Star Wars Movies Ranked
Title says it all. In my opinion, of course.
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11 titles
- DirectorIrvin KershnerStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherAfter the Rebel Alliance are overpowered by the Empire, Luke Skywalker begins his Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued across the galaxy by Darth Vader and bounty hunter Boba Fett.One of the best sequels ever made, if not the best. Empire benefits from an increased focus on character drama over pure spectacle, and there are meaningful plot revelations that recontextualize the entire trilogy. It’s unfortunate that the franchise never reaches these heights again.
- DirectorGeorge LucasStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherLuke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader.A masterpiece of fantasy filmmaking, A New Hope takes a simple story of a farm boy fulfilling his dream of joining the rebellion and turns it into something magical, literally. The universe is fantastical and compelling, the actors are terrific, and John Williams’ score is brilliant. Not to mention it introduced one of the most iconic villains of all time.
- DirectorRichard MarquandStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherAfter rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebel Alliance attempt to destroy the second Death Star, while Luke struggles to help Darth Vader back from the dark side.The opening is fun, and the final confrontation between Luke, Vader, and the Emperor is a highlight of the entire franchise. If only the Endor plot wasn’t a complete waste of time.
- DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsDaisy RidleyJohn BoyegaOscar IsaacAs a new threat to the galaxy rises, Rey, a desert scavenger, and Finn, an ex-stormtrooper, must join Han Solo and Chewbacca to search for the one hope of restoring peace.A promising start to the trilogy, featuring a familiar story with fresh, likable characters. If only the ideas here were followed through in its sequels.
- DirectorGeorge LucasStarsHayden ChristensenNatalie PortmanEwan McGregorThree years into the Clone Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi pursues a new threat, while Anakin Skywalker is lured by Chancellor Palpatine into a sinister plot to rule the galaxy.Far and away the best of the prequels. As bad as some of the dialogue is, there are many exciting set pieces and powerful moments in Revenge of the Sith, punctuated by Williams’ phenomenal score. It has many problems, but its strengths outweigh its weaknesses for me.
- DirectorRon HowardStarsAlden EhrenreichWoody HarrelsonEmilia ClarkeDuring an adventure in the criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his future co-pilot Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian years before joining the Rebel Alliance.Unnecessary? Yes. That doesn’t mean it isn’t an enjoyable Star Wars romp in its own right. It’s a smaller-scale story with a focus on character conflict over dizzying spectacle, which is a nice change of pace.
- DirectorRian JohnsonStarsDaisy RidleyJohn BoyegaMark HamillRey develops her abilities with the help of Luke Skywalker, as the Resistance prepares for battle against the First Order.This is a well-made film; it’s visually stunning and well directed. The problem is that it singlehandedly ruined the sequel trilogy by closing the second chapter with a dead end. There are truly baffling decisions, awkward humor, and useless subplots - it’s the most frustrating Star Wars movie because of the potential it had. If it were 20 minutes shorter, it could have been something special, but the last act sees our characters in the exact same spot as they began.
- DirectorGareth EdwardsStarsFelicity JonesDiego LunaAlan TudykIn a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire's ultimate weapon of destruction.The special effects, cinematography, and action sequences are superb. It’s a shame about the thin plot and bland characters.
- DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsDaisy RidleyJohn BoyegaOscar IsaacThe surviving Resistance faces the First Order once again in the conclusion of the Skywalker saga.The Rise of Skywalker is rushed, bloated, sloppily written, and completely nonsensical. It closes the saga with a convoluted scavenger hunt involving numerous MacGuffins when it should’ve stripped things down and focused on the characters. The breakneck pace is headache-inducing and serves only to give the illusion of excitement. Though, the film has a handful of nice moments.
- DirectorGeorge LucasStarsHayden ChristensenNatalie PortmanEwan McGregorTen years after initially meeting, Anakin Skywalker shares a forbidden romance with Padmé Amidala, while Obi-Wan Kenobi discovers a secret clone army crafted for the Jedi.Worst love story ever put to film? Possibly. There are plenty of unintentionally funny moments (“I don’t like sand...”), along with mind-numbingly stupid decisions (everything the Jedi Counsel does) and frustrating moments (the speeder chase being a complete farce). It did inspire some great video games and added interesting lore into the Star Wars universe, though.
- DirectorGeorge LucasStarsEwan McGregorLiam NeesonNatalie PortmanTwo Jedi escape a hostile blockade to find allies and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to claim their original glory.Jar Jar Binks and toddler Anakin are awful. Not to mention the film’s muddled plot, dull stretches of exposition, and flat characters all around. However, it’s easy to be swept away by the fantastical and creative worldbuilding. The Darth Maul fight and John Williams’ score are highlights.