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Star Wars Movies (Best to Worst).

by universe1701 • Created 7 years ago • Modified 5 years ago
My personal "opinion" and ranking of the best to worst Star Wars Movies. Does not include the made for TV movies (ewoks) and holiday special. Mainly sticking with the theatrical releases.
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  • 12 titles
  • Harrison Ford, Anthony Daniels, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, James Earl Jones, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, and Peter Mayhew in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

    1. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

    19802h 4mPG82Metascore
    8.7 (1.4M)
    After the Empire overpowers the Rebel Alliance, Luke Skywalker begins training with Jedi Master Yoda, while Darth Vader and bounty hunter Boba Fett pursue his friends across the galaxy.
    DirectorIrvin KershnerStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie Fisher
    This is THE absolute best Star Wars movie. I'm sorry if you don't agree, but I am stating it as fact. Everyone is in top form here, special effects are amazing for its time and sooooo many memorable moments. Not to mention the fact, it has one of the most jaw dropping shock moment in movie history. If you haven't seen this movie, then you need to either download it or pop it into whatever media device you have and enjoy it.
  • Anthony Daniels, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, James Earl Jones, David Prowse, and Kenny Baker in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

    2. Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

    19772h 1mPG90Metascore
    8.6 (1.5M)
    Luke 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.
    DirectorGeorge LucasStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie Fisher
    The one that started it all. If were going in chronological order, then its the immediate followup to Rogue One.
    What can I say about this classic that hasn't already been said a million times before. Like Return of the Jedi, full nostalgia here, as I have see this episode too many times to count over the years. Hell, I still have the VHS copies. I may not have been a recent fan of George Lucas, but much respect for the creation of this classic.
  • James Earl Jones, Forest Whitaker, Wen Jiang, Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Daniel Naprous, Alan Tudyk, Donnie Yen, Spencer Wilding, and Riz Ahmed in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

    3. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

    20162h 13mPG-1365Metascore
    7.8 (721K)
    In 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.
    DirectorGareth EdwardsStarsFelicity JonesDiego LunaAlan Tudyk
    Disney's second entry into the Star Wars movie universe. Takes place right before the events of episode 4 "A New Hope". Out of all the Star Wars films, this is perhaps the darkest. That being said, it still has enough adventure and levity to balance it all together. The biggest highlight of the movie is the epic space and planetary battle in the last 30 minutes of the film, rivaling "Return of the Jedi" battle of Endor.
  • Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, James Earl Jones, Warwick Davis, David Prowse, Billy Dee Williams, Michael Carter, and Larry Ward in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)

    4. Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

    19832h 11mPG58Metascore
    8.3 (1.2M)
    After rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebel Alliance attempts to destroy the second Death Star while Luke struggles to help Darth Vader back from the dark side.
    DirectorRichard MarquandStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie Fisher
    While this was the weakest of the original trilogy, it does hold a special place in my nostalgic heart. So many memorable characters and moments including Jabba the Hutt, Leia's slave girl outfit, speeder bike scene, Ewoks, Battle of Endor, to Luke and Vader's last stand. Plot is a bit weak and the acting is a little stiff, but the action and special effects are top notch for its time.
  • Woody Harrelson, Paul Bettany, Thandiwe Newton, Donald Glover, Alden Ehrenreich, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Emilia Clarke, Charlotte Louise, and Joonas Suotamo in Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

    5. Solo: A Star Wars Story

    20182h 15mPG-1362Metascore
    6.9 (395K)
    During an adventure in the criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his future co-pilot Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian years before joining the Rebel Alliance.
    DirectorRon HowardStarsAlden EhrenreichWoody HarrelsonEmilia Clarke
    An unexpected entry into the Star Wars movie universe, that was riddled with production problems and divisive controversy among the fans even before its release. That being said, I feel this movie mostly succeeds. Its a fun movie with great visuals and action. I feel that the actor chosen for the role of Han was a good choice and in the end, I was satisfied with his performance of the iconic character. However, Chewie and Lando were both the highlight of the film. I have a feeling that this film will have a better following as it gets older. Go into this film with casual expectations, and I think you will not be disappointed.
  • Harrison Ford, Anthony Daniels, Carrie Fisher, Kenny Baker, Michael Giacchino, Peter Mayhew, Nigel Godrich, Oscar Isaac, Brian Herring, Lupita Nyong'o, Dave Chapman, Adam Driver, Gwendoline Christie, John Boyega, and Daisy Ridley in Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)

    6. Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens

    20152h 18mPG-1380Metascore
    7.8 (1M)
    As 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.
    DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsDaisy RidleyJohn BoyegaOscar Isaac
    First Star Wars movie under Disney. For the most part, it did not disappoint. It looked, sounded and felt like Star Wars, and that is exactly what so many fans wanted for so many years. The one consistent criticism would be that many parts of the film did feel like a reboot of a "New Hope", which I think was intentional by Disney, as they probably didn't want to take a chance with their first Star Wars movie release. I was really hoping for a new type of story with the Star Wars universe. Whatever you may think of this entry, there is no denying that the Star Wars brand was revitalized.
  • Anthony Daniels, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Keri Russell, J.J. Abrams, Lynn Robertson Bruce, Hassan Taj, Oscar Isaac, Brian Herring, Jimmy Vee, Dave Chapman, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Kelly Marie Tran, Robin Guiver, Daisy Ridley, Lee Towersey, Joonas Suotamo, and Naomi Ackie in Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

