Content Warning! This List Contains Spoilers For Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney+!
For weeks fans have been clamoring for an epic duel between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan in Obi-Wan Kenobi, and in the series – or perhaps season – finale, the show finally delivered. The series really showcased how ruthless and dangerous Darth Vader is, highlighting just how far gone he is to make his eventual return to the light in Episode VI: Return of the Jedi that much more impactful.
There is a reason he is one of, if not the most, iconic characters in cinema and pop culture history, whether it's James Earl Jones’ characteristic voice or the sheer power he exudes. He has been part of so many thrilling and important fights throughout the films, TV shows, video games, and comics.
Vs. Obi-Wan Kenobi
Episode IV: A New Hope
Of course, one of the most important duels and moments in Star Wars history is his duel against Obi-Wan Kenobi on the Death Star in Episode IV: A New Hope, the duel when he finally beat his old master. Compared to some of the modern fights, this could seem lackluster, but in retrospect, it still packs an impressive punch.
Obi-Wan Kenobi adds so much more emotional context to this consequential fight. Darth Vader might’ve won on the material plane, but it is clear that Obi-Wan was ready to die, to become one with the Force upon seeing Luke and Leia together. His decision really steals any true sense of victory away from Vader.
Vs. Ezra & Kanan Jarus
Rebels, "The Seige of Lothal"
It was particularly exciting when Darth Vader made an appearance in the season 2 premiere of Rebels. While Ezra Bridger and Kanan Jarus were successful during the previous season in taking down his second-in-command, the Grand Inquisitor, they stood no chance against Vader. Had it not been for the distractions by Sabine, they likely wouldn’t have escaped their encounter with the Sith Lord.
This fight showed how powerful he is, being able to turn off Kanan’s lightsaber and push off the AT-ST Walker. However, more importantly, it also proved his status as a menacing dark force in the galaxy – they never even say who he is because they don’t need to. His presence is enough to heighten the stakes.
Vs. Reva
Obi-Wan Kenobi, "Part V"
When it was first announced that Hayden Christiansen would be returning as Darth Vader for Obi-Wan Kenobi, many fans instantly expected that there would be another incredible duel between Vader and Obi-Wan. Of course, there was, but surprisingly, it also gifted audiences with another impressive fight between him and Reva, the inquisitor who sought revenge over his murder of Jedi younglings.
While audiences knew this duel could turn out no other way than Vader winning, it was still utterly exhilarating to witness. Specifically, it was the fact that he never even used his own lightsaber to best her – rather defending himself with the Force before taking her on with one of her weapons – along with the dynamic music and choreography that could make this one of the best in the franchise. Interestingly this is also the first time red lightsabers have clashed in live-action.
Vs. Ender
Vader - Dark Visions #1
Since Disney has owned Lucasfilm and Star Wars, Darth Vader has had an impressive run in comic books and he has gone up against some of the most powerful characters from this part of the franchise. Several enemies have been former Jedi, such as the librarian, Jocasta Nu, or the former Jedi High Council member, Eeth Koth. However, one of his best fights from the comics and is actually against a god.
On the planet Cianap, he fought against a giant monster called Ender, who had been deified in fear by the planet’s inhabitants for nearly destroying their entire civilization. What makes this fight so remarkable on top of its grand scale is that Darth Vader is in turn deemed a savior by these people. He is not the evil Sith Lord that he is everywhere else in the galaxy. Here he is the hero, the black knight who vanquished the monster tormenting the planet’s inhabitants.
Vs. Rebels
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
For many, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is regarded as one of the best pieces of Star Wars property, full stop, for telling a story that was not focused on the Skywalkers. Naturally, they still did play a role with Darth Vader appearing periodically and Princess Leia cameoing at the end leading right into her capture at the beginning of Episode IV: A New Hope.
Vader’s inclusion here is one of the coolest things in modern Star Wars – a moment as close to perfect as anything can be. This fight is definitely one of his best because it is so completely one-sided. None of these rebels ever stood a lick of a chance as he utterly decimated them, one after another.
