Ranking Every Star Wars Movie, Worst to Best

The Star Wars franchise has been a cornerstone of pop culture since its inception in 1977, and it continues to captivate audiences today. With numerous films spanning different eras and storylines, the question of which Star Wars movie is the best has sparked endless debates among fans. Every generation of viewers has had a unique relationship with the saga, which means that the ranking of Star Wars movies is a dynamic and evolving discussion. In this comprehensive list, we’ll explore each Star Wars movie released in theaters, excluding spin-offs like “Caravan of Courage” or “Ewoks: The Battle for Endor,” and rank them from worst to best.

Table of Contents

12. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)

A Feature-Length Premiere Finding Its Footing

“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” holds the unenviable position of being the lowest-ranked entry on our list. It was not originally intended for a theatrical release but was repurposed as a cinematic event to reach a wider audience. However, the film suffered from the challenge of transitioning from a TV show to a feature-length format. The story was somewhat disjointed, combining elements of fan service and pandering.

While the animation and voice acting showed promise, the movie left much to be desired. For instance, the introduction of Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, divided the fanbase, and her portrayal in the film contributed to this polarization.

11. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

A Misstep in Brand Management

“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” marks a pivotal point in the saga as it attempted to conclude the Skywalker storyline. However, it received mixed reviews, with some fans feeling it fell short of their expectations. The film embraced fan service and tried to address the divisive reactions to its predecessor, “The Last Jedi.”

The result was a movie that felt rushed, with plot gaps, and dialogue leaps that left audiences wanting more. While it maintained the franchise’s visual appeal with impressive cinematography and CGI, it couldn’t overcome its narrative shortcomings. This movie struggled to provide a satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker saga.

10. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

A Serviceable Origin Story with a Conflicted Script

“Solo: A Star Wars Story” faced a turbulent production, with director changes and extensive reshoots. Despite the challenges, the film managed to offer a serviceable origin story for Han Solo. It delved into Han’s backstory while preserving his iconic roguish charm.

However, the script’s struggle to balance the grittier aspects of a smuggler’s tale with the need to tie into the broader Star Wars mythos created inconsistencies. While the film got many things right, including fresh action sequences and Alden Ehrenreich’s stellar performance as Han Solo, it left some fans disappointed with its execution of certain subplots, such as the droid rights storyline and the unexpected Darth Maul cameo.

9. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)

An Ambitious Prequel with Flaws

“Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” is a notable entry in the Star Wars franchise, as it kicked off the prequel trilogy. It was a bold attempt to explore political intrigue within the Star Wars universe, with Palpatine’s manipulations taking center stage.

While the film’s storytelling was somewhat muddled and complex, it introduced elements that would become integral to the prequel trilogy. The movie featured striking visuals, from the menacing Trade Federation to the exhilarating podrace and the intense lightsaber duel between Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Darth Maul. Despite the controversy surrounding the character of Jar Jar Binks, “The Phantom Menace” added depth to the Star Wars mythos.

8. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)

A Surprisingly Experimental Entry

“Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” took a surprising and experimental approach to the Star Wars saga. It showcased George Lucas’s willingness to explore new storytelling methods, although it also revealed some of his limitations.

The film featured a distracted narrative, emotionless dialogue, and an overreliance on CGI, exemplified by Yoda’s duel with Count Dooku. However, the movie had its strengths, with Ewan McGregor’s portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi shining as he embarked on a detective mission. Anakin’s descent into darkness was well-handled, and the grand-scale final battle left a lasting impact. “Attack of the Clones” also pushed the boundaries of visual effects, particularly in the creation of CGI clones.

7. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

A Nostalgic Return to the Galaxy Far, Far Away

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” marked the return of the Star Wars saga after a significant hiatus following the prequel trilogy. The film faced immense pressure to reignite the franchise and appeal to both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.

While the movie successfully introduced compelling new characters like Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren, it played it safe in terms of narrative development. The story aimed to recreate the magic of the original trilogy but left many questions unanswered. Despite a somewhat uneven second act, the film built a solid foundation for the new generation of characters and delivered a thrilling cliffhanger.

6. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

A Divisive Exploration of the Star Wars Myth

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is arguably the most divisive film in the sequel trilogy. Rian Johnson, the director, sought to deconstruct the traditional Star Wars narrative, challenging long-held beliefs and introducing a more complex and modern interpretation of the franchise.

The film delved into the flaws of the destined hero archetype and the importance of collective effort. It divided audiences, with some viewers considering it the best entry in the franchise, while others questioned its place within the Star Wars universe. Despite the division, “The Last Jedi” brought fresh and thought-provoking ideas to the saga, with an evolved visual style and an expansion of the mythos.

5. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)

A Prequel Trilogy Conclusion with Dark and Tragic Undertones

“Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith” marked the conclusion of the prequel trilogy, offering a satisfying ending to the journey of Anakin Skywalker. While the film retained some of the creative issues that plagued its predecessors, it managed to deliver an emotionally charged narrative.

Anakin’s fall to the dark side, coupled with the tragic Order 66 sequence, added depth to the story. The film wrapped up the prequels by establishing the status quo for the original trilogy. It may have had some pacing issues, but it effectively conveyed a sense of finality.

4. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)

The Redemption of Darth Vader and the Galactic Triumph

“Return of the Jedi” has occasionally been overshadowed in discussions of the original trilogy. However, it remains a near-great science fiction film with its own merits. The film opened with the memorable Jabba sequence, delivering the expected elements while introducing surprising twists, like the fate of Boba Fett.

The highlight of “Return of the Jedi” was the captivating storyline surrounding the Emperor and the monumental space battle. The presence of the Ewoks and the forest moon of Endor may not appeal to everyone, but they added a unique flavor to the Star Wars universe. Over the years, the film’s meaning has evolved through various retcons, making it a fascinating piece of the saga’s history.

3. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

A Gritty Prequel to “A New Hope” with Satisfying Fan Service

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” epitomizes the ethos of the Star Wars Expanded Universe in a feature film format. It explored a story closely connected to the events of the original trilogy while adding depth and scale to the Empire’s oppressive rule.

Director Gareth Edwards masterfully played with the used-future aesthetic of “A New Hope,” presenting it in a more imposing and daunting manner. The characters, while not without their flaws, each played a vital role in the narrative. The film elegantly connected to the original movie without requiring complex mental gymnastics. The final act, complete with Darth Vader’s iconic hallway scene, left an indelible mark on the Star Wars universe.

2. Star Wars (1977)

A Timeless Classic Full of Wonder and Joy

“Star Wars,” the film that started it all, holds a special place in the hearts of fans. The original movie, simply titled “Star Wars,” is a testament to George Lucas’s vision and creativity. It was a throwback to 1930s serials, paying homage to Kurosawa and drawing inspiration from westerns.

The film introduced viewers to a world filled with wonder, featuring a used-future aesthetic, iconic characters, and landscapes that felt both familiar and alien. John Williams’ symphonic score, the thrilling action sequences, and the emotional depth of the story made “Star Wars” an enduring classic. At its core, the film told the story of Luke Skywalker, an everyman hero, reminding us that anyone can change the fate of a galaxy.

1. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

A Sequel that Defies Convention and Elevates the Saga

“The Empire Strikes Back” stands as the pinnacle of the Star Wars franchise and secures the top spot on our list. It is the embodiment of a sequel that dares to be different from its blockbuster predecessor. The film takes the core ideas of Star Wars and extends them, creating a narrative that is emotionally deeper and more expansive.

This installment challenges conventions and defies expectations in a way that few modern sequels manage to achieve. It offers a rich and complex storyline that explores galactic tragedy within an expansive landscape. The film delves into the complexities of the Force, the flaws of the destined hero, and the ambiguity of the characters’ choices.

“The Empire Strikes Back” is universally considered the best Star Wars movie, and it’s easy to understand why it holds such a reputation. It’s a cinematic masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on the world of film.

In conclusion, the Star Wars franchise has produced a diverse range of films, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the galaxy far, far away. While some entries have faced criticism and controversy, the enduring appeal of Star Wars lies in its ability to inspire generations of viewers and provoke lively discussions about the best and worst films in the saga. The rankings may evolve as new audiences engage with the franchise, but one thing is certain: the force will always be with Star Wars.