As a Star Wars Fan, Here's How I'd Rank Every Movie in th...

As a Star Wars Fan, Here's How I'd Rank Every Movie in the Franchise

Star-Wars-Revenge-of-the-Sith-R2D2-and-C3PO

Image via 20th Century Studios/Lucasfilm

By Michael Block Published 16 minutes ago Michael Block is a 14 time GLAM Award nominated writer, producer, and host of the podcast Block Talk. Throughout his time in the entertainment industry, he has worked on and off Broadway as a stage manager, written several produced plays, critiqued hundreds of theatrical performances, drag and cabaret shows, and has produced events randing from drag competitoons to variety concerts! On Block Talk, he interviews nightlife personalities, covers the wide world of entertainment through features, ranking episodes, and recaps ALL of Drag Race, as well as Dragula and Survivor. He has interviewed hundreds of RuGirls that span the globe at DragCon NYC, DragCon LA, and DragCon UK. In his free time, he makes one-of-a-kind jewelry and gift baskets with his mom. He is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. Sign in to your Collider account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

In 1977, George Lucas brought us to a place we could only imagine, transporting us to a galaxy far, far away. Star Wars is not only a revolutionary franchise, but it also shaped the science fiction genre and how movies are created and consumed. Thanks to the blockbuster success of the film, it has provided a place for fans to flock to and feel at home. But, as die-hard fans that we are, we have some major opinions about our favorite films.

One thing we do as fanatics is debate until the cows come home. We know that there are so many ways this could go, and it's very likely no two lists will ever be the same for the same reason. Especially due to how and when we entered the world. For this list, we're only considering the live-action films. So, no animated features or Disney+ series will be found. That's up for debate another day. That said, they may need to be referenced, as our perspectives on certain movies may have changed with more insight. Nevertheless, this is how I, a devoted Star Wars fan, rank the films.

11 'Star Wars: Episode II- Attack of the Clones' (2002)

Master Yoda stands poised with his green lightsaber in 'Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones' (2002).Image via Lucasfilm

After one and before three is two. It’s just there. Kind of like Star Wars: Episode II- Attack of the Clones. Truly a bridge between the two films, Attack of the Clones is quite a disappointing film in the grander scope of the franchise. A political thriller set after the invasion of Naboo, tension escalates after the assassination attempt on Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman). As Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) investigates the assassination, his apprentice Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) is assigned to protect Padmé, leading to a forbidden romance between them. Obi-Wan's investigation leads him to discover a secret clone army being created for the Republic on the planet Kamino, a discovery that sets the stage for the Clone Wars. All the makings of a major Star Wars film are present, but it just falls flat quite quickly.

Remembered for its spectacular cinematography, Star Wars is supposed to be bigger than that. We have some really stellar moments from Samuel L. Jackson as Mace Windu. Obi Wan versus Jango Fett (Temuera Morrison) is pretty stellar. Yoda in action is always a great time. It’s just that the overarching plot leaves a lot to be desired. There is absolutely a faction of fans who would vehemently disagree with this placement, but for me, it never felt more than just an in-between moment.

10 'Solo: A Star Wars Story' (2018)

Alden Ehrenreich as young Han Solo in 'Solo: A Star Wars Story.'

Alden Ehrenreich as a young Han Solo in 'Solo: A Star Wars Story.'Image via Lucasfilm

If you love Han Solo, then you were enthralled at the prospect of an origin film. But as lovely and great an actor as Alden Ehrenreich is, he is certainly not Harrison Ford. Jokes aside, the story behind Han Solo as a legendary smuggler is a joyride. The origin story chronicles the beginning of Han and Chewy, who join a heist within the criminal underworld. Set ten years prior to the action of the first overall film, Solo: A Star Wars Story is a renegade of a movie, just like its titular character. It’s a fast-paced race that is a lot of fun if you’re willing to forget what the film could have been.

Where it falters is that the man known for breaking the rules does very much not that. I mean, one would think he’d go rogue without hesitation. It’s a cautiously safe outing that seems more reliant on fan service than truly giving Han the full-bodied backstory he deserves. Now, with humor and swagger around every turn, this film is successful with a top-notch cast. Had it not been for the brilliant cast having a chance to play in the Star Wars universe, we might have checked out. Donald Glover as Lando? I’m there! Emilia Clarke and Woody Harrison? Sign me up! Phoebe Waller-Bridge as a droid? Yes please. With Ron Howard at the helm, the expectations were high, but the execution was low.

