There hasn’t been a Star Wars movie since 2019, but there have still been some incredible scenes in the 2020s. The last few years have seen Star Wars change shape, with Lucasfilm focusing on a range of Disney+ TV shows (of varying quality). While Star Wars is returning to the big screen next year, this Disney+ legacy must not be forgotten.
Here, then, are the best Star Wars moments of the 2020s so far: stunning scenes, deep character moments, and some of the best lightsaber duels we’ve ever seen. We’ve tried to pick a range here (which means the temptation to make an all-Andor list has been resisted). But what do you think? Take it to the comments to let us know…
20
Jod Na Nawood Reveals His True Connection To The Jedi
Who is Jude Law’s Jod Na Nawood? That question runs through Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, an epic show in which a group of children get stranded in the Star Wars galaxy. The dynamic between Law and the rest of the young cast is electrifying, building to a climax in Skeleton Crew‘s finale.
There, at last, a furious Jod declares the truth about himself and his past with the Jedi – which isn’t quite so great as the kids hoped. He believes nobody is coming to help them, but he soon learns he’s wrong, because the darkness will never overcome the light.
19
The Power Of The Sith Revealed
Just how powerful are the Sith? That question is answered in The Acolyte episode 5, when Manny Jacinto’s character – dubbed “The Stranger” by Lucasfilm – takes on an entire squad of Jedi. It’s no exaggeration to call it a mᴀssacre, made all the more incredible because of some stunning fight choreography.
The heartbreaking highlight is a brief clash between the Stranger and Dafne Keen’s Jecki Lon, a Theelin Padawan who does remarkably well but is ultimately killed by the Stranger’s trick lightsaber (a second sH๏τo blade concealed within the hilt of his primary weapon). This is genuinely some of the best swordsmanship we’ve ever seen in Star Wars.
18
A Message For Moff Gideon
Here’s a basic lesson that Giancarlo Esposito’s Moff Gideon never learned: Do not mess with Mando. The Mandalorian season 2, episode 7 saw Pedro Pascal’s Din Djarin deliver a simple warning to the Imperial warlord: he was coming to get Grogu back.
This scene is notable because it sees Din finally acknowledge the truth we’d all been able to see lurking in his heart for so long. “He means more to me than you would ever know,” Din states, and there is such a depth of emotion in his words. It’s an unforgettable scene, a crucial part in Din’s character arc.
17
Star Wars Is Redeemed For Ahmed Best
The Star Wars fandom has always been both divided and divisive, and actors have often wound up suffering as a result. Ahmed Best, who voiced Jar Jar Binks in George Lucas’ prequel trilogy, had a particularly bad time of it. That made his return in The Mandalorian season 3, episode 4 all the more powerful.
Best appeared in an unexpected flashback, playing the role of Jedi Master Kelleran Beq. The scene was fantastic, even giving Best the chance to demonstrate his incredible skill at fight choreography. It was a scene nobody ever expected to see, which made it all the more incredible.
16
Change Is A Part Of Life
Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 2, episode 9 features an unforgettable moment between Tech and Omega in which they discuss the inevitability of change. The conversation is poignant, pure and heartfelt, with both characters acknowledging their own pain. It’s the scene where so many viewers fell in love with Tech.
The emotional dynamic in this scene is tremendous. Omega is young and confused, overwhelmed by the changes in her life and questioning everything around her. Tech, meanwhile, is well aware he doesn’t process things the same way other people do. The result is a beautiful discussion with a lasting impact.
15
The Angel Of Death
Crosshair undeniably had the strongest character arc in Star Wars: The Bad Batch, and the turning point really comes in season 2, episode 12. Here, in this dramatic scene, he realizes that the Empire he has been loyal to… has never been loyal to him. He avenges a fallen comrade, shooting the ruthless Lieutenant Nolan down.
There’s such beautiful artistry in this scene, as a vulture flies overhead, its shadow circling Crosshair. He becomes the vulture, the predator, the angel of death, the avenger – and he will never be loyal to the Empire again.
14
How To Take Down A Krayt Dragon
The Mandalorian season 2 premiere opened in spectacular fashion, showing the on-screen debut of a live krayt dragon. A skeleton of a krayt dragon can be seen in the first Star Wars movie, and Obi-Wan imitated their cry to scare off Tusken Raiders; but we’d never seen them before. All that changed when Din Djarin and Cobb Vanth went head-to-head with one.
The final battle against the krayt dragon is electrifying, with Din somehow managing to unite the Tatooine lawman and a group of Tusken Raiders. In the end, Din only wins through using a somewhat unorthodox tactic… and allowing himself to be eaten. It’s an unforgettable scene, and it feels like it’s been decades in the making.
13
“I’m Not A Kid Anymore”
The Bad Batch season 3’s ending features an emotional epilogue scene that wraps up the show’s story, while also setting up a legacy in the Galactic Civil War. The Rebellion needs pilots, and an older Omega is unable to resist the call to join the fight against the Empire. This is her fight now.
There’s something so very satisfying about The Bad Batch‘s epilogue scene, an intense goodbye between Hunter and Omega. It’s a reminder of everything we’ve seen Clone Force 99 endure, a promise of more adventures to come, and a final farewell to Tech – symbolized by the broken glᴀsses still on the ship.
12
The Eye Of Aldhani
Who can forget the Eye of Aldhani? A rare cosmic event seen on the planet Aldhani, this served as the backdrop for a bold rebel raid in Andor season 1, episode 8. The whole raid is wonderfully tense, with standout performances by all the cast, but the climax is most definitely worthy of inclusion here.
Diego Luna’s Cᴀssian Andor flies into a meteor shower, pursued by TIE Fighters. The scene is tense and dramatic, the special effects are among the best ever created by ILM, and there’s human tragedy in the background as one of the rebels is critically injured.
11
Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow
Obi-Wan Kenobi brought back both Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen as Obi-Wan and Darth Vader, with the Jedi Master and the Sith going blade-to-blade on two occasions. Sadly, poor cinematography and lighting means those duels haven’t quite made the cut to this list; but the emotional core of the show has done, in one inimitable scene.
McGregor’s final farewell to Vivien Lyra Blair’s Princess Leia is absolutely heartfelt, with the Jedi finally admitting he knew her parents and telling Leia just a little about them. It’s a powerful tribute to both Anakin and Padmé, and it left fans of the prequels almost in tears. McGregor and Blair’s performances are absolutely phenomenal.
