What are the best Star Wars movies?
Star Wars is one of the most famous and loved series of movies in TV history. Oftentimes, reviewers allow visuals to be at the forefront of their review. Here we shall avoid this issue and rank the movies on their content alone as well as their visuals. We here rank the three trilogies, the two stand-alone films, and the Clone Wars movie. The ranking here uses a sophisticated mathematical function to average the official ratings and fan rankings. This is a mostly spoiler free ranking.
12. Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (Worst)
The Last Jedi (TLJ) has three subplots with the main one seeing the Resistance on the run from the First Order in a bid to survive after destroying the planet-killing Starkiller Base. Simultaneously, we follow Finn and Rose as they attempt to get help from an outside actor. Meanwhile, Rey trains with Grandmaster Luke Skywalker in the ways of the Jedi.
Despite its stunning graphics, TLJ contains several physics- and universe-breaking moments. In addition, the story is seen by fans as trivial and derivative. TLJ has some redeeming virtues in its visuals and meme potential, but overall was heavily disliked by fans.
Score: 39/100
11. Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (OK)
The Rise of Skywalker (RoS) follows the Resistance as they fight a twelfth-hour battle to take down a surprise new enemy. As Rey delves deeper into her quest to uncover the truth about her family history, she stumbles upon a dark secret that challenges her perception of herself and her place in the galaxy. Meanwhile, Kylo Ren grapples with the conflicting forces of darkness and light within himself as he continues to wrestle with his allegiance to the Dark Side and his lingering connection to the Light. On the other end of the galaxy, an old friend somehow returns…
While RoS gives fans some highly requested fan-service, the main plotlines were so ridiculed by fans that the movie’s legacy mostly consisted of a serious moment-turned meme. Casual fans were also left confused when a serious plot line occurred in a video game and was not mentioned in any of the movies. Fortunately RoS did introduce the audience to some new immediate fan-favorites.
Score: 42/100
10. Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (OK)
The Force Awakens (TFA) sees a new threat to the galaxy in the form of the First Order who aims to eliminate the Resistance and recover the Empire’s territory. A desert scavenger, Rey, discovers that she is Force-sensitive and begins the journey to determine what happened to her family that mysteriously disappeared. A First Order Stormtrooper named FN-2187 deserts and tries to escape his enlistment.
The Force Awakens was the first mainstream Star Wars movie in a decade and so carried with it the full expectations of the fan base. With a strong start to a new trilogy, fans reacted positively to the new cast and the improved stages, however many fans felt that the set up was too derivative of the original trilogy. Moreover, many fans felt that the idea of a Stormtrooper deserter was mostly wasted. The general feeling ended up being that TFA is a good sci-fi movie, but not a good Star Wars movie.
Score: 54/100
9. Solo: A Star Wars Story (OK)
Solo, as its name implies, follows the story of Han Solo a decade before he joined the Rebel Alliance. After a falling out with a criminal gang, Han Solo ends up in the Imperial Navy where he meets a crew that introduces him to the world of smuggling. In his quest to survive and find his lost love, Solo meets new friends and makes new enemies.
Solo was met with mediocre reviews upon release due its relatively stale nature and fan-opposed cast, as well as the inclusion of certain topics. Fans felt that the movie meant to serve one purpose: create a backstory for anything even tangentially related to Han Solo. The introduction of new characters was appreciated and the bringing back of an old threat was promising, if hilarious.
Score: 54/100
8. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Good)
When Jabba the Hutt’s son, Rotta, is kidnapped, the Republic steps in to help. Anakin Skywalker and his new Padawan Ahsoka Tano follow the case across the galaxy in order to garner favor from the crime-lord. Meanwhile on Coruscant, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padme Amidala conduct their own investigation into the kidnapping.
The Clone Wars was originally received poorly since it served more as a pilot to the new TV show rather than its own film. In addition, fans highly disliked the new character of Ahsoka, further driving down their appreciation. Nowadays, the Clone Wars gave the Star Wars universe one of its most-liked pieces of material: the Clone Wars TV show.
