The Very Best Ones
These are the movies that made me fall in love with the StarWars universe; they’re the ones with the characters people still love the most.
The Empire Strikes Back
This one tops my list! The Empire Strikes Back hits all the right notes for me—it’s got depth, emotion, and complexity. The introduction of Yoda and the expansion of the Force lore are game changers. Plus, who can forget the shock of finding out Vader is Luke’s father? It’s a rich narrative that elevates the Star Wars saga, making this sequel my favorite.
A New Hope
This is the film that started my love affair with Star Wars. As a kid, the tale of Luke Skywalker’s journey from farm boy to hero captivated me, and the clear battle between good and evil was mesmerizing. It wasn’t just a movie; it was a doorway to a universe I’ve never stopped exploring.
Return of The Jedi
Wrapping up the original trilogy, Return of the Jedi delivers a powerful conclusion to stories I grew up with. Seeing Vader’s redemption and the Rebels’ final victory was profoundly satisfying. Sure, the Ewoks are a bit divisive, but their victory against the Empire symbolizes hope and courage against all odds.
Enjoyable to Watch Again And Again
They might not be the best StarWars movies but they are some of my favorite and I enjoy them quite a bit and always enjoy rewatching them when given the opportunity.
The Force Awakens
This film felt like coming home. The Force Awakens brought back the essence of Star Wars with a mix of old favorites and new faces. While some critique it for mirroring A New Hope too closely, I loved the nostalgia and the new threads it promised to weave.
Solo
I know this one is going to be controversial but Solo ranks high for me because it’s simply fun and engaging. The story is solid, with enjoyable characters and some clever twists that keep things interesting. It’s a film that captures the essence of adventure in the Star Wars universe, and for me, it’s a welcome exploration of one of the saga’s most charismatic characters.
The Phantom Menace
Having been in high school when The Phantom Menace was released, I didn’t experience the childlike wonder it targeted. It was a huge cinematic event, sure, but ultimately a letdown. The film didn’t capture the magic or depth of the original trilogy, and without the nostalgia factor, its flaws—particularly in pacing and character development—stood out sharply.
Mediocre & Disappointing
They are competent StarWars movies but they aren’t good by any stretch of the imagination and as a StarWars fan, these are some of the most disappointing movies in the franchise.
Revenge of The Sith
Revenge of the Sith was an adequate conclusion to the prequels, a step up from its predecessor, but it didn’t resonate deeply with me. While it effectively showcases Anakin’s fall and the tragic rise of the Empire, the film as a whole felt more obligatory than inspired. It filled in necessary gaps but lacked the emotional impact that would have elevated it.
Rogue One
Rogue One was a disappointment in several ways. The film promised a grittier, more morally complex Star Wars story, but the execution fell short of those expectations. The portrayal of the Resistance engaging in morally dubious actions was jarring and detracted from their heroism. Additionally, the final film lacked several compelling scenes shown in the trailers, leaving me feeling like the movie that could have been was much more exciting than what we got.
Attack of The Clones
This entry is particularly weak. Attack of the Clones suffers from not just poor dialogue but also a noticeable lack of chemistry between key characters, making their interactions more cringeworthy than compelling. It’s a film that struggles to engage and is easily one of the least enjoyable in the saga.
They Killed The Franchise
These are the movies responsible for the downfall of StarWars, they’re the movies I cite when people asked me when did I stop caring for the universe created by George Lucas.
The Rise of Skywalker
The Rise of Skywalker tried to please everyone and ended up pleasing few. The film scrambles to address critiques from The Last Jedi while also attempting to wrap up the saga, resulting in a convoluted narrative that lacks coherence. This attempt to serve both fans and critics alike created a disjointed finale that struggled to deliver a satisfying conclusion.
The Last Jedi
To me, The Last Jedi represents a low point for Star Wars. It feels preachy, boring, and disrespectful to the elements that originally defined Star Wars. The character developments and plot choices seem to contradict much of what the saga has built upon. It’s the antithesis of what I believe a Star Wars movie should be, lacking any redeeming qualities that resonate with my love for the franchise.