Best Obi-Wan Kenobi Quotes In Star Wars

Key Takeaways

• Obi-Wan’s iconic line “Sith Lords are our speciality” is delivered with cockiness but ends in hilarious irony as he is quickly knocked out in the ensuing fight.
• Obi-Wan’s sarcastic jab “Why do I get the feeling you’re going to be the death of me?” showcases his attitude towards Anakin and foreshadows their final encounter.
• “In my experience, there is no such thing as luck.” Obi-Wan’s honest line highlights his avoidance of relying on luck, encouraging Luke to do the same.

The Star Wars series is renowned for its meaningful messages and captivating quotes. In a story where the power of light is on the verge of being engulfed by the forces of darkness, it is necessary for a few inspirational lines to be exchanged between characters every now and again.

Star Wars dialogue can influence how the viewer feels with its wonderful method of conveying real emotion. It can also be a fantastic vehicle for conveying humor, though it is not always intentional. Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of the most iconic characters present in the series, with much of his popularity being owed to his lines.

Updated on October 21, 2024, by Justin Flynn: The Kenobi series may have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean that fans of the titular character have forgotten him. This Jedi played a vital role in both the original and prequel trilogy, and Ewan McGregor’s return to the role back in 2022 was something that countless fans had been begging for.

Though it seems like Obi-Wan’s story has truly ended since the release of Kenobi, fans of Star Wars still have a great deal to look forward to. Daisy Ridley will be reprising her role as Rey in a currently unscheduled movie, Mandalorian fans will be able to witness Din Djarin and Grogu make their movie debut on May 22, 2026, and Skeleton Crew, a TV series starring Jude Law, is set to release in 2024. It’s unlikely that Obi-Wan will return in any of these Star Wars projects, but if he did, fans could certainly expect the character to add some great quotes to his already iconic collection.

30 “If You Strike Me Down, I Shall Become More Powerful Than You Can Possibly Imagine.”

Said To Darth Vader During Their Final Battle

• Star Wars: Episode 4 – A New Hope

Little was known about the extent of a Jedi’s power back when A New Hope released in 1977, so fans could be forgiven if they initially assumed that Obi-Wan bit the dust during his fight with his former apprentice aboard the Death Star. Before being struck down by Vader, Kenobi confidently remarks that his defeat will only lead to him becoming more powerful. Even knowing this, Vader refuses to lay his saber down; he takes the bait and slashes at a willingly defenseless Obi-Wan, ending his life once and for all.

Though Obi-Wan’s body vanishes, his spirit persists, playing an integral role during the trench run on the Death Star. This isn’t the only instance where Obi-Wan showcases his posthumous abilities, either, appearing in Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi as a Force Ghost in order to assist Luke on his journey. Though his words to Vader may have initially seemed like a hollow threat, his multiple returns showcase that he was being genuine and that the power of the Force is not something to be taken lightly.

29 “I’m Sorry, Anakin. For All Of It.”

Said To An Injured Darth Vader Whose Face Has Been Exposed

Obi-Wan felt a great deal of guilt about what happened to Anakin after their battle on Mustafar, and this guilt remained with him for many years. He believed that he failed his apprentice by allowing him to be seduced by the dark side, and the true extent of the regret he felt came to the surface during the final episode of Kenobi.

During their battle, Vader’s mask gets damaged, revealing a portion of Anakin’s face to Obi-Wan. It’s this sight that causes the aged Jedi to deliver this heartbreaking line. Seeing Anakin reminds him that beneath Vader’s intimidating exterior is a boy who Obi-Wan failed to protect from the evil influence of the Sith. The power behind the quote is further strengthened by Ewan McGregor’s tear-jerking performance, perfectly capturing the sadness Obi-Wan feels about what happened to old friend.

28 “Don’t Be Afraid.”

Said To R2-D2 After Luke Skywalker Is Attacked By A Group Of Tusken Raiders

• Star Wars: Episode 4 – A New Hope & Star Wars: Episode 7 – The Force Awakens

Obi-Wan cemented himself as one of the most iconic characters in Star Wars from the very first moment he appeared on-screen. Hiding his face and body behind a brown robe, he approaches an unconscious Luke and gently places his hand on the young farmboy’s head while R2-D2 watches from afar. Viewers are briefly led to believe that the robed figure’s intentions could be sinister, but this all changes once the aged Jedi removes his hood and turns to R2-D2 to assure the droid that there is no need to be afraid.

