May the fourth be with you: 20 of our favorite moments from the Star Wars franchise

Episode IV: Luke and Han rescue Princess Leia

A New Hope is a great film in its entirety, but the action gets real when Luke and Han join Obi-Wan in infiltrating the Death Star and rescuing Princess Leia. Luke and Han break into the detention center, guns blazing. They win a shoot out with the stoomtroopers and have some hilarious lines while attempting to convince Vader’s men that they’re supposed to be there.

In their efforts to free Leia, they also become trapped in this section of the space station. This forces them into the trash compactor, leading to more banter and a nerve wracking moment in which they’re almost crushed in the compactor. C-3PO and R2-D2 stop the walls from squashing them, but only just. For a scene without fighting, it’s certainly full of action.

Episode IV: Obi-Wan versus Darth Vader

Our first major death in the Star Wars universe was a memorable one, and so it deserves to make the list. Obi-Wan Kenobi spends A New Hope mentoring and guiding Luke, and his fate is common among mentors in the genre. Thankfully, he gets some glory on his way out. His final moments taking on Vader allow Luke and the others to escape the Death Star.

The Jedi master’s final words to Vader are legendary, and well-known throughout the fandom. During their lightsaber duel, he tells him that if he strikes him down, he’ll “become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.” And in allowing himself to be killed, Obi-Wan ensures that he can return as a Force ghost and assist Luke in the future films. It’s a noble sacrifice, and it proves how badass Obi-Wan truly is.