Khoooo....heeeeee [Darth Vader breath]. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most legendary Darth Vader moments from across the “Star Wars” universe.
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00:00 [Music]
00:10 Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most legendary Darth Vader moments from across the Star Wars universe.
00:17 You might sense some spoilers ahead.
00:19 I am your father.
00:22 [Music]
00:29 Number 10. Vader's Introduction. Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope.
00:33 Darth Vader has become one of the greatest villains in cinema, and justifiably so.
00:38 Right off the bat, his debut in A New Hope does not disappoint.
00:41 Where are those transmissions you intercepted? What have you done with those plans?
00:46 When the Rebel spaceship, the Tantive IV, is intercepted by the Empire, a fleet of stormtroopers overpower the Rebels, and then out steps Vader.
00:55 I want to know what happened to the plans they sent you.
00:58 In terms of first impressions, this moment is pretty much perfect.
01:01 It has everything from his signature raspy breathing, to dispatching a foe, to bossing the stormtroopers around.
01:07 Immediately, we know Darth Vader is a force to be reckoned with.
01:10 She'll die before she'll tell you anything.
01:12 Leave that to me.
01:14 Number 9. Capture at Cloud City. Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back.
01:19 It goes without saying that Darth Vader can hold his own against pretty much anyone.
01:22 In this scene, he comes across like an apex predator playing with his prey, and it's terrifyingly mesmerizing.
01:28 We would be honored if you would join us.
01:31 When Lando Calrissian meets with Han, Chewbacca, and Leia on Cloud City, he ends up betraying them, taking them right to the Sith Lord.
01:41 Honestly, seeing Vader at a dining table like he's just someone pleasantly awaiting his guests is pretty funny.
01:47 But when he deflects Han's blaster shots and takes the gun using the Force, we quickly remember that he's not messing around.
01:53 I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further.
01:57 Number 8. Force-choking Conan Mati. Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope.
02:03 You'd think it'd be a no-brainer not to try and belittle Darth Vader.
02:06 After all, he's one of the most feared Sith Lords for good reason.
02:09 Unfortunately, the Imperial officer, Conan Mati, proves he isn't the brightest in that regard.
02:14 The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.
02:19 Don't try to frighten us with your sorcerer's ways, Lord Vader.
02:23 He verbally berates Vader in A New Hope, and even criticizes his connection to the Force.
02:28 This bold move, and by bold we mean dumb and highly insulting, leads to a rude awakening for Conan as Vader proceeds to Force-choke him.
02:41 Grand Moff Tarkin convinces him to release Conan, but we bet he got the message.
02:46 He, like Krennic in Rogue One, would be wise not to choke on his aspirations.
02:50 Be careful not to choke on your aspirations, Director.
02:56 Number 7. Becoming Darth Vader. Star Wars Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.
03:03 When Anakin turns to the dark side, he does heinous things like leading an attack on the Jedi Temple...
03:09 ...but what initially cements his transformation into Darth Vader is when he strikes Mace Windu to save Chancellor Palpatine.
03:15 By doing this, he gives the Chancellor, who's been outed as a Sith Lord, enough time to recover and kill Windu.
03:21 While Anakin feels bad, this regret is only temporary.
03:35 As Palpatine reveals his true nature, he gives Anakin the name he'd become best known by...
03:40 Darth...Vader.
03:44 You can say what you want about the prequels, but Anakin's tragic fall from grace is incredible to watch.
03:49 Number 6. The Duel with Ahsoka. Star Wars Rebels.
03:53 Twilight of the Apprentice is one of the most memorable episodes of Star Wars Rebels for a reason.
03:58 After all, it gives us the long-awaited clash between Darth Vader and the Sith.
04:03 She was Anakin Skywalker's Padawan, but when she finally confronts her former master Amalikor, she knows she has to stop him.
04:09 Their fast-paced duel is as emotional as it is action-packed.
04:13 For them to face off now, after so long, is a real challenge.
04:24 The fight is a bit more intense than the first, but it's still a fun fight.
04:29 For them to face off now, after so long, only adds to the drama of this already deeply personal showdown.
04:36 This is a beautiful battle we couldn't forget even if we tried.
04:57 Number 5. Darth Vader Kills Obi-Wan. Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope.
