Order 66

Revenge of the Sith

Anakin Skywalker has fallen to the dark side and become Darth Vader. It’s time for Palpatine’s endgame as he triggers the clone army to murder their unsuspecting Jedi Generals with one simple phrase.

“Execute Order 66.”

We knew that the Jedi purge was coming. We’d had plenty of time to brace ourselves, but the emotional gut punch of the scene was no less pungent and like the vast majority of iconic Star Wars moments already featured on this list, numerous factors are in play.

John Williams once again deserves huge credit, (and yes, it’s becoming a predominant theme as we near the sharp end of this list). As Vader marches on the Jedi Temple, with countless thousands of clones in tow, preparing to execute all of the Jedi within the sacred building, the score is dominating. It feels like the Imperial March, only this time it perfectly matches each and every stride taken by the army. Metronome marching music – ominous and powerful.

And the potency of the score does not end there, as Williams delivers a sombre soundtrack as we see Jedi across the galaxy coming under fire from their own troops. We see Ki-Adi-Mundi overwhelmed on Mygeeto, Aayla Secura gunned down on Felucia, Plo Koon’s starfighter shot down on Cato Neimoidia and Stass Allie’s speeder taken out on Saleucami. These on screen Jedi deaths illustrate the story across the galaxy. The score is emotional and so is the audience.

This scene only gains in impact after watching The Clone Wars TV series. These are all Jedi we have spent time with in the animated world, but more poignantly, the role of the clones is even more devastating with the extra context.

The Clone Wars show highlights the loyalty of the clones, but also their individuality. They have their own personalities and, at times, their own agendas. But above all they believe in their Jedi Generals. They’ve fought alongside them for three years. Saved them and been saved by them.

All of that is now forgotten and we are reminded in the most tragic way possible that the clones are simply a blunt tool of the impending Empire.