.
Agree with my list? Have any problems or corrections? Let me know in the comment section, I'll be more than happy to prove you wrong!

























