25 Unforgettable Darth Vader Quotes That Echo Through the Galaxy

If we asked a Star Wars fan which character had the best lines, the answer would most likely be Darth Vader. Many of his quotes are threatening and reflect his power. Others are insightful or humorous.

From the first Star Wars movie, Vader captivated us with his presence and words. Read more below to find out about his 25 greatest quotes.

25. I Find Your Lack of Faith Disturbing.

This may be the best-remembered Darth Vader quote. As one list commented, this quote conveys a religious belief and reveals Vader as more than a military leader. He is committed to the Force and dares anyone to challenge him on that front. In this case, Admiral Motti.

24. Asteroids Don’t Concern Me, Admiral. I Want That Ship, Not Excuses!

This quote refers to Vader chasing the Millenium Falcon in an asteroid field in The Empire Strikes Back. As Vader fixates on capturing Luke Skywalker, he turns to capture Han, Leia, Chewbacca, and C-3PO after the Battle of Hoth.

Vader is not concerned the Imperial Fleet has to contend with this asteroid belt.

23. The Force is Strong With This One.

In A New Hope, Vader says this line about an X-Wing fighter that he does not know is Luke. Vader attempts to blast Luke from his Tie Fighter while the boy is trying to land a shot that will destroy the Death Star. The Force is strong with both of them.

22. No…I am Your Father.

Also well remembered, this quote represents an epiphany moment for Luke Skywalker and audiences alike. Spoken toward the end of The Empire Strikes Back, Vader surprised everyone.

This fact horrified Luke. Audiences gained a new depth of understanding from it that changed the course of the Star Wars movies.

21. It Is Useless to Resist.

In the same scene as Number 22, Vader warns Luke about resisting the dark side and how he will be destroyed like Obi-Wan Kenobi. The quote conveys intimidation and hopelessness for anyone trying to stop Vader.

20. Be Careful Not to Choke on Your Aspirations.

This quote from Rogue One seemed like an intentional stab at humor and maybe unlike Darth Vader. Yet, as the following article noted, this line is characteristic of Vader.

Not only has Vader choked others before, but he has a sense of (dark) humor. In this case, he blends the literal with the metaphorical as he addressed Director Krennic.

19. I Have Been Waiting for You, Obi-Wan.

Darth Vader speaks these words to Obi-Wan Kenobi as the two move toward one another before their classic lightsaber fight in A New Hope. Vader looked forward to meeting his old trainer again after Anakin lost to Obi-Wan at Mustafar.

Vader did meet Obi-Wan before the Death Star, though. The Obi-Wan Kenobi series gave us a dramatic fight scene where Obi-Wan gets the better of Darth. Yet, Vader confirms that “Anakin is gone” and insists that he will get Obi-Wan eventually.

18. When I Left You, I Was But the Learner. Now I Am the Master.

This iconic line is also from the fight scene in A New Hope. Vader said it before they started dueling. Obi-Wan’s response, “You’re only a master of evil, Darth,” also ranks high among the storied lines from this first Star Wars movie.

This fight perhaps proves Vader became the master. Then again, Obi-Wan turned into a Force ghost with powers beyond what Darth “could possibly imagine.”

17. The Circle is Now Complete

This quote accompanies the above one. Vader says it as a lead into how he is now the master. The circle of apprentice to master has come around. Vader announcing these changes wouldn’t be the same without this line.

16. The Emperor Is Not as Forgiving as I Am

In another use of sly humor, Vader says this line to Commander Jejerrod on the Death Star. Instead of directly threatening Jerjerrod, Vader hints that his fate will be worse in the Emperor’s hands. He best get the project back on track.

15. Perhaps I Can Find New Ways to Motivate Them.

This line comes before the above one as Vader walks with Jerjerrod and the latter informs Vader that “My men are working as fast as they can.” Perhaps they are, but that won’t suffice for Vader or the Emperor.

14. You Are Part of the Rebel Alliance and a Traitor. Take Her Away!

The first Star Wars movie had numerous great Vader quotes. This is one prime example. Vader states this matter-of-factly to Princess Leia after she denies being part of the Rebellion.

It was an early line in the movie that helped “cement” Vader as a “vicious beast on a mission.” This top villain secured his place through words and deeds.

13. You Don’t Know the Power of the Dark Side!

As Luke tries to persuade his father to join him on the light side in Return of the Jedi, this is Vader’s reply. Vader also says, “I must obey my master,” meaning the Emperor.

