Darth Vader is the most infamous and widely recognized villain in film. Since his debut in 1977, Darth Vader has become the face of Star Wars, which is one of the most popular and successful (estimated to be worth over $40 billion) film franchises in modern movie history. No other villain is as popular and dominant across film, animated series, comics, novels, video games, merchandise, and even theme park rides, than Darth Vader.

Darth Vader is spoken about in hushed tones and feared across the galaxy for his ruthless efficiency and personal propensity for shocking brutality. Born into slavery on the outer rim planet Tatooine, Anakin Skywalker joined the Jedi Order and became one of the most powerful Jedi ever. As the Clone Wars came to a close, Anakin turned to the dark side of the force and became the Sith Lord known as Darth Vader. Once thought to be the “Chosen One” who would bring balance to the force, he instead viciously destroyed almost every vestige of the Jedi Order, under the direction of the Emperor, Darth Sidious.

Anakin Skywalker’s impact on the Star Wars universe is felt throughout every single film, from The Phantom Menace to Rogue One. Darth Vader has also become even more popular to audiences than the heroes of the Star Wars universe, which is one of the many reasons that we have named him the greatest villain of all time.