“Don’t be afraid” may not be an overly memorable Obi-Wan quote in itself, but the way that it was recontextualized to serve a different purpose in The Force Awakens makes it one of the most significant dialogue pieces to feature throughout the Star Wars series. During the flashback scene on Takodana, viewers will hear a version of Alec Guinness’ line, in which the word “afraid” is edited to sound like the actor is saying “Rey.” Though Guinness passed away in 2000, the way this line was repurposed allowed him to remain a part of Star Wars long after he had retired from the role of Obi-Wan.

27 “If You Define Yourself By The Power To Take Life, The Desire To Dominate, To Possess – Then You Have Nothing.”

Said To Maul Prior To Their Final Battle

• Star Wars Rebels – Season 3, Episode 20 “Twin Suns”

Some Star Wars fans may not be aware of how complex the relationship between Obi-Wan and Maul is. For those who have only seen the movies, they may believe that Darth Maul met his end during The Phantom Menace, but this isn’t entirely true. Maul actually survived his battle with Obi-Wan and made it his goal to get revenge. Though it took a long time, he finally got his chance to do so in the “Twin Suns” episode of Star Wars Rebels.

Here, Maul confronts an aged Obi-Wan in the Tatooine desert. He intends to kill the Jedi, but he also suggests that sparing him might be equally as punishing. To this, Obi-Wan responds by mocking Maul’s idea of what power is. Order 66 left Obi-Wan with nothing, but the proud Jedi found a new purpose in protecting Luke Skywalker. Maul, on the other hand, lost everything after his first encounter with Obi-Wan, but he somehow managed to lose even more throughout his quest for power and revenge.

26 “Why Do I Sense We’ve Picked Up Another Pathetic Life-Form?”

Said To Qui-Gon Jinn In Response To Freeing Anakin

• Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace

Though the Jedi tend to be quite a reserved bunch when it comes to communication, Obi-Wan is an exception. He speaks his mind more often than not, and this approach to life often results in him delivering some truly unforgettable quotes. He was especially direct with others during his youth, and one notable example of this can be seen in The Phantom Menace shortly after Qui-Gonn frees Anakin from Watto.

It’s made pretty clear that Obi-Wan isn’t exactly keen on having Jar Jar around, so it makes sense why he would be concerned about bringing Anakin along, too. Referring to Anakin as a “pathetic life-form,” it’s made clear that this young Jedi Padawan has no time for nonsense, and the sassy way in which he showcases this makes this particular Obi-Wan quote one of his most hilarious lines.

25 “Sith Lords Are Our Speciality.”

Said To Palpatine Before Fighting Count Dooku On General Grievous’ Ship

• Star Wars: Episode 3 – Revenge Of The Sith

Upon infiltrating General Grievous’ ship, the Invisible Hand, during the opening of Revenge of the Sith, Obi-Wan and Anakin encounter the chancellor they were tasked with rescuing, but before they can release him from his restraints, Count Dooku enters the scene.

Chancellor Palpatine warns the Jedi that Count Dooku is a Sith Lord, implying that his abilities should not be taken lightly. To this, Obi-Wan responds by saying, “Sith Lords are our speciality.” Though this line is iconic, it may not be for the reasons Obi-Wan intended. The cockiness with which this line is delivered makes it seem like Obi-Wan has prepared for this battle, so watching him get knocked unconscious almost immediately after the fight ensues is quite hilarious, especially because of how confident he was beforehand.

24 “Why Do I Get The Feeling You’re Going To Be The Death Of Me?

Said To Anakin After Scolding Him For Not Taking Care Of His Lightsaber

• Star Wars: Episode 2 – Attack Of The Clones

Obi-Wan loves incorporating sarcasm into his conversations, especially when he’s speaking to Anakin in Attack of the Clones. At this point of the story, Anakin just wants to succeed, but he often fails when attempting to do so. Because of this, Obi-Wan regularly steps in as the voice of reason, hoping to encourage his Padawan with lessons often sprinkled with sly jabs.