This quote reflects how powerful the dark side is. Not even his son can convince Vader to depart from it until the end of the movie.

We can also detect a warning to Luke to stay clear of the Emperor’s influence. Vader wants to prevent his son from following in his footsteps.

12. Impressive. Most Impressive. Obi-Wan Has Taught You Well.

The Empire Strikes Back gives us yet another impressive quote. As Vader duels with Luke for the first time, he is impressed by the skills Luke has learned so quickly. Yet, he also toys with Luke, showing that Vader is stronger than he is.

Luke partook in an imagined duel with Vader on Dagobah beforehand, but this was the real thing.

11. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.

In A New Hope, as the Imperials discuss the Death Star’s power, Vader provides a larger context. He warns they should not be “too proud of this technological terror.” Vader chokes Admiral Motti after he challenges Vader on this issue.

10. And Now, Your Highness, We Will Discuss the Location of Your Hidden Rebel Base

In A New Hope, Vader comes to Princess Leia with this agenda. He has a floating interrogation droid with him to persuade her to talk. Leia does not give in, and we assume Vader resorted to punishment.

9. It is your destiny. Join me, and together we can rule the galaxy as father and son.

This quote is from the bridge scene in The Empire Strikes Back when Luke is holding on with one hand after losing it in the lightsaber fight with Vader. Vader says these words after revealing he is Luke’s father. With the shock still registering, this must have been quite a proposition for Luke to hear.

8. You are unwise to lower your defenses.

Amidst their lightsaber fight in Return of the Jedi, Luke tries to persuade Vader to join him on the light side. Vader responds with this line. Luke is taking a big risk, and Vader reminds him of the consequences.

7. He Is Clumsy as He is Stupid

This derogatory remark is aimed at Admiral Ozzel, a long-term officer of the Republic and Empire. Ozzel was in charge of the planned attack on Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back. But Vader felt that Ozzel had “come out of lightspeed” too close to the Hoth planetary system.

Vader thought that Ozzel ruined the element of surprise and relieved him of his command.

6. You Have Failed Me for the Last Time

After saying the above quote, Vader speaks to Admiral Ozzel through a video screen, and tells him about his failure. Then Vader Force chokes him and gives command over to Captain Piett. Piett becomes the new admiral and coordinates the attack on Hoth.

Piett was promoted, but had to worry about his own fate if he failed Vader. He survived under Vader, but died from an attack on the Executor.

5. I Do Not Fear the Dark Side the Way You Do

This quote is from Anakin as he transitions to Darth Vader in Revenge of the Sith. He told Obi-Wan Kenobi, “I see through the lies of the Jedi.” The two of them then begin their turning-point duel that ends tragically for Anakin.

4. If You Will Not Fight, Then You Will Meet Your Destiny

In the Return of the Jedi lightsaber fight between Vader and Luke, Vader utters these words during one of their pauses in dueling. He throws his lightsaber at Luke, causing sparks to fly and Luke to fall from a platform. At this point, Vader appears irredeemable.

3. You Cannot Hide Forever

After the above quote, Luke tries to evade Vader and find time to appeal to the “good” he feels is still in Vader. While Vader pursues him, he speaks this quote. Both of their destinies hang in the balance.

2. If You Will Not Turn to the Dark Side, then Perhaps She Will

When Vader speaks these words about Leia possibly falling to the dark side, he provokes Luke to draw his lightsaber and start attacking Vader. Luke gets the better of the exchange and pushes the scene to its climax. Luke defeats Vader, and the Emperor thinks he will destroy him.

Surprise, Emperor, Luke doesn’t do it.

1. You Already Have, Luke

This quote reflects how Luke saved Vader. Vader says it toward the end of Return of the Jedi. It captures a poignant moment with his son. It may not be the most remembered or witty, but it conveys Vader’s redemption from the dark side.

Vader goes on to say to Luke, “You were right about me.” Vader could be brought back to the light side, as proven in this scene.

Todd Wahlstrom

Todd Wahlstrom is a creative and analytical freelance writer and life-long Star Wars fan who has expanded into writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has written about recent shows such as The Mandalorian and Andor and classic topics like Darth Vader, the Jedi, and Boba Fett. His recent articles include the MCU’s Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor. Todd is the author of a non-fiction book, holds a Ph.D. in history, and enjoys hiking, running, and reading about science.