9 'Star Wars: Episode III- Revenge of the Sith' (2005)

A distraught-looking Anakin Skywalker considers the consequences of his dark deeds in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.

A distraught-looking Anakin Skywalker (played by actor Hayden Christiansen), considers the consequences of his dark deeds in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.Image via Lucasfilm

As the sixth entry in the prequel trilogy, we finally had the opportunity to say goodbye to this dark period in the Star Wars franchise. Brooding, emo Anakin Skywalker (Christensen) is just not a draw! Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith dives deep into Anakin’s descent into the dark side as he transforms into Darth Vader. Meanwhile, the Jedi face near annihilation as the Galactic Empire rises. Tackling the end of the Clone Wars, Chancellor Palpatine’s (Ian McDiarmid) seizure of total power, and the betrayal of a mentor by a former mentee, Revenge of the Sith certainly has the happy ending the original sequel’s finale did.

As the final connector before A New Hope, Revenge of the Sith left a lot to be desired, but it did establish the history of Luke and Leia, as Padmé gave birth to the twins before her death, allowing them to be protected from the Empire through their separate adoptions. More poignant than a thrilling conclusion, there is a brilliant story about a young man destined for greatness, only for him to misinterpret said greatness, leading to greed and corruption. The problem was, if you couldn’t handle Christensen doing whatever his interpretation of acting was, you were out of luck for enjoying it. If you’re coming in looking for an action-adventure with extraordinary lightsaber duals, Revenge of the Sith has you covered. If you adore Darth Vader despite his origin story flaws, you’ll be fine. But it’s just not as satisfying as one would hope.

8 'Star Wars: Episode I- The Phantom Menace' (1999)

Ray Park as Darth Maul in 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace'Image via Lucasfilm

When George Lucas returned to the director’s chair to bring us the prequel trilogy, we rejoiced. For many in my generation, it was our opportunity to celebrate Star Wars like the generation before did. And then, he introduced Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best), and movies were changed forever. And I’m not even hyperbolizing. Love him or hate him, we couldn’t stop talking about him. Even as a side character, the overwhelming story of Star Wars: Episode I- The Phantom Menace was promising. Set 32 years prior to the events in the first trilogy, the film follows two Jedi Knights, Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor), who protect Queen Amidala (Portman) from a trade dispute blockade of her planet, Naboo. While seeking refuge, they discover a young slave boy named Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) on Tatooine, who is unusually strong in the Force.

Bringing us marvelous costumes with stunning adornment, breathtaking visuals including epic podracing, and the origin of Darth Vader beginning as a cute, adorable kid, we had the makings of a film that should have been just as good as the original films. But, well, at least it’s better than the following two? The film serves as a wonderful connector and introduction into the universe, bringing us many of our favorite characters for the first time. It provided exceptional world-building and expansion. But the plot just felt convoluted at times, so we couldn't truly champion it comparatively. As far as our main bad guy, Darth Maul (Ray Park) was quite spectacular in concept, but sadly, he was reduced to a limited, superficial ideal that never reached his full potential. We left The Phantom Menace hungry for more Star Wars. So we had hope…

7 'Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker' (2019)

The ghost of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) holds his old lightsaber in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.Image via Lucasfilm

All good things must come to an end. Or at least a pause. Or whatever this weird limbo we’re living in is. Anyway, the ninth chapter of the Skywalker Saga was Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker. The film follows Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) as they lead the remnants of the Resistance in a final stand against Supreme Leader Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Order, who are now allied with the resurrected Sith Lord, Emperor Palpatine (McDiarmid), Rey's paternal grandfather. With more lore introduced that runs deeper than the connections we had previously seen, this film proves just how massive Emperor Palpatine’s influence was upon the entire galaxy.

