In 1977, George Lucas introduced Star Wars, a groundbreaking space opera that transformed cinema and the fusion of science fiction with fantasy. This iconic saga captivated millions, sparking spirited debates about the hierarchical ranking of each installment, examining what elevates some films while rendering others average or outright disappointing.
The journey of the Star Wars franchise has been quite tumultuous over the decades, leading to varying opinions on what constitutes a notable Star Wars film. With divergent perspectives from critics and fans alike, it’s high time to evaluate and order every Star Wars film, from the least favored to the top-rated.
12 Star Wars: The Clone Wars
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Director |
Dave Filoni |
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Release Date |
August 15, 2008 |
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
19% |
|
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
40% |
Star Wars: The Clone Wars takes viewers back to the time of the Galactic Republic and Jedi Knights, illustrating a typical day in the life of a Jedi. The narrative trails Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, as they navigate the Clone Wars in an effort to save Jabba the Hutt’s offspring. Although this tale might mimic a standard episode from the animated series today, its standalone presentation as a film falls short.
The animated feature was hindered by its visual style; while advancements in animation have since elevated the series to remarkable heights, the 2008 film felt more like a test reel than a product worthy of the Star Wars legacy.
11 Star Wars: Episode 9 – The Rise of Skywalker
Uninspired Fan Service That Attempts to Bring Back a Damaged Fanbase
|
Director |
J. J. Abrams |
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Release Date |
December 20, 2019 |
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
51% |
|
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
86% |
The controversies stemming from The Last Jedi created a rift among fans, and The Rise of Skywalker marked a bid to restore the faith of a fractured audience by resurrecting Emperor Palpatine as the primary antagonist. The film indulged in a convoluted quest involving Rey, neglecting to explore Finn’s character that fans had hoped would evolve, instead opting for aimless nostalgia.
The fan service throughout The Rise of Skywalker feels lackluster as it endeavors to rectify the perceived failures of its predecessor. The abrupt romantic subplot between Rey and Kylo Ren developed in the film’s final moments fails to resonate, and by the film’s end, it’s clear the narrative prioritized mythos surrounding Palpatine over the Skywalker lineage.
10 Star Wars: Episode 8 – The Last Jedi
Visually Stunning, But Damages Characters for the Sake of Subversion
|
Director |
Rian Johnson |
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Release Date |
December 15, 2017 |
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
91% |
|
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
41% |
While visually captivating, The Last Jedi has sparked divisive discussions since its release in 2017. Critics praised the impressive cinematic artistry, yet many viewers were frustrated by a portrayal of Luke Skywalker that deviated dramatically from his heroic roots. The film also presented a distracting subplot involving a casino and a codebreaker that contributed little to the overall plot.
The Last Jedi attempts to provide thought-provoking commentary on destiny and the moral outcomes of war. However, the subversion of expectations often leads to polarization within the fanbase, resulting in a scenario where many are left unsatisfied.
9 Solo: A Star Wars Story
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Director |
Ron Howard |
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Release Date |
May 25, 2018 |
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
69% |
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Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
63% |
Solo: A Star Wars Story breaks free from the central storyline of the Skywalker saga, opting for a lighter and more adventure-driven tone. This narrative serves as an origin tale for Han Solo, featuring Alden Ehrenreich, whose performance honors Harrison Ford’s original charisma while infusing his own unique charm.
The film treads familiar territory, potentially undermining suspense due to the foreordained fates of its characters. However, it offers viewers a pleasurable escape that balances emotion and humor. Standout performances from Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian and Ehrenreich as Han Solo leave audiences wishing for more time spent in this universe.
8 Star Wars: Episode 2 – Attack of the Clones
Cheesy Dialogue Gets in the Way of Anakin’s Necessary Dark Side
|
Director |
George Lucas |
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Release Date |
May 16, 2002 |
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
65% |
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Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
56% |
In Attack of the Clones, George Lucas seeks to delve deeper into Anakin Skywalker’s complex narrative, laying the groundwork for his evolution into Darth Vader. The story unfolds as Anakin safeguards Padmé Amidala while Obi-Wan Kenobi investigates the origins of the Clone Army amid growing tensions with the Separatists.
This installment sets the stage for the Republic’s conflict with the Separatists, struggling to find balance between Anakin’s internal conflict and cheesy dialogues that often distract from the deeper themes of tragedy and transformation.
7 Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace
Creatively Inspiring, But Heavy on Exposition
|
Director |
George Lucas |
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Release Date |
May 19, 1999 |
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
52% |
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Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
59% |
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace reignited fans’ enthusiasm for the galaxy far, far away, but it quickly became evident that its plot was bogged down by extensive exposition and complex political dynamics. This tale trails Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi, as they work to mediate a crisis on Naboo.
