Star Wars: The Best Moment From Every Movie, Ranked
8. The Death Of Han Solo - Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens
There's a moment early on in The Force Awakens when Han Solo, famous sceptic and cynical wise-ass, tells Rey that the Force, and the Jedi, is real. It's a poignant moment for the moody smuggler, highlighting a lifetime of growth and fine character development.
It's made even more profound, though, by what follows later in the film's run, when Han sees an opportunity to get through to his son, Ben, who has fallen to the Dark Side and taken the moniker Kylo Ren.
In one of Star Wars' most heartbreaking moments, Han attempts to get through to Kylo, talking to him with the forgiveness and understanding of a loving father, before his son drives a lightsaber through his heart, killing him instantly.
The great height of a film that doesn't take too many risks, Han Solo's death is a real bolt from the blue, tragic because of how far Han has come, but also because it emphasises how far his son has fallen. Also, Chewie bawling his eyes out doesn't help matters. Who's cutting onions?