Summary
One of the greatest joys ofStar Warsis the endless selection of incredible moments it has to choose from, but there are some that have stuck out more to me than others - and they now live in my mind rent-free. This question was posed byStar Warsduring the promotion of their upcomingThe AcolyteTV show, where they had some of their stars choose aStar Warsmoment that lives in their heads rent-free. I couldn’t help wondering what my own response would be, and as a lifelong fan of the franchise, I came up with plenty.
It’s important to note that, while these moments are constantly playing in my head, they are not all what I would consider to beStar Wars’best moments. These are simply the ones that I tend to think about time and time again, whether it’s to integrate quotes and vocabulary into my daily vernacular or because of the way they have emotionally impacted me. Many of these moments are also from my favoriteStar Warsprojects, which automatically gives them a solid pass to live inside my head. Here are the 10 moments I’ve been thinking of the most lately.
The 17 Best Moments In The Star Wars Prequel Trilogy
The Star Wars prequels have become cherished additions to the franchise, and there are tons of incredible scenes throughout the three movies.
Andor Season 1, Episode 10 “One Way Out”
Luthen Rael
A mysterious leader in the Rebel Alliance, Luthen Rael is comfortable making decisions others - such as Mon Mothma - would find uncomfortable. Luthen seems to have modelled himself on Palpatine, presenting a front as an antiques dealer while he travels the galaxy supporting rebel cells. His story seems fated to end in tragedy.
Compared to the other moments on this list, this one feels quite out of place, but it’s only the truth that I continue to think about this scene regularly. Stellan Skarsgård’s delivery is nothing short of perfection as Luthen Rael lists every single way in which he’s constantly breaking himself down for the Rebellion effort. The absolute poetry of what he says, along with the way in which the volume and tension of his voice rises, makes it hard to forget.
What helps it stick with me more is the fact thatI’m constantly quoting random phrases he says during this monologue. His sharp bite of “Everything!” at the end is one of my favorites to say throughout the day, in response to just about any situation where I can slide it in appropriately. Of all the monologues inStar Wars, this has become one that I borrow from quite often, certainly cementing its place inside my mind as of late.
Andor
Cast
Andor is a Star Wars prequel series set before the events of Rogue One, following Cassian Andor as he navigates a world of danger and deception. The series delves into his transformation into a pivotal figure in the struggle against the Galactic Empire.
Andor Season 2: Trailer, Story, Updates, & Everything We Know
Andor season 1 ended with an explosive finale, leading many to wonder what season 2 has in store for the characters of Star Wars’ most exciting show.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 7, Episode 10 “Phantom Apprentice”
Ahsoka Tano
The apprentice of Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano was an accomplished Padawan who served during the Clone Wars. Ahsoka left the Jedi after she became disillusioned with the Jedi Council, but returned to serve in the Siege of Mandalore at the end of the Clone Wars. She survived Order 66, becoming a Rebel agent during the Dark Times of the Empire’s reign, and her adventures continue in the New Republic era. Ahsoka was last seen stranded in a distant galaxy, having failed to prevent Grand Admiral Thrawn’s return.
It’s hard to make a list like this and not include something fromStar Wars: The Clone Wars, especially in its final arc.The Siege of Mandaloreand execution ofOrder 66inThe Clone Warsis simply unforgettable, but of everything that happens, this moment is certainly what I think of first and foremost. Ahsoka Tano and Darth Maul are some ofStar Wars’most talented lightsaber duelists, and seeing them go head-to-head is utterly awe-inspiring.
Any time I think about The Clone Wars, I think of this scene first.
The incredible animation surrounding this fight only adds to it even more, from the beautiful shot of the glass wall fracturing to the dynamic back-and-forth of Ahsoka and Maul’s combat. The conversation leading up to this duel is also highly memorable, with Maul actually being in the right for his assumptions about Palpatine’s manipulation of Anakin Skywalker. Any time I think aboutThe Clone Wars, I think of this scene first, proving that it’s been living rent-free in my mind for the last four years.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Star Wars: The Clone Wars is an animated series that explores the intense conflict between the Republic and the Separatists. Featuring a mix of loyalty shifts and alliances, it delves into complex mysteries of the Force and showcases pivotal moments for characters like Anakin Skywalker and Master Yoda.
8The Battle Of Geonosis Begins
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones
I am quite literally a child of the prequels, and some of my earliest memories consist of watchingStar Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clonesover and over again. My favorite scene to watch was no doubt the arena battle on Geonosis, which leads directly into the greaterBattle of Geonosisthat kickstarts the Clone Wars itself. From Padmé’s quick thinking in freeing herself to Obi-Wan’s iconic lightsaber twirl, I have never forgotten the epic rush of the earliest part of the conflict on Geonosis.
This is also what gives the clones their start inStar Wars, and I have long since been endeared to them. Much of this has to do with the fact that I used to playStar Wars Battlefrontoften, and I would always play as a clone on Kamino. Getting to see them reinforce the Jedi on Geonosis was hugely formative for me as a youngStar Warsfan, and it has since informed how I view the clones as an adult. Every time I see the clones and the Jedi, it brings me back to this moment.
