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For a franchise that is built on themes of hope, redemption, and optimism, there sure are a lot of heartbreaking moments throughout the Star Wars saga. From the impalement of our beloved Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn to the fall of the legendary Paige Tico, there is a ton of tragic moments in Star Wars that are sure to make some grown men cry. Without further adieu, grab some tissues, and let's take a look at my personal list of the 10 saddest moments in Star Wars history.
Honorable Mentions
Ben Solo is redeemed just to die
Boba mourns his Father
Ewok can't wake up his buddy
Ahsoka Leaves the Jedi
#10 - Kanan's Sacrifice
Star Wars rarely kills off it's main protagonists, especially in the middle of the story. Unfortunately for Mr. Jarrus, things were a bit different in Star Wars: Rebels. Seeing Kanan sacrifice himself is not only sad for the fact that he dies, but he does it right in front of the two people he cares about most. His death halfway through season 4 makes the rest of the season that much more solemn and dire.
#9 - Anakin and Shmi
Tusken Raiders were basically responsible for the creation Darth Vader. That look on his face says it all. Anakin's life is so full of tragedy, it's no surprise at all that he turns into Darth Vader. Anakin is tormented by dreams of his mother dying. Dreams Jedi don't usually have as their born with almost no attachments. He sets out to go and save her, only to find out it's too late. I would have killed all the men, women and children too.
#8 - Fives' Death
After discovering such an important truth and almost foiling the entire plot of the Star Wars saga, CT-5555 sadly met his end at the hand of his own brothers. This is probably one of my favorite arcs in the entire show and Fives is the main reason. He becomes target #1 for Palpatine and it's so sad to see all his efforts go to waste and watch Rex not be able to save him.
#7 - Rogue One's Fatal Ending
We knew it wasn't going to end well, but dang. They literally killed everyone. After being introduced some great characters and getting attached over a 2-hour period, we were forced to watch literally all of them meet their end. This is not only tragic, but truly one of the most realistic endings in a Star Wars movie. Not everyone makes it in war. Some are sacrificed for the greater good. This was their story.
#6 - Qui-Gon Jinn's Death
This is where real men begin to cry. Qui-Gon has a special place in my heart and I wish he was my Jedi dad. Watching him guide Obi-Wan as his mentor and father-figure and then seeing him doing it for Anakin, only adds to how tragic and important his death is. Not only does his death lead to Anakin's misguidance, it serves as just another tragedy in the life of Obi-Wan Kenobi. I love Darth Maul, but I can't forgive him for this one.
#5 - Han Solo's Death
Unfortunately, this was probably the biggest moment I ever had spoiled for me prior to seeing a Star Wars movie. Still, as the moment came, I felt myself getting really sweaty and feeling like I was about to lose a lifelong friend. Seeing Han want nothing more than to fulfill Leia's wish of bringing their son and coming so close is heartbreaking. Kylo's hate for his parents is also heartbreaking and it really feels like if his parents were there for him a bit more, they wouldn't be in that position.
#4 - "Let me look on you with my own eyes."
You have any tissues left? It's about to flood over here on my end. We're back on that dude Anakin and his tragic life. Vader has finally redeemed himself by "killing" the Emperor and will join his son in the quest to restore the Jedi Order, right? Unfortunately, dude is a literal robot and was electrocuted immensely by the Emperor. Hearing Vader say that he wants to take off his mask and see his son with his own eyes just once hurts so bad. Luke wants nothing but to save him after trying so hard to get him back to the light, but there's nothing he can do. Luke sheds a tear and then I shed a bunch.
#3 - Grogu leaves Din
I have never cried so hard at Star Wars before this scene. While this is probably the least tragic of circumstances on this list, it didn't stop me from balling like a baby when Din wanted to see HIS son with his own eyes. So much led up to this, Grogu and Din had been on the journey of a lifetime together, and we watched them bond so much without even being able to talk to each other. With such a unique relationship and experience together, it is absolutely heartbreaking to see them part ways. We can only hope that they reunite and that Luke will take good care of that little boy.
#2 - Order 66
This is a moment that has emotionally scarred a generation. As Palpatine's plans come to fruition, we were forced to watch heroes of the Republic fall at the hands of their own army. Seeing Yoda's reaction to sensing it will forever feel like a knife in the heart. We've now been forced to relive this moment multiple times in Revenge of the Sith, The Clone Wars, and Jedi Fallen Order. It's crazy to think that Palpatine had that much control and I remember being truly shocked when I first saw Commander Cody order a blast to be sent at General Kenobi.
#1 - "You were my brother, Anakin. I loved you."
Star Wars is sad, man. It is honestly crazy when you take a look at what each character has been through because of the galactic turmoil. Obi-Wan had it the worst. He lost his father-figure, the love of his life that he was never able to be with, and his brother. Watching Obi-Wan have to do what he did to Anakin is just the worst. This was a lose-lose scenario for Obi-Wan. He had to make the decision to harm the person he was trying to save and then leave him for dead . I think for that to happen, Obi must have felt like a complete failure and that Anakin had no light left. It's crazy to think that we were left with such tragedy to end the Star Wars saga in 2005.
Don't be Sad
Was this post a bit heavy? Well no need to worry, we have already dealt with the sadness of these moments and it's not like we'll have to watch them for the rest of our lives or anything. I love that Star Wars is not always a happy ending for it's heroes. While it's tragic, it makes everything more realistic and relatable. Loss and tragedy is something humans have to deal with everyday and sometimes seeing tragedies between characters you care about can show some sort of silver lining in real life. There is always a better ending. I hope this post makes you want to go hug your mom or your child and watch some Star Wars with them. Thanks for reading and May the Force be with you!
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