While filled with rich world-building and creativity, The Phantom Menace tends to drag with its political discourse. Yet, as it crescendos into the epic battle with Darth Maul, the film returns to form and showcases innovative uses of CGI that, although different from the practical effects of previous films, added a fresh perspective to the franchise.
6 Star Wars: Episode 7 – The Force Awakens
A Nostalgic Heavy Trip Back to the Galaxy Far, Far Away
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Director |
J. J. Abrams |
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Release Date |
December 18, 2015 |
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
93% |
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Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
84% |
With Disney acquiring Lucasfilm, the continuation of the beloved Skywalker story was inevitable. The Force Awakens burst onto the screen, reintroducing iconic characters and themes reminiscent of the original series while embarking on a quest to locate Luke Skywalker.
This film rekindles audience connections to well-known characters like Leia Organa and Han Solo, while introducing compelling new figures, including scavenger Rey and Finn, a former stormtrooper. While some critics argue that it plays too safely by echoing familiar plotlines, The Force Awakens served as a promising gateway into a sequel trilogy that ultimately did not meet the high expectations.
5 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
The Most Inspired Disney Star Wars That Holds Strong with a Familiar Yet Unique Aesthetic
|
Director |
Gareth Edwards |
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Release Date |
December 16, 2016 |
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
84% |
|
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
87% |
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story enables audiences to revisit the original Star Wars narrative from 1977, delving into the Rebel Alliance’s efforts to secure the Death Star plans. This spin-off follows the journey of Jyn Erso, alongside a colorful cast of rebels as they seek her father, the brilliant mind behind the Empire’s destructive weapon.
This film diverges from the usual Star Wars tropes by featuring characters that the filmmakers readily put in peril, instilling a sense of authenticity in its portrayal of war. The impactful return of Darth Vader, highlighted by a legendary action sequence, solidifies Rogue One’s status as a thrilling addition to the franchise.
4 Star Wars: Episode 4 – A New Hope
The Start of a Sci-Fi/Fantasy Saga That Changed Everything
|
Director |
George Lucas |
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Release Date |
May 25, 1977 |
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
93% |
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Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
96% |
Star Wars: A New Hope revolutionized the cinematic landscape by demonstrating the potential of the blockbuster format. Following the heroic journey of Luke Skywalker, this film intertwines compelling storytelling with groundbreaking visuals and audio design. Luke’s adventure alongside a smuggler and a wise Jedi Master culminates in the destruction of the formidable Death Star.
Despite some elements feeling dated by today’s standards, A New Hope’s charm, character depth, and innovation in storytelling remain undeniable, cementing its legacy in the hearts of fans worldwide.
3 Star Wars: Episode 6 – Return of the Jedi
What Some Consider the True Conclusion to the Skywalker Saga
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Director |
Richard Marquand |
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Release Date |
March 25, 1983 |
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
82% |
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Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
94% |
This final chapter in the original trilogy sees Luke Skywalker grapple with his father’s dark past while facing the Emperor in a bid to redeem him and save the galaxy. The Rebel Alliance’s alliance with the Ewoks on Endor serves as a pivotal moment in their struggle against the Empire.
Return of the Jedi encompasses the rich tapestry of themes, concluding the saga with a heartwarming and triumphant strike against tyranny.
2 Star Wars: Episode 3 – Revenge of the Sith
The Tragic Fall of the Jedi, and the Birth of Darth Vader
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Director |
George Lucas |
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Release Date |
May 19, 2005 |
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
79% |
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Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
66% |
One of the most pivotal entries in the Star Wars saga, Revenge of the Sith encapsulates the heart-wrenching transformation of Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader during the concluding days of the Clone Wars. Driven by love and fear, Anakin’s fall leads to the disbandment of the Jedi Order, as Obi-Wan Kenobi embarks on a quest to confront his former friend.
This film embodies the essence of Star Wars, offering meticulously crafted lightsaber duels and profound emotional arcs that connect the prequel trilogy to the original films, allowing fans to experience both joy and despair as the saga reaches a tragic climax.
1 Star Wars: Episode 5 – The Empire Strikes Back
A Blistering Romance Woven with Destiny, Defeat, and an Iconic Twist
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Director |
Irvin Kershner |
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Release Date |
May 21, 1980 |
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Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
95% |
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Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
97% |
After the fall of the Death Star, The Empire Strikes Back sees the Rebel Alliance struggling to elude the relentless pursuit of the Empire. Luke Skywalker embarks on a journey to train under Jedi Master Yoda, while Han Solo and Leia Organa navigate perilous situations in their burgeoning romance, leading to unexpected revelations.
This sequel brilliantly intertwines romance, adventure, and profound character development, reaching emotional peaks that resonate throughout the saga. The iconic “I am your father”twist and the consequential battle on Cloud City solidify The Empire Strikes Back as a timeless classic, reviving passion for the Star Wars universe.
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