12 Most Heart-Stopping Sci-Fi Movie Scenes Ever
10. Return Of The Jedi - Luke Takes Down Darth Vader Scene
While the original Star Wars got the ball rolling, and the slightly overrated The Empire Strikes Back did a top job as a follow up, it was the astonishing finale that was Return of the Jedi that was Lucas' true masterpiece. Seamlessly linking comedy and action while wrapping up the character arcs of those we'd grown to love and loath, it is a real mystery why this film is despised by so many.
The utter brilliance of this film is there to be seen in the truly gripping finale, with three distinct plot arcs playing out simultaneously. The battle on Endor's moon to take down the Death Star's defences would be enough of a climax for most movies, but we are also given Lando and the rebels attempts to take down the Death star and the final chapter of the Skywalker family battle.
It is this latter scene that is the pick of the lot, every story element falling perfectly in place. With The Emperor and Darth both trying to goad Luke into turning to the dark side, young Skywalker tries his darnedest to stay strong and not succumb, before the goading about his sister becomes too much.
This results in the greatest individual fight scene in film history, Alun Hume's cinematography combining with John Williams' amazing score to produce cinematic perfection. Mark Hamill is phenomenal as Luke, his rage filled performance making us truly believe he may succumb to the dark side after all. It's truly gripping stuff in a truly gripping film.