Droids not only provide plenty of light relief throughout the Star Wars franchise, but are always around to help save the day when key characters need it the most. From the iconic duo of C-3PO and R2-D2 (Artoo) in the original films, plenty more additional droids have been introduced into each storyline across the franchise to add plenty of humor, heartbreak and pure fun.These moments across the films and TV series across the Star Wars universe are arguably some of the best scenes featuring droids. Whilst some inspire laughter, there are plenty that leave the viewer in awe or in disbelief at these robotic allies.
10 C-3PO Thinks He's Killed Luke, Leia and Han (A New Hope)
In the original Star Wars movie, C-3PO utters the iconic words: "Listen to them, Artoo. They're dying!" as he mistakes his friends' laughter for screaming. Viewers are already laughing, however, as C-3PO, true to fashion, catastrophizes and goes to the worst-case scenario first.
This is a brilliant moment that attests to the ability and pure strength of Luke and his friends to survive, but not without a bit of light relief from a droid to break the tension. Of course, Artoo (and sometimes C-3PO!) are always around to help save the day.
9 “Activate The Droids” (The Phantom Menace)
The Battle of Naboo remains one of the wildest and most memorable moments of the prequel trilogy, not least because of the sheer volume of droids in the scene. Despite some lacking popularity of this film, there is no denying that this moment is immense.
Up until this point, Star Wars fans had not seen so many battle droids in one place, and these films showed how they were used against the rebels. From being able to use huge guns, to being flung around the scene, these battle droids remain iconic of this era of the franchise.
8 R2-D2 Vs. Super Battle Droids (Revenge Of The Sith)
To further add to the brilliance and fearlessness of Artoo, Revenge of the Sith sees him further surprise the audience by fighting cleverly against the Super Battle Droids. His quick thinking in self-defense is equal parts funny and hardcore as the droid get caught in his shocking flames of success.
Yet, it is not really that surprising that Artoo was able to outsmart battle droids. Not least due to his programming, but also his innate ability to survive in every single Star Wars film.
7 BB-8 Gives Finn a Thumbs Up (The Force Awakens)
To introduce a new 'droid era' for the franchise, BB-8 takes a sweet and cute personality to the next level in this scene when he copies Finn's thumbs up. It is one of the more memorable moments of the sequel trilogy and The Force Awakens in particular as this tiny droid became quickly adored by fans.
Fans will still argue that this film has the best storyline in the Disney era of Star Wars films, and part of its success was definitely by continuing the presence of such lovable characters.
6 R2-D2 Fixes Padmé’s Shield Generator (The Phantom Menace)
Another moment that continually proves that Artoo is a very good droid is when he fixes the shield of Padmé's ship at the height of a space blockade. In a dramatic and intense moment, he comes to the rescue with his quick actions despite putting himself at risk, and blasts them into hyperspace.
What makes his actions even more heroic is that he was the only droid to survive the blasts to the ship. Consequently, he is commended for his actions to protect Padmé.
5 “But I just got promoted!” (Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
It is fair to say that droids are very polite to each other in conversation, which is quite comedic for the audience. To see a droid deviate from this, however, is equally amusing as seen in this scene of The Clone Wars. During a battle, Commander 224 cries out the above quote before he gets shot.
Although quite dark in terms of humor, it is a rare line that speaks to the often unseen backstories into the lives of the battle droids.
4 “Congratulations, you are being rescued. Please do not resist.” (Rogue One)
Arguably one of the most popular droids across the franchise, K-2SO is known for being very funny and memorable. This fabulous scene sees him knock Jyn Erso to the floor in such a way to make the viewer believe that she is under threat. When his smug face is revealed to be staring down at her, however, it is only brutally hilarious.
It has certainly remained a memorable moment of the film, as fans continue to express their joy over K-2SO's sassy behavior.
3 R2-D2 Fixing The Hyperdrive (The Empire Strikes Back)
In a clever twist of fate and despite everyone's lack of faith, Artoo once again saves the day in the original trilogy by fixing the hyperdrive in the Millennium Falcon, helping the gang avoid the Imperial fleet. Although underestimated by mostly C-3PO, he proves that he is more than capable of thriving under pressure.
This is not only a fantastic moment in the film itself, but also further attests to how droids are often underestimated throughout the franchise. It proves that they are just as instrumental to the story as other key characters.
2 K-2SO Sacrifices Himself (Rogue One)
Perhaps the most heart-breaking droid moment in the Star Wars films sees K-2SO sacrificing himself to protect Andor and Jyn Erso. His actions ultimately lead them both to steal the plans for the Death Star and prevent the stormtroopers from getting to them in the process.
It is a deeply sad ending for the droid, but an incredibly heroic exit for such an unforgettable character. In future events he, along with those in Rogue One, was remembered for his commitment to the Rebels and as someone integral to the galactic history.
1 C-3PO & R2-D2 Survive On Tatooine (A New Hope)
The most iconic duo continues to reign supreme in the best droid moments throughout Star Wars. Arguably, their best moments are their earliest in A New Hope as the audience sees how they have been trying to survive on Tatooine prior to meeting Luke for the first time.
Their quick-witted banter and sharp intelligence continue to make for compelling viewing, as the dynamic between the two of them remains consistent throughout the franchise. Needless to say though, it is still wonderful to watch those early moments back.