With Star Wars Day upon us, I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate this beloved franchise than by focusing on one of its most beloved characters. Darth Vader is considered by many (myself enthusiastically included) to be one of the greatest big screen villains of all time. It’s a legitimate claim that can backed up by simply perusing the vast catalog of great Vader moments from movies, streaming series, comics, etc.

Anakin Skywalker (aka Darth Vader) has been the narrative centerpiece for much of the Star Wars story, beginning with the prequel trilogy, on through the original trilogy, and in much of the animated universe. Even when other characters are the main focus, the shadow of Vader looms over whatever story is being told. Also he’s just an incredibly cool villain who has given us so many great Star Wars moments over the decades.

So in light of Star Wars Day, I thought it would be fun to highlight five of the most awesome Darth Vader moments in all of Star Wars (with video of the scenes included). There are so many to choose from so it’s impossible to call this a definitive list. At the same time, it’s hard to argue that these five moments aren’t amazing. Check them out below and be sure to share your picks in the comment section below.

(Be warned, if you haven’t seen Star Wars but plan to, there will be a few spoilers ahead)

#5 Vader Appears – “Jedi: Fallen Order”

“Jedi: Fallen Order” released in late 2019 and it quickly became one of the franchise’s most acclaimed games. While playing was an incredible experience all its own, it was the canonical story and rich character building that made the game special. Set five years after the events of “Revenge of the Sith”, the story follows one of the few survivors of the Empire’s Great Jedi Purge. It all builds towards an epic appearance of Darth Vader at his most powerful. While I’m sure most non-gamers haven’t seen it, it’s a moment that shouldn’t be missed.

#4 – Vader Pulls Down a Ship – “Obi-Wan Kenobi”

While it doesn’t rank among the most significant moments in Darth Vader’s storied history, there’s something about Vader pulling down an entire ship with his force powers that is just awesome. He does that very thing in the Disney+ series “Obi-Wan Kenobi” and it is every bit as cool as it sounds. As members of the underground desperately try to escape, Vader force grabs what he believes is their ship and yanks it back to the ground. It’s an amazing show of power even if the results aren’t quite what the dark lord expected.

#3 – The Mustafar Duel – “Revenge of the Sith”

The lightsaber duel between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker remains both exhilarating and heart-wrenching. It’s true that Anakin wasn’t yet in his ominous black suit. But he had been given the name Darth Vader by his new master so this choice certainly applies. The two former best friends and brothers unleash an epic lightsaber showdown that starts in a hidden Trade Federation base before spilling outside amid the dangers of the volatile volcano planet. Everything about the duel works, from the buildup to the execution to the dramatic payoff.

#2 – Vader’s Redemption – “Return of the Jedi”

Darth Vader’s tortured and violent story culminated in a moment of redemption that not only triggered the end of the Galactic Empire, but saved his son Luke who was able to turn his father back to the light. It took place in the Emperor’s throne room on the second Death Star. The gravity of Vader’s choice to save Luke by killing Palpatine can’t be overstated. It’s one of the most significant moments in Star Wars. And it (mostly) wraps up the story of Anakin Skywalker, whose tragic life ends with what you might call peace.

#1 – The Hallway Massacre – “Rogue One”

Though it doesn’t carry anywhere near the weight of my previous pick, no Dark Vader scene has shown him more menacing and merciless than in the heralded hallway scene in “Rogue One”. Vader is nothing short of terrifying in this brief but jaw-dropping sequence at the end of the film which directly connects it to “A New Hope”. Vader unleashes his full wrath on the helpless rebels. The siren, the creaking metal, the lightsaber’s ignition, the swelling music, the desperate screams – it all plays into what is one the franchise’s most iconic moments. It never fails to give me goosebumps.