Star Wars is more than a film franchise—it’s its universe, one that has enthralled generations of fans. With eleven live-action movies to date—namely, the legendary nine-part Skywalker Saga and two standalone adventures—each fan has a ranking that’s unique to him or her. Some fly like an X-wing in combat, while others crash like a podracer careening off course. Here’s a new, fan-led look at all eleven Star Wars films, informed by decades of discussion, nostalgia, and unvarnished opinion across the galaxy.
1. The Phantom Menace
When The Phantom Menace opened, writer-director George Lucas was riding a tidal wave of hype. But the truth was a grab bag. The addition of midi-chlorians—essentially a scientific explanation for the Force—seemed to take away from the mystery that made Star Wars unique. Jake Lloyd’s performance as young Anakin was unconvincing, and the love between him and Queen Amidala seemed contrived. Darth Maul was amazing and provided one of the series’ greatest lightsaber battles, but he was dispatched too soon. And then, of course, there is Jar Jar Binks—either lovable or intolerable, depending on your viewpoint. Though the visuals were stunning, the politics-laden story left most fans disappointed.
2. Attack of the Clones
This is often recalled for its wooden romance and clunky dialogue. Anakin and Padmé’s romance is cringeworthy to watch, and the chemistry does not show. However, Hayden Christensen’s acting is too often targeted—he was stuck with a bad script. Luckily, the movie picks up through its action scenes, and John Williams provides another score that enriches the film experience. While uneven across the board, it still has flashes of genius.
3. The Last Jedi
Few Star Wars movies have polarized fans as much as The Last Jedi. Some praised its bold decisions, and others were left bewildered by where it took them. Luke Skywalker’s reinvention—tormented, disillusioned, and isolated—was a far cry from the hopeful hero we once knew, and not everyone was at ease with that. At the same time, nevertheless, the movie does provide some eye-catching moments and some weight of emotion, even though it takes a path that is much different from what many had expected.
4. The Rise of Skywalker
This movie doesn’t have a knack for inducing fierce passion or rage—there’s something in the middle here. The return of Emperor Palpatine was somewhat sudden and poorly explained, but the film did a good job of giving a visually pleasing ending to the series. While it may not have answered every last question, for many fans, it was enough to watch these characters reach the point of arrival in the theater.
5. Solo: A Star Wars Story
It’s not easy playing Han Solo, and although Alden Ehrenreich didn’t quite fill Harrison Ford’s boots, he had some swagger and charm to bring to the job. It’s a light-hearted, quick-fire heist movie with some nice affectionate nods to the fans of the long years. Freer-spirited in tone and never pretending to be anything more than it is, a good time is enjoyed. Not earth-shattering, but a welcome addition to the universe nonetheless.
6. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Rogue One stands out for its dark tone and earthy take. It’s not Jedi or Skywalkers—it’s about everyday people who took a shot at the rebellion. The cast stands up, and the third act, particularly Darth Vader’s hallway scene, is Star Wars canon. It’s an amazing companion piece to A New Hope and shows that this universe can go someplace new and still be character true.
7. A New Hope
The original is still a classic in the hearts of all fans. While pacing can seem slow to fans who are used to modern blockbusters, every scene is filled with character and world-building. Darth Vader is only shown sparingly, and it works perfectly in making him an instant legend. It’s a film that paved the way for all other films, and its timeless quality hasn’t even waned one whit.
8. The Force Awakens
This film brought Star Wars back in a major way. Yes, it is heavily based on the formula of A New Hope, but for some, that was part of its appeal. Returning to Han Solo, Chewbacca, and the Millennium Falcon was like going home. At the same time, new faces like Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren were injecting new life and excitement. It struck a balance of old and new to inject renewed life into fan fervor.
9. Revenge of the Sith
Here at last is where the prequel trilogy succeeds. Revenge of the Sith delivers emotional weight, good performances, and the long-awaited resolution to Anakin Skywalker’s descent into Darth Vader. His turn to the dark side is believable, and the final lightsaber duels are the best in the entire series. It’s a dark, melancholy chapter in the story that enriches the entire saga with depth and nuance.
10. Return of the Jedi
Return of the Jedi takes it all back home. From freeing Han Solo to the final fight against the Empire, the film is replete with classic scenes. Luke’s confrontation with Vader and the Emperor is worth it emotionally, and we finally get to witness real growth in characters we’ve been watching since the beginning. Yes, the Ewoks are polarizing, but they’re part of what makes this movie so lovable. It’s a warm and satisfying end to the original trilogy.
11. The Empire Strikes Back
Even to this day, still the best of the lot in the Ultra-editorial opinion of many, The Empire Strikes Back remains Star Wars as its most action-packed, showstopping. It expands the mythology, heightens the stakes, and leaves the heroes in their worst position. The Hoth battle, Yoda’s entrance, and that unforgettable twist between Luke and Vader—it all contributes to a movie masterpiece. It’s too smart, feeling, and infinitely re-watchable.
What Makes a Star Wars Film Great (or Not)
When Star Wars is good, it combines interesting characters, memorable music, and a sense of wonder that few series can rival. Even the less successful films have their fans, for their visuals, for their ideas being too ambitious, or for old-time’s sake. But when the dialogue fails, the jokes land poorly, or the narrative becomes unfocused, it demonstrates it. Nevertheless, each movie contributes something.
The Lasting Impact of the Saga
Regardless of how you list them, Star Wars keeps inspiring, entertaining, and generating debate. Whether you adore the originals, resonate with the prequels, are a fan of the sequels, or discover something unique in the standalones, there’s room in this galaxy for every sort of enthusiast. And that is part of what makes Star Wars so eternally timeless.