8 Times Darth Vader Was the Best Thing About Star Wars

Darth Vader is pretty great. How many pop culture characters can lay claim to being both the hero and villain of an epic, six-movie saga? Here are the baddie's defining moments in the Star Wars saga.

1. When he showed us how to make an entrance

Talk about making a strong first impression. The sight of the ebony-clad Vader strolling through a haze of blaster smoke was badass enough, but, what really sealed the deal? Our exposure to his unique, chilling breathing sound.

2. Whenever he wields the ultimate power in the universe

Vader is not impressed by your moon-sized battle-stations or their ability to annihilate worlds. The power to slowly choke an uppity minion to death is far more useful. Ditto using the Force to turn any object or Cloud City wall fixture into a projectile.

3. When he fought Luke on Cloud City

Never let it be said that Vader doesn't put on a good show. After schooling his son in the art of laser fencing, Vader took a break to telekinetically pummel poor Luke with heavy machinery, until his boy went flying right through a window. Maybe Vader should try a less aggressive parenting style.

4. When he blew Luke's mind (and ours)

Vader really clinched his status as a titan of pop culture with the pivotal "I am your father!" scene in "The Empire Strikes Back." Too bad his son preferred to take his chances in a bottomless pit than take up Vader on his offer to rule the galaxy as father and son.

5. When he keeps his troops in line

"Apology accepted, Captain Needa." Great supervillain line, or the greatest supervillain line?

6. When we saw him first being forged

"R evenge of the Sith" gave us a scene fans had waited decades before -- the creation of Darth Vader. Seeing the charred, mutilated Anakin Skywalker morph into a cybernetic monstrosity was definitely satisfying -- until the point where Vader delivered that infamous "Nooooo!!!!!"

7. When he slam-dunked the Emperor

It turns out Vader isn't such a bad dude after all. Sure, it took him several minutes of watching his son be tortured to death before Vader finally threw Emperor Decrepit Monkey Skeleton down a chasm. But Vader got the job done, giving us one of the most emotionally stirring moments in the Star Wars saga.