Vs. Luke Skywalker
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Importantly, not every one of Darth Vader’s best duels ends with his victory. As per his arc in the original trilogy, he needed to be defeated in Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, dealt the same hand he dealt Luke in the previous film. Interestingly, this duel puts Vader on the defense at the beginning – something he rarely is – as he fights to protect the Emperor.
This duel is far more about the emotionality behind father and son fighting to the death than it is about showing how strong Vader is like fights from other films. It proves how easily hatred and fear can take hold of someone, but that mercy and compassion can save them, and thus the galaxy. Among many of the modern spectacles in other movies and shows, this fight is still as thrilling as ever to watch.
Vs. Ahsoka
Rebels, "Twilight of the Apprentice"
Darth Vader’s inclusion in Rebels comes to a head at the end of season 2 in “Twilight of the Apprentice,” an episode perfectly attuned to fans of the prequel trilogy. He finds Ezra, Kanan, and his old padawan, Ahsoka, on Malachor, a planet with a Sith superweapon. He briefly fights Ezra, destroying his unique lightsaber gun, before finally reuniting his Ahsoka.
This is one of the most emotionally impactful moments from Rebels, and quite frankly in the entire franchise. Darth Vader and Ahsoka both show themselves to be incredibly powerful. While she is able to break his helmet, revealing his face, he is still the victor. He is only thwarted from killing Ahsoka when two seasons later Ezra reaches through time and space to save her. A duel like this shows why the animation is a perfect fit for Star Wars.
Vs. Obi-Wan Kenobi
Obi-Wan Kenobi, "Part VI"
Obi-Wan Kenobi had a lot to live up to overall, especially when it comes to the fated battle between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan. This was a moment fans had been wanting for nearly 17 years, and it was surely worth the wait – as evidenced by fans’ reactions on Twitter. They had initially reunited in “Part III” but Obi-Wan was too rapt in fear and cut off from the force to make him a worthy opponent to Vader.
This incredible fight is jam-packed with exhilarating and jaw-dropping moments. Darth Vader largely has the upper hand at the beginning, and he even plays a bit dirty by using rocks to trip Obi-Wan. He is even able to create a massive sinkhole with the Force, burying Obi-Wan alive under rock and rubble. In the end, Obi-Wan finds the strength to keep fighting and he is able to beat Vader. Nevertheless, this will definitely be remarked as one of his best for a long time.
Vs. Obi-Wan Kenobi
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
For a long time, the prequel trilogy was largely derided by Star Wars fans, however, Obi-Wan Kenobi is helping reconstituted an appreciation for these films. While there are surely some aspects worth a level of derision, there are also some of the most exciting moments across the entire franchise, including the incredible duel between the newly christened Darth Vader and Obi-Wan on Mustafar.
Of course, this duel and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith is largely remembered for its massive scale, intricate choreography, and memed dialogue, but what makes it even more spectacular was the emotion and performance by Ewan McGregor. It’s a fight that is thrilling to watch from start to finish and is clearly one of Darth Vader’s very best regardless of the fact that it is also his most devastating loss.
Vs. Luke Skywalker
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is a massive departure from Episode IV: A New Hope, not only in story and tone but also in the quality of the fight. This duel and the subsequent reveal of Luke’s parentage are what make this film commonly regarded as the best Star Wars movie. It demonstrates how far Luke has come in his training while also showing how far he is from being ready to really face Vader.
This duel established the common trend of traveling fights in Star Wars – different than the stagnant fight in Episode IV: A New Hope. Luke is able to get a few licks in and even outsmart Vader for a time, the Sith Lord is just too powerful and experienced, and Luke loses his hand because of that. This duel is more than just an exhilarating, showy spectacle as it leads directly into the most important moment in Star Wars history - the reveal of who Darth Vader is - and thus it takes its rightful spot as his best fight.