To start, the film was already filled with emotion, as Carrie Fisher’s unseen work was included to help wrap up her story. As far as the action, it was typical Star Wars, but the final battle between good and evil was remarkable. Could Ben overtake Rey? Will he come to his senses? Who cares, it was sealed with a kiss. The Rise of Skywalker was met with much hype, only to leave audiences immensely disappointed. But the problem was that it didn’t necessarily feel as if it wanted to be the end. Though the final film in this trilogy sadly seemed to run out of imagination, it gave us hope that Kylo Ren and Rey had more story in them to retain. But, as mentioned earlier, it seems like we might just be disappointed at the lack of potential on the horizon.

6 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' (2016)

Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor looking to the distance in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Image via Lucasfilm

Speaking about Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is quite an interesting thing to do since we were given the extraordinary gift of Andor. There is Rogue One as a singular film and Rogue One in further context to Andor. So, let’s try to dissect it through both lenses. Directed by Gareth Edwards, the film is set a week before the events of Star Wars. In it, rebels steal the schematics for the Galactic Empire's ultimate weapon, the Death Star. It details the Rebel Alliance's first effective victory against the Empire, as referenced in A New Hope’s crawl. Starring Felicity Jones as Jyn Erso and Diego Luna as Cassian Andor, the film further expands upon the original saga through modern filmmaking.

Rogue One has a dark tone, and rightly so. It’s thanks in part to the high-stakes mission for the Rebels. Essentially a "war film" within the greater Star Wars universe, there is enough betrayal that may make your head spin in frustration, but the Rebels be rebelling. Now, to the Andor of it all. Now, we know that Jyn and Cassian essentially find themselves sacrificing themselves as casualties of the larger fight. But in terms of the latter’s overall depiction, he didn’t necessarily get the best rap. Then we got Andor, and wow, what a man! The added depth and layers integrated in the character make him one of the most wonderfully complex characters in our galaxy far, far away. That said, we now have a new perspective on Rogue One, which makes it a stronger film.

5 'Star Wars: Episode VIII- The Last Jedi' (2017)

Kylo Ren aiming his lightsaber at someone off-camera in Star Wars: Episode VII- The Last Jedi

Image via Lucasfilm

Listen, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) has gone through a lot in life. Do you blame him for wanting to just be a recluse? Especially after losing all of those Jedi kids. That’s the setup for Star Wars: Episode VIII- The Last Jedi. The film follows Rey (Ridley) as she seeks Luke Skywalker's aid in turning the tide for the Resistance in the fight against Kylo Ren (Driver) and the First Order. As she seeks out a man who is reluctant to help, the rest of her allies attempt to escape a First Order attack on the dwindling Resistance fleet.

Directed by Rian Johnson, the sequel to the first sequel film has some truly fascinating moments, like the development between Rey and Kylo Ren. But if you’re someone like me who reveres Luke Skywalker, this one was a bit rough to watch. It's sincerely like a bad Odd Couple reboot. While the legacy of the Star Wars brand lives on, especially in the sense of having Luke share his wisdom upon another, as it was for him, it was a bit heavier than some may have wished. That said, the duel between Luke and Kylo Ren was quite epic. In fact, it was everything. Now, the reason why it ranks higher with many other fans is due to the heartbreaking moments between Luke and Leia, as this was Carrie Fisher’s first posthumous film. Now, I will leave you with one thing that does push it higher for me than most, and it goes by the name of Porg. Not since the Ewoks has a little guy stolen my heart. And not until Grogu would anyone capture it again.

4 'Star Wars: Episode VI- Return of the Jedi' (1983)

An Ewok in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the JediImage via 20th Century Fox

I will be honest, if we’re ranking favorites, Star Wars: Episode VI- Return of the Jedi would likely be at the top because I love cuddly things that are on the smaller side. I mean, how could you not adore the Ewoks! Closing out the third film in the original trilogy, Return of the Jedi continues the ongoing feud between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire as the former seeks to destroy the latter’s second attempt at a Death Star. Meanwhile, Luke (Hamill) attempts the futile task of bringing his father, Dark Vader (James Earl Jones), back to the Force from the dark side. Filled with iconic major moments, Return of the Jedi was the cherry on top of a fantastic journey.

