Saga Rank the Star Wars Films, TPM to SOLO

Okay, I'm actually going to try this...

1. The Return of the Jedi (okay, I didn't even know this was my favorite until I took the time to write them all out But it has everything, for me - love, redemption, tears, semi-main character death, happy ending, demise of Jabba the Hutt, Jedi training, all that stuff)
2. Rogue One (amazing plot but no previously familiar characters, or that we'll ever see again. That's the only reason it's not on top)
3. The Phantom Menace (Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Anakin are some of my favorite characters, especially their book-personalities. Also, the Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon/Darth Maul fight at the end is my favorite battle in the entire saga. I love the acrobatic style)
4. Revenge of the Sith (dark and sad but a great story that just makes you want to hug Anakin (okay, maybe not you. But me) It also makes Vader's turn to the Light Side so much better in RotJ)
5. Attack of the Clones (I don't really have much to say. Sorry I do enjoy when I'm watching it though)
6. Solo (the plot was kind of weird and almost nonexistent, and almost strangely realistic. It seemed more like just following Han's life than a major plot. Not that I'm complaining.)
7. A New Hope (it's not actually this low on my list. I've just seen it probably 20+ times in 1 year)
8. The Last Jedi (I found it hilarious but more of character development than movie. It was good, just didn't live up to expectations, maybe? I'm not sure what I don't like about it)
9. The Force Awakens (way too much like ANH. As in WAY too much. Is there a thread where people discuss the similarities?)
10. Empire Strikes Back (pls don't kill me. I don't like the way it switches perspectives all the time and how there is virtually no ending. I could watch Han and Leia all day tho)

That said, there are no Star Wars movies I actually hate or won't enjoy if it's actually on. Some are just better than others.
And, yes, it literally took me 20 minutes to put them in order

 

1. The Empire Strikes Back
2. A New Hope
3. The Last Jedi
4. The Force Awakens
5. Return of the Jedi
6. Rogue One
7. Solo
8. Attack of the Clones
9. Revenge of the Sith
10. The Phantom Menace

 

10. Star Wars: Attack Of The Clones- This movie is...not good. It's not the worst thing in the world, but it's pretty dull. There are a few creative moments and highlights, but overall it's a chore to get through for me. I'm one of those people that hates the Padme/Anakin romance.

9. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace- There's quite a bit to like and enjoy in this film...almost as much as there is to dislike. This is a film where you can see the creativity and the vision, but both get lost in translation. Duel of the Fates and Qui-Gon & Obi-Wan vs. Darth Maul is still pretty iconic though. Also, Padme is the best character in this movie.

8. Star Wars: Revenge of The Sith- I know this movie is popular among fans and I do get why. There are genuine passion and heart in this Shakespeareanesque Tragedy. Every scene with Emperor Palpatine (hilarious or menacing) is gold and the sad moments are pretty darn sad. The action is great as well. However, I can't really call it a great or even good film really. It's decent, but it's still marred by the iffy writing, hokey dialogue, and uninspired acting.

7. Solo: A Star Wars Story- This is a fun, if not problematic, space western. Chewbacca is the best character in this film. The only problem is that it's so...unessential. Unlike TPM and AOTC, which one could skip because of debatable quality, this is a truly filler film that won't really contextualize much of anything regarding the Original Trilogy.

6. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story- This is definitely the best "Prequel" in the Star Wars franchise. The cinematography is great, the action is awesome, the plot is good, and the acting is some of the best in all of the films. However, the characters are...pretty forgettable for the most part. Honestly, I wish I could say that I liked this film as much as everyone else, but it just feels so "meh" to me until it's final hour. It's a pretty good film, but the lack of depth and strong character work prevents it from resonating with me.

5. Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi- I could actually argue that Rogue One is better. A lot of this film just feels either rushed or dragged out. The first act and the third act are strong, but the middle of the film is a slog. The only thing putting this above Rogue One is Luke's fantastic arc with his father.

