The 10 Best Star Wars Lightsaber Duels

One of the most iconic and fun parts of the Star Wars universe is its lightsaber battles. In a saga of space travel and blasters, it’s always exciting to see what’s essentially a sword fight with a sci-fi twist.

Although not always, the fights are primarily climactic representations of light versus dark. Here are some of our favorites from throughout the franchise.

10. Maul vs. Eldra Kaitis

This is an interesting battle as it gave insight into Maul’s head during an interesting time of the Republic. Palpatine wasn’t quite ready to enact his plan to become Emperor, so Maul was typically in the shadows and waiting for his time to be activated.

But he thirsted for Jedi blood. He went in search of one and found a Padawan being auctioned and easy prey for the Sith Lord.

9. Ahsoka vs. Maul

When The Clone Wars came back for a final season, this was a battle that was a long time in the making. Ahsoka and Maul don’t exactly seem like natural adversaries, but after a long and epic saga throughout the series, a fight between the two for the future of Mandalore seemed inevitable.

Add in a very unique relationship they each have to Anakin Skywalker, and it makes for a perfect end to this phenomenal show.

8. Vader vs. Kirak Infil’a

Not much was known about Darth Vader’s early days before this comic told his story. As it turns out, Vader sought out his own lightsaber by stealing it from an exiled Jedi.

Kirak Infil’a didn’t go down without a fight, but Vader wasn’t one to give up so easily, either. Eventually, the Sith Lord claimed his kyber crystal and made it bleed, creating his own red lightsaber in the process.

7. Yoda vs. Darth Sidious

One of the weird things about Star Wars is that it doesn’t matter how old you get, you can still be a formidable fighter. No battle encompasses this more than when Yoda confronted Palpatine in the Senate chamber.

These two old farts battled it out all across the gigantic room, showing that the Force does not discriminate based on age. The end result is probably not what fans were hoping for, but it definitely marked the end of an era as the Empire was born soon after.

6. Obi-Wan vs. Anakin

When Episode One was first announced, this was the moment it was all building to. It was the moment Anakin fell to the dark side and confronted his former master.

Of course, Anakin was doomed to fail and would inevitably become the mechanical monster fans are familiar with. Just as expected, the battle was dark and brutal, ending with Anakin screaming in anger while left for dead.

https://youtu.be/onRnL6MBunU

5. Ahsoka vs. Vader

If there is one relationship that was left unfinished in the Star Wars universe it was Anakin Skywalker and his ex-apprentice Ahsoka Tano.

During a season finale of Rebels, fans got to see a reunion of sorts as the two faced off in the heart of a Sith temple. Like most good lightsaber battles, emotions were running high, and the fight reached a tipping point as Vader’s mask was fractured, revealing a glimpse at the fallen Jedi underneath it.

4. Kanan and Ezra vs. Inquisitor

Up to this point, the Inquisitor had overpowered and overwhelmed the combined forces of Kanan and Ezra at every turn. But when it appeared Ezra had fallen, Kanan unleashed his full power and defeated the Inquisitor.

Utilizing both his and Ezra’s unique lightsabers, Kaaan showed that he was still a powerful Jedi at heart and a force to be reckoned with.

3. Darth Vader vs Obi-Wan (Scene 38)

When it was first released, the full history behind the confrontation between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi was never truly known. As the Star Wars mythos was expanded, some fans looked back on that first battle and felt underwhelmed.

Of course, it’s not the movie’s fault as it was released at a time of limited special effects. But when fans decided to recreate the duel for the modern era, Star Wars lovers everywhere finally got to see these two masters of the force do what they do best.

2. Maul and Savage Oppress vs. Darth Sidious

Despite being pure evil, it’s hard not to feel bad for Maul during this fight. He went through such great lengths to bring his brother Savage Opress to his side and thought they had enough power to take his old master down.

Instead, Palpatine showed why he is the true Sith master and battled them both with ease. It’s surprising how often dark force users battle against each other. This just happens to be one of the best.

1. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon Jinn vs. Darth Maul

Many fans were disappointed with The Phantom Menace, but there’s no denying that the climactic lightsaber duel was everything they hoped it would be.

With the iconic “Duel of the Fates” playing in the background, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon threw everything they had at Darth Maul, who had a dual lightsaber no one had seen before.

Of course, everyone knows how the battle ended. What no one could predict at the time was that this wasn’t the end for Maul.

What are your favorite lightsaber battles? Which ones do you think should have made the list?

NEXT: The 10 Best Star Wars Villains