The Best Animated Lightsaber Battles In Star Wars

Key Takeaways

General Grievous impresses with his unique fighting style using four lightsabers at once.
Maul vs. Ahsoka showcases a motion-captured, energetic, complex, and impactful duel.
Ben Kenobi vs. Maul in Rebels is a mental game leading to a tragic ending in a final confrontation.

As a lifelong Star Wars enthusiast who has witnessed countless lightsaber battles, I can confidently say that these duels are among the finest the galaxy far, far away has to offer. The Anakin versus Asajj Ventress fight in Clone Wars is a testament to the series’ ability to deliver breathtaking action and emotional depth, all while teetering on the brink of our young hero’s fall to the dark side.

Across the epic Star Wars movie franchise, Lightsaber duels have consistently amazed audiences since the first movie premiered in 1977. These films are renowned for their innovative use of special effects, directing, and combat choreography.

It’s not surprising that when Star Wars transitioned to animation, the lightsaber duels left fans amazed once more for several reasons. From the Clone Wars animated series to Rebels and beyond, here are some of the most impressive lightsaber battles seen so far in Star Wars Animation.

6 General Grievous vs. Jedi

The Cyborg General Makes His Startling Debut

The Best Animated Lightsaber Battles In Star Wars

Series: Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003)
Episode: 20

For the first time, a character left such a profound impact on the Star Wars fanbase as General Grievous did when he debuted in 2004. What made him unique was not only his unusual ability among non-Jedi to wield a lightsaber, but also his exceptional skill at using one – and four simultaneously – which was practically unheard of.

Grievous engages multiple Jedi simultaneously, forming a shield of lightsabers, and he’s swift enough to dodge their force attacks. Much like other projects by Genndy Tartakovsky, the action animation is breathtaking, effectively capturing the intensity and ferocity of Grievous’ combat methods against his Jedi adversaries.

5 Maul vs. Ahsoka

Former Students Battle on Mandalore

Series: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
Episode: 131

In the “Clone Wars” series, no lightsaber battle has left a lasting impression quite like the one between Maul and Ahsoka in season 7. What sets this duel apart is that it was skillfully executed using motion capture technology, with Ray Park reprising his role as Maul to handle the fight choreography yet again.

The characters’ actions appear strikingly realistic and intense, with the help of conventional animation techniques. This creates an exciting, layered, and tactile battle scene that rivals or surpasses many real-life brawls in terms of energy and complexity.

4 Ben Kenobi vs. Maul

A Final Ending for Lifelong Enemies

Series: Star Wars: Rebels
Episode: 57

One of the major mysteries in the Star Wars universe following Darth Maul’s resurrection was how his narrative would unfold and if he would survive to witness the events of the original trilogy. The animated series Rebels ultimately resolves this question, as it depicts the former Sith Lord meeting a tragic end during a climactic showdown with his long-time adversary, Obi-Wan Kenobi, who is now simply an elderly man known as Ben.

This battle stands out due to its predominantly mental aspect, as it involves strategic position changes and subtle hints about defensive stances. Interestingly, there were merely three physical attacks, yet the outcome for Maul had been decided long before his sword met Obi-Wan’s.

3 Anakin Skywalker vs. Asajj Ventress

A Savage Battle Between Two Acolytes of the Force

Series: Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003)
Episode: 19

In the thrilling 2003 Clone Wars series, I found myself right in the midst of a breathtaking Lightsaber duel – it was Anakin against Asajj Ventress! This fight wasn’t just a simple clash; it was a complex and intricate dance that unfolded from the heart of the dense jungle all the way to the towering summit of Yavin 4’s distinctive pyramid.

In this battle, both fighters employ their power skills to boost their agility and acrobatic moves, and also shape the surroundings to their benefit. The conflict builds up dramatically, culminating in an awe-inspiring climax under a massive, crimson gas planet against the backdrop of the dark night sky.

2 Maul & Savage Oppress vs Darth Sidious

The Emperor Comes to Tie-Up Loose Ends

Series: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
Episode: 104

Among the fights in The Clone Wars series, the duel between Ahsoka and Maul in season 7 takes the top spot, but the clash between the Zabraak twins and Darth Sidious is a very strong contender for second place. This fight stands out due to its exceptional animation, as Palpatine’s skillful dual-light saber combat style demonstrated that it could hold its own against either of his adversaries.

Indeed, Darth Sidious is the main attraction here, though Maul and Savage Oppress are no slouches. This, however, is not an even fight, as Sidious systematically takes the two brothers apart single-handedly, proving yet again why he is the true lord of the Sith.

1 Ahsoka vs. Darth Vader

Master and the Apprentice Meet One Last Time

Series: Star Wars: Rebels
Episode: 27

Similar to Obi-Wan Kenobi’s confrontation with Darth Vader in his own live-action series, the battle between Ahsoka and her ex-master carries a heavy emotional weight and acts as a resolution for both characters. In terms of the combat itself, it takes a back seat to the profound impact this encounter has, although it remains intriguing to witness their distinct fighting styles collide.

In a similar vein to Obi-Wan, Ahsoka recognizes Vader as the beast responsible for the death of her friend and mentor, Anakin Skywalker. Just like Obi-Wan before her, she manages to unveil Vader’s true visage, providing Star Wars enthusiasts with a truly memorable scene and a haunting reminder of the depths to which Anakin had sunk.

2024-10-25 09:34