The Star Wars franchise is one of the most successful franchises ever. Throughout, television series, movies, comics and video games. The world of Star Wars contains so many uniquely diverse storylines. Earning more than 10 billion dollars from the movies and TV shows alone, it’s widely regarded as one of the most successful franchises ever. I would even argue that Stat War is number 1 and Marvel is number 2. However, that is clearly a discussion for another day.   

Star Wars fans are the most intense

Everybody knows that us passionate fans love ranking all of the Star Wars movies from worst to best. Other people love arguing who the most powerful Jedi or Sith is. But again, a discussion for another day. A good thing to remember is that when ranking the best Star Wars movies, you have to be fair. The superfans love to hate on everything. Sometimes it’s justified, other times it’s totally uncalled for.

(Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

For instance, the Phantom Menace recently re-released in theaters across the country. The film made 10 million dollars in just six days. Nobody is saying that’s the best six day stretch or anything, but it helps prove the point that reactions from the first release were a little intense. When it comes to the actual ranking of all of the Star Wars Movies. It’s more difficult than you’d think.

 Sure, there is the Original Trilogy that surely can’t be beaten by the sheer nostalgia. A ton of people hate the prequels, but I’m one of those people who thinks the origin of Darth Vader is an amazing saga that rivals the originals. Even more difficult, the sequels aren’t nearly as bad as people say. Keep scrolling down to uncover the best of the best. Find out how we rank the Star Wars movies in order! 

• #9 Episode IX (2019) The Rise of Skywalker

  Far too many things are wrong with this movie for me to place it any higher on this list. It’s not even necessarily the writing teams’ fault either though. There were too many changes in the people in charge of making this movie from Episode 7-9 to have the storyline feel consistent and authentic to itself. The ending is cool, except the revival/resurrection of Darth Sidious may be the laziest and most uneventful “plot twist’ I have ever seen in any movie franchise. I love the Star Wars franchise, but this is probably the only movie I would consider “strictly a one-time watch”. 

   

   

• #8 Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

  This one was difficult for me to initially rank because it was one of my favorite Star Wars movies growing up. The main reason was the battle between Geonosis and Jango Fett. Looking back on it without the nostalgia lenses, though, I see several things are wrong with it. It sometimes feels rushed, and it focuses a little too long on the Obi-Wan’s trip to Kamino. I think the movie could have benefitted more from some more development in the Jedi Council. One positive of the movie is that it does a pretty good job of providing a solid origin story of Anakin Skywalker and his teenage years. You see a lot of signs in this movie that Anakin could be a problem and a risk to the Jedi ways.

• #7 Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)

  I did not think the Last Jedi was as bad as most people. However, I do see what they mean. It has a very weird feeling to it, and the reluctance of Luke Skywalker to be of great service to the story is a bit frustrating, considering how challenging the quest to find Luke was. Of course, the way he goes out was cool, but it angered many fans justifiably. It wasn’t anywhere near the best, but it was not the worst either. It definitely could have been better. We do see one of the best lightsaber battles in the entire series between Kylo Ren and Rey in this film though!

• #6 Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

  Despite all the hate that the Phantom Menace gets, it’s really not that bad. Young Ani is actually a story that I have always enjoyed, and it makes sense for the story to be a little silly; he is a kid, after all. The main reason I’m ranking 6th best is because it features hands down the BEST lightsaber duel in the entire franchise. Darth Maul vs Qui Gon and Obi-Wan is absolutely legendary. Peak cinema is on full display with this fight, and it is paired with the legendary “duel of the fates.”

• #5 Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

  This movie is what started it all. I don’t think it’s the best movie, but it inspired so much from the love of Darth Vader and the entire hero cast. This movie is amazing, especially considering it was designed as a standalone film. It created two immediate sequels and prequels to tell the legendary origin story of Darth Vader and has had so many TV shows centered around the various timelines that a New Hope allowed to exist. It’s a damn good movie, albeit a bit slow. But I have it firmly at the number 5 spot.

• #4 Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

  Many people rank the Empire Strikes Back at number 1 on their lists. For the longest time, I was one of those people. As time passes, I think almost a little too much is happening in the Empire Strikes Back. It’s a near-perfect movie, but I feel like the events that transpire on Bespin could have almost been saved for another movie.  That will sound like nitpicking because it is; the top 4 Star Wars movies are some of my favorite all-time movies, period.

• #3 Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

  I am giving the nod to Revenge of the Sith over Empire Strikes Back. Looking back on it, it had a ton of hate aimed at Hayden Christensen, and truly, it was unfair. I always felt like this was the one movie that could stand out from Star Wars. What I mean by that is I think it’s the only movie in the franchise that could prove interesting to non-Star Wars fans and Star Wars fans alike. The epic and tragic tale of the cruel and emotional origin story of Darth Vader is a rollercoaster. If this choice angers you, I urge you to rewatch this movie and watch it with an open mind. Everything is meticulously done in this film. Also, the second-best lightsaber duel in the entire series is featured in this movie between Anakin and Obi-Wan.

• #2 Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)

  The Force Awakens is the only sequel that truly delivers on its promises. It stays true to the original concepts and doesn’t deviate from the Star Wars “heroes’ journey” storyline. The movie had everything it needed and delivered everything it promised in the trailer. The trailer was groundbreaking as well. People didn’t see it coming; many of the original characters made a reappearance, and it was truly amazing. The quest for knowledge by Rey gives it the same feelings you get from watching A New Hope for the first time. Watch the trailer again below and see if it gives you goosebumps.

• #1 Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)

  Number one all-time in the Star Wars franchise is Return of The Jedi! It’s incredibly hard to make an exceptional finale. Yet, that is exactly what Return of The Jedi was. A near-perfect finale to the original trilogy. You see the ultimate redemption arc by Darth Vader, the full display of Luke mastering the light side of the force and refusing to turn evil. Emperor Palpatine is defeated, and the galaxy is saved from the tyrannical reign of the Galactic Empire—the best example of good vs evil and good triumphs against incredible odds in the end. Everyone loves an underdog story, and at its core, that’s what ROT is. I highly recommend any Star Wars fans rewatch this movie; it could open your eyes a bit! All of Star Wars is amazing, and I truly feel they complement each other. The prequels enhance the original trilogy, and the sequels give a deeper dive into the lore started in the first three movies! All have their positive features!

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