5 of the Worst Star Wars dads and father figures in the galaxy

Just like George Lucas is fond of good Star Wars dads, he is also extremely partial to bad ones. No matter if they are the galaxy’s most feared person or a curmudgeon moisture farmer, he included them all.

While “bad” comes in all shapes in sizes, this is even more true and complex when it comes to people who are not the best. They are not always this way intentionally, as sometimes it is even out of their control, which only adds layers and depth.

Here are a handful of fathers who aren’t necessarily the best parental role models in the galaxy.

Star Wars Dads: Obi-Wan Kenobi

Starting off first is the man who never intended to be a father and has the least responsibility of every father and father figure on this list. While his time with Luke was short, although Kenobi knew he would be able to communicate via the Force after death, Obi-Wan left this young boy with a lot more questions than answers.

Apart from also leaving young Luke in the hands of a known criminal with stormtroopers firing at him, Obi-Wan has also been responsible for Leia when he was tasked with retrieving her. While Kenobi did return her safe and healthy, there is no denying he could have done a lot better.

Star Wars Dads: Jango Fett

The technical father of every clone created by The Republic, Jango Fett is only ever a father to the alpha clone in Boba Fett. This young boy clearly admired and looked up to his dad however, sending him down a path of pain for his selfish reasons is not a good look.

While protecting your son’s life is very important, it is also important not to cause any other harm to your offspring as well. Not that it was Jango’s fault, but getting beheaded in front of your child is not the best way to send them into the world.

Star Wars Dads: Han Solo

Another one of the Star Wars dads who likely never intended to have kids for a lot of his adulthood due to his career, Han was never going to be a good parent. With his own family trauma affecting the thief and smuggler, Solo was a different man when he and Leia had young Ben.

Following the original trilogy, Han became a public figure and worked a lot, which helped aid the transformation of Ben into Kylo Ren. Obviously, there are a lot more factors that have gone into the rise of Kylo Ren, but Han knows where he messed up and clearly feels guilty about that.

Star Wars Dads: Chancellor/Emperor Sheev Palpatine

While men like Han or Obi-Wan were not intentionally bad father figures, the most powerful Chancellor in history definitely was. Recognizing the power that the young Jedi Anakin had, Sheev Palpatine played the long game in swaying him to the dark side.

Darth Sidious was never afraid of his apprentice because he knew what Anakin lacked and provided that guiding light in buckets. This would ultimately cause the end of the Jedi Order and the rise of the Empire.

But even with these milestones, he is not the worst of the Star Wars dads.

Star Wars Dads: Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader

The ultimate evil dad. The man who you did not want to end up on their bad side, since he was known to Force-choke his coworkers.

The infamous father of Luke and Leia, Darth Vader never had a chance on being a positive role model with their births occurring while he was becoming this powerful Sith. Even when Vader found out about his children, there was little he did to actually be a paternal role model for them.

In actuality, he kept trying to take over more of the galaxy and even tried to strike down his son. While he would eventually try and redeem himself, there is no denying the pain and horrors he caused before that.

Which Star Wars dad or father figure is your favorite or least favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Enjoy Star Wars films and television shows on Disney+.