Top 10 Obi-Wan-Moments
#10: Fighting Jango Fett
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“Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” (2002) From the moment Obi-Wan arrives on Kamino and meets the bounty hunter called Jango Fett, things get pretty tense. We know it’s gonna go down pretty soon, and we aren’t the least bit disappointed when it finally does. The two squaring off on a landing pad in some particularly stormy weather, Jango gives Obi-Wan all that he can handle with a plethora of unique gadgets. To say nothing of a young Boba gunning from their ship. However, Obi-Wan’s ingenuity and quick thinking keep him in the fight time and time again. While he’s unable to apprehend Jango, Obi-Wan does manage to plant a homing beacon on his ship, which proves crucial in tracking the Separatist movement to Geonosis.
#9: Handling Scum and Villainy
“Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977) In the first film, Obi-Wan has some choice words for the city of Mos Eisley. So, when he and Luke enter the cantina, we know to be on our toes. True to its reputation, Luke is quickly accosted unprovoked by a couple of riff raffs looking to start trouble. Though a farm boy and old Ben Kenobi may not look too intimidating, one learns not to judge a book by its cover the hard way when the latter swiftly severs his blaster arm with a lightsaber. Though the rest of the cantina shrugs off the dispute in a humorous beat, the moment is important as it shows us through Luke’s eyes what a Jedi in action looks like up close.
#8: Death of Duchess Satine
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“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (2008-14; 2020) Though later depictions of the Obi-Wan character portray him as something of a solitary figure, the “Clone Wars” TV series made him even more well rounded by introducing a love interest. The ruler of Mandalore, Duchess Satine Kryze has a heartfelt but bittersweet relationship with the Jedi, as their diverging paths often keep them apart. However, their love for one another persists, so it becomes all the more tragic when she’s fatally wounded by a usurping Maul. Considering Obi-Wan’s already complicated history with the Sith Lord, everything about this scene adds up to one of the greatest tragedies in all of “Star Wars,” solidified with Satine’s final words to her old flame.
#7: Explaining the Force
“Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977) Though perhaps not the most fun, exposition scenes are crucial to understanding backstory and how a world operates. And in lesser hands, this exchange could have turned audiences off, but thanks to Alec Guinness’s stellar performance, the “Star Wars” lore becomes as mystifying as it remains today. Covering everything from the nature of the Force to giving us our first glimpse at a lightsaber to the somewhat true history of Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan sets up everything we need to know for the adventure ahead. After the two watch the message from Princess Leia, Obi-Wan hammers home the call to action for our young hero. All in all, we still get chills watching this scene.
#6: Taking Down General Grievous
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“Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” (2005) As proficient a Jedi knight as Obi-Wan is, going up against a four-armed cyborg with as many lightsabers almost seems unfair. Until we remember who we’re dealing with, of course. After Kenobi and the Republic Army track Grievous's forces to Utapau, the Jedi confronts the military leader and manages to relieve him of two of his arms and all of his lightsabers. Once a battle breaks out, however, Grievous attempts to escape, prompting Obi-Wan to give chase. Before Grievous can reach his ship, Obi-Wan shrewdly exposes the cyborg’s remaining biological components. Just when it seems he’s down for the count, Obi-Wan ends the General once and for all with some well placed blaster shots.
#5: Killing Maul
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“Star Wars Rebels” (2014-18) As previously mentioned and with more to mention still, Obi-Wan has every reason to kill Maul. However, at this point in his journey, the Jedi Master has wisened beyond the point of grudges and retribution. That said, destiny finds him all the same as the young Ezra Bridger leads a battered Maul to his campsite. After the two do some catching up, Maul remains resolved to finally get his revenge. Their duel is brief, however, as Obi-Wan wastes no time finishing Maul once and for all. In a tender moment, Obi-Wan comforts his old foe during his final moments, promising him that change is just over the horizon.
#4: From a Certain Point of View
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“Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” (1983) Whether you believe this series of revelations was always planned or Obi-Wan outright lied to Luke about Anakin, it makes for deft storytelling all the same. After the death of Yoda, Luke’s original mentor reappears to him as a Force ghost to impart some final pieces of wisdom going into the greatest battle of his life. Obi-Wan gets a lot of iconic lines over the course of his history, but his justification for “lying” to Luke remains one of his best as he further emboldens Luke to fulfill his destiny. Though it’s not as monumental a twist as Luke’s parentage, the revelation of Leia being his sister ends the scene on another memorable note.
#3: Avenging Qui-Gon Jinn
“Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” (1999) This is the moment that sparked Obi-Wan’s rivalry with Darth Maul for years to come. Though we knew this prequel movie would be setting up the original Jedi Master’s journey and thus his own Master Qui-Gon Jinn likely wouldn’t make it, that didn’t make it any less heartbreaking when Maul delivered the finishing blow. After helplessly watching Maul fatally wound Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan continues what’s already been a tremendous lightsaber duel with an added layer of emotion. Literally hanging for dear life, Obi-Wan’s able to catch Maul off guard and deliver a finishing blow of his own. Though Maul would later be salvaged, this is still a tragic yet cathartic moment in Jedi history.
#2: More Powerful Than You Can Possibly Imagine
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“Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977) We fell in love with Obi-Wan over the course of his first appearance in the original movie, which makes his final confrontation with his former Padawan so difficult to watch. Though visual effects in lightsaber fights have come a long way since 1977, this duel against Darth Vader remains just as thrilling decades later due to its stakes and emotional resonance. Essentially stalling for time so our heroes can escape, Obi-Wan holds off Vader while portending what’s to come. Once he sees his friends have a clear getaway path, Obi-Wan resigns himself, allowing Vader to strike him down before becoming one with the Force. It’s a sorrowful moment, but one that solidifies Obi-Wan’s status as a true hero. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Go to Dagobah, “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) Even After Death, Obi-Wan Can Still Lead His Padawan Not the Droids You’re Looking For, “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977) We Never Get Tired of the Jedi Mind Trick Delivering Luke, “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” (2005) The End of the Prequel Trilogy Brings the Original Saga Full Circle Dueling Maul, “Star Wars: Visionaries” (2005) While It’s Not Canon, This Maul Confrontation Is Still Memorable Use the Force, Luke, “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977) Obi-Wan Proves to Luke That the Force Will Be With Him, Always
#1: Dueling Anakin Skywalker
“Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” (2005) Though his duel with Vader aboard the Death Star may remain his most iconic, Obi-Wan’s confronting of the nascent Sith on the fiery planet Mustafar is the most thrilling and emotionally charged. Unfortunately, Obi-Wan is unable to make Anakin see reason, and resolves himself to put an end to his former Padawan. Their ensuing battle is exhilarating, featuring some of the best stunt work and lightsaber choreography of the entire saga. Though we don’t want either character to be hurt, Obi-Wan is ultimately forced to end things in a brutal manner. As Anakin lays writhing and eventually burning on the ground, Obi-Wan’s heartbroken cries remain haunting, thanks in no small part to Ewan McGregor’s impassioned portrayal of the character.