The “Why do I get the feeling you’re going to be the death of me?” line is one such example. This line is used to scold Anakin for giving into his temper and recklessly pursuing an assassin, putting both his and Obi-Wan’s life in danger. It’s a simple line that briefly showcases Obi-Wan’s attitude towards his Padawan, but it’s surprisingly important given how their final encounter ends. In A New Hope, Obi-Wan dies by Anakin’s hands, so he wasn’t really that out of line when he delivered this quote.

23 “Who Is More Foolish? The Fool Or The Fool Who Follows Him?”

Said To Han Aboard The Death Star In Response To An Insult

• Star Wars: Episode 4 – A New Hope

Obi-Wan is one of the sassiest characters in all of Star Wars. Though Ewan McGregor’s portrayal offers what is arguably the most sassy depiction of this character, Alec Guinness also delivered several cheeky lines during his time as the elusive Jedi in the original trilogy. One such example can be seen in A New Hope when the Millennium Falcon is drawn inside the Death Star by its tractor beam.

To avoid capture, Obi-Wan and the gang conceal themselves in the ship’s lower compartment. When they emerge, Han remarks that flying away would be a bad idea since the tractor beam would simply bring them back, but Obi-Wan’s response suggests that he can fix that problem. Han scolds Kenobi for this comment by calling him a fool, and Obi-Wan responds with “Who is more foolish? The fool or the fool who follows him?” Not only does this line briefly showcase Obi-Wan’s quick-witted nature, but it also highlights how confident of an individual he is. It would’ve been easy to ignore Han’s comment, but in true Obi-Wan-style, the Jedi felt it necessary to poke back with an iconic verbal jab. Obi-Wan has a way with words, especially when it comes to concealing insults in otherwise ordinary statements, and the line he delivers here only further confirms it.

22 “In My Experience, There Is No Such Thing As Luck.”

Said To Han In Response To Him Referring To Luke’s Force Abilities As Luck

• Star Wars: Episode 4 – A New Hope

Upon leaving Tatooine aboard the Millennium Falcon, Obi-Wan takes a moment to show Luke how to use a lightsaber. More specifically, he encourages Luke to reach out to the Force while he attempts to deflect blaster bolts from a lightsaber training drone.

Han Solo watches from the sidelines, frequently reminding both Luke and Obi-Wan that he does not believe in the Force. Even when Luke manages to deflect three blasts in a row without being able to see, Han still refers to it as luck. To this, Obi-Wan responds with “In my experience, there is no such thing as luck.” Given what Star Wars fans now know about Obi-Wan’s colorful past, this is a pretty honest line. Though it’s hard to deny how luck played a part in certain moments of his life, it is clear that he tries to avoid relying on it. By saying this, he hopes to encourage Luke to do the same.

21 “That’s No Moon. It’s A Space Station.”

Said Aboard The Millennium Falcon Upon Seeing The Death Star For The First Time

• Star Wars: Episode 4 – A New Hope

After leaving Tatooine aboard the Millennium Falcon, Obi-Wan, Luke, Han, and Chewie set off to Alderaan; however, all they find at the planet’s coordinates is debris. A TIE-Fighter then appears from behind and lures the Falcon deeper into space, toward what Luke refers to as a “small moon.”

Though it takes a moment, Obi-Wan eventually realizes what the small moon is and tells his crewmates, “That’s no moon. It’s a space station.” This line serves to highlight exactly how powerful the Empire has become while also reminding fans of how small the protagonists are in comparison.

20 “When The Time Comes, He Must Be Trained.”

Said To Owen In An Attempt To Convince Him To Let Luke Learn The Ways Of The Force

Though Order 66 resulted in the death of countless Jedi, several managed to survive the attack and its aftermath by going into hiding. To ensure they remained undetected by the Empire, some chose to leave the ways of the Jedi behind, and though Obi-Wan attempted to do the same, it is clear he was unable to let go of certain Jedi customs.

