The Star Wars series, spanning over 40 years, has produced numerous movies and TV shows that have captured the imaginations of fans worldwide.
From the original trilogy to animated series and recent live-action hits, each has its own special place in the Star Wars story.
Key Takeaways
- The Star Wars franchise includes a wide range of movies and TV shows, each contributing uniquely to the overall story.
- Not all entries are equally loved; some are critically acclaimed, while others are less appreciated.
- Many beloved characters, like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, have profoundly impacted fans, making certain films and shows standout favorites.
24. Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)
The Star Wars Holiday Special aired only once, on November 17, 1978, and is now known for its low-budget production and weird storyline.
It follows Chewbacca’s family on the Wookiee planet Kashyyyk as they get ready for Life Day. Han Solo and Chewie try to reach them despite an Imperial blockade.
The special features segments with the main cast, like Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher.
It also introduces Boba Fett in an animated segment and includes musical performances, one by Jefferson Starship.
Despite the star cast, its strange format led to its poor reception and lasting infamy.
23. Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure (1984)
Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure is a made-for-TV movie from 1984.
It takes place on the forest moon of Endor and tells the story of two kids, Cindel and Mace, who are stranded after their spaceship crashes.
The Ewoks help them rescue their parents from a giant creature called the Gorax. The movie is aimed at kids and has charming practical effects and beloved Ewoks but lacks the depth and excitement of the main Star Wars movies.
It introduces the Ewok culture and their world but doesn’t capture the magic of the original trilogy.
22. Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985)
The sequel to Caravan of Courage, Ewoks: The Battle for Endor, aired in 1985. It continues the story of Cindel, who, after her family’s death, is taken in by the Ewoks.
They fight against the Marauders, led by King Terak and the witch Charal, who threaten their village.
The film introduces new characters, like Noa, a stranded human played by Wilford Brimley.
Like the first film, it’s for kids and focuses on friendship and bravery, but it lacks the complexity and appeal of the main Star Wars saga.
21. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie, released in 2008, is the start of the animated series.
Set between Episodes II and III, it follows Anakin Skywalker and his new Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, on a mission to rescue Jabba the Hutt’s kidnapped son.
While the movie got mixed reviews for its simple plot and animation quality, it was praised for introducing Ahsoka, a key character in Star Wars.
The film set the stage for the beloved TV series, which expanded on the characters and stories more compellingly.
20. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
Attack of the Clones, the second episode in the prequel trilogy, released in 2002, shows the growing relationship between Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala amid rising tensions that lead to the Clone Wars.
Known for its heavy CGI, which was groundbreaking but now looks dated, it also has wooden dialogue and performances, especially in the romantic scenes.
However, it includes significant plot points, such as the discovery of the Clone Army and Anakin’s start toward the dark side.
Notable action scenes include the battle on Geonosis and the lightsaber duel between Yoda and Count Dooku.
19. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Solo: A Star Wars Story explores Han Solo’s early adventures. It starts on Corellia, where young Han and his girlfriend Qi’ra try to escape their tough life.
Han joins the Imperial Navy but gets kicked out for insubordination. He meets Chewbacca and joins a criminal gang led by Tobias Beckett.
Their mission to steal valuable coaxium leads to encounters with Lando Calrissian and a heist on Kessel.
Despite production issues, the film has engaging performances, especially by Donald Glover as Lando and Phoebe Waller-Bridge as the droid L3-37.
18. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
Episode I – The Phantom Menace kicks off the prequel trilogy. It introduces a young Anakin Skywalker, found on Tatooine by Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi.
They think Anakin is the Chosen One destined to balance the Force.
The movie is known for its political intrigue, the introduction of Darth Maul, and the memorable “Duel of the Fates” lightsaber battle.
However, it’s criticized for heavy CGI, awkward dialogue, and the controversial character Jar Jar Binks.
17. Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
The Rise of Skywalker wraps up the Skywalker saga. It follows Rey as she continues her Jedi training and finds out she’s the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine.
The film tries to resolve previous plot points, brings back Palpatine as the main villain, and reintroduces characters like Lando Calrissian.
While it has thrilling moments and provides some closure, it’s criticized for a rushed plot, retconning previous story elements, and lacking a coherent direction.
16. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Revenge of the Sith is the darkest prequel, showing Anakin Skywalker’s transformation into Darth Vader.
It explores Anakin’s growing distrust of the Jedi and his seduction by Emperor Palpatine.
Key moments include the dramatic duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan on Mustafar and the execution of Order 66, leading to the fall of the Jedi.
Despite some stiff dialogue, the film is praised for its emotional depth and epic action sequences, effectively linking the prequels to the original trilogy.
15. The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
The Book of Boba Fett explores Boba Fett’s life after Return of the Jedi. It shows Boba taking over Jabba the Hutt’s criminal empire on Tatooine.
The series focuses on his partnership with Fennec Shand and his fight to maintain power.
It’s praised for deepening Boba Fett’s character and exciting action sequences but criticized for pacing issues and relying too much on characters from The Mandalorian.
14. Star Wars Resistance (2018-2020)
Star Wars Resistance is an animated series for younger audiences. It follows Kazuda Xiono, a young pilot recruited by the Resistance to spy on the First Order.
Set just before and during The Force Awakens, the show explores Kaz’s adventures on the Colossus, a refueling station on the ocean planet Castilon.
It features characters like Poe Dameron and BB-8, adding depth to the sequel trilogy by showing the growing threat of the First Order and the early efforts of the Resistance.
13. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
The Force Awakens reintroduced the Star Wars universe, setting up a new generation of characters.
Rey, a scavenger from Jakku, teams up with Finn, a defected stormtrooper, and Han Solo to find Luke Skywalker.
The film mirrors A New Hope in structure, drawing both praise and criticism for its nostalgic elements.
It successfully revived the franchise with engaging characters, impressive visuals, and a mix of old and new elements that appealed to both longtime fans and newcomers.
12. Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)
The Last Jedi is a divisive entry in the Star Wars saga, known for its bold narrative choices.
Directed by Rian Johnson, it challenges many established tropes, focusing on themes of failure, redemption, and the grey areas of morality.
Key plot points include Rey’s training with Luke Skywalker, Kylo Ren’s internal conflict, and the Resistance’s desperate flight.
The film received acclaim for its visuals and performances but sparked intense debate among fans about its direction and character development.
11. Star Wars Rebels (2014-2018)
Star Wars Rebels is an animated series about the early days of the Rebel Alliance.
It follows a group of rebels aboard the starship Ghost as they fight against the Empire.
Set between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, the series introduces characters like Ezra Bridger and Kanan Jarrus and brings back Ahsoka Tano.
It expands the lore of the Star Wars universe, offering rich storytelling and character development, and bridges gaps between the prequel and original trilogies.
10. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
Return of the Jedi concludes the original trilogy with the epic battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire.
The film features iconic moments like the rescue of Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Battle of Endor, and the redemption of Darth Vader.
While celebrated for its action and resolution of key storylines, it is sometimes critiqued for its lighter tone and the role of the Ewoks.
Nevertheless, it remains a beloved finale that ties up the arcs of central characters like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.
9. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Rogue One is a gritty and intense standalone film that fills in a crucial gap in the Star Wars timeline by detailing the mission to steal the Death Star plans.
The story follows Jyn Erso, daughter of the Death Star’s reluctant creator, Galen Erso.
Jyn teams up with a ragtag group of rebels, including Cassian Andor, K-2SO, Chirrut Îmwe, and Baze Malbus, to retrieve the plans from the Imperial archives on Scarif.
The movie is praised for its darker tone, serious approach, and stunning visuals, including impressive battle sequences.
It seamlessly leads into the events of A New Hope. However, it faced criticism for its pacing and digital recreations of characters like Grand Moff Tarkin and Princess Leia.
8. Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021-present)
Star Wars: The Bad Batch is an animated series continuing from The Clone Wars.
It follows Clone Force 99, a group of genetically modified clone troopers with unique abilities, as they navigate the aftermath of the Clone War and the rise of the Galactic Empire.
The team includes Hunter (enhanced senses), Wrecker (strongman), Tech (tech expert), Crosshair (sharpshooter), and Echo (former ARC trooper).