Years after the events of The Phantom Menace, the Skywalker Saga continues with Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones. When Senator Padme Amidala’s life is threatened, Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker are tasked with her protection. While Obi-Wan uncovers a clone army made in secret, Anakin falls in love with Padme, marking the beginning of his inevitable fall to the dark side of the Force.
Din Djarin
Din Djarin was once a lone bounty who has since tasked himself with raising his adopted son and Mandalorian apprentice, Grogu. Born on Aq Vetina and raised on Concordia by the Mandalorian faction the Children of the Watch, Din is an orphan and Mandalorian foundling who has risked both his life and his Mandalorian Creed to protect Grogu. Djarin has become an important part of the galaxy’s fight against the Imperial Remnant that lingers in the wake of the Empire’s fall, as he is now working under-the-table for the fledgling New Republic’s rangers.
This moment fromThe Mandaloriancertainly won’t be the last on this list, nor will it even be the last from this particular episode.The Mandalorianis my favoriteStar Warsproject to date, and “Chapter 15: The Believer” is my favorite episode -and, if it wasn’t already obvious,Din Djarinis my favorite character. Getting to see him in action outside his usual beskar suit of armor has thus stuck with me ever since it first happened almost four years ago.
What I find most remarkable about this fight sequence is the fact thatit’s the first, and so far the only, where Din doesn’t have his armor nor his weapons to rely on. This fight highlights Din’s true skill as a warrior by forcing him to use hand-to-hand combat and whatever else he can get his hands on to defeat his adversaries. All of this happening in such a high-stakes situation, with Grogu captured, makes it even more memorable. This is easily one of my most rewatched scenes in all ofStar Wars, proving that it lives inside my mind.
The Mandalorian
Released on August 10, 2025 The Mandalorian follows a lone gunfighter navigating the galaxy’s outer reaches after the Galactic Empire’s fall. As a skilled bounty hunter, he operates in a lawless universe, undertaking various missions on the fringes of the New Republic’s territories.
The Mandalorian Season 4 Updates: Cast, Story, & Everything We Know
After The Mandalorian season 3’s conclusion in 2023, the story of The Mandalorian season 4 is shaping up to be one of the show’s biggest yet.
Second only toThe Mandalorian,Star Wars: The Bad Batchis another one of my favoriteStar Warsprojects, and its series finale has been living in my head ever since it aired just over a month ago. The ending is pure perfection for all the hardshipsClone Force 99has faced, from the gut-wrenching loss of Tech to the torture they all endured on Mount Tantiss. I could never forget the fear that gripped me during the front half of this finale, but the back half made it more than worth it.
The Batch getting their happy ending on Pabu means absolutely everything, and the fact that they truly earn it only makes it even better. As someone who has thoroughly enjoyed Hunter and Omega’s bond ever since the beginning, I’m often thinking about this moment between them, where Hunter can finally give her the free, peaceful life every child should get to have - and she can actually relish in that herself, too. The emotions of this moment are still ever-present for me, and it’s something that will likely always stick with me.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch
Star Wars: The Bad Batch is an action-adventure animated series set after the events of The Clone Wars, following Clone Force 99 (a.k.a. the Bad Batch.) Finding themselves immune to the brainwashing effects of Order 66, the Bad Batch become mercenaries for hire while outrunning the empire, now seeing them as fugitives of the law.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 3 Ending Explained (& What Happened To Clone Force 99)
Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 3’s ending brought the show to a close, providing plenty of reveals, action sequences, and character conclusions.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader
Conceived by the will of the Force itself, Anakin Skywalker was the prophesied Chosen One, destined to bring the Force into balance. Anakin struggled to balance competing attachments to the Jedi Order and his wife Padmé Amidala, and ultimately fell to the dark side, becoming Darth Vader. For years he served as Palpatine’s right hand man, but he was ultimately redeemed by the faith of his son, Luke Skywalker. Now a Force Ghost, Anakin continues to act as an agent of balance.
Another one of my favoriteStar Warsprojects,Rogue One: A Star Wars Storyhas so many amazing moments - but none quite as memorable as this. As one of the most famous villains in history, an appearance by Darth Vader is always unforgettable, but the opportunity he gets to show off inRogue Oneis utterly terrifying in the best way. There will never be words to properly describe what it was like seeing this scene in the movie theater for the very first time.
He truly invented the Star Wars “hallway scene” conversation.
Now, this scene is an absolute must-watch wheneverRogue Oneis on. I set aside anything I’m doing when I know it’s time for Vader to seek his revenge and fight his way to the Death Star plans. He truly invented theStar Wars"hallway scene" conversation, and every hallway scene ever since has still paled in comparison to this one for me. Whenever I see Vader now, I think of this moment, which I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a standalone film set in the Star Wars universe, where a group of resistance fighters, led by Jyn Erso, embarks on a mission to steal the Death Star plans. This pivotal event sets the stage for the iconic saga to follow.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
The Padawan of Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi became a Jedi Knight after his master’s death. Obi-Wan trained Anakin Skywalker as a Jedi, with his own apprentice knighted after the Battle of Geonosis. The Jedi Master became a key player in the Jedi during the Clone Wars, and was heartbroken when Anakin turned to the dark side; Obi-Wan critically wounded Anakin before taking to the shadows, watching over the young Luke and Leia for years. He sacrificed himself for his two charges, becoming a Force Ghost and continuing to mentor them.