4. Star Wars: The Force Awakens- Yeah, the movie feels a little too familiar and has all of the beats of A New Hope. But good Lord, do I love this movie. The bond between Finn and Rey is one of the best relationships I have ever seen in an adventure film. Poe is my favorite space pilot and Kylo Ren is already an iconic villain. The plot may be simple and derivative, but the characters are absolutely the warm beating heart of this film.

3. Star Wars: A New Hope- Come on, it's THE QUINTESSENTIAL STAR WARS. It's flawed, but amazing and inspiring nonetheless.

2. Star Wars: The Last Jedi- Ah yes, the film that broke Star Wars...and the hearts of half its fans. Rian Johnson is a true auteur with this epic Space Opera. Honestly, I still love this movie, flaws and all. I love Luke Skywalker's arc and his death. I love Rey's character development and lack of a "special" heritage. I love that Poe Dameron gets a real storyline. I love that Finn becomes a fighter (even if his arc could have been written better). I love Rose Tico. I love Canto Bight. I love the Throne Room scene. I love the Battle of Crait. And lastly, I love that this film seeks to deconstruct Star Wars, the Jedi, the force, and its politics.

1. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back- Simply a masterpiece. No explanation needed.

 

@The Deuteragonist Our rankings are almost identical (I'd flip 7 and 6, and maybe 10 and 9 depending on the day of the week), and we seem to share a lot of the same thoughts regarding the films. Congrats on having great taste

Small Text Disclaimer: This is not to disparage anyone else with contrary views, please do not take this lighthearted comment seriously.

 

Actually Coruscant was created by Zahn for the Thrawn trilogy.

 

No, it was created by Lucas. Only the name came from Zahn.

 

Ok we are getting really pedantic the truth is George Lucas had a few ideas on what the best concept of the imperial capital should be and Zahn took the best idea and gave it a name.

 

No. Lucas had a very specific, decades old idea of the planet metropolis that was the capital (originally named Had Abbadon), and ended up using the name conceived by Zahn when he decided to show the planet in TPM. Zahn didn't conceive the planet. He merely named it for his books and George ended up using that name.

 

Must admit, just changed my vote from Empire to Rogue One. Felt bad with it sitting there with no votes.

 

Four pages in and Solo does not have a single vote I do not think you needed to go to the trouble.

 

updated lol

1, Star Wars Revenge Of The Sith
2, Star Wars Return Of The Jedi
3, Star Wars The Empire Strike Back
4, Star Wars A New Hope
5, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
6, Star Wars The Last Jedi
7, Star Wars Attack Of The Clones
8. Solo : A Star Wars Story
9, Star Wars The Force Awakens
10, Star Wars The Phantom Menace

 

Can I list Empire 11 times?

 

Revenge of The Sith forever.

 

I'm trying to think of something more specific, but yeah. In essence it would be basically this for me as well! Lol

 

ANH
ROTJ
TPM/ROTS (tie)
ESB
AOTC
TFA/TLJ (tie)

 

1. Revenge of the Sith
2. Empire Strikes Back
3. Return of the Jedi
4. The Phantom Menace
5. A New Hope
6. Rogue One
7. Solo
8. Attack of the Clones
9. The Last Jedi
10. The Force Awakens

The only film I didn't like at all was TFA. Very mixed feelings with TLJ. Spots 1-8 I completely enjoy, can never get tired of watching them, and was very hard to rank. Spots 2 and 3 are practically tied.

 

This is difficult to do because all of the movies were great for their own reasons and time in which they were made...but I'll give it a shot.
I grew up with the OT so the fact that I saw them as a kid certainly changes my perspective and in many ways Star Wars was a definitive myth that was part of my childhood. I began a Star Wars fan when I was in kindergarten and never looked back. For this reason it's hard to say which of the OT was my favorite because it's all one movie, one story for me. But if I must...

