Star Wars: 50 Greatest Moments - Ranked

7. Luke Vs Vader II (Return Of The Jedi)

Star Wars Return Of The Jedi Luke Skywalker Darth Vader
Lucasfilm

After their first duel ended with Luke losing a hand and gaining a father, he's much better prepared for Round 2. With his Jedi skills greatly enhanced, and wielding his green lightsaber, it makes for an epic clash between two great warriors.

It's even more personal this time around, because they - and we - know it's not just good v bad, but father vs son, with neither side wanting to give an inch while the Emperor gleefully looks on.

After Palpatine's taunts, the battle rages on a literal level, with Luke's anger flowing through him, constantly hammering his father with blow after blow, before realising this is exactly what the Emperor wants. It's the closest Luke comes to joining the Dark Side, and again illustrates just how sinister and manipulative Palps can be, while giving us a breathless lightsaber fight at the same time.

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Contributor

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.