What is the coolest lightsaber in Star Wars?

The coolest lightsaber in Star Wars is subjective and depends on what aspect you find the most intriguing—design, power, symbolism, or just pure cool factor. However, several lightsabers have stood out across the films, animated series, and expanded universe for their unique features and significance. Here are some of the most iconic and coolest lightsabers in Star Wars:

1. Anakin Skywalker's Lightsaber (later Luke’s)

• Cool Factor: 10/10
• Why It's Cool: The lightsaber that began with Anakin Skywalker and was later passed down to his son, Luke Skywalker, is one of the most iconic weapons in Star Wars. It’s the saber that started it all, appearing in multiple trilogies. The blue blade, clean design, and historical significance make it instantly recognizable. In terms of emotional weight, this weapon is tied to the heart of the Skywalker family saga, symbolizing hope, redemption, and legacy.

2. Darth Vader's Lightsaber

• Cool Factor: 9/10
• Why It's Cool: The red, cracked lightsaber of Darth Vader is both iconic and intimidating. With its black hilt and the menacing red blade, it has become the symbol of the Dark Side. The saber represents Vader’s transformation from Anakin Skywalker into the Sith Lord, and it also has a legendary aura due to its association with one of Star Wars’ most powerful and complex characters.

3. Kylo Ren's Crossguard Lightsaber

• Cool Factor: 11/10
• Why It's Cool: Kylo Ren's lightsaber is often considered one of the coolest designs ever created in Star Wars. The crossguard design (with two side blades) not only makes the weapon look incredibly menacing but also adds a practical purpose. The unstable blade is a representation of Kylo Ren's internal conflict and raw power. The jagged hilt, with its fiery, unstable red blade, looks like it could tear through anything in its path. It's a perfect visual metaphor for Kylo Ren's chaotic nature.

4. Mace Windu's Purple Lightsaber

• Cool Factor: 9/10
• Why It's Cool: Mace Windu's purple lightsaber stands out among the traditional blue and green blades in the Star Wars universe. It’s one of the only purple lightsabers ever seen, symbolizing the balance between the light and dark sides of the Force. Samuel L. Jackson, who played Mace Windu, famously requested a purple lightsaber so that he could easily distinguish himself in the large battles. Windu’s saber represents his unique fighting style and philosophical stance within the Jedi Order.

5. Ahsoka Tano's White Lightsabers

• Cool Factor: 10/10
• Why It's Cool: Ahsoka Tano’s white lightsabers are not just visually striking but also deeply meaningful. The white color represents her rejection of both the Jedi and Sith orders, symbolizing her path of balance and independence. Her dual-bladed design and unique fighting style made these lightsabers famous, and they are a powerful symbol of Ahsoka’s growth and her commitment to justice, without being confined to the dogmatic institutions of the Jedi or Sith.

6. The Dark Saber

• Cool Factor: 12/10
• Why It's Cool: The Darksaber is arguably one of the coolest weapons in Star Wars, partly due to its mysterious origins. Forged by Tarre Vizsla, the first Mandalorian Jedi, this black-bladed lightsaber has incredible cultural significance within the Mandalorian people. The Darksaber is not only a symbol of leadership but also holds a unique design with its flat, black blade, which is said to be difficult to wield, making it even more desirable to the strongest Mandalorians. It’s seen in The Mandalorian and Star Wars Rebels and plays a key role in Mandalore's history.

7. Qui-Gon Jinn's Lightsaber

• Cool Factor: 8/10
• Why It's Cool: Qui-Gon Jinn’s lightsaber is elegant and understated, yet incredibly powerful in the hands of a Jedi Master. Its design is smooth, with a long hilt that reflects Qui-Gon's calm, wise nature and his connection to the Living Force. The saber is associated with one of the most philosophical Jedi, making it cool not just in terms of design but in its deep connection to the Force.

8. Yoda's Lightsaber

• Cool Factor: 7/10
• Why It's Cool: Yoda’s lightsaber is small, simple, and yet powerful, matching the Jedi Master’s stature and fighting style. It’s not just a symbol of his power but of his wisdom and control. The fact that such a diminutive Jedi could wield such an ancient weapon with such precision is a testament to his unparalleled skill in the Force. His lightsaber is a perfect match for his agility and wisdom, showing that size doesn't matter when it comes to mastering the Force.

9. Rey’s Yellow Lightsaber

• Cool Factor: 10/10
• Why It's Cool: Rey’s yellow lightsaber, revealed at the end of The Rise of Skywalker, is cool not only because of its striking color but because it represents the beginning of Rey's journey as a new kind of Jedi. The yellow blade is traditionally associated with Jedi Sentinels, those who balanced combat with diplomacy and investigation. Rey's use of the yellow saber signals her transition from a scavenger to the protector of the galaxy, representing a new hope for the Force.

10. Savage Opress’ Red Lightsaber

• Cool Factor: 8/10
• Why It's Cool: Savage Opress, the Zabrak Sith apprentice of Darth Maul, wielded a red lightsaber that’s as brutal as he was. While his weapon wasn’t necessarily unique in design, his immense strength and ferocity in combat made his saber unforgettable. Savage Opress' saber felt raw, untamed, and destructive, matching his violent nature and unrefined approach to the dark side.

Honorable Mentions:

• Count Dooku’s Curved-Hilt Lightsaber: Elegant and sophisticated, Dooku’s saber fits his aristocratic demeanor.
• Darth Maul’s Double-Bladed Lightsaber: A fan favorite for its sleek design and amazing combat choreography.
• Leia Organa's Lightsaber (The Rise of Skywalker): Symbolic, as it ties back to her family’s legacy, though it didn’t get much screen time.

Conclusion: The Coolest Lightsaber?

While the “coolest” lightsaber can vary from person to person, Kylo Ren’s crossguard lightsaber is often hailed as one of the most visually unique and intriguing in the Star Wars universe. Its jagged, unstable blade and crossguard emit a menacing and chaotic energy, perfectly matching Kylo Ren's conflicted character. That said, many fans also gravitate towards the Darksaber, thanks to its deep history and cultural significance in the Mandalorian culture.

Ultimately, each lightsaber has its own charm, reflecting the character wielding it and the rich lore of the Star Wars galaxy. Which one do you think is the coolest?