That's right, you know it, you love it, it's time to talk about STAR WARS folks!
I've been reflecting recently as I've been watching the new Boba Fett episodes on all of the EPIC Star Wars moments that I experienced as a child and now as an adult. That is why I've decided to go back through the movies to find the Most Iconic Moment from Every Star Wars Movie!
Disclaimer: These are each based on my opinion, you are free to disagree.
Main Saga
Episode IV: A New Hope
Binary Sunset
Perhaps the most iconic scene in Star Wars history, the Binary Sunset packs an emotional punch for me every time I watch the film. The scene comes just after Luke has been talking to his aunt and uncle about getting off Tatooine by going to the Imperial Academy, a conversation reminiscent of the conversations many of us have had with our parents. Set to the incredible score created by John Williams, the swell of the music and Luke gazing off into the sunset evoke that sense of wanderlust within all of us.
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
"No. I am your father"
Definitely the most iconic, and most often misquoted line in Star Wars history, this is the plot twist that shocked the nation and will forever be remembered by pop culture.
I once watched a documentary or read an article (I don't remember where now) that when this scene was actually filmed, the actor for Darth Vader (who was different than the voice actor) didn't actually have that line. What he said was "Obi-Wan killed your father." The only people that knew the real line were Gorge Lucas, Irvin Kershner (the director), and Mark Hamill. Either way, Mark Hamill's acting in the scene was maybe a little much, and I say that in the most loving way possible. 😊
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Anakin's Sacrifice
The fulfillment of Padme's dying words: "I know there's still good in him." This moment is the emotional climax of the conflict between Luke and his father. Darth Vader killing the Emperor represents the triumph of good over evil and the power of self sacrifice. While the destruction of the second Death Star is an epic moment visually, the most important and iconic moment in this movie goes again to Dark Vader/Anakin.
Episode I: The Phantom Menace
The Splitting of Darth Maul
One of the most epic lightsaber battles of all time, the accompanying score, titled "Duel of the Fates," has become a classic for Star Wars fans. We feel Obi-Wan's hopelessness as he watches his master fall, feel his anger begin to take over, and watch as he triumphs over Darth Maul. I once saw an interview with Dave Filoni where he said that this moment is titled "Duel of the Fates" because the outcome of this battle decides which way Anakin will turn. If Qui-Gon Jinn had survived and trained Anakin, there is reason to believe that many of the frustrations that Anakin experienced with Obi-Wan as his master would not have happened and therefore Anakin would not have been as pushed to turn to the dark side. Just something to think about.
Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Across the Stars
It was difficult to choose one moment in this movie that is truly iconic, but seeing as this movie is basically about Anakin and Padme's love story (and I guess the start of the Clone Wars), I had to go with Padme's confession of love to Anakin just before they are taken out to be executed. This moment has always stuck out to me and with John Williams "Across the Stars" love theme playing in the background, it is impossible for a little girl, now grown adult, not to be moved by their epic love story. (I know it's cheesy, just give me this one guys)
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Battle of Heroes
A heart-breaking yet amazingly impressive lightsaber battle filled with all of the emotions that only betrayal can muster. The dramatic setting of Mustafar with the contrasting black rock and bright red lava contributes to the drama of the scene. At points their lightsabers move so quickly that you can't even tell who is winning as each are trapped in this deadly dance. Again, John William's score makes these scenes truly epic with the addition of choral voices and contrasting fast and majestic moments in the music.
Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Fancy Flying
This was the first Star Wars movie that I ever actually saw in the theater and this moment is truly iconic. First of all, John Williams did it again with his incredible and inspiring score for the rebellion pilots. Not only that, this scene is a brilliantly planned one shot that follows one X-Wing's path of destruction through the sky from the POV of someone standing on the ground. It's an airborne battle like we've never seen before, and it is the perfect thing to give Star Wars fans now that the technology has improved so much.
Here is a video if you would like to experience the moment again: Poe slaying
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
Holdo's Kamikaze
Whoever made the decision to make this moment dead silent should get a medal. This was one of those moments in the theater that I will never forget. While I am not personally a fan of Holdo as a character, this moment will forever be one of my favorite moments in Star Wars history.
Episode IX
I refuse to acknowledge the existence of this movie or watch it in any format. I respect anyone else's opinion to like it. If you want a post about my feelings on this movie, feel free to comment!
Honorable Mentions
"I love you," "I know."
My favorite factoid about this scene is that Harrison Ford improvised this line after several takes. The line originally written just "didn't feel right." (source: one of the documentaries that I watched).
Padme's funeral
The DRESS. The HAIR. The FLOWERS. The PENDENT. The BEAUTY. The MUSIC. The SADNESS.
Here's a link to the scene if you need to cry today: Padme's funeral
Battle on Crete
The red/white contrast throughout the movie was amazing, and this battle really took it to the next level. The visual was stunning, especially in the movie theater.
Conclusion
There you have it folks! The Most Iconic Moment from Every Star Wars Movie. Did I miss any or do you have other moments that are your favorite? Let me know in the comments! Thank you for reading!