10 Scariest Star Wars Moments

4. Luke's Vision - The Empire Strikes Back

Luke Skyewalker Star Wars
Disney

The horror of Jedi visions strikes again, this time with Luke. On Dagobah, training under Yoda, Luke ventures into the dark and damp forest to confront whatever may lurk within.

With the vine-covered aesthetic, moody tone and rising threat, the scene is a real nail-biter, made all the more shocking by Vader's sudden appearance. Lightsaber ignited, the Dark Lord attempts to duel Luke, only for Luke to decapitate him.

Looking at the Sith Lord's head, Luke is taken aback (along with the audience) when the front of Vader's helmet explodes, revealing not the disfigured face of Anakin Skywalker, but Luke, still, eyes wide, staring into space.

It's a short but sweet slice of terror, teasing Palpatine's hopes to have Luke brought to the Dark Side, taking Vader's place, and reminding audiences that the Star Wars films are not going to be all sunshine and rainbows.

Contributor

Aidan Whatman hasn't written a bio just yet, but if they had... it would appear here.