Star Wars: Ranking every version of Anakin Skywalker

Number 1: Return of the Jedi

You might have noticed, in Return of the Jedi, Anakin is Darth Vader and so far, I have purposefully left every appearance of Darth Vader off of this list. To me, the characters are almost separate entirely.

But In Episode’s IV and V, we see Vader as he is.  A murderous, heartless machine. He is essentially a guard dog for Grand Moff Tarkin in A New Hope, and in The Empire Strikes Back, he wants to bring Luke to the Emperor, no matter the cost.

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However, something changes in him during Episode VI. We see him beginning to desire more than just vengeance. He wants his son by his side, and during the scenes with Luke, we see him attempting to reason with him, almost as if he wants to protect him. This is what begins the return of Anakin Skywalker.

It is almost too perfect, how Anakin’s fall being motivated by his love for his future family could only be undone by his desire to protect his son, this time the right way.

In the prequels, Anakin wants to hold onto Padme for himself. He is desperate to keep her alive because he can’t lose her. In his redemption, we see him save Luke, and overthrow the Emperor, essentially sacrificing himself in the process.

When it is all over, and Luke is trying to save him, he asks Luke to stop and remove his helmet, knowing he will die. He is no longer willing to be half alive, clinging to his survival, as he did Padme’s. He wants to see his son with his own eyes, Anakin Skywalker’s eyes. He is human again, and in being human, he starts to fade, with the prophecy of the Chosen One, fulfilled.

The rise and fall, and eventual redemption of Anakin Skywalker is the embodiment of what makes Star Wars great, and Return of the Jedi  is the ultimate payoff of Anakin’s journey.

Plus, he appears as a force ghost at the end so HA! It counts!

So what do you think? Do you agree with these rankings? Comment your favorite Anakin Skywalker moments or appearances below!