Let’s be honest: nothing sparks a passionate debate among fans quite like ranking Star Wars movies. Whether you grew up loving the prequels, swear by the original trilogy, or just want justice for the droids, everyone’s got a take. So. In the spirit of the internet—and with a bit of playful prejudice—here’s one attempt at ranking all 11 live-action Star Wars films, from the ones that had us questioning everything to those which reminded us why we initially fell in love with this galaxy in the first place.
11. The Rise of Skywalker
Well… here we are. Episode IX attempts to conclude a nine-movie saga and manages to have more loose ends than it resolves somehow. Palpatine’s return is nonsensical, the story is a scavenger hunt of plot conventions, and our lead trio of Rey, Finn, and Poe end up feeling surprisingly one-dimensional. As Morgan Evans so aptly put it, “Ben Solo is the only compelling character here.” It’s a visually flashy conclusion, but emotionally? Not really.
10. Attack of the Clones
There’s action. Lightsabers are there. And then there’s that romantic monologue. If you’ve ever face-palmed so hard you folded in half, you’ve likely seen Anakin and Padmé bantter. Sure, that last battle in the arena has a bit of a payoff, but the journey there is. Uncomfortable. Morgan Evans gets to the point: “The romance is dead, and the dialogue is worse.”
9. The Phantom Menace
This one has a bit of a bad reputation, but it’s not entirely podracing and trade battles. We do get Darth Maul, Duel of the Fates, and Anakin’s beginning. But a lot of the movie is a slog, and little Anakin’s overexcited “yippee!” doesn’t assist. Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor are good, but it’s not enough to keep the film out of the lower tiers.
8. Solo: A Star Wars Story
Did we require Han’s backstory? Perhaps not. But Solo still feels like a fun, lighthearted adventure. Alden Ehrenreich performs well enough in the thankless part of young Han, and Donald Glover is effortlessly cool as Lando. It’s not a necessary watch in the saga, but as a stand-alone, it’s a blast. Morgan Evans got it right: “This is a good movie. I enjoyed it.”
7. The Last Jedi
Ah, the most polarizing film in the entire series. Visually breathtaking and packed with daring decisions, The Last Jedi takes the saga down uncharted paths. Luke’s journey is compelling, the visuals are breathtaking, and the throne room fight is unforgettable. Yet, not everyone loved how it upended the narrative. Morgan Evans declares it “a good standalone movie, but a bad sequel.” Either way, it created discussions that hadn’t yet quieted down.
6. Revenge of the Sith
By the time we arrive, the prequels finally get their emotional legs. Anakin Skywalker’s fall, the tragic execution of Order 66, and the Obi-Wan/Anakin duel on Mustafar—this one packs an emotional punch. It is not a flawless film, but it serves the drama and tragedy that the trilogy has been leading up to. As Evans writes, “The story elements are powerful, even if the filmmaking isn’t flawless.”
5. Return of the Jedi
The original trilogy finale is good and bad. Jabba’s palace is a slog, and the Ewoks are. Problematic. But Luke’s ultimate confrontation with Vader and the Emperor is what Star Wars is all about—redemption, hope, and sacrifice. Morgan Evans says it’s the weakest of the first three, but still a good ending.
4. The Force Awakens
A new generation, a familiar story. Yes, it mirrors A New Hope a little too closely at times, but it also reintroduces the galaxy with energy, charm, and a compelling cast of newcomers. Rey, Finn, Kylo, and Poe brought fresh life to the saga. As Evans puts it, “Ignore how the sequel trilogy unfolded afterward, and you’re left with a great movie.”
3. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Who would have thought a side narrative about pilfering Death Star blueprints would end up being one of the most treasured entries into the franchise? Rogue One provides harsh realism, breathtaking views, and one of the greatest third acts of Star Wars history. And that Darth Vader hallway sequence? Iconic. Morgan Evans even refers to it as “the most visually beautiful Star Wars movie.”
2. The Empire Strikes Back
This one’s widely regarded as the greatest sequel of all time—and for good reason. It’s darker, more complex, and provides that now-iconic plot twist: “I am your father.” It expands the universe and increases the emotional stakes. Darth Vader reigns supreme, Han and Leia’s love sizzles, and the tension never wavers. Evans declares it’s “nearly perfect,” and it’s difficult to disagree.
1. Star Wars (A New Hope)
The original. The one that kicked off a billion-dollar franchise and changed the face of modern cinema. From its now-legendary opening crawl to the pyrotechnic Death Star climax, A New Hope is the point from which all else takes place. Morgan Evans acknowledges he can’t be objective about it—and honestly, who could? This is where the magic started and still exists.
And there it is—the Star Wars film ranking. Think we got it right? Think we completely failed? Either way, that’s half the fun. Share your rankings, argue your favorites, and may the arguments be with you.