5 Star Wars Action Scenes You Won’t Want to Miss

The epic nine-film Star Wars series (including its two additional stories) is undeniably filled with exciting, pulse-pounding action. Each movie has continuously come up with innovative ways to captivate viewers, ranging from the very first lightsaber duel and space battle in Star Wars: A New Hope to the “Force dyad” that allowed Rey to pass her lightsaber to a rather distant Kylo Ren in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Of course, there are also larger-scale battles, which reflect the “Wars” in the Star Wars title. These action sequences are some of the most thrilling set pieces across the entire franchise and have kept audiences hooked.

In other words, while lightsaber duels are a significant part of the Star Wars saga, this list does not feature them specifically, although battles involving lightsabers may still occur. Regrettably, we’ve chosen to omit direct lightsaber vs. lightsaber fights such as the memorable confrontation between Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon against Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

The Podrace in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace

Despite receiving criticism and disappointment from many viewers, “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” is acknowledged by even its harshest critics for having two exceptional scenes reminiscent of the Original Trilogy. The climactic duel involving only two characters, set to John Williams’ brilliant “Duel of the Fates” score, is one such scene. Another standout sequence is the thrilling Podrace.

The scene was thrilling and tense, evoking memories of the speeder chase from Return of the Jedi. As it whizzed across the sandy expanse of Tatooine, it demonstrated the movie’s remarkable special effects at the time and the saga’s knack for creating sleek and appealing vehicles.

Obi-Wan vs. Jango Fett in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones

Similar to “The Phantom Menace,” “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” was met with mixed reactions. However, like its predecessor, it has aged reasonably well and offers occasional enjoyment. Despite the fact that most scenes involving Anakin and Padme can be unbearable, Obi-Wan’s storyline remains compelling.

On Kamino, where clone production takes place, this becomes crucial for Obi-Wan. Discovering that Jango Fett, who shares his home on Kamino with his “son,” is the genetic template for the clones, Obi-Wan shifts his focus to tracking down the bounty hunter. However, Jango and Boba are well prepared, with their Slave I spacecraft armed to the teeth with every weapon imaginable, much like its pilot. Their dockside battle is impressive, but the ensuing space chase in an asteroid field, reminiscent of Empire Strikes Back, is even more thrilling. The seismic charges on the Slave I stand out during this high-stakes chase.

The Battle of Hoth in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

In the epic tale, several significant large-scale battles leave a lasting impression. For example, the Battle of Geonosis from “Attack of the Clones“. However, the battle that truly underscores “Star Wars” as a war film is the Battle of Hoth in “The Empire Strikes Back“. The meticulously crafted AT-AT walkers create a palpable sense of danger, making for an exhilarating confrontation.

The scene also effectively establishes the mood for the following chapter. It’s noticeably darker than “A New Hope,” without hesitation displaying a Rebel base reduced to ruins. Moreover, the stop-motion technique employed to animate the walkers remains impressive 45 years after its creation.

The Asteroid Field Chase in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

Immediately following their survival from the Battle of Hoth, Han Solo, Leia Organa, C-3PO, and Chewbacca find themselves on board the Millennium Falcon. However, TIE fighters soon appear on the scene. With a damaged hyperdrive, they are left with two possible strategies: engage them directly or attempt to elude them amidst a busy asteroid field.

Regardless of the choice they make, their odds aren’t favorable. However, Han is confident about his piloting abilities when it comes to the second option. It’s always engaging to witness characters faced with choosing the lesser of two problems (or dangers), which is something Empire often presents effectively. Even if they manage to evade the TIEs and believe they’re safe within a large asteroid, it transpires they’ve found themselves inside a massive space-dwelling beast instead.

The Speeder Bike Chase in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi

In general, Endor appears to be the least dangerous planet in the original Star Wars trilogy, but that perception quickly shifts once Luke and Leia climb aboard Imperial Scout Trooper motorcycles. The presence of countless towering trees makes navigating the swift 74-Z speeder bikes incredibly challenging, resulting in one of the most nerve-wracking scenes across the entire Star Wars series. A brief lapse in concentration can lead to the tragic loss of a character we’ve come to know over two and a half movies.

Among the exhilarating moments in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, the chase scene – filmed amidst the stunning Redwood National Park in California – undeniably stands out as its most thrilling. The scenic beauty combined with a constant sense of danger makes for an unforgettable sequence that lingers in one’s memory.

Star Wars movies are streaming on Disney+.

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2025-02-26 22:12