We remember when Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith first came out. Even after suffering through two lackluster films, the hype was still for the last movie in the prequel trilogy was still sky-high! Thankfully, our anticipation wasn't wasted; Episode III still stands as the strongest film in the prequels, even after fourteen years.
Episode III is dramatic, action-packed, and surprisingly funny. That last part is made more so by the fountain memes inspired by the movie—specifically those based on Obi-Wan and Anakin's climactic battle on Mustafar. The following ten macros are some of our favorite Anakin vs. Obi-Wan memes from around the net! Check your nostalgia goggles at the door and don't take any of these memes too seriously.
Directed By Tommy Wiseau
George Lucas isn't the strongest director in the industry, but he has creativity and heart in spades. For all of its faults, the prequel trilogy is more of a failure of ambition than anything else; Lucas tried to do too much too quickly and nearly choked from biting off more than he could chew. Still, Lucas shot for the stars and landed on a multi-billion dollar cloud.
We probably wouldn't be able to say any of that if another director handled the Prequel Trilogy (possibly save Stephen Spielberg.) As much as we admire Tommy Wiseau for his lovable and crazy personality, we're glad he was nowhere near Star Wars in 2005.
Episode III, Sponsored By EA
Moreover, Lucas had enough clout in 2005 to make the Prequel Trilogy exactly as he imagined; there wasn't a producer or corporation alive that could've wrestled control away from him, for better or worse. Things probably would've gone down much differently if the prequels came out today—in a post-Disney, post-EA world.
Even though EA hasn't yet delved into the film industry, we imagine they'd try to pull something like this; slipping glorified ads into a film's very narrative. Forget having heroes overcome inner and external conflicts to save the day, let's have them prevail using pay-to-win strategies, just like FIFA or the new Battlefront games.
The Floor Is Lava
In all honesty, this meme seems like something Ben would say to Luke when questioned about Anakin's demise. In the Original Trilogy, Ben answers the question cryptically by saying Vader "betrayed and murdered your father." Funnily enough, this meme is more straightforward!
We always felt that Ben Kenobi had a shade of snarkiness to him, so this meme also fits with his character. After all, you don't let yourself get turned into a pile of clothes unless you're a little on the crazy side. Ben also lost total faith in Darth Vader, so he'd probably toss some shade his way for the Younglings' sakes.
Poetry
Doesn't poetry just make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? Well, this particular poem probably gets Darth Vader hot and bothered, if you catch our drift. Fair warning, you're going to see a lot of "I have the High Ground" memes in this article.
What, can we say, there's something about that line that clicked with the internet, spawning countless memes as a result. It probably has to do with the fact that having the "high ground" is such a funny reason to lose a duel to the death. Like, these guys are telekinetic monks with lasers swords, and yet one lost 75% of his limbs because of physics!
Raisins
We hate to admit it, but the Dark Side does seem to have more perks than the Light; they've got cooler outfits, deadlier powers, and tons of hotties for every sexual persuasion out there (looking at you Darth Kowe, huba huba!) This argument, as petty as it is, does highlight the differences between both sides of the Force.
We're not all that crazy about making bets, but we'd wager that the Light Side probably would try to recruit people with oatmeal raisin cookies. The Dark Side, on the other hand, probably has ice cream cookie sandwiches for days!
Jedi Limbo
Anakin and Obi-Wan's final battle in Episode III is genuinely a spectacle to behold. Stunt choreographer Nick Gillard and his team worked tirelessly with Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen to get their fight just right. Just by watching, you can see how dedicated everyone was to making Anakin and Obi-Wan's duel as memorable as possible.
However, the fight can come off as being too well-rehearsed, resembling an elaborate dance more than a duel to the death. Occasionally, you'll see Anakin and Obi-Wan perform moves that are impractical and flashy such as this little number up above. Still, this fight scene's pretty awesome if you just go with it.
Onions
Even if you haven't seen Episode III, you probably know how it ends: Obi-Wan beats Anakin and leaves him for dead while the Empire and Darth Vader literally and figuratively rise from the ashes. Though Obi-Wan is certainly sad after defeating his former pupil and best friend, we never see him shed a tear by the film's end.
Most of us chalk it up to Obi-Wan's reserved personality, combined with the Light Side requiring Jedis to control their emotions. However, this meme suggests that Obi-Wan didn't cry because he was just over Anakin at that point. What this meme doesn't acknowledge, however, is that the Jedi and Sith are like onions; they have layers.
Pod Racing
Whoever said that the writing in the Prequel Trilogy is bad might need to rewatch it. There are a ton of winks and references that tie those films to the Original Trilogy, as well as nuggets of solid and consistent writing scattered all over the place. Anakin's characterization is one of the best examples we have.
Did you think he was whinny and impatient in the prequels? He was in the original trilogy, as well. Does Pod Racing come out of left-field? Yes, but it also shows that Anakin is a superb pilot—skills he displays when he hunts Luke down at the end of A New Hope.
Cats
There's no need for us to explain anything here; you're using the internet, after all, you should expect at least one cat-related quip by the time you log off.
We'll say this: even this meme looks like a better cats film than the one coming out in a few months.
All Grown Up
Be honest, this fake article sounds like something we'd probably cook up (man, we're on fire with these zingers.)
If we ever did go down this route, hopefully, we'd take the road less traveled and follow this meme's lead. Maybe we could do "10 Low-Key Actors That Suddenly Blew Up" and feature Emperor Palpatine during his last moments in Return of The Jedi!