    7. Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker

    20192h 21mPG-1353Metascore
    6.4 (519K)
    The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once again.
    DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsDaisy RidleyJohn BoyegaOscar Isaac
  • Anthony Daniels, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Oscar Isaac, Brian Herring, Domhnall Gleeson, Florian Robin, Jimmy Vee, Dave Chapman, David R. Grant, Adam Driver, Gwendoline Christie, John Boyega, James Cox, Kelly Marie Tran, Daisy Ridley, and Joonas Suotamo in Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)

    8. Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi

    20172h 32mPG-1384Metascore
    6.9 (696K)
    Rey develops her abilities with the help of Luke Skywalker as the Resistance prepares for battle against the First Order.
    DirectorRian JohnsonStarsDaisy RidleyJohn BoyegaMark Hamill
    Follow-up to Force Awakens. I feel this movie is a bit of a mixed bag. I appreciate some of the risks it took and how its introduced new aspects to the lore. However, some of the choices that were made within the story was questionable. This felt more like an episode of a Star Wars TV show rather than a movie. Rian Johnson was obviously in his own world and tried waaaaay to hard in showing something unexpected rather than a continuation of Force Awakens. All that being said, I consider the film above average. Its not perfect, but then again, no film is. Acting is top form and the cinematography is beautiful.
  • Samuel L. Jackson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, James Earl Jones, Frank Oz, Ian McDiarmid, Hayden Christensen, and Gene Bryant in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

    9. Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

    20052h 20mPG-1368Metascore
    7.6 (885K)
    As the Clone Wars nears its end, Obi-Wan Kenobi pursues a new threat, while Anakin Skywalker is lured by Chancellor Palpatine into a sinister plot for galactic domination.
    DirectorGeorge LucasStarsHayden ChristensenNatalie PortmanEwan McGregor
    The best of the prequels, but considering what came before, that's not a high bar to clear. With the exception of a few instances, many of the flaws from the other two installments have either been significantly reduced or eliminated. This is the darkest of the three, which is expected, considering this is the next logical step in the fall of the Republic, and rise of the Empire. Still, there is a rather disturbing scene with Jedi children that can be seen as extreme. All that being said, not bad and quite entertaining.
    That last scene though...... NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
  • Dee Bradley Baker, Ashley Eckstein, Tom Kane, James Arnold Taylor, and Matt Lanter in Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)

    10. Star Wars: The Clone Wars

    20081h 38mPG35Metascore
    5.9 (77K)
    As the Clone Wars sweep the galaxy, Anakin Skywalker and his new Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, embark on a mission to rescue the kidnapped son of Jabba the Hutt. However, the renegade Count Dooku is determined to ensure that they fail.
    DirectorDave FiloniStarsMatt LanterNika FuttermanTom Kane
    This was the theatrical launch point for the Clone Wars show that aired in Cartoon Network, and the story takes place between episode two and three. So I guess you can consider this the pilot. It was an average introduction to a better TV show. Interesting animation choice, but you get use to it pretty quick. Considering the source material, its not too bad and had its moments. However, for me, it was hard to ignore the taint of the prequels in this and the TV show that followed.
  • Samuel L. Jackson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Anthony Daniels, Frank Oz, Kenny Baker, Hayden Christensen, Temuera Morrison, Bodie Taylor, and Richard Stride in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

    11. Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones

    20022h 22mPG54Metascore
    6.6 (791K)
    Ten 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.
    DirectorGeorge LucasStarsHayden ChristensenNatalie PortmanEwan McGregor
    A slight improvement from Phantom Menace, but suffers from many of the same flaws as before. Anakin is older, and somehow more annoying. Obi Wans character is more fleshed out and more likable. If you can't get enough of Jedi's and lightsabers, then guess what? you'll get a lot more of both... a lot more. However, Jar Jar's screen time is reduced significantly, so thats a good thing.
  • Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Anthony Daniels, Liam Neeson, Jake Lloyd, Kenny Baker, Ahmed Best, Keira Knightley, Ray Park, and Peter Serafinowicz in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

    12. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

    19992h 16mPG51Metascore
    6.5 (893K)
    Two 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 former glory.
    DirectorGeorge LucasStarsEwan McGregorLiam NeesonNatalie Portman
    The absolute bottom of the barrel of Star Wars. Dry emotionless acting and horrible inconsistent pacing are two of the biggest glaring flaws to this movie and its very much noticeable 80% of its run time. However, nothing compares to the worst ... Jar Jar Binks...
    All that being said, there are a couple of good aspects that seem to give you a little bit of hope:
    -Mostly entertaining pod racing scene.
    -Semi-epic final lightsaber fight with "dual of the fates" music.
    -Darth Maul. He says only but a couple of words the entire movie, yet still manages to be the only interesting and stand out character.

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