These Are The Top 10 Moments In Animated ‘Star Wars’
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Star Wars is known for its unforgettable and impactful moments. From “No, I am your father” to seeing Darth Maul ignite his double lightsaber for the first time, the movies have provided us with dozens of memorable moments. While animation is rarely a respected medium, shows like The Clone Wars, Rebels, and The Bad Batch have provided some of the best moments in the Star Wars universe. Here are the top 10 moments from the animated world:
10. Mace Windu Goes Nuts
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Although decanonized in 2008, The Clone Wars 2D mini-series had some amazing moments. During a battle between the Republic and the Separatists, Mace Windu shows just how powerful he is as he takes on dozens of super battle droids by himself. Even after he is separated from his lightsaber, he overpowers wave after wave with his bare hands and the Force. Mace’s character was definitely overpowered, but it is still fun to watch.
9. Hera Teams Up With ‘The Bad Batch’ On Ryloth
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One of the early surprises of the series The Bad Batch was the re-introduction of Hera and Chopper in its first season. Hera and Omega quickly become friends and when Hera’s parents are apprehended (by the newly formed Empire) late in the season, Clone Force 99 is there. We get to see Hera learn how to scramble a ship's signature from Tech and she gets to pilot her first (of many) rescue mission. It was fun seeing the “Filoni-verse” open up, besides allowing for the possibilities of younger versions of our favorite characters to show up in season two of The Bad Batch or in other shows.
8. The Duel
Image Source: Star Wars Official Website
In 2021 several Japanese studios were given the chance to produce nine short films in an anthology collection called Star Wars Visions. Each film had its own tone and story but The Duel is one of the best. In just 13 minutes we are presented with a scene where a village is being attacked and a lone Ronin steps in to help. What makes the situation so unique is that a Sith is the leader of the bandits and (surprisingly) the Ronin is as well. The animation is mostly black and white and explodes when the two red lightsabers clash. The scene is a love letter to Kurosawa and the styles he pioneered. It was a fresh take on where Star Wars came from and what it could be expanded to.
7. Ezra Meets Yoda
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After Ezra makes a dangerous connection to the Force, Kanan takes him for his first real test. The two head into a Jedi Temple on Lothal and Ezra is left alone to face a trial all young Padawans must pass. Ezra sees a vision of his worst fears, for example, of his friends mocking him and Kanan being killed. He is overwhelmed at first, but eventually he trusts himself and what he has been through and he is able to overcome his fears. Ezra is then visited by the voice of Yoda who in a short time teaches him several lessons and gives him his first Kyber crystal. This moment was the first glimpse into how connected the series would be with the larger universe and also the risks it would take.
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6. Sabine Trains With The Darksaber
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In the third season of Rebels, the Ghost crew comes into possession of the Darksaber. After they present the weapon to Sabine, she agrees (eventually) to try and recruit her clan and kin to the Rebellion. While practicing, her shame and fear of returning to her family make training with the weapon difficult. It causes her to argue with Kanan and abruptly leave. After returning she and the Jedi make amends (both realizing they were wrong) and start sparring. Kanan doesn’t hold back and tells her “you are not fighting me, you’re fighting yourself and losing.” He goads her into finally letting go and she is able to beat him and admit her deepest fears to her allies and most importantly herself. It was one of the most emotional moments of the series and gave the viewer insight into what happened in a fan favorite's past.
5. The Phantom Apprentice
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In the second episode of the final arc of The Clone Wars, Ahsoka Tano is confronted by the dangerous Darth Maul and the truth about Sidious’ plans for Skywalker. As the war explodes around them, the two have a rather calm conversation where Maul asks if Ahsoka would like to join him. His idea was to take on the Dark Lord, who had been manipulating both sides until that moment. At first, she agrees (creating an insane what-if) but when Maul revealed that it is Skywalker that would be groomed as an apprentice to the Dark Side, Ahsoka quickly changes her mind, unable to believe that Anakin could turn. The two engage in one of the best lightsaber fights in the universe with Ahsoka coming out on top. This moment is the second time that an apprentice of Sidious has flat out told the truth and the Jedi refused to listen.
4. Anakin’s Foresight
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In one of the best arcs of The Clone Wars Anakin, Ahsoka and Obi-Wan are sent to investigate after a mysterious message (that contains a Jedi distress signal that has not been used in 2000 years) is intercepted by the Republic. The trio heads toward the Crelythiumn system where they encounter a mysterious object which transports them to a strange place. The group is wary but decides to investigate. While doing so they encounter another trio immensely powerful in the Force called the Son, Daughter, and Father. They represent the Dark Side, the Light, and the balance respectively. Ahsoka, Obi-Wan, and Anakin all see powerful visions, culminating in the Son showing Anakin that he will become Vader. It is a powerful moment that shows the eventuality of what will become of Anakin and what he will do as Darth Vader.
3. Obi-Wan Vs. Darth Maul, One Last Time
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“Lost, I am lost. And yet, I can feel his presence. So close, so close. I can see him, in my mind's eye. Kenobi. KENOBI!” - Darth Maul
It’s safe to say that Darth Maul was obsessed with Obi-Wan. After their first meeting in The Phantom Menace and a few times in The Clone Wars, Maul made it his obsession to find and destroy Kenobi. He discovers that the hidden Jedi is on Tatooine, but cannot find him in the desert wasteland. Maul lures Ezra to the planet knowing that if the boy fell into danger it would draw out the old Master. The plan worked and although Kenobi saves Ezra (and Chopper) he is discovered by Maul. Obi-Wan sends Ezra away and the two fight for the last time. The fight is quick but a poignant end to their arc. Maul is cut down, but rather than leaving him to die alone, Kenobi comforts him and shares his purpose, giving Maul a sense of peace before he passes.
2. Master & Apprentice Meet Again
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In the season finale of the second season of Rebels, Ahsoka finally comes face to face with her former master. Vader disarms Ezra and is set to destroy him when Ahsoka steps in at the last moment. The two have a small conversation before engaging in one of the most emotional fights in the Saga. Vader had the upper hand at first but when he is distracted, Ahsoka deals a blow that cracks his helmet and reveals the face of Anakin. For the briefest of moments, it seems he had returned, however it is clear that he is Vader and cannot be turned back and goes in for the kill. The episode ends ambiguously with the viewer unclear on Ahsoka and Ezra’s fates as he leaves in possession of a Sith Holocron. The episode showed just how amazing Rebels was and how well they wrote legacy characters.
1. The End Of The Clone Wars
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When The Clone Wars returned, it gave everyone 12 episodes that helped wrap up the series in a proper fashion. The Bad Batch was introduced, Echo’s arc was completed and we were shown Order 66 from Captain Rex and Ahsoka’s perspective. After she removes Rex’s inhibitor chip, the two share an emotional moment as he comes to terms with the fact that his brothers cannot be saved. Ahsoka also realizes that they may have won the war, but they lost it all. She and Rex are able to escape, but are left in a graveyard of their friends in shock. Ahsoka leaves her lightsabers and her life behind and is not seen again for many years. The moment is scored perfectly as we see the graveyard of helmets of the clones who decorated them in honor of the Togruta, as well as Rex’s friend Jesse. It is a haunting end that fits the moment.
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Source(s): Wookieepedia ; IMDB