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Welcome to the ultimate journey through a galaxy far, far away as we rank every Star Wars film from worst to best. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a seasoned veteran of the saga, this list traverses through the highs and lows of the iconic series. Join us as we explore the universe of Jedi, Sith, rebels, and empires, and rank every Star Wars film.
12. The Clone Wars (2008)
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The Clone Wars is often regarded as the weakest entry in the Star Wars franchise for several reasons. Firstly, its animation style and storytelling approach, while innovative for the time, received mixed reviews from both critics and fans. Many found the animation lacking from a visual standpoint. Additionally, the plot felt disjointed. It lacked the depth and complexity that fans had come to expect from the universe. It primarily served as an extended introduction to the subsequent TV series rather than a fully realized standalone film. Others were also a bit annoyed by the tone of the show, which seemingly catered more toward kids rather than older fans of the franchise.
11. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
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While some praised its entertaining action sequences, charismatic performances, and nostalgic nods to the original trilogy, others found this film lacking in originality and depth. The film faced significant scrutiny due to its troubled production history, including the replacement of directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller with Ron Howard midway through filming. This led to concerns about the film’s coherence, continuity, and overall quality. Additionally, some fans were skeptical about the idea of exploring the backstory of the iconic character Han Solo, fearing that it would detract from the mystique surrounding the character.
10. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
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This was the second film released in the ‘middle’ trio. An older Anakin laments about missing his mother, falling in love with Padme, and his distaste for sand (which is one of the unintentionally funniest moments in cinema history). Moments are creeping in where you see him start to slowly turn to the dark side. This film did have some decent moments. The fight scenes between Obi-Wan and Jango Fett were well done. With that said, this was a filler movie, mostly with exposition geared towards the final of the trilogy.
9. The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
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There was some serious fan service going on with this final film. Naturally, the link between Rey and Palpatine was inevitable. The special effects were once again very cool. That’s never a fault of the franchise. But the script direction was all over the place. It’s not a surprise as it reportedly had been passed along from writer to writer at various stages. It put a ‘bow’ on the final trilogy, though we aren’t sure if it was executed as a neatly tied bow rather than a sloppy uneven one.
8. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
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This is where Anakin goes full dark, slaughtering younglings and aiming to take over the galaxy at the behest of Palpatine. Everything goes belly up for the Jedi, who are getting picked off one by one. Obi-Wan and Yoda are essentially out of options at this current time. The last 30 minutes of the film are the best. We see the iconic battle between Anakin and Obi-Wan in what looks like the fiery pits of hell. Ultimately, we get introduced to Luke, Leia, and Darth Vader in the process.
7. The Force Awakens (2015)
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This isn’t the most original movie in the world. Rey (Daisy Ridley) is essentially repeating the same story that Luke (Mark Hamill) once had. It’s still an interesting film with roles featuring Harrison Ford and the late Carrie Fisher. Oscar Isaac’s Poe was a nice addition to the franchise. We liked the initial direction of Finn (John Boyega), though the choppy scripts and volatility behind the scenes ultimately resulted in the franchise dropping the ball there in terms of further character development.
6. Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
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There are plenty of inconsistent things within this movie. Jake Lloyd’s acting as a young Anakin is a bit rough. The pod racing scene probably could’ve been cut in half. Jar Jar Binks was an insufferable character. However, despite all of that, this is a great popcorn movie! The visuals are stunning, from the setting of Naboo to the underwater city, and also the lush, green battlefield. The fight scene between Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, and Darth Maul might’ve been the single greatest example of combat in the entire franchise. Appreciate the movie for what it is rather than what it isn’t.
5. Rogue One (2016)
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Many consider this standalone film one of the better ones associated with the Star Wars universe. It wasn’t a part of any of the trilogies. As such, it took some measured liberties in offering unique takes on past narratives. Directed by Gareth Edwards, Rogue One effectively expands the Star Wars universe by offering a fresh perspective on the events leading up to the original trilogy. Its blend of intense battles, moral ambiguity, and emotional depth resonated with both critics and audiences,
4. Episode VI — Return of the Jedi (1983)
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This film wrapped up the first trilogy in a very succinct and successful way. Luke confronts the dark side of the Force and ultimately redeems his father, Darth Vader. With its iconic battles, including the climactic showdown between Luke, Vader, and Palpatine, the film delivers both spectacle and emotional resonance. The audience also got introduced to the world of Ewoks. These furry teddy bear-esque creatures are still loved to this day.
3. The Last Jedi (2017)
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The juxtaposition in this film between Luke’s persona in the past and present was fascinating. He became jaded with the entire Jedi life (which we ultimately learn about throughout the film). It was a masterclass performance by Hamill here. Seeing Rey deal with her demons also humanizes her a bit in a way which Luke can relate. The final battle scene showcasing Luke’s awesome powers was beyond gripping. Adam Driver’s portrayal of Kylo Ren was equally as good.
2. Episode IV — A New Hope (1977)
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This was a revolutionary film. Audiences were blown away by the grandiose nature of George Lucas and his vision. Imaginations were turned on full blast when sitting back in theaters and watching this space spectacle unfold before their eyes. The special effects were transcendent for its time. The score itself remains one of the most recognizable aspects of this franchise to this day. This film set the stage for something special to happen, and as a result, continues to happen decades later with more Star Wars-based projects coming out constantly.
1. Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
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This film is undoubtedly the greatest movie within the franchise to date. Directed by Irvin Kershner, this installment has everything you’re looking for in the classic drama — yet it’s been cultivated in a setting far from the norm. You’ve got familial strife, a theme that runs rampant throughout virtually all of the films (hello Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader!). Of course, there’s also action courtesy of various lightsaber duels. The audience learns about the Force and also gets a glimpse into what makes Yoda a seminal figure. Everything you could look for in the perfect film is neatly packaged here with cutting-edge technology and a captivating narrative.
