The Star Wars Saga is probably the most popular film franchise in history. As loved as the saga is, not all of the movies are pure cinematic gold. There have been ups and downs, as expected with any franchise with 9 films. I had the privilege of seeing Star Wars: The Last Jedi on Monday and I thought it would be appropriate to rank all of the films from the worst to best. Let’s take a look below.
9. Star Wars Episode I -The Phantom Menace
It is no surprise that The Phantom Menace is the worst in the saga. I remember the first time I watched it and I couldn’t wait for it to end. It was way too cheesy and almost offensive in some ways. The 3rd act had some decent fight sequences, but that’s about it.
8. Star Wars Episode II – Attack of the Clones
Attack of the Clones isn’t much better than The Phantom Menace, but there are some better moments in this installment. As a whole, it is exhausting to watch and is filled with cheap CGI battles and cardboard cut out Star Wars tropes. I do remember it making me genuinely laugh a lot, so at least it had that going for it.
7. Star Wars Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Revenge of the Sith is easily the best in the prequel trilogy. The major downsides were that it was a bit too long and there were several inconsistencies. But it was awesome seeing Anakin transform into Darth Vader, and the 3rd act had me on the edge of my seat.
6. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
I know having A New Hope this far down might offend some die-hard Star Wars fans, but I did not LOVE it like a lot of people did. Sure, there are some memorable moments and the characters are iconic, but it is just too campy and cheesy for me to love it. To add to that, the dialogue and visual/special effects just did not age well.
5. Star Wars Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
Return of the Jedi is a lot of fun to watch. I liked it more than a New Hope simply because I was more entertained and that made me forgive the flaws and campy moments a lot easier. It is pretty repetitive though and drags at times, but overall it is a lot of fun.
4. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
The Force Awakens was a great way to kick off the new trilogy. The visual effects were stunning and the action sequences blew me away. It introduced a lot of new likable characters and brought back some familiar faces. The only reason I don’t have it higher is because it lacks originality and relies a little too heavily on the “Star Wars Formula.” Let’s face it, the story is almost the same as A New Hope.
3. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Every fan boy is going to want to fight me for having Rogue One this high on the list. All I have to say is BRING IT ON. Rogue One was awesome and I loved how dark and gritty it was. We finally got a Star Wars film that didn’t feel like it was super family oriented, and personally I didn’t want it to end. The characters were great and it gave a different perspective on the Star Wars world that we’re all so used to. Rogue One felt like a World War II movie and that was such a nice change of pace. Also, the last 5 minutes with Darth Vader…… EPIC.
2. Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Oh man… The Last Jedi is unlike any other Star Wars film. It takes you in so many different directions and has some twists that are executed beautifully. Director and Writer Rian Johnson absolutely hit a home run with The Last Jedi and I think a lot of fans and critics could have it as the best Star Wars movie ever. One thing I will say is go into it thinking of what Luke says in the trailer… “This is not going to go the way you think…”
1. Star Wars Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
The Empire Strikes Back is one of the best fantasy/Sci-Fi movies ever. There are literally countless iconic moments throughout the entire 2 hour run time. The main reason it is my number 1 is because I knew the twist of Darth Vader being Luke’s father for years. I finally watched all of the Star Wars films for the first time a few years ago, and when I got to Empire I knew the twist was coming yet it still gave me chills and blew me away. Easily one of the most iconic moments in cinema history.