Star Wars dominated science fiction when the first movie premiered in 1977, spawning a franchise beloved by many to this day. Epic sci-fi movies have transformed lives on-screen and off through the many themes they’ve explored over the years, some for the best and some for the worst.
This ranking list covers the 11 live-action films Star Wars has released, plus one animated film, with the order based on overall storytelling, character work, direction, and each film’s success.
12. Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
The Rise of Skywalker closes the Skywalker Saga in a narrative mess that relies on its visuals to overcompensate for its stuffed plotting. In an attempt to tie up story threads, this rushed movie walks away from a lot of its predecessors’ narratives and leans hard into fan service with no logical explanation.
Here are key details of the film.
CategoryDescriptionTitleStar Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of SkywalkerDirectorJ.J. AbramsWriterChris Terrio, J.J. Abrams, Derek Connolly, Colin Trevorrow (story contributions vary by credit block)StudioLucasfilm Ltd.; distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion PicturesCastDaisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Ian McDiarmid, Kelly Marie Tran, Naomi Ackie, Joonas Suotamo, Anthony Daniels, Domhnall Gleeson, Richard E. Grant, Lupita Nyong’o, Keri Russell, Billy Dee WilliamsRelease dateDecember 20, 2019 (USA theatrical)SettingGalaxy-wide conflict in 35 ABY, spanning locales such as Exegol, Kef Bir, Pasaana, Kijimi, and Ajan KlossIMDb score6.3/10 (as of March 8, 2026)Rotten Tomatoes score51% (as of March 8, 2026)
We all walked away from the breathless pacing more confused than satisfied. The Rise of Skywalker has beautiful images and a standout score from John Williams, but even these two factors couldn’t save the movie.
11. Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)
A still from Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi | Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.
The Last Jedi divided the fanbase when it came out in 2017, with most of them dubbing this “the worst Star Wars movie”. Fans of the new saga had their hopes squashed by this Star Wars film, which featured off-putting comedic moments and nostalgia-bait that was in poor taste.
Here are key details of the film.
CategoryDescriptionTitleStar Wars: Episode VIII – The Last JediDirectorRian JohnsonWriterRian Johnson (screenplay and story, based on characters by George Lucas)StudioLucasfilm Ltd.; distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion PicturesCastMark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern, Benicio Del Toro, Lupita Nyong’o, Anthony DanielsRelease dateDecember 15, 2017 (USA theatrical)SettingOngoing conflict between the Resistance and the First Order shortly after the destruction of Starkiller Base, spanning locations including Ahch-To, Crait, D’Qar, and Canto BightIMDb score6.8/10 (as of March 8, 2026)Rotten Tomatoes score91% (as of March 8, 2026)
The film veered off the path by bloating it with events that weren’t necessary to the plot. Nobody can forget Carrie Fisher’s CGI being used horrendously following her death, making her send-off feel disingenuous.
10. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
A still from Solo: A Star Wars Story | Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.
Solo arrived at a time when franchise fatigue was at an all-time high. The production for this film was notoriously publicized, and a planned run of anthology films was scrapped after this movie underperformed. What was meant to be a great Han Solo backstory turned out to be more like a checklist of nostalgia-bait.
Here are key details of the film.
CategoryDescriptionTitleSolo: A Star Wars StoryDirectorRon HowardWriterJonathan Kasdan, Lawrence Kasdan (screenplay and story)StudioLucasfilm Ltd.; distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion PicturesCastAlden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Thandiwe Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Joonas Suotamo, Paul BettanyRelease dateMay 25, 2018 (USA theatrical)SettingThe criminal underworld of the galaxy in the years before the original trilogy, including Corellia, Vandor, Kessel, and SavareenIMDb score6.9/10 (as of March 8, 2026)Rotten Tomatoes score69% (as of March 8, 2026)
Solo plays out as a space-heist adventure with good production, but the film does not transcend beyond its inessential story beats. There are some moments you can enjoy, particularly those involving Donald Glover’s character.
9. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
Dave Filoni’s animated feature introduces Ahsoka Tano and sets up the later, much‑loved series. Unfortunately, this stitched-together movie is not memorable, catering more to a very young demographic. Most of the banter and story beats misfire into parody territory, which is why this movie became an embarrassment for the franchise.
Here are key details of the film.
