Top 10 Strongest Versions of Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader

As Star Wars fans, we enjoy conjuring up images of Vader as a powerful Sith Lord and ultimate villain. Yet, which version of Anakin/Vader is the strongest? Below we have the top 10 strongest versions of Anakin/Vader. 

10. Vader in the Kenobi series

Although Vader lost his lightsaber duel to Obi-Wan in the Kenobi series, this version makes the list because of the strength he demonstrated. Vader seemingly had Obi-Wan beat in their climactic scene. His lightsaber and Force skills were tremendous to behold. Even when Obi-Wan managed to defeat him, Vader was defiant and expressed how he would ultimately get the better of Obi-Wan.

9. A New Hope Vader

Vader did defeat Obi-Wan in A New Hope. We know that Obi-Wan gave himself up to this moment, but Vader was clearly the stronger in their original duel. Vader also gave us his first Force choking to demonstrate his power with the Force and he choked a Rebel to his death with one hand. Original power indeed. 

8. Clone Wars Anakin

The version of Anakin depicted in the Clone Wars series earns the eighth rank on this list. His “astonishing ability with the Force” was on full display in this show, as were his military leadership skills. We even saw him beat Asajj Ventress in a lightsaber duel and began to draw on his dark side. 

7. Revenge of the Sith Anakin

If we go by the second prequel, Attack of the Clones, we may agree with this article that Anakin comes off as “moody and whiny” and not the strongest version. However, this piece also indicates how by Revenge of the Sith, “Anakin truly becomes the fullest version of himself.” That would include becoming more powerful than before but probably not “than ever”. 

6. Rebels Vader

Similar to The Clone Wars, but now as Vader, the Rebels series effectively portrays Vader/Anakin’s power. In this show, Vader has been described as “ruthless, enigmatic, cold, staunch, tenacious, and brutal.” In this compilation, Vader embodies the power of the Empire and reflects a commanding presence. He also shows off his Force and lightsaber skills, reflecting how he veers toward the height of his powers. 

5. Vader in Rogue One

In tandem with Rebels, Vader as he appeared in Rogue One is incredibly powerful. With his sharpened red eyes and bold appearance, he easily cows Commander Krennic. Vader’s “rage” and vitality are on full display at the conclusion of this movie, which fits squarely with his almost top-power version.  

4. Vader in Comics In-Between Empire and Return

As fans have pointed out, Vader reaches a point where he “was strong enough” that he “truly believed he could kill Sidious alone.” The comic pages here reflect that pinnacle power between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Although Vader fails in that effort, he does appear to have reached his full potential. According to the Darth Vader #47 comic issue, he reaches that zenith right before the third original movie. 

3. Vader in Empire Strikes Back 

Yet, we may argue that if we back up a little to Empire itself, Vader was closer to his peak power. From his commanding role on Hoth to his revelation-filled lightsaber fight with Luke, Vader exuded all that power that he could summon. Vader toyed with Luke in their duel before nearly destroying him. Still, Anakin at his fullest abilities could be even stronger. 

2. Full Potential Anakin

This video ranks Full Potential Anakin as the strongest version, but this version seems to be too hypothetical to claim that spot. We can imagine that an Anakin who truly became the Chosen One would have been overwhelming in power. 

However, as fans indicate, Anakin would never “reach his full potential” because he was “corrupted by Palpatine” and the dark side. The full potential is always an improbable outcome, so we give it close to number one. 

1. Anakin/Vader’s Force Ghost

What the above video ranks as number two can claim the number one spot because Force Ghost Anakin/Vader did his best to balance his light and dark sides. We saw in the Ahsoka series how Anakin returned as a Force Ghost to counsel Ahsoka, but also to prompt her into action by drawing on his dark side. Anakin-Vader merged identities and became in balance to give us a glimpse at the strongest version.