Recommended Free Tools
Anakin Skywalker is a Force-sensitive boy from Tatooine who becomes a Jedi Knight, falls to the dark side as Darth Vader, and ultimately returns to the light when he saves his son, Luke. The films tell the core of his life story; The Clone Wars adds depth to his years as a Jedi general and his bond with Ahsoka Tano, while Rebels shows Ahsoka facing the truth about her former master.
Spoilers: This guide discusses major events through Return of the Jedi, including Anakin’s fall and final act.
![Star Wars Original Trilogy: 3 Movie Collection Set (IV V VI) (A New Hope / The Empire Strikes Back / Return of The Jedi) - [4K UHD + Blu-Ray, Region Free]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/410qxY1auTL._SL160_.jpg)
![Star Wars: The Complete Saga (9-Disc Collection) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51KTKxL-sTL._SL160_.jpg)
![Star Wars Original Trilogy: 3 Movie Collection Set (IV V VI) (A New Hope / The Empire Strikes Back / Return of The Jedi) - [4K UHD + Blu-Ray] [Region Free]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51DI1z-jpDL._SL160_.jpg)
Where Anakin’s story begins: slavery on Tatooine
Anakin lives with his mother, Shmi, as a slave on Tatooine. Qui-Gon Jinn recognizes that the boy is unusually strong in the Force. Anakin’s skill as a pilot helps him win the Boonta Eve podrace, and the wager secures his freedom so he can leave Tatooine and begin Jedi training. StarWars.com’s film summary gives his age when Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan discover him as nine. StarWars.com’s film summaries and the Anakin Skywalker Databank entry describe this beginning.
How Anakin becomes a Jedi—and what begins to trouble him
In Attack of the Clones, Anakin is Obi-Wan Kenobi’s apprentice and is assigned to protect Senator Padmé Amidala. The two fall in love and marry in secret. Anakin is caring and capable, but his fear of losing people close to him is already taking hold. After dueling Count Dooku, he loses an arm and receives a mechanical replacement.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
StarWars.com characterizes him as “caring and compassionate” while noting that a “deep fear of loss” will prove to be his downfall. That tension matters: Anakin is not simply a villain-in-waiting. His attachments and fears become vulnerabilities that others can exploit. StarWars.com’s Anakin entry gives the official character description.
What The Clone Wars adds to Anakin’s story
During the Clone Wars, Anakin becomes a Jedi Knight and general. Yoda assigns him Ahsoka Tano as a Padawan, in part to help him learn to let go of someone he cares about. Their relationship grows into a close teacher-student bond, giving the animated series a view of Anakin’s leadership and personal life beyond the films.
Ahsoka later leaves the Jedi Order after she is framed and feels abandoned by the Jedi. Her departure deepens the story’s focus on Anakin’s fear of loss and sets up the emotional stakes of their eventual reunion. StarWars.com discusses the series’ treatment of Anakin and points to the theatrical Clone Wars story, “Padawan Lost,” “Wookiee Hunt,” and “The Wrong Jedi” as key parts of Ahsoka’s relationship with him. See Dan Zehr’s StarWars.com feature on Anakin in The Clone Wars and Kelly Knox’s StarWars.com history of Ahsoka.
How Anakin becomes Darth Vader
In Revenge of the Sith, Anakin fears that Padmé will die in childbirth. Chancellor Palpatine exploits that fear by suggesting that Sith knowledge could prevent death. Palpatine reveals himself as Darth Sidious and draws Anakin into his plan. Anakin turns against the Jedi, is given the name Darth Vader, and participates in the purge of the Jedi Order.
Obi-Wan confronts Vader on Mustafar and defeats him. Anakin is badly burned and dismembered, but survives in life-supporting armor. This is both a moral and physical transformation: Anakin becomes Vader in allegiance and identity, and his injuries leave him dependent on the suit. The Darth Vader Databank entry and Anakin Skywalker Databank entry outline the fall and its aftermath.
Why Ahsoka’s encounter with Vader matters
In Star Wars Rebels, Vader hunts surviving Jedi. On Malachor, Ahsoka realizes that the Sith Lord is Anakin, her former master and friend. Their duel makes the cost of his fall personal: Ahsoka is not facing a stranger, but someone she once trusted and learned from. “Twilight of the Apprentice” is the pivotal episode for this confrontation. StarWars.com’s Ahsoka history provides context for their relationship.
How Anakin returns to the light in Return of the Jedi
Luke believes there is still good in his father. When the Emperor attacks Luke, Vader turns on his master and saves his son, suffering fatal wounds in the process. StarWars.com describes Luke’s compassion as awakening the long-dormant good in the Sith Lord; Anakin returns to the light before he dies. His story therefore ends not with Vader’s victory, but with Anakin’s final choice to protect Luke. See the Anakin Skywalker Databank entry.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A viewing route through Anakin’s story
For a straightforward character arc, start with the prequel films, then use the animated series to fill in the years between them. This is one useful route, not the only valid way to watch Star Wars.
Best Value
- Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
- The Phantom Menace (Episode I): Anakin’s childhood, freedom, and first steps toward Jedi training.
- Attack of the Clones (Episode II): His apprenticeship, relationship with Padmé, and growing fear and anger.
- Revenge of the Sith (Episode III): His fall and transformation into Darth Vader.
- The Clone Wars: Anakin’s wartime leadership and relationship with Ahsoka. The theatrical film and the selected episodes identified by StarWars.com expand the film story rather than replace it.
- Star Wars Rebels, especially “Twilight of the Apprentice”: Ahsoka’s confrontation with Vader.
- Return of the Jedi (Episode VI): Anakin’s final choice and redemption.
StarWars.com’s film listings cover the movies, while its Clone Wars feature highlights additional viewing for Anakin and Ahsoka. Streaming catalogs vary by territory and change over time, so check the service available where you live for current access.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
