Futurism logo

Most Powerful 'Star Wars' Villains

The most powerful 'Star Wars' villains would be terrifying if they actually existed.

By Riley Raul ReesePublished 7 years ago 6 min read
Like

Star Wars is a series that has become the birthplace of many amazing characters, fandoms, and storylines. It is so vast that it even has its own set of unique planets, that some fans have studied in greater detail than those of our own universe. In this Universe, the series highlights the differences in "good vs. evil" groups in the universe. Jedis are fans of blue, Sith are fans of red. Jedis have mind powers, Sith have that cool lightning bolt thing...

The heroes are great (except for Jar Jar Binks), but if you ask many of us out there, it's actually the villains who seem to have the most awesome powers in the Galaxy Far, Far Away.

If you really think about it, the most powerful Star Wars villains are actually pretty terrifying. Here are some of the worst baddies that Lucas has brought to life, and why they're so terrifying.

Darth Vader

Darth Vader is the stuff of legends because, without him, there would be no Star Wars series at all. He's slaughtered millions, greenlit his assistant to blow up planet Alderaan, and was feared for annihilating any resistance that stood up to Palpatine and the Empire.

Along with having superior control of the Force, Vader has shown himself to be incredibly ruthless and capable of planning out vicious attacks on his enemies. In terms of sheer damage done to the Jedi, no one can come close to Darth Vader in most cases.

So, not only is he one of the first villains in the Star Wars series, he's also one of the most powerful Star Wars villains out there.

Grand Moff Tarkin

Grand Moff Tarkin, on first glance, doesn't really look that terrifying. In fact, he looks like someone who might do your taxes. However, make no mistake about it; he's bad to the bone. After all, Darth Vader wouldn't choose just anyone to be his right-hand man.

What makes Tarkin so powerful isn't just his proximity to Vader himself—it's the fact that he's also so capable and brilliant as a right-hand man. Technically, it was him who destroyed Alderaan and who forced Leia to watch it explode.

He's ruthless, cruel, and makes modern politicians look like wimps.

Boba Fett

Everyone loves Boba Fett, even though he's technically a villain. The bounty hunter and warrior is known for being so skilled, so dangerous, and so insanely powerful that he was used as the basis for an army of clones.

People in the Star Wars Universe know of his skill, and that's why he's been employed by gangsters like Jabba the Hut and evil overlords like Darth Vader himself. He's infamous for being the guy no one wants to mess with, and for good reason.

At one point, even Darth Vader shied away from getting into a fight with Boba Fett. If that doesn't say that he's one of the most powerful Star Wars villains in canon, then we don't know what does.

Emperor Palpatine

Also known as Darth Sidious, Emperor Palpatine is just about every rational person's worst nightmare. He's corrupt, hateful, and rotten to the core—and he also happens to be one of the most powerful politicians in the galaxy. Palpatine has had many a novel dedicated to his brilliant, dark exploits.

Darth Sidious and his powers lie in his brilliant planning, his patience, and his ability to manipulate others around him. His entire plan for the Sith Wars took years upon years to develop, as did most of his attacks against the Jedi.

Whenever his attacks are launched, it's nothing but mayhem, trouble, and disaster for his victims. If he feels someone is too dangerous for him to tackle, he tries to get them on his side. Remember, it was Palpatine who turned Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader—and he also was behind Order 66, which resulted in so many Jedi deaths.

Overall, Emperor Palpatine is one of the most powerful Star Wars villains ever. It's impossible to deny, even if he's only human.

Jabba the Hutt

Though he's neither Jedi nor Sith, Jabba the Hutt had a pretty prominent place throughout the Clone Wars. The grotesque gangster slug was most commonly known for putting Han Solo on his wall after Solo was unable to pay debts, and for keeping Princess Leia as his slave... but he's way more than that as a villain.

The entire Star Wars series shows clips of what Jabba the Hut has done. He has a gang that influences multiple planets with a reign of terror, making him an intergalactic Al Capone. As a result, we have to admit he's one of the most powerful Star Wars villains—even if he's not riding for Darth Vader.

Darth Maul

Darth Maul was trained by Palpatine himself and evolved to become one of the most talented assassins in the galaxy. Known for his dual lightsaber technique and his insane martial arts skills, Darth Maul is one of those villains whose love of violence would probably make most people quake in their boots.

The Sith assassin also happens to be one of the most durable fighters out there. He returns in Clone Wars, despite having been cut in half during the last movie. If only for his resilience and durability, Darth Maul definitely clocks in as one of the scariest and most powerful Star Wars villains in the series.

Count Dooku

Much like Darth Vader, Count Dooku is a Sith Lord who fell to the Dark Side after being talked to by Emperor Palpatine. Along with being incredibly talented with the Force and being able to pull political strings better than most, what makes Count Dooku so terrifying is his sheer heartlessness.

After all, the guy did murder one of his best friends so that he could have control of a clone army. Oh, and he also programmed General Grievous to be his personal killing machine. Heartless.

General Grievous

One of the most powerful Star Wars villains also happens to be one of the most tragic in his own way. General Grievous, much like Darth Vader, was noticed by the Dark Side for his exceptional talent. Much like Darth Vader, he also suffered terrible injuries.

Even so, he's one of the most dangerous Sith-allied villains in the Star Wars universe for a reason. Grievous is a brilliant military general, and his fighting skills are some of the best in the galaxy. Need we really say any more?

Asajj Ventress

Asajj Ventress isn't a Sith; she's a Dark Jedi who's currently looking to get the acceptance of Count Dooku. She's passionate, hateful towards Jedis, and also one of the most vicious fighters in the Star Wars series.

In terms of political power, she's definitely not one of the most powerful Star Wars villains out there. However, we definitely wouldn't want to be on the bad side of her lightsaber.

star warslistscifi movie
Like

About the Creator

Riley Raul Reese

Riley Reese is comic book fanatic who loves anything that has to do with science-fiction, anime, action movies, and Monster Energy drink.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.