Obi-Wan Kenobi has become one of the most, if not the most beloved character in the Star Wars franchise. The character has resonated so strongly with fans that many have chosen him as their favorite over Anakin Skywalker. Throughout the Star Wars saga, Obi-Wan rose through the Jedi ranks, fought some of the galaxy's greatest foes, and became a General in the Clone Wars. He lost the people closest to him including his master, apprentice, nearly all his friends, and even his love interest. But Obi-Wan persevered and continued to dedicate his life to a cause greater than himself. It was a dark time during the reign of the Empire, and Obi-Wan helped bring light to a galaxy that desperately needed it.

Updated April 6th, 2023: This article has been updated following the release of Obi-Wan Kenobi and features additional great moments from the legendary Jedi Master.

Obi-Wan Kenobi was so popular Lucasfilm began looking into having Ewan McGregor reprise his role as the character in a spin-off film. The movie eventually morphed into a television series, Obi-Wan Kenobi, which is about to celebrate its one-year anniversary. The series performed exceptionally well on Disney+, and rumors have begun circulating that season 2 is in development. With that in mind, here are the ten best Obi-Wan Kenobi across the Star Wars franchise that proved he was the best Jedi master.

9 Losing Satine — Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars Clone Wars 
Warner Bros. Television

During the Siege of Mandalore, an aggressive Maul led the criminal alliance known as the Shadow Collective. Unable to let go of his obsessive hatred towards Obi-Wan Kenobi, Maul forced him to watch as he killed Satine Kryze. It was a huge loss for Obi-Wan, who deeply loved Satine. The two were only separated due to Obi-Wan's dedication to the way of the Jedi. Obi-Wan Kenobi's love for Satine was so strong he confided in her that had she asked him, he would have left the Jedi Order for her.

Related: Obi-Wan Kenobi: Who Are the Inquisitors?

Star Wars has shown how figures like Anakin Skywalker become overwhelmed with grief following the loss of a loved one. Yet Obi-Wan refused to let feelings of anger and vengeance consume him. It showed incredible strength that many Jedi did not have.

8 Defeating Maul — The Phantom Menace

Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace Star Wars movie
20th Century Fox

Kenobi was only a Padawan when he faced off against the Sith Lord Darth Maul. The duel saw Obi-Wan losing possession of his own lightsaber and witnessing the death of his master, Qui-Gon Jinn. An overconfident Maul taunted Obi-Wan, believing that the duel had already been won. But Obi-Wan scanned his surroundings for anything he could use to gain the upper hand. He retrieved Qui-Gon's lightsaber, using the Force, and took Darth Maul by surprise.

The defeated Sith assassin was struck and sent falling down a dark shaft. This moment would define both men, as not only was it when Obi-Wan Kenobi knew he would become the master of Anakin Skywalker. It also made Obi-Wan Kenobi the object of Maul's hatred that would span decades.

7 Showing Maul Respect — Star Wars: Rebels

rebels star wars obi wan versus maul
Warner Bros. Television

After all the trouble that Maul had caused Obi-Wan, Maul still sought revenge against a peaceful Obi-Wan on Tatooine. The two engaged in a duel that ended as quickly as it began. Maul did not win; while Obi-Wan had grown significantly as a person and as a Jedi since their last duel, Maul had not. Obi-Wan did not harbor any hate towards Maul and showed his opponent respect in their final moments. This showed how mature Obi-Wan was and the level of empathy and compassion he had, even for his arch-enemy.

6 Becoming One with the Force — A New Hope

Obi-Wan and Darth Vader dueling in Star Wars A New Hope
20th Century Fox

Before being struck down, an experienced Obi-Wan told Vader that he would become more powerful than Vader could possibly imagine. Jedi acknowledged death as a natural part of life, and Obi-Wan did not show fear when becoming one with the Force. He had fulfilled what he needed to do. As a Force spirit, Obi-Wan's guidance allowed Luke Skywalker to destroy the Death Star and find Yoda on Dagobah, leading to Anakin redeeming himself and bringing balance to the Force.