The series explores themes of loyalty, identity, and survival, diving into the transition from the Republic to the Empire.
With thrilling action sequences and character-driven stories, it has been well-received by fans and critics.
7. The Mandalorian (2019-present)
The Mandalorian revitalized interest in Star Wars with its fresh, Western-inspired storytelling. It follows Din Djarin, a lone bounty hunter, as he becomes the protector of a mysterious child known as Grogu (Baby Yoda).
The show balances new characters and adventures with familiar Star Wars lore, featuring appearances by Ahsoka Tano, Boba Fett, and Luke Skywalker.
Praised for its high production values, engaging storylines, and strong performances (especially Pedro Pascal as the Mandalorian), the series has become a cornerstone of Disney+.
It has successfully expanded the Star Wars universe while staying true to its roots.
6. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
The Empire Strikes Back is often regarded as the best film in the Star Wars saga, with darker themes and more complex character developments.
It follows Luke Skywalker’s training with Yoda, Han Solo and Leia’s evasion of the Imperial fleet, and the revelation of Darth Vader’s true identity as Luke’s father.
The movie is celebrated for its dramatic storytelling, iconic moments, and the introduction of new characters like Yoda and Lando Calrissian.
The cliffhanger ending, with Han Solo frozen in carbonite and the fate of the galaxy in the balance, set a new standard for sequels and left a lasting impact on popular culture.
5. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
A New Hope is the original film that launched the Star Wars franchise and changed the landscape of cinema.
Directed by George Lucas, it introduces audiences to the galaxy far, far away, following Luke Skywalker as he joins forces with Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Obi-Wan Kenobi to battle the evil Galactic Empire and destroy the Death Star.
The film is renowned for its pioneering special effects, memorable characters, and heroic story.
It established iconic elements like lightsabers, the Force, and the unforgettable score by John Williams.
A New Hope remains a timeless adventure that set the standard for blockbuster filmmaking.
4. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars is a critically acclaimed animated series that explores the era between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.
It dives into the Clone Wars, focusing on characters like Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka Tano, and Captain Rex.
The series is praised for its deep character development, intricate story arcs, and portrayal of the Republic’s fall and the Empire’s rise.
The final season, released in 2020, concluded with the impactful Siege of Mandalore arc.
3. Star Wars: Visions (2021)
Star Wars: Visions is an anthology series featuring nine short films created by various Japanese animation studios.
Each episode offers a unique and visually stunning interpretation of the Star Wars universe, blending iconic elements with diverse animation styles.
The series is celebrated for its creativity, artistic innovation, and fresh perspectives, providing fans with new and imaginative takes on familiar Star Wars themes.
Visions stands out for its bold storytelling and beautiful animation, making it a distinctive addition to the franchise.
2. Star Wars: Andor (2022)
Andor is a prequel to Rogue One focusing on Cassian Andor’s journey during the early days of the Rebellion.
The series is known for its gritty, character-driven narrative that adds significant depth to Star Wars lore.
It explores the darker and more realistic aspects of the rebellion against the Empire, highlighting the sacrifices and moral ambiguities faced by the characters.
Andor has been praised for its mature storytelling, complex characters, and intense atmosphere, making it a standout addition to the Star Wars saga.
1. Star Wars: The Mandalorian – Season 2 (2020)
The second season of The Mandalorian builds on the success of the first, offering gripping storylines, character development, and connections to the broader Star Wars universe.
Highlights include the introduction of characters like Ahsoka Tano and Bo-Katan Kryze, as well as the return of Boba Fett.
The season ends with an unforgettable finale featuring the dramatic rescue of Grogu (Baby Yoda) and the appearance of Luke Skywalker.
This season is celebrated for its blend of action, emotion, and fan-pleasing moments, solidifying its place as a beloved part of the Star Wars franchise.
What Are Your Best and Worst Star Wars Movies & TV Shows?
Now that you’ve seen the ranking of every Star Wars movie and TV show, it’s your turn! Which entries do you love the most, and which ones could you do without?
Revisit your favorites or discover new ones with friends. Start your Star Wars marathon today and dive into the epic adventures, unforgettable characters, and timeless stories that have captivated audiences for decades.
May the Force be with you!
