Did your favourite Star Wars movie make the cut?
As Star Wars fever ramps up in anticipation of The Last Jedi, fans are once again debating which film is superior. During these discussions it is easier tear apart weaker movies versus proving your favorite is best. I had an idea: If one looks at the user rankings taken from Rotten Tomatoes, could work up a fairly accurate Top Ten list? Upon finishing, I’m not so sure I succeeded. Either way, I present to you my findings. Let us know what you think in the comments.
Now, one may ask: “Ten? Aren't there only eight movies so far?” Well, hypothetical person, there are actually twelve Star Wars movies. Some of these movies were made for TV and one was a theatrical release of the pilot for a TV series. Those still count. This list will only cover the top ten. I did not list the Star Wars Christmas Special for we all know it was abysmal. I've also chosen to ignore the second Ewok movie for similar reasons.
10. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
Watch: Star Wars: Clone Wars Theatrical Trailer
The 3d animated Clone Wars cartoon series was amazing. Episodes II and III didn’t have nearly enough time to ease us into Anakin’s turn to the Dark Side. This failure was fixed within the six seasons of this animated show. Before the world would know of the show’s epic run, Lucasfilm chose to introduce us to the fantastic character Ahsoka Tano with a theatrical release. Releasing a pilot episode of a show in theaters is a risky proposition. If done successfully it could garner massive goodwill towards a franchise. Sadly, this mediocre 3 episode combination was a slog to get through. The reception was poor and received a dismal 38% user rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
9. Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure (1984)
Following the success of Return of the Jedi, Lucas wanted to capitalize on children’s love for murderous teddy bears. Caravan of Courage follows a stranded brother and sister as they search for their kidnapped parents. They are aided by a small fairly, that is definitely not Tinkerbell, to fight the giant monster who took them. The Ewoks also set aside their desire for man flesh to help in the rescue. There was a second movie “Battle for Endor” which makes this journey pointless. During the first fifteen minutes the mom, dad and brother die, making this entire movie pointless. Endor is a harsh planet and sits at 44% user rating.
8. Star Wars: Ep II Attack of the Clones (2002)
Watch: Star Wars: Ep II Attack of the Clones Trailer
Every one loves to hate on the prequels, and for good reason. Goofy platforming in a Droid factory, terrible “romantic” dialogue and Obi Wan’s detective work bogged this movie down. The only redeemable scene is the epic dual of Count Dooku and Kermit the frog. Forgive me, I meant Yoda. Even this scene is not universally loved. I've personally had heated debates over this scene. “How does a character who hobbles on a cane suddenly leap around as if he were a young scrapper?” He’s a Jedi Master! That’s how! Either way, this scene didn't save this movie from a 57% user score.
7. Star Wars: Ep I The Phantom Menace (1999)
Watch: Star Wars: Ep I The Phantom Menace Trailer
Personally, I believe this pile of garbage belongs at #10. Boring politics, ridiculous pod racing and the “death” of Darth Maul did not do this movie any favors. While the script, acting and plot hurt the Phantom Menace; the anticipation did the most damage. Star Wars fans waited 16 years for more from this franchise. People waited outside for months to see initial screenings. What was delivered is enough to crush any positive feelings towards this movie. That said, this movie sold an insane amount of tickets, making this a financial blockbuster. While I will admit the Dual of Fates was all kinds of badass, it wasn’t enough to save Phantom Menace from a 59% score.
6. Star Wars: Ep III Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Watch: Star Wars: Ep III Revenge of the Sith Trailer
The title “Best of the Prequels” is not high praise. A darker tone was needed to usher in the bleak world of Episode IV, but Anakin’s turn felt forced. Some of his problems with the Jedi was he felt they were belittling him, culminating in rejecting his “Master” status. According to established lore, Anakin became a Jedi Knight after the start of the Clone Wars. Approximately 3 years has passed leading into Episode III and he demands to be a Master. A tad unreasonable if you ask me. Furthermore, Anakin was a little too quick turning to the Dark Side. It was almost as if he were just waiting for a reason to kill a bunch of kids. Thankfully, the TV series fleshed his fall out a bit more. The rise of Darth Vader pulled a meager 65% on Rotten Tomatoes.
5. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Watch: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Trailer
The film lovingly referred to as Episode 3.5. This is the story of how the Death Star plans made it to the rebels. Initially this movie released to rave reviews, many comparing it to Episode V. Repeat viewings, home video and streaming has dropped the status of this movie. While the general audience still appreciates the film, there has been several concerns. The primary complaint is the insurmountable chasm of the uncanny valley in Tarkin’s and Leia’s faces. There is one gem in this movie which remains uncontested, that is the infamous hallway scene. Unlike Ep I, II, III the final lightsaber “battle” is worth the price of admission. Darth Vader butchering those rebels in that corridor had me standing in the theater. Rogue One’s user rating has leveled out at 87%.
4. Star Wars: Ep VII Force Awakens (2015)
Watch: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer
A New Hope Redux. Many of the key story beats of this Episode follows A New Hope quite closely. Disenfranchised desert dweller? Check. Hero meets a grizzled wise man long out of the game? Check. Watching said wise man meet his end by the main villain? Super Check. These story beats both help and hurt this entry into the Star Wars franchise. The action was exciting and the story was well done. I didn’t particularly like JJ Abrams “Mystery Box” in the form of Rey’s parents, but it was forgivable. There is also a Death Star, but it’s a planet this time. It blows up. This movie pretty awesome and ranks 89% on Rotten Tomatoes.
3. Star Wars: Ep VI Return of the Jedi (1983)
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi Trailer
Hardcore fans are still miffed upon hearing that Endor was originally set to be Kashyyyk, the home world of Wookiees. Lucas decided that homicidal teddy bears would bring more kids into the theater. Why do I keep referring to the Ewoks as unrepentant killers? Take a moment and remember how they were originally introduced. They captured and had plans to feast on Luke, Han, Chewie and R2D2. Do you really think those drums at the “We blew up the Death Star” party were empty? Wake up sheeple! The death of Palpatine and Vader got this movie a rating of 94%.
2. Star Wars: Ep IV A New Hope (1977)
Watch: Star Wars: A New Hope Trailer
The OG Star Wars film. When this came out in 1977, it blew the audience away. Considered one of the first Summer Blockbusters, this film set the standard for future summer releases. George Lucas brought his idea of a ‘Flash Gordon’ type of sci-fi film and delivered a new way to make movies. The opening of the movie with a massive Star Destroyer chasing the small blockade runner has become part of our cultural heritage. This movie is far from perfect, yet it laid the foundation for the juggernaut franchise which continues to make billions. It is difficult to argue against the 96% Rotten Tomatoes user rating.
1. Star Wars: Ep V Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Watch: Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back Trailer
Finally, the best of the bunch. While not the commercial success as its predecessor, Empire is widely regarded as the superior film. Ironically, it is also the one movie Lucas had the least influence over. He had handed the director’s chair to Irvin Kershner, a veteran director who initially declined the job. Once he accepted, he made the movie more about the characters than spectacle. Certainly there was action, but there were quiet moments interspersed between. This film succeeded the Herculean task of introducing a muppet as a primary character. While on Dagobah, at no point does one feel Luke is interacting with a puppet. Let’s also not forget the heart stopping line, “I am your father”. This rating sits amongst the clouds at 97% user rating.
With Last Jedi coming this December, this top ten list will shift. The adjustments will likely knock off Clone Wars, unless the movie is terrible. What do you think of these rankings? I have several objections myself, but the public has spoken. Let us know your rankings in the comments.
