There are many things to look forward too when watching a new piece of Star Wars content; however, consistently, one of the most highly anticipated aspects are the lightsaber battles and lightsaber moments sprinkled through the film. They are so often exhilarating and the highlight of the movie or piece of content in which they take place.
As great as the action and tension are in them, an underrated part of them is the dialogue between the opponents. This dialogue, these verbal exchanges, so often add so much to the battle creating so much emotion and iconography by way of the words spoken before, during, and directly after the battle.
The Not Quite Lightsaber Battles
There is at least one lightsaber related confrontation in every movie, however, in the sequel trilogy two fantastic encounters dialogue wise occur without lightsabers clashing, but with lightsabers involved. Luke Vs. Kylo is a standout scene with Mark Hamill and Adam Driver's delivery and the brilliance of the characters while Rey (& Ben Solo) Vs. The Emperor also has standout dialogue from Rey, Sidious, and the Jedi of the past.
Obi-Wan Kenobi & Anakin Skywalker/Yoda Vs. Count Dooku - Star Wars: Episode II - Attack Of The Clones
With Duel of the Fates having no dialogue and Anakin's exclamation of his powers doubling not fitting continuity wise, a battle often underrated between Dooku and Anakin and Obi-Wan followed by Dooku and Yoda gets a place.
There is no substantial dialogue other than Christopher Lee's fantastic delivery and Anakin's cockiness that stands out before Yoda comes. However, when Yoda comes, and Frank Oz's iconic voice prepares Yoda for his first lightsaber duel, it ignites a fire of excitement in fans.
Rey Vs. Kylo Ren - Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens
There is not much dialogue in the first lightsaber duel of the sequel trilogy, however, what dialogue that is there is either significant or cinematic in a big way.
Kylo screaming traitor at Finn is chilling, his reach out to Rey about showing her the ways of the Force only gets better as their relationship develops with Rey saying "the Force" under her breath being a great moment of realization.
Yoda Vs. Darth Sidious - Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith
Yoda Vs. Darth Sidious is not the greatest lightsaber duel and gets often overshadowed; however, the dialogue exchange between Sidious and Yoda before sabers clash is brilliant.
Akin to Dumbledore being the only Wizard Voldemort fears, Sidious has no excitement to face Yoda, and Yoda calls this out. As always, the delivery of Ian McDiarmid elevates lines like "my little green friend" beyond heights they deserve to reach.
Rey Vs. Kylo Ren - Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise Of Skywalker
The duels between Rey and Kylo Ren in The Rise Of Skywalker are great, particularly the real one on Kef-Bir, but the dialogue is also great, mainly due to the performances and importance.
Kylo attempting to find Rey on Kijimi is excellent to watch, especially with Adam Driver's cold delivery. On Kef-Bir, their conversation on the Death Star may not be related to something a lot of fans like (Palpatine,) but the importance of it as well as the chemistry makes it electric to watch. Also, that final line from Rey kills.
Obi-Wan Kenobi Vs. General Grievous - Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith
The prequel trilogy has become so very ingrained in the digital culture today, with so many brilliant lines coming up in countless memes as well as being a part of the day-to-day vocabulary of fans. A lot of those come from this duel.
"Hello there." "General Kenobi." "So uncivilized." "Your move." "So uncivilized." "Oh, I don't think so." The battle may lack a certain level of emotion, but it is brilliant to watch and has some sharp lines with spot-on delivery.
Mace Windu (Kit Fisto, Agen Kolar, & Saesee Tinn) Vs. Darth Sidious - Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith
Sticking with Revenge Of The Sith, Palpatine's faceoff against Mace Windu and the other Jedi is a scene filled with immensely important dialogue.
The iconic moment of Windu putting Sidious under arrest, Sidious and Windu pleading with Anakin, and Ian McDiarmid's insane delivery are all highlights of this scene from a verbal point of view.
Obi-Wan Kenobi Vs. Darth Vader - Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
The very first lightsaber duel of all time between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader is, admittedly, not the greatest duel of all time, lacking in so many various areas and not holding up amazingly in any way except for story and dialogue.
The duel gives way to some of the most instantly iconic quotes of all time from the franchise, from both Alec Guinness' Obi-Wan and James Earl Jones' Vader. No matter how advanced technology gets, that dialogue will always age like a fine wine.
Luke Skywalker Vs. Darth Vader - Star Wars: Episode VI - Return Of The Jedi
Another duel that has since gotten far surpassed by many others, but has retained its emotional impact and importance in terms of the overall Skywalker Saga is the final one of the original trilogy.
Not only is Vader's taunting and talking with Luke excellent, and Luke's emotion likewise, but the Emperor standing by, overconfident, evil, and brilliant, adds so much to the scene and so many excellent lines to add to the excellence of the scene.
Obi-Wan Kenobi Vs. Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker - Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith
It is incredibly hard not to put the Battle of the Heroes at the top of the list. In reality, in terms of the dialogue sprinkled before, during, and after the fight, this and entry number one are tied.
The Clone Wars adds so much to this fight as it pertains to Obi-Wan and Anakin's relationship as well as that of Padmé and Anakin. It is a genuinely heartbreaking sequence, with Ewan McGregor's ending monologue reducing the strongest of fans to tears.
Luke Skywalker Vs. Darth Vader - Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
To place anything from The Empire Strikes Back below first place is incredibly difficult, much more so when talking about what is arguably the Skywalker saga's most pivotal scene and one of the greatest in cinematic history.
The dialogue in this duel is so calculated and incredible, delivered so wonderfully by James Earl Jones as Vader battles Luke. Of course, the standout verbal aspect of this duel comes at its climax, with perhaps the most significant twist in movie history. The Battle of the Heroes could come first on any given day by any given fan, but Empire's entry wins out here.