Let’s be honest—if you’ve ever considered yourself a Star Wars fan, you’ve probably ranked all the movies and shows at least once. Maybe you’ve done it quietly in your head, maybe in a fiery group chat, or maybe during a family dinner that nearly ended in a galactic meltdown.
With the Star Wars universe now reaching decades’ worth of movies and Disney+ originals, the argument about what’s wonderful and what’s simply ridiculous has only grown more vocal. So, in the spirit of cordial nerd squabbles and with full awareness that this might lead to more arguments than harmony, here’s my ranking of the 9 greatest Star Wars movies and TV series—from the ones that didn’t quite get it right to the ones that got it right.
The Rise of Skywalker
Let’s just tear off the bandage. The last chapter of the Skywalker saga is like a sloppy group project where nobody spoke until the eve of its deadline. It is visually stunning, the score is sensational, but the narrative? A bit of a mess. The Palpatine comeback is reminiscent of a last-minute surprise that nobody requested, and the majority of the jokes don’t quite hit. But it’s Star Wars, and even when it trips, it still delivers the spectacle.
Attack of the Clones
This one provided us with a meme treasure trove—and, incidentally, quite a lot of unintentional humor. The Battle of Geonosis is awesome, but the rest? Sort of all over the map. Anakin and Padmé’s romance is more cringe than epic, and certain scenes feel less like actual storytelling and more like tech demos. That being said, Yoda flying through the air with a lightsaber? Worth it.
The Book of Boba Fett
Boba Fett was the enigmatic character that every child wanted to be friends with. Then we finally received his show, and… it wasn’t really what we expected. Sure, there are some enjoyable bits, and it gives him more depth, but let’s get real—it’s most memorable when it becomes Mandalorian Season 2.5. It’s fun, but not unforgettable.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
When Ewan McGregor returned as Obi-Wan, fans were excited—and rightly so. He’s as witty and charming as ever. The show provides us with some great moments, but there’s a feeling that it might have gone further. Nevertheless, getting to see Obi-Wan on the scene again—and with more lightsaber battles—is enough to make fans content.
The Mandalorian
This is the run that made Baby Yoda (sorry, Grogu) a global phenomenon and had us all going “This is the way.” Season one was lightning in a bottle, combining western grit with galaxy-hopping adventure. Later seasons didn’t quite reach the same levels, but the show is a good entry and a lovely example of how Star Wars can still be surprising.
Ahsoka
If you were one of the fans of Star Wars Rebels, Ahsoka had to be a dream come true. Rosario Dawson brings a cool, calm edge to the character, and the visual effects are straight-up stunning. The show is like a love letter to long-time fans without any concessions made to newcomers, with lightsaber battles and lore galore to keep things new.
Andor
This is adult Star Wars—in the best possible way. Andor does take its sweet time, establishes its world, and gives us some of the most compelling narratives within the franchise. Diego Luna’s Cassian grows in real time, and the show isn’t afraid to get dark. It’s smart, it’s stylish, and a giant leap forward for what television Star Wars can be.
A New Hope
Where it all started. The original Star Wars may not have the most glitzy effects by modern standards, but it’s pure motion picture magic. Luke, Leia, Han, the Death Star trench run—it’s all legend. There’s something to be said for seeing it today, whether you grew up with it or stumbled upon it via family movie nights. It’s the type of movie that makes you love movies in the first place.
The Empire Strikes Back
This is the one. The pinnacle. All of Empire just works—the dialogue, the character development, the music, the emotional gut punches. Han and Leia, Luke and Vader, Yoda in the swamp—every moment feels mythic. If someone is only going to see one, this is the one you give them.