5 Sends A Message To Save The Jedi — Revenge of the Sith

Ewan McGregor Wants 2 Obi-Wan Kenobi Star Wars Movies
20th Century Fox

Order 66 took the lives of many Jedi during the Clone Wars. The Jedi Order had failed to discover Darth Sidious in time and stop his ascent to power. When Palpatine gave the Clone Army the order to wipe out every Jedi in sight, Obi-Wan was nearly killed. But the Jedi evaded his former troops and escaped Utapau aboard General Grievous' starfighter.

Related: Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi's Best Fight Scenes in the Franchise, Ranked

After regrouping with Senator Bail Organa and Yoda, Obi-Wan's first proposed course of action was to sabotage a trap for surviving Jedi. In times of high stress, Obi-Wan did not think about running. He focused on coming to the aid of those in danger. Sending a message to all surviving Jedi to stay away from the Jedi temple likely saved the lives of many remaining Jedi.

4 Facing Vader — Revenge of the Sith

Obi-Wan and Darth Vader dueling in Star Wars
20th Century Fox

Obi-Wan loved and trained Anakin the best he could, but he was still unable to give Anakin all that his apprentice needed. The heroic Anakin Skywalker was corrupted by the dark side of the Force, becoming the new apprentice of the evil Emperor Palpatine. Obi-Wan went to confront his former apprentice (now known as Darth Vader) on the planet of Mustafar. They engaged in an intense duel, but Obi-Wan used the high ground to his advantage and proved he was still the master, and Anakin had much to learn. More than anything, it showed that even though Obi-Wan Kenobi lost his former friend, he would watch over Anakin's children.

3 Saving Princess Leia — Obi-Wan Kenobi

Ewan McGregor and Vivien Lyra Blair as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Princess Leia
Disney+

Fans of Obi-Wan got to see him do plenty of great scenes in his Disney+ series, but the highlight of the series was having him save Princess Leia. The mission was his main objective throughout the series, and Obi-Wan and little Princess Leia began to form a strong bond. No matter the obstacle, no matter the danger, Obi-Wan Kenobi risked it all to save this young girl, played by Vivien Lyra Blair.

Yes, part of it was because it was the daughter of Anakin Skywalker, but Obi-Wan Kenobi's commitment to saving a child is the ultimate embodiment of what the Jedi should be. For how much the prequels show the folly of the Jedi and the original and sequel trilogy question the idea of the Jedi Knights, Obi-Wan Kenobi shows the ideal of what everyone imagines a Jedi as.

2 Obi-Wan Know How To Deal With Criminals — A New Hope

Obi Wan and Han Solo in Star Wars
20th Century Fox

Obi-Wan Kenobi tells Luke Skywalker that Mos Eisley is a hub of scum and villainy. The two roll up into a Cantina, and despite his age, Obi-Wan Kenobi still shows that he is not someone to be messed with. When a criminal fails to leave Luke alone and gets violent, Obi-Wan Kenobi does not hesitate to cut his arm off.

Obi-Wan Kenobi then can talk Han Solo into giving him safe passage. Obi-Wan doesn't need to use the Jedi mind trick or even intermediate Han he recognizes the need to work with a shady criminal in a desperate situation and plays off Han's desire for money. Han may think he came out as the winner in that agreement, but Obi-Wan Kenobi played him.

1 Delivering Luke to the Lars Family — Revenge of the Sith

Obi Wan Kenobi in Revenge of the Sith
20th Century Fox

With Tatooine being a remote planet and the homeworld of Anakin Skywalker, it was a location Darth Vader stayed away from. Obi-Wan, therefore, recognized that it was ideal for keeping Luke away from the Empire. Obi-Wan Kenobi showed the old Jedi master watching over Luke Skywalker from a distance, making sure the young boy was safe.

Obi-Wan Kenobi's decision to not only deliver Luke Skywalker to his family but spend 19 years on Tatooine is one of the most important decisions in the Star Wars galaxy. This single act had ripple effects that changed the fate of the galaxy. A young farm boy would eventually cross paths with Obi-Wan, who would show the boy his first steps into a larger world.