May the Force be with us all, especially when ranking the ever-expanding Star Wars saga.
Happy Star Wars Day! It’s May the 4th, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by ranking every single Star Wars movie from worst to best. Whether you’re a Jedi Master or just here for the popcorn, this list covers all 12 films — from The Phantom Menace to The Rise of Skywalker. From cinematic masterpieces to a few trips to the Dark Side, buckle up, Starfighter—here’s how they stack up.
12. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
Writer-director Rian Johnson took risks with this divisive sequel, pushing the saga in a bold new direction. While it has moments of visual brilliance, its tone and treatment of legacy characters split fans.
Main cast: Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Carrie Fisher
11. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
This animated feature served as the launchpad for the beloved Clone Wars series, but as a standalone film, it felt more like an extended pilot. The animation was stiff, and its theatrical release confused many casual fans.
Main cast: Matt Lanter, Ashley Eckstein, James Arnold Taylor, Christopher Lee
10. Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
The middle chapter of the prequel trilogy delivered dazzling action but was bogged down by wooden dialogue and an awkward romance between Anakin and Padmé.
Main cast: Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor, Christopher Lee
9. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
J.J. Abrams returned to wrap up the Skywalker saga, but the result was a chaotic attempt to course-correct and tie up loose ends. While visually impressive, it lacked emotional payoff.
Main cast: Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Ian McDiarmid
8. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Despite behind-the-scenes turmoil and a change in directors, this origin story delivered a fun heist adventure. Alden Ehrenreich offered a solid take on a young Han Solo, even if the film didn’t soar to hyperspace.
Main cast: Alden Ehrenreich, Donald Glover, Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson
7. Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
George Lucas returned to the galaxy with a visually groundbreaking prequel that introduced a younger generation to Jedi and Sith. The pod racing and Darth Maul stood out—but so did Jar Jar.
Main cast: Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Ian McDiarmid
6. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
A nostalgic and crowd-pleasing return to form, this soft reboot introduced new heroes while honoring the original trilogy. While it leaned heavily on familiar beats, it reignited the fandom.
Main cast: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher
5. Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
The strongest of the prequels, this dark chapter showed Anakin’s tragic fall and the rise of Darth Vader. Its emotional weight and epic lightsaber duels made it a standout.
Main cast: Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Ian McDiarmid
4. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
A gritty war film set right before A New Hope, Rogue One surprised many with its tone, strong ensemble cast, and a finale that gave fans one of the best Darth Vader scenes ever.
Main cast: Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Donnie Yen, Ben Mendelsohn, Alan Tudyk
3. Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Often hailed as the best sequel in cinematic history, this darker chapter deepened characters and introduced unforgettable twists—“I am your father,” anyone?
Main cast: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
2. Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
The original trilogy’s conclusion delivered epic space battles, the redemption of Darth Vader, and the fall of the Empire. Cute Ewoks aside, it’s a satisfying end to the saga.
Main cast: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Ian McDiarmid
1. Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
The one that started it all. George Lucas’s space opera changed cinema forever, giving us lightsabers, the Force, and a galaxy of characters that continue to inspire generations.
Main cast: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, Peter Cushing
That’s my ranking — now it’s your turn! Drop your Top 3 favorite Star Wars movies in the comments. Whether you’re all about the original trilogy, living for the prequels, or defending the sequels I want to hear from you.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
