Star Wars: The 7 Most Perfect Shots So Far

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

dir. George Lucas, DP David Tattersall

There are several shots from The Phantom Menace on the list, with the excitement of the Pod Racing scene, the introduction of Darth Maul, and more included. But we went with this image because it tells such a story. Here we see Darth Maul, pacing like a caged animal, ready to strike. We see the patience of Qui-Gon Jinn, willing to kneel and meditate between battles. And finally we see the anxious nervousness of Obi-Wan Kenobi, desperate to get to his master and help. Just as Star Wars can often tell a story in one line, it can tell a story in one shot like this, too.

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones

 dir. George Lucas, DP David Tattersall

Another single image that tells a story, Attack of the Clones offered up some silent heartbreak in the midst of the largest action sequence in the film. When Jango Fett is killed, his head removed from his body by the Jedi Mace Windu, his cloned son picks up his helmet, holding it to his head in agony. Want to know why Boba Fett became a hardened killer? Here it is.

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

 dir. George Lucas, DP David Tattersall

This is the only one where we depart from Film School Rejects' list. While they focused on the Jedi and on Vader's rise in armor, this is the shot that tells the most story - and the point that Anakin is truly lost forever, Darth Vader standing in his place. Sure, he'd already bowed and been re-christened by Sidious, and he'd killed the younglings at the Jedi temple, but when Vader decided even Obi-Wan, his best friend, his master, his brother, was against him, Anakin was dead.

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

dir. George Lucas, DP Gilbert Taylor

Arguably the best and most iconic shot of the entire franchise - heck, you could at least put it in the conversation of tops for film altogether - the "Binary Sunset," as Luke Skywalker looks out upon the twin suns of Tatooine, about to embark on the adventure that would change him and the galaxy forever, is perfect. It also tells you the beauty of John Williams' score - dare you not to hear his soaring score in your head.

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

dir. Irvin Kershner, DP Peter Suschitzsky

This movie was tough to choose from - it's considered the best of the Star Wars films for a reason, and the individual shots, each offering up emotion and story, are no small reason why. Of the shots FSR chose, this is what we went with - it's an image that shows so much anticipation, so much promise. There's no way to look at this image and not know that something huge is about to happen.

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

dir. Richard Marquand, DP Alan Hume

Again, many great images in this film, like Darth Vader, helmet removed, dying in Luke's arms, or the funeral pyre, or even Chewbacca atop the AT-ST. But this image of the second Death Star, incomplete but still a symbol of fear, destruction, and danger, at once shows the desparation of the Empire to keep power, and the desparate need for the Rebellion to end their reign once and for all.

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens

 dir. J.J. Abrams, DP Dan Mindel

The most recent Star Wars film (you know, until tomorrow), The Force Awakens had iconic shots of Luke Skywalker, removing his hood, of the Millennium Falcon in freefall as Rey cut the engines, of Han Solo and Leia, estranged spouses, seeing each other for the first time in what's clearly been awhile. But another shot of the horizon takes the cake, as a squadron of TIE fighters crests a hill, the Sun of this particular planet in the background. The silhouettes, the clouds framed, the hills of the endless desert; it's a display of power but one of beauty, as well. A perfect shot.

Remember to check out FilmSchoolRejects for their full list of top 50 - or just marathon the whole series again to see every perfect shot in the franchise.