05:02 Few have inflicted as much damage onto Darth Vader as Obi-Wan Kenobi, so when the two friends-turned-enemies see each other once again, you can bet Vader wants revenge.
05:10 When the group infiltrates the Death Star to save Princess Leia, Obi-Wan sacrifices himself so the others can make it out alive.
05:22 This means taking on Vader one last time.
05:24 Their duel is short but swift, with the villain delivering a deadly blow to his former master, who resigns himself.
05:30 What makes this scene so compelling is that even though he finally kills him, he arguably doesn't get closure.
05:39 Of course, that's why it's such an unforgettable Darth Vader moment. It brings the complexity of his story to the fore.
05:49 Number 4. Hallway Destruction. Rogue One - A Star Wars Story.
05:54 How do you make someone who's already one of the most menacing villains ever even scarier?
05:59 Bathe him in red light and stick him in a hallway with people who have wronged him.
06:02 As the rebels try to dash away with the Death Star plans, he stops them.
06:13 And let's just say there's no need to worry about him fighting slowly.
06:16 He moves a mile a minute as he indiscriminately does away with everyone.
06:20 This is a grand sci-fi epic. With this moment, it feels like we're watching a horror movie.
06:29 Rebels meeting such a gruesome fate reminds us that we'd never want to be in a confined space with this guy.
06:34 Number 3. Returning to the Light. Star Wars Episode VI - Return of the Jedi.
06:44 Considering every atrocious thing Darth Vader's done, you might liken the idea of his redemption to a cold day in hell.
06:50 Well, we're here to tell you it sure is a cold day in hell during the final moments of Return of the Jedi.
06:55 When Luke is nearly killed by the Emperor, Vader eventually decides to betray his master.
07:06 He overpowers Darsidious and defeats him, saving his son.
07:11 [Screaming]
07:15 This finally brings Anakin Skywalker back. While he succumbs to his injuries and dies, he's able to look at Luke one final time.
07:23 I won't leave you.
07:26 Whether he deserves forgiveness is debatable, but this scene could warm even the iciest of hearts.
07:33 Number 2. Fighting Obi-Wan on Mustafar. Star Wars Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.
07:39 The tensions between Anakin and Obi-Wan finally boil over on the lava planet of Mustafar.
07:44 From start to finish, this epic clash of two ideologically opposed enemies keeps us on the edge of our seats.
07:50 As they engage in a relentless battle, it becomes clear to both Obi-Wan and the audience that Anakin is long gone.
08:05 We're now dealing with Darth Vader, and we can practically feel the aura of hatred radiating off of him.
08:10 While he ultimately ends up on the losing end of the battle, the loss is instrumental to his evolution.
08:22 After all, he wouldn't have donned the suit if his body wasn't burned to a crisp.
08:31 Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
08:35 Getting his armor, Star Wars Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.
08:39 This suit completes Anakin's transformation into Darth Vader.
08:42 Dragging Obi-Wan through fire, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Darth Vader gets payback.
08:55 Now you will suffer, Obi-Wan.
09:01 [Screaming]
09:05 Intercepting the Rebels - Star Wars Rebels.
09:08 Vader isn't prepared to let them win after all.
09:11 I don't fear you.
09:12 Then you will die braver than most.
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09:31 Number 1 - I Am Your Father - Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back.
09:38 We're not exaggerating when we say that this is one of the greatest plot twists in cinematic history.
09:43 As Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader battle on Bespin during The Empire Strikes Back, the villain overpowers the young Jedi.
09:49 Luke has some impressive outings against the Empire, but when it comes down to fighting the Sith Lord here, he's hopelessly outmatched.
09:57 [Growling]
10:04 Vader corners him before dropping the enormous bombshell that he is in fact his father.
10:09 He told me you killed him.
10:11 No, I am the father.
10:15 We can't quite blame Luke for being upset.
10:23 If anything, he might have been a little more willing to join the dark side if dear old dad hadn't done that to his arm.
10:28 [Screaming]
10:33 Hey, Darth Vader knows how to leave his mark and it's epic, unbeatable stuff.
10:38 Is there a badass Darth Vader moment we missed? Let us know in the comments.
10:42 I will tolerate your weakness no longer.
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10:57 [Music]