2. He Went Out On A High
I know Im not alone in thinking that the lightsaber battle in The Phantom Menace is a contender for the best in the series. It has more beauty and spectacle than the duel in Episode IV, more pragmatism and strategy than Episode III, and some of the best music in the entire saga. Thats a pretty good way to die, if you ask me. Ive already stated that the execution of Mauls death could have been smoother, but I truly think that part of the reason Maul has been so popular is that his last scene was his defining one. The never-before-seen lightsaber twirls, those incredible acrobatic flips. His last stand was the reason people were looking forward to the film, and many will insist that it was the best part of it. I labour this point because ultimately, the writers of The Clone Wars are going to have to come up with a way to get rid of Maul again. And great as their track record is, I cant see how it would be quite as memorable as the first time. But I guess this all ties in to the biggest point of all in my case for Mauls demise