It’s almost a Star Wars fan tradition to argue who’s the most powerful Jedi. If you’re a child of the original trilogy, you’ve grown up through the Clone Wars period, or you’ve read every Legends book and game, you’ve likely had this debate at least once. And with new films, shows, and games constantly expanding the universe, the pool of greatest Jedi changes all the time. Here’s our analysis of the 15 most formidable Jedi of all time—blending both Legends and canon—ranked from “formidable” to “off-the-charts” in Force skills.
15. Vernestra Rwoh
A High Republic era prodigy, Vernestra Rwoh had her Jedi Knight designation at the tender age of 15. Her purple lightsaber has a variation mode where it can transform into a lightwhip—an unexpected move that catches foes off guard. Clever beyond her age and versatile in every battle, she soon became the exceptional standout in the Jedi legacy.
14. Jocasta Nu
She might have been the librarian of the Jedi Archives, but Jocasta Nu’s authority extended much beyond books. So dangerous was her knowledge that even Palpatine was afraid of it. She survived the purge of the Jedi Temple and spent her last days protecting the secrets of the Order—even outwitting Darth Vader on her last mission.
13. Cal Kestis
One of the only few survivors of Order 66, Cal Kestis languished in hiding for years before maturing into a competent Jedi Knight. His unusual talent, psychometry, allowed him to perceive memories from objects, and his proficiency in handling several styles of lightsaber made him a formidable enemy against the Empire.
12. Quinlan Vos
The Jedi Order’s most unorthodox agent, Quinlan Vos, was famous for working undercover in the galaxy’s seamiest districts. His dalliance with the dark side—such as his collaboration with Asajj Ventress—only served to make his eventual redemption all the more remarkable.
11. Satele Shan
A Grand Master in the Old Republic era, Satele Shan combined lightsaber prowess with unparalleled Force abilities such as battle meditation. A descendant of Revan, she was a commander who allowed the Jedi to persevere through some of their most brutal wars.
10. Nomi Sunrider
A Jedi legend of the past, Nomi Sunrider was an expert in battle meditation and was even able to cut an enemy’s link to the Force. Her strategic mind and sacrifice kept the Jedi Order afloat during troubled times.
9. Luminara Unduli
Disciplined and serene, Luminara was a great tactician during the Clone Wars. Her battlefield prowess and calm demeanor as a leader made her a respected individual both in her time and later.
8. Shaak Ti
Renowned for her strength and sagacity, Shaak Ti was an expert in telekinesis and living against impossible circumstances. Both in Legends and canon, she was a crucial leader during the Clone Wars.
7. Kanan Jarrus
Kanan was born Caleb Dume. He survived the purge and subsequently took Ezra Bridger and Sabine Wren as his protégés. Despite his blinding, he became even stronger in the Force, eventually offering his life to save his friends.
6. Kit Fisto
Kit Fisto’s happy outlook and expertise in aquatic combat made him irreplaceable. His finesse with Form I lightsaber technique—and his flexibility during battles—put him on the roster of the Jedi Order’s finest duelists.
5. Ben Solo
As Ben Solo, one of the greatest Jewish minds of his generation, before he fell to the dark side and became Kylo Ren, would change the fate of the Force and help bring down Emperor Palpatine.
4. Mace Windu
Windu’s self-created Vaapad style turned inner darkness into a weapon. He nearly defeated Palpatine and was among the Jedi’s greatest leaders. His understanding of both light and dark set him apart from almost everyone else.
3. Anakin Skywalker
The Chosen One’s potential was unparalleled. A peerless pilot, fighter, and wielder of the Force, Anakin’s downfall into Darth Vader only served to heighten his final redemption—and the balance he achieved for the Force.
2. Luke Skywalker
Tatooine farm boy turned galactic legend, Luke’s hero’s journey is the stuff of myth. His canon achievements are impressive in their own right, but Legends Luke could travel through black holes and extend the Force across galaxies.
1. Yoda
Decades of experience, control of dozens of Force methods, and lightsaber proficiency that would bow even Sith Lords—Yoda was the greatest of Jedi. Even in death, he went on to influence the galaxy as a guiding force.
From High Republic up-and-comers to classic legends, these Jedi influenced galaxy-spanning history both subtly and spectacularly. Agree or disagree, that’s half the fun—because in Star Wars, the Force is continually in flux, and so are our lists.