Star Wars: 50 Greatest Moments - Ranked

by James Hunt

1. I Am Your Father (The Empire Strikes Back)

star wars father
Lucasfilm

It couldn't really be anything else, could it?

There are other moments that provide more exciting action, or elicit feelings of humour, romance, or dread. Moments that are better directed. But this is Star Wars, and ultimately the greatest moment has to be the twist to end all twists:

"No, I am your father."

Wow. The battle between Luke and Vader had been brutally intense, with the Jedi-in-training using every ounce of his strength and courage to even just hold off the attacks of the superior Sith Lord, but it's not enough. Luke loses his hand and weapon and then, as he desperately clings on to the generator, loses all sense of what he thought he knew, as Vader reveals himself, with pitch-perfect delivery from James Earl Jones.

It's undoubtedly a shocking moment, but given that few people get to it unspoiled now, it's even better as one of total tragedy. Luke's world, his hopes, dreams, and idealised vision of the father he wishes he could've known and emulate - everything we saw in that twin sunset - come crashing down around him.

Agree with this list? What do you think is the greatest moment in Star Wars history? Let us know down in the comments.

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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.