Score: 55/100
7. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (Good)
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace - Trailer
Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn are dispatched by the Galactic Republic to negotiate the removal of the Trade Federation’s blockade of the planet Naboo. After escaping the planet, the group lands on the desert planet Tatooine and discovers a highly Force-sensitive child, Anakin Skywalker, and what appears to be the first Sith warrior in 1,000 years. After returning to Naboo to liberate the planet, a battle ensues on multiple fronts and a new Chancellor takes over.
The Phantom Menace (TPM) was received poorly for many reasons, a major one of which was the comedy character of Jar Jar Binks. Out of universe, TPM was also the start of George Lucas’ adventures with CGI characters. Despite these alleged faults, the “Duel of the Fates” is seen as one of the best fight scenes in Star Wars history.
Score: 63/100
6. Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (Good)
After Han Solo is captured by Boba Fett at Bespin, Luke, Leia, and Lando attempt a rescue from Jabba’s palace. With Rebel spies discovering plans for an even larger, second Death Star, the Rebels plan an attack on the new space station. Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker sets out to turn Darth Vader to the Rebels’ side.
Return of the Jedi (RotJ) was received incredibly well upon release with respect to all aspects of the film. When asked about problems with the movie, the majority of viewers would almost-surely mention “Ewoks,” which were something of a deus ex machina in their use.
Score: 78/100
5. Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (Good)
After an assassination attempt on now-Senator Padme Amidala’s life, Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi starts an investigation into her would-be assassin and discovers a missing planet. In the aftermath, Jedi Padawan Anakin Skywalker is tasked with providing security to Padme and both go into hiding on Padme’s home planet before being called to assist a friend. Jedi-turned-Sith, Count Dooku, creates alliances in a fight with the Republic..
While originally poorly-received, audiences have grown to appreciate Attack of the Clones (AotC) for its introduction of the highly-loved characters of the Clone Troopers. While some scenes on Naboo are still laughed at, the scenes on Kamino and Geonosis more than make up for it.
Score: 79/100
4. Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (Good)
Darth Vader boards a Senatorial ship after discovering that it contains classified Imperial intelligence. Farmboy Luke Skywalker is encouraged to join the Rebel Alliance after his family is killed and he learns that he is a Jedi. The Rebels attempt an attack on the Imperial Death Star.
Star Wars is what it is because of A New Hope (ANH) and fans immediately fell in love with it in 1977. Even with its outdated visuals, the story telling, acting, music, and in-camera special effects made ANH an instant classic.
Score: 85/100
3. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (Excellent)
After discovering the Rebel’s base, the Empire launches an assault on Echo Base to wipe them out for good. After escaping, the Rebels hide out with an old friend, but trouble follows them.
Empire Strikes Back (ESB) gives fans a look into why the Empire is so feared and contains what is still considered the best filmatic reveal in movie history which is still inspiring parodies and copy-cats today. ESB turns the table on the “good guys always win” trope and actually leave fans with a feeling of dread as the bad guys come out on top.
Score: 96/100
2. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Excellent)
Jyn Erso, daughter of the architect of the Death Star, attempts to survive as the Rebel Alliance tries to enlist her in their plans. After seeing the destructive power of the new Death Star, the Rebels, specifically Rogue One, go on a mission to recover the plans for the station to find a weakness.
Rogue One was something new in the universe of Star Wars in that it was based on “normal” people rather than Jedi and the Force, and was instantly favored because of this new flavor. Rogue One also gave significant world-building for the universe and introduced new characters with a promising future. In addition to all of this, audiences were shown what has been requested for so many years with what is still one of the best scenes in Star Wars with the infamous “hallway” scene. As with Empire Strikes Back, the addition of the good guys not exactly winning also added a taste of realism.
Score: 96/100
1. Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (Best)
Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker participate in the Battle of Coruscant to rescue Supreme Chancellor Palpatine after his abduction by General Grievous and the Separatists get a new leader. Anakin is tasked with spying on the Chancellor as Obi-Wan hunts down Grievous. A new government is brought into the galaxy.
From the opening scene to the ending scene, Revenge of the Sith (RotS) wastes no time in showing action and story advancement. With the comedy, action, and story, as well as “the best fight scene in all of Star Wars,” RotS gives audiences everything they could possibly want. In addition, viewers are brought on an emotional roller coaster throughout.
Score: 100/100
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