Star Wars: The Best Moment From Every Movie, Ranked

For an entire generation of Star Wars fans, the sound of John Williams' iconic Duel of the Fates theme and the sight of Darth Maul unleashing his double-ended lightsaber is a high the galaxy far, far away has rarely topped.

As Qui-Gon Jinn and a young Obi-Wan Kenobi race to help Padme Amidala end the Trade Federation's blockade surrounding her planet, they're confronted by the silent Maul, who unsheathes his weapon (goosebumps, every time), and engages them in an epic duel.

With Williams' towering score propelling their fight through its intense twists and turns, the Duel of the Fates is a bracingly well-choreographed clash, showcasing a lightsaber duel with much more flexibility and urgency than what was seen in the original trilogy.

The results are thrilling and eventually heartbreaking, as Qui-Gon falls to Maul's blade and Obi-Wan must avenge him. It's also pivotal: The death of Qui-Gon makes Kenobi a Jedi Knight entrusted with training Anakin Skywalker, a connection that will eventually doom them both.