We rank the 50 Biggest WTF Moments in Star Wars History
By Josh Hill
27. Yoda Dies
Film: Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
The Moment: Luke returns to Dagobah to continue his Jedi training, only to find that Yoda is no longer in good enough health to aide him. As Luke pleads for answers about Vader and his purpose in the galaxy, Yoda calmly comforts Luke before snuggling up in his little bed and dying. As he dies, Yoda’s body passes from the world Luke is in to the Force World.
Why It’s Memorable: We all got a lump in our throats when Yoda died — and it’s hard to not get all bent out of shape emotionally even when we see it for the millionth time. This isn’t just some lovable character dying here, it’s Yoda. upon the first viewing, especially if you only have The Empire Strikes Back for character reference with Yoda, it might not be as emotionally crippling.
But with the prequel films in our minds and the importance of Yoda made very clear — as well as all the memories we have with him — this is a tough moment. It’s also a significant moment in that Luke is officially the last of the Jedi, which is an incredibly heavy cross to bear.
Next: 26. Luke Takes Darth Vader's Mask Off