When it comes to the Star Wars sequels, people have strong opinions. Love them or not, it’s hard to deny the commitment Daisy Ridley poured into her role as Rey.
Despite the script challenges and all the noise surrounding her character, Ridley consistently gave it her all, creating moments that stand out even for the more critical fans.
Rey’s journey as a scavenger turned Jedi is packed with scenes that highlight her strength, vulnerability, and fierce determination.
Let’s dive into the ten moments where Ridley truly shone, making Rey one of the most unforgettable characters in the Star Wars universe.
Table of Contents
- 1. Throne Room Fight with Kylo Ren – The Last Jedi
- 2. Revelation of Her Lineage – The Rise of Skywalker
- 3. Rey’s Vulnerability with Kylo Ren – The Last Jedi
- 4. The Force Vision After Touching the Lightsaber (The Force Awakens)
- 5. Rey’s Mind Trick on the Stormtrooper (The Force Awakens)
- 6. Channeling “All the Jedi” to Defeat Palpatine (The Rise of Skywalker)
- 7. Throne Room Fight Against the Praetorian Guards (The Last Jedi)
- 8. Flipping Over Kylo Ren’s TIE Fighter (The Rise of Skywalker)
- 9. Defeating Kylo Ren on Starkiller Base (The Force Awakens)
- 10. Passing the Lightsaber to Ben Solo through the Force Dyad (The Rise of Skywalker)
1. Throne Room Fight with Kylo Ren – The Last Jedi
This throne room scene is probably Rey’s most intense, fan-favorite moment.
After Kylo Ren kills Snoke, he and Rey stand back-to-back, facing down the Praetorian Guards in a battle that’s equal parts fierce and visually stunning.
The way Daisy portrays Rey here – determined, fierce, and all-in – is one of the clearest examples of her giving it her all.
What’s even more memorable is the raw energy she brings, especially in that battle scream.
Fans loved this moment because it shows Rey’s strength, but also her willingness to team up with Kylo, which was a huge character step.
2. Revelation of Her Lineage – The Rise of Skywalker
In The Rise of Skywalker, the revelation that Rey is Palpatine’s granddaughter is a turning point.
Daisy’s portrayal here is loaded with shock, grief, and even rage, especially as she grapples with the idea of having this dark legacy.
Fans really connected with the way Daisy showed Rey’s complex reaction, making it clear that this wasn’t just a plot twist but an emotional upheaval for her.
When Finn tries to comfort Rey afterward, you can feel how broken she feels.
It’s a strong, emotionally vulnerable moment that many consider one of Daisy’s best performances in the trilogy.
3. Rey’s Vulnerability with Kylo Ren – The Last Jedi
In The Last Jedi, Rey’s Force bond with Kylo Ren gives us one of her most honest, raw moments.
It’s a deep dive into her vulnerability, which is something we hadn’t seen as openly until then.
There’s that iconic scene where Rey confesses her loneliness and fear while facing the mirror cave.
Her body language and expression make it crystal clear how isolated she’s felt all her life, and Daisy nailed it.
Fans often mention how much empathy she brought to Rey here, making it a standout.
4. The Force Vision After Touching the Lightsaber (The Force Awakens)
The moment Rey touches Anakin’s lightsaber in The Force Awakens and experiences a Force vision is a powerful introduction to her Force sensitivity.
Ridley conveys Rey’s shock and fear as she’s thrown into visions of the Jedi Temple burning, Kylo Ren in the rain, and other haunting images.
This scene makes you feel the gravity of Rey’s connection to the Jedi, and Ridley’s performance of Rey’s confusion and awe sells the scene perfectly.
5. Rey’s Mind Trick on the Stormtrooper (The Force Awakens)
Using the Jedi mind trick for the first time was a huge moment for Rey and a memorable scene for fans.
In The Force Awakens, Rey taps into the Force to free herself from Kylo Ren’s capture, commanding a stormtrooper to release her.
Ridley’s playful delivery here adds a touch of humor and confidence to Rey’s character, making the classic mind trick feel fresh.
It’s a simple moment, but it showcases Rey’s growth and Ridley’s charm in the role.
6. Channeling “All the Jedi” to Defeat Palpatine (The Rise of Skywalker)
In the final battle on Exegol, Rey’s moment of channeling the spirits of Jedi past is Ridley at her most powerful.
When she declares, “I am all the Jedi,” before defeating Palpatine, there’s a sense of destiny and triumph in her performance.
Even if the plot itself had mixed reactions, Ridley’s delivery makes Rey’s win over the Sith Lord feel like a fitting conclusion to her journey.
7. Throne Room Fight Against the Praetorian Guards (The Last Jedi)
The Throne Room battle in The Last Jedi is one of the most thrilling sequences in the trilogy, and Ridley’s fierceness is unforgettable here.
The scene where Rey lets out a fierce roar and attacks a guard is particularly memorable.
Ridley’s energy and intensity make Rey feel so determined and powerful.
It’s clear she’s giving her all physically and emotionally in this fight, making it a fan favorite and one of Rey’s most iconic moments.
8. Flipping Over Kylo Ren’s TIE Fighter (The Rise of Skywalker)
One of Rey’s most impressive moments of sheer Force power and agility is her acrobatic flip over Kylo Ren’s TIE Fighter in The Rise of Skywalker.
This scene, while action-heavy, is a visually striking moment that Ridley brought to life with Rey’s fierce determination.
Love it or hate it, this scene showed Rey at her most heroic and driven.
9. Defeating Kylo Ren on Starkiller Base (The Force Awakens)
The first real showdown between Rey and Kylo Ren on Starkiller Base is still one of her most memorable fights.
Despite her lack of training, Rey stands her ground, channeling the Force in a way that surprises even her.
Ridley conveys Rey’s bravery, exhaustion, and focus as she overcomes her wounds and turns the tide against Kylo. For many fans, this scene cemented her place as a worthy hero.
10. Passing the Lightsaber to Ben Solo through the Force Dyad (The Rise of Skywalker)
In The Rise of Skywalker, Rey’s Dyad bond with Kylo Ren is taken to new heights when she passes him a lightsaber through their connection.
This clever use of the Force Dyad is one of the most unexpected and thrilling moments, as it allows Ben to take down the Knights of Ren.
Ridley’s subtle delivery in this moment – the quick handoff, her calm focus – makes it feel seamless and powerful.
This scene was Ridley showing Rey’s mastery and confidence in her Force abilities, and it’s a standout moment for her character.