Going back to quotable lines, there is nothing I reference more than this infamous dialogue exchange between Anakin and Obi-Wan on Mustafar. It’s easily one of the most famous conversations in all ofStar Wars, mostly because of the way it’s been memed ever since the movie was released. From Anakin’s pledge for peace, freedom, justice, and security to Obi-Wan winning the high ground,every part of their initial confrontation and their ensuing duel is highly recognizable in pop culture.
As a child of the prequels, it’s certainly no different for me. I find it extremely easy to use Obi-Wan’s “I will do what I must” in just about any situation, as well as Anakin’s “You will try.” When this scene comes on inRevenge of the Sith, there’s no fighting the overwhelming urge to recite the lines along with the characters. There will always be a space in my brain for this scene, and only three others are currently taking up more of that real estate inside my mind.
Hunter (Clone Force 99)
Leader of Clone Force 99, Hunter is a mutant clone created with enhanced senses - gifts he uses to help him strategize in combat operations. Hunter led his squad on countless successful missions during the Clone Wars, and they deserted shortly after Order 66. Hunter has become a father-figure to fellow mutant clone Omega, who he loves dearly and is sworn to protect.
The other part ofThe Bad Batch’s series finale that constantly stays with me is its beautiful epilogue. The addition of this epilogue was a massive surprise, and as soon as I realized what was happening, I knew that I was never going to be able to forget it. There’s nothing better as a fan than getting to see your favorite characters survive and grow old, and that was certainly the case for me with both Hunter and Omega.
This moment brought me back to another that will certainly be mentioned later on, and I felt all those same emotions as I watched this - and I continue to even after a month.Hunter being able to let Omega go is the perfect way to round out his character arc, as is the way he at long last openly refers to her as his (and the Batch’s) kid. Omega keeping parts of the Batch with her, such as Lula and Tech’s goggles, is utter perfection. This is a moment I won’t ever forget, with only two others surpassing it.
Din Djarin Helmet Removal
The MandalorianEpisode
IG-11 removes Din Djarin’s helmet to save him from fatal wounds
Season 1, Episode 8 “Chapter 8: Redemption”
Din Djarin removes his helmet to get the coordinates to Moff Gideon’s cruiser
Season 2, Episode 7 “Chapter 15: The Believer”
Din Djarin takes off his helmet to let Grogu see his face
Season 2, Episode 8 “Chapter 16: The Rescue”
While the pirate fight is certainly a highlight of “Chapter 15: The Believer,” there’s no denying that its best moment is when Din Djarin removes his helmet and breaks his Mandalorian Creed to save Grogu. The buildup to this moment is perfectly tense, with plenty of foreshadowing throughout the episode that makes this removal a satisfying payoff. It’s only the second time Din’s face is ever seen inThe Mandalorian, and the first when it’s not coated in grime and blood - allowing viewers a full look at his vulnerability.
All it takes is subtle gestures for him to convince the audience that he truly is a man who hasn’t shown his face to anyone ever since he was a child.
What makes this moment so unforgettable is Pedro Pascal’s incredible performance, which is delivered with minimal dialogue. All it takes is subtle gestures for him to convince the audience that he truly is a man who hasn’t shown his face to anyone ever since he was a child, and it makes the entire sequence extremely heartbreaking and tense all at once. It’s hard to forget where I was when this moment happened, though one other from this series still manages to rock me even more.
Grogu
Grogu is a former Jedi youngling who is now training as a Mandalorian apprentice under his adopted father, Din Djarin. A survivor of Order 66, Grogu was hunted by the Empire for his blood amidst their cloning experimentation. Rescued by Din after initially being his bounty, Grogu went on to be trained briefly by Luke Skywalker as a Jedi Padawan, but has ultimately chosen the path of the Mandalorians instead to remain with his father. Grogu is now traversing the galaxy with Din to fight the Imperial Remnant and learn the Mandalorian Way.
It would seem that I’m a sucker for parent-child goodbyes inStar Wars, and this one is absolutely the standard. After two full seasons of Din Djarin quite literally fighting tooth-and-nail to protect Grogu and establishing a meaningful bond with him, it’s both beautiful and shattering to see him say goodbye to the child. Din taking off his helmet for Grogu and thus risking his identity only makes it even more unforgettable.
No matter how long it’s been since this episode aired, nor how the story ofThe Mandalorianhas developed ever since, I will always feel the emotion of this moment between Din and Grogu. It’s easily one of the most emotional and meaningful in all ofStar Wars, and the fact it’s between two of my favorite characters only makes it even more memorable and impactful for me. Seeing the tears in Din’s eyes as he lets go of Grogu haunts me to this day, easily making it theStar Warsmoment I think about the most.
All Star Wars movies and TV shows are available to stream on Disney+