When Obi-Wan encounters Owen Lars during “Part 1” of Kenobi, he feels obligated to discuss Luke’s future now that the boy is nearly old enough to be trained. He informs Owen, “When the time comes, he must be trained,” to which Owen responds, “Like you trained his father?” referring to how Obi-Wan’s training of Anakin resulted in the creation of Darth Vader. Obi-Wan’s eagerness to train Luke as a Jedi proves that he has not yet given up hope, even though he has cut himself off from the Force.

19 “A Jedi’s Goal Is To Defend Life, Not Take It.”

Said To Anakin While Training In The Jedi Temple On Coruscant

Though Kenobi takes place approximately ten years after the events of Star Wars: The Revenge of the Sith, there are several instances where the story offers fans a brief look into the past through flashbacks. In “Chapter 5,” viewers are treated to a flashback in which Obi-Wan and Anakin are seen training in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant.

During training, Anakin becomes aggressive and uses his anger to outclass Obi-Wan in combat. Obi-Wan scolds him for this and reminds him that “A Jedi’s goal is to defend life, not take it,” but Anakin refuses to listen. Though it looks like Obi-Wan is outmatched, he eventually uses Anakin’s confidence to his advantage and disarms him, further proving why relying on anger is not the Jedi way.

18 “What I Told You Was True, From A Certain Point Of View.”

Said In Response To Luke Asking If Vader Is Anakin Skywalker

• Star Wars: Episode 6 – Return Of The Jedi

When it was revealed that Darth Vader was Luke’s father in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, some fans struggled to believe it, as it didn’t make sense regarding what was said during the events of Star Wars: A New Hope. Obi-Wan previously informed Luke that Vader was the man who murdered his father, but this turned out to be a lie.

In Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi, Obi-Wan returns as a Force Ghost to shed some light on Luke’s lineage. He tells Luke that when Anakin gave into the Dark Side, Darth Vader replaced him entirely. Since Obi-Wan believes that Anakin’s spirit no longer resides behind Vader’s suit, he feels that saying Darth Vader killed Anakin is, in some ways, the truth. To clarify this to Luke, he says, “What I told you was true, from a certain point of view.”

17 “Run, Luke! Run!”

Said To Luke From Beyond The Grave After Being Struck Down By Darth Vader

• Star Wars: Episode 4 – A New Hope

Though Obi-Wan’s initial goal in Star Wars: A New Hope was to find a way to reach Alderaan, he quickly found himself at the mercy of the Empire when he and his comrades were taken aboard the Death Star. While Luke, Han, and Chewie searched for Princess Leia, Obi-Wan searched for a way to disable the Death Star’s Tractor Beam.

Shortly after disabling the Tractor Beam, Obi-Wan encountered Darth Vader and was struck down by him. Enraged by this, Luke began firing at Vader before hearing the words, “Run, Luke! Run!” echo in his head. Recognizing this voice to be Obi-Wan’s, he listened and made for the Millennium Falcon. Not only did these words help Luke escape the Death Star, but they also confirmed to him that the Force can be used to do so much more than just Jedi Mind Tricks.

16 “Only A Sith Deals In Absolutes.”

Said To Anakin On Mustafar In Response To His Turn To The Dark Side

• Star Wars: Episode 3 – Revenge Of The Sith

Obi-Wan and Anakin became friends thanks to Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan’s master. His dying wish was for his padawan to train Anakin in his stead, and though Obi-Wan was reluctant, he kept his promise to his master.

Obi-Wan molded Anakin into a great Jedi during their time together. They became close friends and even regarded each other as family, but this all changed when Anakin fell to the Dark Side. During their confrontation on Mustafar, Anakin states, “If you’re not with me, then you’re my enemy,” to which Obi-Wan replies, “Only a Sith deals in absolutes.” Not only does this line highlight how loyal Obi-Wan is to the Jedi Order, but it also reveals how flawed the Jedi teachings are.

15 “You Will Never Find A More Wretched Hive Of Scum And Villainy.”

Said To Luke While Gazing At Mos Eisley Spaceport On Tatooine

• Star Wars: Episode 4 – A New Hope

Upon returning home after encountering Obi-Wan in A New Hope, Luke discovers that his aunt and uncle have been killed by imperial troopers. Believing he has nothing left on Tatooine, he decides to join Obi-Wan on his journey to Alderaan in the hope that he can learn to be a Jedi like his father, Anakin. To do this, however, they must first venture to Mos Eisley spaceport, an area that Obi-Wan seems to have a very low opinion of.

