A Definitive Ranking Of The ‘Star Wars’ Films

Star Wars

Oct 21

It is no secret that the Star Wars fandom is fairly divided. Whether you love the movies, shows, books, video games, or a combination I’m sure you’ve had at least one conversation with someone who thinks you are crazy.

While I would love to rank all of the current cannon Star Wars content that would take forever. So, for now, I will stick to just ranking the 11 live-action films that we currently have. WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR ALL STAR WARS LIVE-ACTION FILMS.

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11. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)

I love Star Wars and this is genuinely the only film on this entire list that I consider a bad film. I know that the fandom is divided on who prefers Rian Johnson or J.J. Abrams’ directing better and to be honest, I think they are both fantastic directors. I have two major issues with this movie and neither of them is the death of Luke Skywalker. My first issue is the absolute unwillingness to work with the storyline presented in Episode VII. I respect that he had a different view, but Johnson chose to ignore 90% of the events in the previous film which made it really difficult to follow. My second issue is with the ending, it is so anticlimactic. The ending of the previous film is an all-out emotional battle and this film was set up to give us something similar and then they just escape. It was so boring and really ruined the entire film.

10. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

I was so excited for this movie to come out and it left me almost as disappointed as Episode VIII. I love the reveal that Palpatine was still alive because it makes sense when you take the other Star Wars content into account. My only issue with this movie was J.J. Abrams’ unwillingness to work with Rian Johnson’s Episode VIII. Abrams clearly had a vision for this film but it didn’t work with the direction that Johnson took the second film. I wish Abrams would have adapted his vision so that it would work with Episode VIII. Instead, we got a mess of an ending to the Skywalker saga.

9. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

I know people really hated this movie, but I genuinely enjoyed it. I thought that the casting choices were amazing and I loved getting a glimpse into Han’s past. I don’t have any real issues with this movie other than the fact that I wish we would get more of Qi’ra’s character. I feel like she was set up to be a returning character and we haven’t gotten anything else with her in it.

8. Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)

I really like this movie. I loved the introduction of new characters and the reveal of Luke at the end was amazing! My main issues with this movie are that number one, it just doesn’t hold up to the other films. It is good, but it isn’t great. My other issue with the film is Han Solo’s death.

This is genuinely a hill that I will die on because they truly ruined Han’s character in that moment. In no world would he have walked out to his son knowing who he is. I respect that Harrison Ford wanted his character killed off, but this was such a lazy way to do it.

7. Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)

I love this movie. I think that the casting of young Anakin was genius and I love Jar Jar Binks’ character. I don’t have any real issues with this movie other than the fact that it simply doesn’t hold up to the rest of the franchise.

6. Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

This film is great, it introduced us to the Star Wars galaxy and will forever be a favorite. The only reason this film isn’t in my top five is because I just don’t think it is as good as some of the later films.

5. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

This is a phenomenal movie and honestly one of the very best in the franchise. My issue with this movie has nothing to do with the movie itself and 100% to do with my lack of knowledge when I went to see it. I was not the level of Star Wars fan I am today and because of this, I didn’t realize that everyone dies in the end. I got way too attached to some of the characters and because of this, I can’t rewatch it very often.

4. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

I love this movie, but if I am being honest it is solely because of the Ewoks and the battle of Endor. Ewoks are one of my favorite characters in Star Wars, and I love the ending when Obi-Wan, Yoda, and Anakin are getting to watch over Luke, Leia, and Han. It’s just a great feel-good ending!

3. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

I love this movie! We get to meet Lando for the first time, we get the iconic “No, I am your father” line, Luke training with Yoda, and the romance between Han and Leia. There is genuinely nothing wrong with this movie and it will forever be one of my favorites!

2. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

This is arguably the best film in the Star Wars franchise. Cinematically and acting-wise there is absolutely nothing wrong with this film. The only reason that this is not my number one movie is because I cannot get past how dirty the writers did Padmé’s character.

I understand that she is not the main focus of this film but her entire character was watered down to a point that she doesn’t even seem like herself. If they had kept her character the same this would be my favorite film in the franchise.

1. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)

I know this choice is going to drive a ton of you crazy, but I love this movie! I am a big fan of the clones in Star Wars and I love that with this movie we get Padmé and Anakin’s love story as well as plenty of action. I also like that this film pulled back the curtain on the nefarious deeds going on behind the scenes. I could talk about this movie for hours.

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