Let’s get real: Star Wars movie rankings are a formula for passion-fueled arguments, raised eyebrows, and one “How could you rank that low?” But that’s the magic of this galaxy-spanning saga—everyone has their own opinion. Are you a Jedi die-hard, a prequel fanboy, or here just for the lightsabers and droids? This list was constructed with love, exasperation, and a whole lot of repeated viewings.
Grab your lightsaber, fire up the Falcon, and get ready for our list of the Star Wars movies, from worst to best.
12. Attack of the Clones
This has some charm hidden beneath the sand (which Anakin notoriously despises), but on the whole, it’s not quite a mess. Between forced dialogue, computer overload, and a romance with no chemistry whatsoever, Clones sometimes feels like the series’ most cringeworthy moment. The arena battle among the Jedi is entertaining, but it takes a long time to get there.
11. The Phantom Menace
The film that sparked a million hopes—and couldn’t quite deliver. There’s fun stuff to be had: like, podracing, Darth Maul, John Williams’ monumental “Duel of the Fates.” But much of it is swamped by clunky exposition and trade discussions. And Jar Jar. Plenty of Jar Jar.
10. Revenge of the Sith
The best of the prequels, no doubt—but even so, an uneven lot. Anakin’s conversion into Darth Vader needs to be soul-shattering, but here it’s hurried and emotionally inconsistent. For that matter, though, the space battles and the lightsaber fights are first-rate, and Palpatine chewing the scenery never fails.
9. The Clone Wars (2008 animated feature)
Not to be confused with the excellent series it launched, this animated feature is more of a pilot episode than a full-fledged film. The animation style takes getting used to, and the story is thin. But it gave us Ahsoka Tano—and for that, we’re grateful.
8. Solo: A Star Wars Story
A lighthearted caper heist with amiable performances, Solo is entertaining but insignificant. Alden Ehrenreich performs admirably, filling Han’s shoes, and Donald Glover is Lando. Nonetheless, the film plays it safe and never really flies. Did we need to know how Han acquired his surname? Not really.
7. The Rise of Skywalker
This one attempts to weave a galaxy-full of loose strands together—and the stitching is visible. It’s quick, it’s noisy, and it’s action-packed, but it tends to feel like it’s attempting to satisfy everyone simultaneously. Nevertheless, it has some emotional payoff, some truly epic visuals, and a good redemption story for Ben Solo.
6. The Last Jedi
Here’s where things get seriously divisive. Rian Johnson went all out on this one, and whether you adored or despised the outcome, it’s unarguably bold. The film breaks with Star Wars mythology, poses difficult questions, and looks breathtaking doing so. Not every subplot pays off (cough Canto Bight), but this is the risk-taking entry we didn’t realize we needed.
5. The Force Awakens
After an extended hiatus from the silver screen, Star Wars returned in a blaze of glory. The Force Awakens rekindled the enchantment with new heroes (Rey!Finn!Poe!) and classic favorites. Granted, it’s a close approximation of A New Hope, but it’s enjoyable, emotionally engaging, and full of hope.
4. Return of the Jedi
The original trilogy’s finale offers emotional rewards, epic confrontations, and Ewoks (love them or hate them, they’re part of the deal). From the audacious rescue at Jabba’s palace to the throne room showdown with the Emperor, it’s a satisfactory farewell that brings the first era of the saga to a close with a heart.
3. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
A self-contained film that packs a stronger punch than anticipated, Rogue One recounts the gritty, inspiring story of the rebels who pilfered the Death Star plans. It’s darker, more realistic, and concludes with one of the most breathtaking Darth Vader scenes ever committed to film. A war film with heart.
2. A New Hope
The original. It brought us lightsabers, the Force, and an entire universe of magic. The narrative is plain yet ageless, and the characters instantly became legends. It’s not merely a sci-fi classic—it’s the sci-fi classic.
1. The Empire Strikes Back
No argument here: Empire is the gold standard. With more developed characters, darker shading, and the most legendary twist ever in a movie, it raised Star Wars from playful space romp to outright cultural phenomenon. Everything—from Yoda’s lessons to that last cliffhanger—is pitch-perfect.
Whether you’re ranking by lightsaber duels, nostalgia, or emotional impact, every Star Wars movie brings something unique to the saga. Even the flawed ones are part of a universe that continues to grow and inspire. So next time someone says your favorite is “the worst one,” just smile, raise your glass of blue milk, and say, “From a certain point of view.”