It's a brand new day 🤟 SHOP Spider-Man!
Explore the collection

Star Wars: Best Dark Side Quotes In the Galaxy

By Sideshow on Sep 30, 2025

In 1977, Star Wars made its debut. And yes, it was a galactic success. This one little story would open up into an entire universe of interwoven tales. Somehow, it seems like each new release becomes more iconic than the last.

Through it all, Star Wars tells a story about the balance between good and evil … the light side and the dark side. And these dark side quotes? They’re the best of the best.


“To defeat an enemy, you must know them. Not simply their battle tactics, but their history, philosophy, art.” – Grand Admiral Thrawn, Star Wars: Rebels

Perhaps one of the most evil characters in Star Wars is Grand Admiral Thrawn. Truly, there is no one else quite as manipulative or conniving. In fact, there is probably no one throughout the entire canon history who has had such an effect on integral rebels like Ahsoka Tano, Hera Syndulla, and Sabine Wren. And, clearly, if you’re willing to steal the art from a culture, you’re willing to destroy them completely.


“Unlimited power!” – Emperor Palpatine, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith

Okay, we have to admit that we love this quote for two reasons. First, it’s a devastating moment where we lose Mace Windu, one of the coolest Jedi of all time. Second, the scene itself has become something of a meme. In a way, that’s made the scene all the more iconic. But, if you really think about it, it’s entirely true. Emperor Palpatine genuinely has unlimited power, with both the Jedi and Sith at his call.


“Execute Order 66!” – Emperor Palpatine, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith

Undoubtedly, Order 66 has become one of the most pivotal and impactful aspects of the Star Wars universe. Somehow, this heinous plan went unnoticed by almost the entire Jedi Order and the Senate. There have been multiple shows and films that explore the impact of the plan, especially on the galaxy’s clone troopers. So, it’s no wonder that Palpatine’s order made it on this list. It changed everything!


“All who gain power are afraid to lose it.” – Emperor Palpatine, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith

Yes, for all his evil, Darth Sidious certainly understands the mind of the corrupt. After all, he knows his own mind. Better yet, he knows how all corrupt politicians and Sith alike constantly plan events to grant themselves more power. Nearly everyone in the galaxy is ruled by fear — and that’s a fact.


“Be careful not to choke on your aspirations.” – Darth Vader, Rogue One

Clearly, Anakin Skywalker has always had a taste for the dramatic. And, as Darth Vader, that certainly hasn’t changed. So when we get to see his iconic entrance in Rogue One™, we can appreciate Vader in all his dramatic glory. Obviously he learned something from his Sith Master. Why? Well, when Director Krennic is looking for more power and recognition, Vader shows Krennic how easily he could lose all that power. Vader could kill him with just one hand.


“I find your lack of faith disturbing.” – Darth Vader, Star Wars: A New Hope

Somehow, fans don’t always recognize the mystical nature of the Force. Really, it might be because most of the Star Wars films and shows follow Force users without giving it a second thought. However, it’s important to remember that the Force is a mystery to most people in the galaxy. Simply put, it’s a myth for them! Or, at the very least, it’s a religion. And yes, Darth Vader is very faithful. Until the end, of course.


“A friendly piece of advice: Assume that I know everything.” – Moff Gideon, Star Wars: The Mandalorian

At last, we have more than just Sith. The dark side extends far beyond the Rule of Two. Oh yes, there are Inquisitors, Nightsisters, and more. And of course, there is Moff Gideon. Truly, few beings in the galaxy are quite so fearsome and ferocious as a dark side user but Moff Gideon manages to do so without being naturally Force-sensitive. Moreover, there are few beings in the entire series who strategize on the level of Gideon’s planning. When he says he knows everything, he tends to mean it.


“Let the past die. Kill it if you have to.” – Kylo Ren, Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

Next, we have a quote from Ben Solo, the son of Princess Leia and Han Solo, named after Obi-Wan Kenobi himself! In Star Wars: The Last Jedi™, we see Kylo Ren and Rey communicating through the Force. Miraculously, they are able to reach each other across the galaxy itself. And, as they communicate, Kylo reveals the way he navigates his pain. He moves forward, no matter what.


“You cannot imagine the depths I would go to stay alive. Fueled by my singular hatred for you.” – Darth Maul, Star Wars: The Clone Wars

In Star Wars: The Clone Wars™, we get to spend more time with Darth Maul. Amazingly, even though he was presumed dead, he survived. How? Well, that’s exactly what this quote reveals. As always, the Sith are fueled by rage and emotion. This quote shows how the Sith can persist off of hatred alone. Luckily, Obi-Wan was ready when the time came for a rematch.


“So many Lightsabers to add to my collection…” – General Grievous, Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Finally, we have a quote from one of the most beloved dark side characters of all time. While he’s no Sith, General Grievous certainly has good quotes and quite a few Lightsabers. In fact, we’d venture to say that he has the most Lightsabers of any one individual in Star Wars history. So, it only makes sense that we add this quote to our collection.


Who is your favorite dark side user? And, most importantly, which dark side quote is your favorite?

Join the conversation with other Star Wars fans at Sideshow Social Network or in side.show/geekgroup — and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!

Stir up the spirits and face the monsters within … Spooktacular has been unleashed once again!

Put the EEK! in geek during Sideshow’s Spooktacular 2025, a celebration with ghastly giveaways, deathly deals, eerie exclusive perks, and more. Join us from October 23 – October 31 by visiting side.show/spooktacular and don’t forget — sleep is for the weak!

  • Prev Article

    Best of the Bad: The Best Star Wars Television Villains

  • Next Article

    First Look: Doctor Doom Sixth Scale Figure by Hot Toys