The 20 Best 'Star Wars' Aliens
Star Wars remains unparalleled in the alien species that exist throughout its many worlds. The amount of thought, creativity, and the sheer volume of the species the series has to offer is truly amazing and staggering. Picking only twenty is a difficult task, but it is a great way to look at some of the many alien characters that populate Tatooine, Coruscant, and all the other worlds.
Honorable Mention: Yoda’s Species
There isn’t much known about Yoda’s species. We don’t even know its name, so I don’t think it is fair to include them on the list. We have really only seen three of them in canon. However, the ones we have seen have been strong with the Force and had amazing adventures.
Honorable Mention: Bith
I am not even going to lie, they get an honorable mention solely for the jams they have been busting out since 1977. I mean, if that cantina music doesn't make you wanna jam out in Star Wars fashion, then I don't know what will. I would definitely pay any amount for a ticket to one of their shows.
20. Gungans
I know there is a lot of hate that gets thrown at the Gungans, which I feel is undeserved. Love or hate Jar Jar Binks, the other Gungans of Naboo have made huge impacts on the Star Wars story, and they have proven themselves as cunning fighters and peaceful diplomats when they have to be. The argument could also be made that, without the Gungans, Anakin never becomes a Jedi. (Although maybe that would have also solved some problems.)
19. Clawdites
Clawdites, or “changelings” as they are called in Attack of the Clones, are some of the coolest aliens that exist in the universe. Their ability to shape-shift in order to impersonate humanoid species is incredibly helpful, and it has made some of them excellent choices for assassinations and heists.
18. Nautolans
As a kid, Kit Fisto was my favorite Jedi of all time, and for good reason. His species, the Nautolans, have amazing designs, and they have the ability to breathe air and water. They have been known to survive in extremely harsh environments, and their tendrils on their heads can sense pheromones, which essentially turns them into empaths.
17. Bothans
The Bothans are only so far up on the list because we haven’t seen a lot of them. However, their legend is what puts them here, and that legend is amazing. Their famous spynet is unparalleled, and that is proven when they are able to get information to the Rebels that the Emperor would be on the second Death Star. The Rebels would not have survived long without the Bothans.
16. Trandoshans
The Trandoshans are a large reptilian sentient humanoid species. They are renowned hunters, and they have made quite a name for themselves in the Star Wars universe. Trandoshans are famous for their love of hunting, and they have the ability to regenerate limbs. They also produce one of the most feared bounty hunters in the galaxy, Bossk, who is contracted by the Empire to hunt Han Solo.
15. Rodians
The Rodians are probably most famous for their most infamous Rodian, Greedo. Greedo is unfortunately one of the first casualties of Episode IV. However, the people of Rodia help the Republic a lot during the Clone Wars, and their rogue members (including Greedo) have proven several times why they are a strong species.
14. Mon Calamari
Aside from having a name that is incredibly fun to say, the Mon Calamari are an incredibly interesting aquatic species. They are capable of living underwater for long periods of time and are fantastic swimmers. The Mon Calamari also gave us one of the Rebellion’s greatest admirals, Gial Ackbar, who can smell a trap a lightyear away.
13. Ewoks
Ewoks are like the underdogs of the Star Wars universe. Although, I suppose the Rebels are the underdogs, so maybe they are the under-underdogs. Either way, they are a super cool and super adorable little furry species that inhabits the forest moon of Endor. What else can be said except that they help take down the Empire and throw crazy amazing parties?
12. Toydarians
The Toydarians remind me a lot of the Geonosians in design, but I always loved the way they just float around on their wings. Watto blew my mind as a kid by resisting the Jedi mind trick. The idea that they have such a strong will, even if it is because of greed, is a cool and valuable trait.
11. Geonosians
Speaking of Geonosians, the Geonosians are an insectoid-like species that will immediately invoke any bug phobia you may have. The Geonosians are the main opponents in the first battle that starts the Clone Wars, and they are able to pose a significant threat to the clone army and the Jedi. They are also the ones who are responsible for creating the original designs for the Death Star.
10. Kaminoans
I have always felt like the Kaminoans were Star Wars’ version of the elves. They are very tall, pale, and pride themselves on manners and politeness. They are also genius cloners who provide the Republic with an entire army to fight the aptly named Clone War.
9. Kel Dors
Master Plo Koon was another of my favorite Jedi as a kid. The design of his mask and goggles looked cool to me, which made him cool by extension. At the time, I didn’t know he wears them because his species is vulnerable to oxygen. And although that is a pretty hefty weakness, I still think that makes the Kel Dors all the more interesting.
8. Lasat
The Lasat are almost on par with Wookiees. They have strength, speed, and agility that surpasses normal humans. Unfortunately, the Lasat have been brought to near extinction in most of the media we have seen them in so far. They are one of the more recent species to be added to Star Wars lore, but I look forward to seeing them more often.
7. Hutts
There is no doubt about it, the Hutts are some of the most powerful aliens in the galaxy. They essentially rule over Tatooine and are often described as crime lords throughout the other systems. Let us not forget that they are also feared throughout the galaxy. So despite their appearance, they are a force to be reckoned with.
6. Zabraks/Dathomirians
Zabraks easily have the coolest designs on this list. With their horns and colorful skin, they look menacing. There have been many Force-sensitive Zabraks, but Darth Maul is easily the best. He is one of the greatest Sith to ever fight against the Jedi.
5. Tuskens
The Tuskens should be familiar to anyone who has seen Star Wars. They are a nomadic people who live on Tatooine, and they have learned how to thrive on the desert planet. The Sand People look terrifying, and they elicit as much terror with their actions as they do with their design. They have caused more than a few problems for the heroes in Star Wars, and I wouldn’t want to cross their paths either.
4. Twi’leks
The Twi’leks are one of the most iconic species in Star Wars. They often appear as slaves in the original trilogy, but they have also appeared as powerful warriors and Jedi such as Aayla Secura. They are incredibly distinctive with their headtails, and their designs have captured fans' imaginations since they first appeared on the big screen.
3. Togrutas
The Togruta are another one of Star Wars’ most recognizable species. They have skin that can be a vast array of colors, which make for effective camouflage. They also have horns called montrals, as well as headtails atop their heads. Also, some of the greatest Jedi include Togrutas like Shaak Ti and Ahsoka Tano.
2. Jawas
The Jawas are the craftiest little junkers in any galaxy. They are extremely resourceful, and while they aren’t particularly violent, they do know how to defend themselves. They also constantly have an air of mystery about them with their seemingly dark faces and yellow eyes hidden under the brown robe
1. Wookiees
Come on, I had to put Wookiees at number one. If I didn’t, I would have to have my arms ripped out of their sockets. They really are the best species in Star Wars. Their designs are amazing because they are both adorable and intimidating. They are incredible fighters. A single Wookiee could take on several opponents at once and walk away without a scratch. Wookiees are incredibly brave, strong, loyal, and smart. One wouldn’t be able to find a better companion in the galaxy.