Overlooking the spaceport itself, Obi-Wan comments that “You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy,” alluding to the type of people who can be found in such a place. The truth behind this line becomes especially evident once the group arrives at the Mos Eisley Cantina, a dimly-lit establishment full of questionable and dangerous folk. Though Obi-Wan’s warning to Luke didn’t prevent the group from encountering danger here, it highlighted the Jedi’s desire to keep the young Skywalker safe. Not only that, but it’s also one of Kenobi’s most iconic lines in all of Star Wars.

14 “I Have The High Ground.”

Said To Anakin While Standing Above Him During Their Duel On Mustafar

• Star Wars: Episode 3 – Revenge Of The Sith

Though Obi-Wan’s “I have the high ground” line has become something of a meme since the release of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, it remains one of the best lines in the prequel trilogy. After battling his former friend for what seems like several hours, Obi-Wan decides to leap to a higher surface in the hope of ending the battle. He begs Anakin not to follow him, but his apprentice refuses to listen.

The “high ground” is a term most fans of Star Wars are familiar with, but why is it so memorable? Perhaps it’s due to how unusual it is. Seeing as the pair spent the past hour performing impossible somersaults with laser swords in their hands, there doesn’t seem to be any reason why Anakin wouldn’t be able to leap over him. If this isn’t the reason, it’s likely due to how effortlessly Obi-Wan dismembers him after providing him with a reasonable warning. The fact that it’s also an obvious call back to how he defeated Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace is the cherry on top.

13 “Use The Force, Luke. Let Go.”

Said To Luke From Beyond The Grave During The Death Star Trench Run

• Star Wars: Episode 4 – A New Hope

During his assault on the Death Star in Star Wars: A New Hope, Luke ends up as the only Rebel left in the trench. There’s a great deal of pressure for him to destroy the battle station himself, so it’s understandable why he’s so nervous. While preparing to fire, however, he hears a familiar, calming voice.

Obi-Wan tells Luke to “Use the Force.” Luke, unsure of what the voice is, decides to ignore it initially but obliges its request when it tells him to “Let go.” It is because of Obi-Wan’s voice that Luke could curve his shot into the Death Star’s exposed shaft. To this day, “Use the Force, Luke” remains one of the best Obi-Wan quotes in both Star Wars and all cinematic history.

12 “Goodbye, Old Friend. May The Force Be With You.”

Said To Anakin Before Leaving For Utapau To Confront General Grievous

• Star Wars: Episode 3 – Revenge Of The Sith

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith marks the beginning of the end of Anakin and Obi-Wan’s friendship. As a prequel trilogy, fans of the series already know what is destined to happen, but there’s something sad about watching the events leading up to it unfold.

Before setting out on their own missions, Anakin and Obi-Wan share a heartfelt moment. Obi-Wan praises his padawan for becoming such a great Jedi, while Anakin reciprocates the compliment by reminding Obi-Wan of how great of a master he is. “Goodbye, old friend. May the Force be with you” may not be the most memorable line in the series, but it certainly is one of the saddest. It’s the last thing Obi-Wan says to Anakin before the Emperor springs his trap. The next time they face each other, they do so as enemies.

11 “Goodbye, Darth.”

Said To Darth Vader After Defeating Him In A Duel

Obi-Wan spent the majority of Kenobi attempting to hide from his former apprentice until he was forced to face him in the season finale. Sadly, he’s not the Jedi he once was, as evident through his poor fighting abilities. Vader eventually pins his former master under a collection of boulders, leaving him for dead.

Though it takes some time, Obi-Wan manages to regain his lost strength. He emerges from the rubble, holding the rocks in midair, before lunging them back at Vader. Vader is left unable to fight, but Obi-Wan refuses to strike him down; instead, he says, “Goodbye, Darth,” and walks away. This line is great for several reasons. It reveals that Obi-Wan no longer sees Anakin behind Darth Vader’s mask. It’s even more iconic due to how he addresses him in A New Hope with the line, “Only a master of evil, Darth.” The way this line is used in Kenobi explains why Obi-Wan addressed him as such all those years later.