It’s been 47 years since Star Wars first journeyed across the galaxy and arrived on our screens. Yet, it’s still one of the most iconic, recognisable and impactful franchises.
In all honesty, the impact that Star Wars has had on me, pop culture, geekdom, and cinema is so hard to put into words, so I’m not even going to try.
Instead, I will share my top five moments from over the last 47 years of moves that I haven’t been able to shake – and wouldn’t want to.
So, if you want to celebrate May the Fourth by looking back at some of the moments that shaped the franchise alongside us, you are in the right place.
Without further ado, here are our top moments from Star Wars.
Judge Me By My Size, Do You?
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back will always be one of the most iconic entries in the Star Wars franchise because it introduced the world to one of the most recognised characters ever created: Yoda.
Yoda is a wise and powerful character who teaches Luke about himself, his family and the ways of The Force.
Thanks to Yoda, The Force was defined for the series. When Yoda raises Luke’s fallen X-Wing out of the waters of Dagobah, his incredible powers are showcased, and the iconic image of Luke’s X-Wing coming out of the water, covered in moss, water, and sludge, has been ingrained in our minds since then.
Now It’s Awake. And I’m Afraid. I Don’t Know What It Is Or What To Do With It
Star Wars: The Force Awakens was iconic for many reasons. Not only did it introduce Star Wars to an entirely new generation, but it also introduced Ray, a scavenger from Jakku, who showed the world that women could be Jedi, too.
The moment when Rey lifts Luke’s blue lightsaber out of the snow to battle with Kylo Ren gave us the kind of goosebumps that never go away. I’d be lying if I said young Arielle didn’t shed a tear at just how far her favourite franchise has come.
If You Strike Me Down, I Will Become More Powerful Than You Could Possibly Imagine
In a series that’s built itself upon the awe of fantastically choreographed fight scenes, one has remained with us throughout.
Before the Prequel Trilogy ended, many things needed to be put into action before the events of the Original Trilogy could begin.
Luke and Leia had to be separated at birth, and Obi-Wan had to confront his former apprentice, Anakin, who had become Darth Vader.
The battle between Anakin and Obi-Wan is still, to this day, seen as a moment that pioneered digital special effects. The jaw-dropped fight helped to usher in the age of visual-effect spectacle climaxes we have come to expect today.
duh duh duh DUN DA DUN, DUN DA DUN
Okay, so you go us. This isn’t so much a standout moment (although it’s that as well) as it is a song that cemented Star Wars as one of the most reliable pieces of geek media around.
The Imperial March (and yes, I know you were humming it when you read the title) first graced our earballs in the 1980s in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
In the scene, Darth Vader looks out into the starlit galaxy while aboard the Super Star Destroyer.
While the light reflects off his helmet and the Imperial March plays, Darth Vader becomes the iconic figure we know him as today, one with his own theme song, nonetheless.
Luke, I’m Your… Brother? No. Son? No. Uncle?
While this may be the single most misquoted line in film history, the moment where Vader looks at Luke and says, “No, I am your father”—and yes, that is the actual quote—will still go down in history as one of the most iconic scenes ever.
With one simple yet misquoted line, the conflict between Luke and Vader became personal, and it’s a moment that sticks with you—Star Wars fan or not.
With that single line, film history was made, and frankly, it’s a moment that’s so powerful that nothing has quite topped it in the decades since.
If this post inspired you to go back and binge through all the Star Wars movies and TV Shows again, you can follow the link here to our post on how to watch it all on Disney+, in chronological order. Welcome, you are.
While these are some of the moments from across the Star Wars galaxy that have stayed with us throughout the years, it’s hardly a comprehensive list.
So now we leave it with you – what are some stand-out moments you have? Let us know in the comments. May the force be with you, young padawan, and see you in the next one.