Kylo Ren and Darth Vader from Star Wars are two complex characters who shared a path towards redemption. The two were once Jedi having turned to the dark side, but both redeemed themselves under different circumstances. Fans argue over whose redemption arc was better with hardcore fans leaning towards Vader. However, both endured a tremendous amount of internal pain to return to the light.
Kylo Ren's redemption arc meant the continuation of the Jedi while Vader meant balance to the force, but which is better? With that here are 5 Reasons Kylo Ren’s redemption arc is better than Anakin's (& 5 it's Darth Vader) from Star Wars.
Kylo Ren: Complicated family
The biggest difference between Kylo Ren and Darth Vader is the presence of family. In all three entries, Kylo Ren is faced with the impossible task of striking down his family, but can't bring himself to do it (until he finally does).
Complicated to say the least, the Solo family makes things worse for Kylo with their undivided love for him. However, he's too blind to see it until they're gone, leaving him with nothing but the task of redeeming both them and himself.
Darth Vader: More Machine Than Man
Darth Vader is essentially robotic, with the exception of his upper body and head. Kylo Ren is still whole, only choosing to dress like Darth Vader for the sake of his dark powers. Vader defied expectations, embodying a human-trait despite his robotic body.
The love he felt for his son outweighed the robotic body that's controlled him for years. In the context of redemption, Vader lost everything including his own body to the dark side. His act of saving proves the good in him is more powerful than anything else.
Kylo Ren: Became One with The Force
Kylo Ren redeemed himself by the end of Rise of Skywalker and departed just as Luke did. By giving his life force and committing a selfless act, Kylo Ren (Now Ben Solo) became one with the force having exerted all his energy.
Darth Vader may have sacrificed himself to save Luke, but Kylo Ren went an extra step further by becoming one with the force. He finally learned to calm his mind and thoughts, similar to how Anakin failed to relax and let go of his fears.
Darth Vader: Faced His Demons
Darth Vader believed Palpatine when he told him of the powers of immortality, his naive mind and blind love for Padme were a one-way ticket to suffering. Darth Vader finally confronts the lie he's been serving since the demise of Anakin Skywalker, defeating the emperor so Luke can have a chance to escape.
With Vader having conquered his demons, he's finally free of his pain. Darth Vader feared what he thought he'd lose all because Palpatine confirmed them. Having thrown the Emperor overboard, Vader is free of the lies being whispered in his ear, and can finally breathe again.
Kylo Ren: Killed his Father
Kylo Ren killed his father, leaving a mark that would haunt him for the rest of the trilogy. This played a major role in his redemption story as he thought the murder of his father would truly turn him to the dark side.
It ended up inciting the adverse effect, causing pain rather than passion and strength. For Kylo Ren to confront himself about his actions with the ghost (or hallucination) of his father is far greater than any confrontation Darth Vader had with any of his previous victims.
Darth Vader: Balance to the Force
Darth Vader was the chosen one, destined to bring balance to the force. Despite taking six movies, he actually does it. Darth Vader's story is one of pain and sorrow, but despite all he endures, he fulfills his destiny as the chosen one. Kylo Ren's story is one of redemption, but more familial focused.
The story of Darth Vader involves his personal fears, the prophecy of the chosen one, and his return to the light side. The death of Kylo Ren meant the continuation of Rey while the death of Darth Vader meant the fulfillment of a long written prophecy.
Kylo Ren: Turn To Dark Side was Justified
Kylo Ren felt betrayed by Luke Skywalker, hence his turn to the dark side. His reasoning is justified given Luke was going to kill him in his sleep to stop a massacre down the road. Darth Vader turned to the dark side simply because he fell for it, frightened by the inevitable (but possibly preventable) death of Padme.
Kylo Ren's redemption arc is more of a full circle in terms of redemption, having a genuine reason for turning rather than simply being seduced like Darth Vader was.
Darth Vader: Lost Padme
Unlike Kylo Ren, Darth Vader lost the love of his life and spent his remaining years feeling nothing but anger, hate, and jealousy. The loss of Padme is enough to convince Vader to not make the same mistake again.
With Luke on the brink of death from the Emperor, Vader realizes his family slipping away from him once more, and decides to act rather than let fear and anger control him. The loss of Padme is a differentiating factor between Kylo Ren and Vader, with the latter having experienced love and all its wonderful sorrows.
Kylo Ren: In the Name of Love
Kylo Ren is an emotionless person, devoid of any sense of love or compassion. Until he meets Rey, Kylo Ren cares only for himself and the continuing legacy of his grandfather. His redemption arc includes the budding romance with Rey (Or Reylo as some fans have called it). Darth Vader felt the love of his son but missed out on any sort of romance because of Padme's death.
With Kylo Ren, his redemption arc included a sense of feeling, a heart where there never was once one. Call him the Grinch or simply heartless, Kylo is finally content in the end with actions having justified his sense of redemption.
Darth Vader: Flying Solo
Darth Vader, despite being surrounded by friends when he was Anakin Skywalker, is essentially alone in his later years. The emperor is his master, doing his bidding without question. This gives him an edge as his redemption arc lacks any sense of help (except for Luke), flying solo till the end.
In other words, Darth Vader acted by himself for the sake of his son and was left alone without the guidance of friends to get him there. He finally realizes the corruption behind the Emperor's decision making and acts, bringing him back to the light.