From Jabba the Hutt to Princess Leia (Fisher) in the metal bikini and the battle on Endor, Return of the Jedi was a slick film with new energy and imagery. And that’s the beauty of the Lucas-created universe. Why can’t we go from a desolate planet like Tatooine to a lush forest world like Endor in the same movie? The film ends in celebration, and for those who are present during its run, it was a bittersweet celebratory finish. And yet, it just opened up a world of opportunity. If you look at this list, the third part of a trilogy ranking this high over the start of another trilogy is all thanks to how special the first three films were.

3 'Star Wars: Episode VII- The Force Awakens' (2015)

Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron kneeling with BB-8 in Star Wars: The Force AwakensImage via Lucasfilm

In 2015, J.J. Abrams had his chance to revitalize the Star Wars franchise after the prequel trilogy debacle. Now, with Disney money, Star Wars: Episode VII- The Force Awakens gave us a new hope. Pun intended. The seventh film in the saga, The Force Awakens, opened up the next phase in the Skywalker Saga. Set 30 years after Return of the Jedi, the film follows Rey (Ridley), Finn (Boyega), Poe Dameron (Isaac), and Han Solo's (Ford) search for Luke Skywalker (Hamill) and their fight in the Resistance, led by General Leia Organa (Fisher) and veterans of the Rebel Alliance, against Kylo Ren (Driver) and the First Order, a successor to the Galactic Empire. What this film did right was honor the past while forging a new future. By establishing a new story with new characters through the link of the previous story, it allowed for the mythology to be maintained without disrupting the established universe. By avoiding it as a reboot, Abrahams was still able to establish his stamp while introducing Star Wars to a new generation.

There were certainly some homages to the past, including the introductions of our heroine and villain. The connections between Rey and Luke and between Kylo and Dark Vader (Jones) were present, yet distinct. Both Ridley and Driver were formidable rising stars able to carry the weight of the franchise while establishing their own identities. It also gave Ford the freedom to pass the baton to the next generation without an overly melodramatic swan song. Though his death was almost at the height of shock, like The Empire Strikes Back’s big twist. This winning formula set forth allowed Star Wars to receive the similar universal praise it found in 1977. As a Star Wars fan, it was such an important moment watching this film in theaters, as it gave us a reason to believe we were back.

2 'Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope' (1977)

Luke, Leia, and Han looking ahead in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

Luke, Leia, and Han Solo posing in a hallway in the original Star Wars Image via Lucasfilm

It’s the film where it all began: Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope. There may be a debate by some who might drop it down a slot or two, but we have a great reverence for the original film. We wouldn’t be where we are without it. In A New Hope, Luke Skywalker (Hamill) is drawn into the galactic civil war between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire. Joining Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) to rescue Princess Leia (Fisher) and deliver stolen plans for the Empire's planet-destroying superweapon, the Death Star. As Luke embraces his connection to the Force, he becomes the new hope against the dark side. An extraordinary story that took the world by storm, the legacy of A New Hope changed the face of science fiction cinema.

The first film in the franchise introduced a brand-new world in this galaxy far, far away. This was not a movie about the aliens you grew up with. Lucas developed an entire cinematic universe of mythology and lore while crafting a bounty of characters. And yet it was all accessible. There’s nothing that can kill a science fiction piece more than language and lingo that is far too hard to follow. That was not the case here. A New Hope appealed to geeks and nerds and the friends that accompanied them.

There are so many amazing moments in this film. From the action sequences to the sheer magic attached. But it does have some flaws. Let’s just get it out of the way now: in retrospect, watching Luke and Leia tease a romance is very difficult to watch. But it was the first film. Maybe we can give Lucas some leeway for this egregious early error. But listen, if that’s the extent we’re calling out, we’re doing quite well! There’s something utterly enchanting about A New Hope, especially coming back to it years removed. It’s an experience I wish I could have done the first time again.

Movie
Star Wars
George Lucas

Follow Followed Like Share Facebook X WhatsApp Threads Bluesky LinkedIn Reddit Flipboard Copy link Email Close Thread Sign in to your Collider account

We want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.

Be the first to post Images Attachment(s) Please respect our community guidelines. No links, inappropriate language, or spam.

Your comment has not been saved

Send confirmation email

This thread is open for discussion.

Be the first to post your thoughts.