Come on—ranking the Star Wars films is bound to cause controversy among fans. But it’s also one of the great Star Wars traditions in a galaxy, far, far away. Since 1977, Star Wars has been more than a movie franchise. It’s a cultural phenomenon that has influenced generations, fueled heated debates, and provided everything from lightsaber battles to Ewok festivals. With 11 live-action movies (and a few more on the way), the question isn’t so much whether you adore Star Wars—it’s which ones you love most, and which you wouldn’t mind dropping into the Sarlacc pit. Here’s where the saga ranks, from its worst entry to its greatest heights.
9. Attack of the Clones
All great serials have a worst entry, and for many fans, Episode II is that one. Though it features thrilling action sequences and some visually stunning moments, the movie is marred by clumsy dialogue, a forgettable romance, and a storyline that feels more mechanical than substantial. The idea behind the clone army is good, but it is not executed in a way that has emotional depth. Even the most dedicated fans would place this as the weakest of the Skywalker series.
8. Solo: A Star Wars Story
Solo tries to complete the gaps in Han Solo’s history, but no one was clamoring for it to begin with. The movie takes all the requisite notes, often to its fault, and while Alden Ehrenreich has charm to bring to the part, he never quite gets across the easygoing charm of Harrison Ford. It’s a fun trip, but one that feels more like a studio creation than a space-faring swashbuckler.
7. The Rise of Skywalker
Episode IX is a frantic, effects-heavy conclusion that tries to fulfill all, and fulfills none. It rushes along at breakneck pace, with scant space left for developing characters or plot turns. The surprise return of Emperor Palpatine sublimates expectation, and the conclusion is rushed and unbalanced. There are some amazing sequences, but they’re lost in a plot that cannot seem to locate its footing.
6. The Phantom Menace
The prequel series begins with some visual bells and whistles and signature moments—Darth Maul, podracing, and the indelible “Duel of the Fates.” But it’s also burdened with too much political monologuing and the universally panned Jar Jar Binks. Although some enjoy the grandiose world-building, the uneven tone and pace of the movie keep it from ranking any higher on the list.
5. Revenge of the Sith
Episode III had a specific mission: to map Anakin Skywalker’s descent into Darth Vader. It succeeds for the most part, delivering emotional moments, riveting action, and one of the series’ greatest duels on Mustafar. But it’s still marred by clunky dialogue and some shaggy storytelling. All its flaws, it’s a dramatic and satisfying conclusion to a prequel arc.
4. The Last Jedi
No Star Wars movie has polarized audiences like The Last Jedi did. Rian Johnson’s direction is willing to take many risks, particularly in his interpretation of Luke Skywalker and in Rey-Kylo Ren’s relationship. Visually breathtaking and rich in subtext, the film is ambitious yet imperfect. The Canto Bight subplot slows the pacing to a crawl, but Mark Hamill’s excellent acting and the film’s desperation to be different make it one of the more ambitious films in the series.
3. Return of the Jedi
The conclusion of the original trilogy is worth the big payoff: Darth Vader’s redemption, the fall of the Emperor, and a grand final battle between Luke and his father. It’s also the movie that introduced the Ewoks and rehashed the Death Star plot. While not as groundbreaking as the first two movies, it gets the trilogy wrapped up with heart, heroism, and some really iconic moments.
2. The Force Awakens
J.J. Abrams’ soft reboot brought Star Wars back to a new generation with vigor and personality. Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren were compelling new characters, and the movie found an excellent balance between nostalgia and newness. It took heavy borrowing from A New Hope, yet it captured the sense of adventure that made the original so popular. Its biggest mistake? Establishing mysteries that the sequel trilogy never quite got around to solving.
1. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Rogue One is the standout among the stand-alone movies, providing a gritty, realistic take on the Rebel Alliance’s battle against the Empire. Though its characters don’t all receive rich arcs, the tension masterfully escalates to an incredible conclusion. And that Darth Vader hallway scene? Iconic in an instant. As a setup for A New Hope, the film has both spectacle and stakes.