When it comes to Star Wars, whether you’re a casual fan, a dedicated devotee, or someone who’s never watched any of the films or series, everyone has heard of the mysterious powers of The Force.
From Anakin playfully stealing Padmé’s fruit off her plate to the fatal force lightning attack that felled Mace Windu, there’s so much we don’t know about The Force, but one thing is for sure: it’s pretty darn cool to watch
This Star Wars Day, you can experience the wonders of The Force all over again, or even for the first time, with this list of iconic moments – all streaming now on Disney+!
1. “I find your lack of faith disturbing” – Darth Vader chokes Admiral Motti
Of course, we’d start with the film that launched the series, and with a scene that shows us the mysterious power of The Force. We first hear of The Force when Ben Kenobi (Obi-Wan Kenobi) explains it to Luke.
However, we don’t see it being used until Darth Vader casually chokes Admiral Motti with an unseen, telekinetic force as punishment for doubting The Force.
The ease and casualness with which Vader almost kills Motti underlines both how powerful The Force is, and sets up Vader as one of the most iconic characters of all time.
Where to watch: Episode IV – A New Hope
2. “Judge me by my size, do you? Hm?” – Yoda lifts the X-Wing
This scene is iconic for many reasons – first, we get the famous and deeply meaningful line from Yoda: “Do. Or do not. There is no try.”, a line that today is still used to embody the importance of never giving up.
Second, it demonstrates to us that The Force isn’t limited by size, with the tiny, green Yoda lifting a massive machine of metal out of the swamp on his first try, something Luke struggled with just moments earlier.
Where to watch: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
3. “If so powerful you are, why leave?” – Yoda stops force lightning
We all know how powerful force lightning is, and it’s a move typically used by the Dark Side, a show of The Force that is equal parts destructive and terrifying as it seems practically inescapable. Until Yoda.
In an unprecedented move, Yoda absorbs and redirects the lightning from Count Dooku, even doing the same with Darth Sidious, the most dangerous member of the Dark Side we’ve seen so far. This cements Yoda’s position as one of the most powerful uses of The Force.
Where to watch: Episode II – Attack of the Clones & Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
4. “Where’d you go kid?!” – Grogu calms the Rancor
At the end of The Book Of Boba Fett, we see Grogu using his force powers, as he calms down the Rancor to save the Mandalorian and the city of Mos Espa, choosing a more passive direction, something the Light Side favours.
On the other hand, in The Mandalorian, we see Grogu force choke not just one, but two Stormtroopers, in a move associated by the Dark Side. With these displays of power, and Grogu’s choice to leave the Jedi way in favour of attachment to the Mandalorian – and we don’t need to tell you who else chose attachment over the Jedi – Grogu’s future is rife with potential and uncertainty.
Disney Gallery: The Book of Boba Fett debuts on Disney+ on 4 May, presenting an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the series.
Where to watch: The Book Of Boba Fett, Chapter 7
5. “The rebellion is reborn today” – Rey clears the way
We’ve saved the last spot for the newest Jedi on the block – Rey herself. In a display of force usage so immense, Rey shocks not only herself when she lifts up a multitude of rocks and boulders that were trapping the Resistance, but also the Resistance themselves, and us as viewers.
The scene also shows us that the baton has been passed – Rey is now the new hope, for better or for worse… you decide.
Where to watch: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
Bonus: “These are not the droids you are looking for” – Obi Wan Kenobi waves his hand
Not the most powerful display of The Force in Star Wars canon, but definitely one of the most iconic: we can’t leave out the moment when Obi-Wan Kenobi waves his hand and mind tricks the Stormtrooper searching for R2-D2 and C3PO who are right behind him.
It’s a hilarious moment and one that makes Obi-Wan one of the most quoted characters in the Star Wars universe.
Where to watch: Episode IV – A New Hope
Extra Bonus: “I am one with the Force and the Force is with me” – Chirrut Îmwe takes a walk
This scene is not even a display of the Force as much as it is total belief in it.
Appearing in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Chirrut Îmwe believes all living things are connected through the Force. He may be blind, and lack Force abilities, the warrior monk has rigorously honed his body through intense physical and mental discipline as the Stormtroopers eventually find out.
Where to watch: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
If you’re excited for new force moments to watch, Obi-Wan Kenobi arrives just in time on Disney+ on 27 May 2022!
May the Force be with you!