Star Wars: 50 Greatest Moments - Ranked

18. Duel Of The Fates (The Phantom Menace)

Star Wars Duel Of The Fates
Lucasfilm

Many of the lightsaber fights of the prequels improved on the originals from a choreography point-of-view, with a dizzying array of parkour stunts on display, but lacking in the emotional investment of previous duels.

This isn't a major problem, though, when the duel in question is as exciting to watch as this one, which sees Darth Maul - wielding his double-bladed saber - taking on both Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan.

It's a mesmerising blur of swordfighting - the calmness of Qui-Gon, the brashness of a young Obi-Wan, the acrobatic craziness of Maul - that blends together one incredible sequence. It's pretty great on its own, but what makes it even higher is John Williams bombastic score, for which the scene is now named, which stands as some of the best work he's ever done in the saga.

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NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.