1. The Empire Strikes Back: I don't think there is anything about this movie I didn't like. The Hoth battle, asteroid chase, Yoda training Luke - our first real explanation of the Force, Cloud City, the most memorable light saber clash, the reveal. I walked away from this movie stunned. It gave me so many questions. My friends and I actually debated about whether or not Vadar was lying. This was of course, on the playground, the internet didn't exist back then.

2. Star Wars (A New Hope) What can I say, the film that started it all. It took so many risks that most are not aware of or have forgotten. It was the space/western/medieval/fantasy/action/adventure film that launched a culture. And it was a fun movie. It wasn't a new story or new hero's journey, but it was done right with a fresh background...and great music.

3. Return of the Jedi: The most anticipated film of my childhood (possible my life) And for the most part it didn't disappoint. Further viewings over years make me cringe a bit at the overly long rescue of Han during a pivotal moment in the Galactic Civil War or the Ewoks, but it was a movie about family, friends, and the underdog beating a technological terror. Another fun movie.

4. Rogue One: Of any movie after the original trilogy, this one felt the most like Star Wars and brought me back. Sure that may not be a great way to judge the merits of a movie, but in terms of sheer enjoyment - this one makes the cut. Also, it was gritty and showed a different side of the CCW, without the familiar faces, which was refreshing.

5. Revenge of the Sith: This was a great conclusion to the PT and had some great action scenes and fun moments. Yes, fun for me is the reason I see the Star Wars movies. It tied the two trilogies together and really showed the downfall of Anakin and the greatness of Obi Wan, who has really become my favorite jedi to this date.

6. Solo: Surprising for some, but I really love this movie. It was small in scope because that's what it was. It was a space western/heist movie that didn't try to be anything else. Sure, it wasn't necessary but the characters where great and I just enjoyed the film without having to analyze too much or wonder what was going on. It was an escape in a galaxy that I feel at home in, with some old friends.

7. The Force Awakens: Some may say that this was a rehash of the original and maybe it was. Maybe that's why I enjoyed it. It was a popcorn flick, a predictable action movie with a Star Wars background. It wasn't great, which is why it's on the bottom half of my list, but it was still a fun movie.

8. The Phantom Menace: It brought Star Wars back after so many years. It was set in a great time period and was a fresh and new take on the history and biography of Anakin and surprisingly, Palpatine. As Darth Vadar was probably the most iconic movie villian ever, Palpatine grew to become one of the most interesting villians to me. I also thought the actors where great - Ewan, Liam, Natalie, Ian.

9. The Last Jedi: I enjoyed it when I first saw it for the most part but I left it with a bad taste in my mouth. It's still Star Wars and it progresses the story. I liked the messages of failure and seeing things in a new perspective but I felt that the delivery was harsh and too heavy handed. Also, I still have difficulty with the portrayal of Luke.

10: The Attack of the Clones: This movie had some great fight scenes - Obi Wan vs. Boba Fett may be one of the best in the series. In a lot of the EU, bounty hunters would square off versus Jedi and it was great to see in a movie. However, the dialogue, effects, and slapstick humor of the droids really killed it for me.

So there you have it, my detailed analysis of my favorite and not so favorite Star Wars movies.

 

1. AOTC
2. ANH
3. TLJ
4. ROTS
5. ROTJ
6. TPM
7. TFA
8. ESB
9. RO
10. SOLO

 

1. ESB
2. ANH
3t. ROTS
3t. ROTJ
5. RO
6. TFA
7. SOLO
8. TLJ
9. TPM
10. AOTC

 

11: TCW movie
Don't forget that stinker.

 

1. ESB
2. ANH
3 ROTJ
4 ROTS
5. R1
6. TFA
7. SOLO
8. AOTC
9. TPM
10.TLJ


top technical performance for historic year
top feeling of my heart after watching
significance for canon by new entries
subverting expectations (in negative sense)
true love in film
intelligent humor
booring chapters
continuity factor
trilogy starter
dark (positive)
serriously iritating scenes/creatures/characters