CategoryDescriptionTitleStar Wars: The Clone WarsDirectorDave FiloniWriterHenry Gilroy, Steven Melching, Scott Murphy (screenplay, based on a story by George Lucas and Henry Gilroy)StudioLucasfilm Ltd.; distributed by Warner Bros. PicturesCastMatt Lanter, Ashley Eckstein, James Arnold Taylor, Dee Bradley Baker, Tom Kane, Christopher Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, Ian Abercrombie, Nika Futterman, Catherine Taber, Anthony Daniels, Corey BurtonRelease dateAugust 15, 2008 (USA theatrical)SettingEarly phase of the Clone Wars between Episodes II and III, focused on a mission to rescue Jabba the Hutt’s son across worlds including Christophsis, Teth, and TatooineIMDb score6.0/10 (as of March 8, 2026)Rotten Tomatoes score18% (as of March 8, 2026)
The CG animation for the characters felt wooden and stiff for a theatrical budget, leading fans to question why this wasn’t just a direct-to-DVD project. Thankfully, this resulted in one of the greatest animated shows.
8. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
A still from Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) | Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.
Attack of the Clones aimed to chart Anakin’s fall and the Republic’s slide into war, but instead gave us uneven performances and awful CGI. The central romance between Anakin and Padme should’ve bolstered the film, but ended up being awkward and unconvincing.
Here are key details of the film.
CategoryDescriptionTitleStar Wars: Episode II – Attack of the ClonesDirectorGeorge LucasWriterGeorge Lucas, Jonathan Hales (screenplay, from a story by George Lucas)StudioLucasfilm Ltd.; distributed by 20th Century FoxCastEwan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Christopher Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, Ian McDiarmid, Temuera Morrison, Frank Oz, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Jimmy Smits, Pernilla August, Jack Thompson, Leeanna Walsman, Daniel LoganRelease dateMay 16, 2002 (USA theatrical)SettingTen years after The Phantom Menace, during the political crisis that sparks the Clone Wars, spanning Coruscant, Kamino, Geonosis, Naboo, and TatooineIMDb score6.6/10 (as of March 8, 2026)Rotten Tomatoes score62% (as of March 8, 2026)
Compared to the original trilogy’s amazing use of practical effects, this film feels more dated. Despite a semi-engaging mystery thriller plot surrounding Obi-Wan, the movie’s high ambition buckles under its own weight.
7. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
A still from Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) | Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.
The Phantom Menace was the highly anticipated return of Star Wars to cinemas for fans after the conclusion of the original trilogy 16 years prior. The film’s dive into the Empire’s political roots, with uneven pacing and too much focus on trade, left audiences extremely disappointed.
Here are key details of the film.
CategoryDescriptionTitleStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom MenaceDirectorGeorge LucasWriterGeorge Lucas (screenplay and story)StudioLucasfilm Ltd.; distributed by 20th Century FoxCastLiam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Ian McDiarmid, Pernilla August, Ahmed Best, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Frank Oz, Terence Stamp, Ray Park, Samuel L. Jackson, Brian Blessed, Hugh QuarshieRelease dateMay 19, 1999 (USA theatrical)SettingFinal years of the Galactic Republic, centered on the Trade Federation’s blockade of Naboo and the Jedi’s discovery of Anakin Skywalker, spanning Naboo, Tatooine, and CoruscantIMDb score6.5/10 (as of March 8, 2026)Rotten Tomatoes score54% (as of March 8, 2026)
Despite the negative reception, Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Maul have withstood the test of time as powerful characters in the universe. The climactic “Duel of the Fates” scenes remain one of the franchise’s most celebrated lightsaber battles.
6. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Widely regarded as the strongest of its prequel trilogy, Revenge of the Sith delivered on Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader with applause. The darker tone and more assured action set the stage for a clear narrative where the Jedi are purged with the best lightsaber duels.
Here are key details of the film.
CategoryDescriptionTitleStar Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the SithDirectorGeorge LucasWriterGeorge Lucas (screenplay and story)StudioLucasfilm Ltd.; distributed by 20th Century FoxCastEwan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid, Samuel L. Jackson, Frank Oz, Jimmy Smits, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Christopher Lee, Temuera Morrison, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Silas Carson, Ahmed Best, Oliver Ford DaviesRelease dateMay 19, 2005 (USA theatrical)SettingFinal days of the Clone Wars and the fall of the Galactic Republic, charting Anakin Skywalker’s turn to the dark side and the rise of the Galactic Empire, across Coruscant, Utapau, Mustafar, Kashyyyk, and moreIMDb score7.7/10 (as of March 8, 2026)Rotten Tomatoes score79% (as of March 8, 2026)
Some issues from the prequel persisted, including clunky dialogue and uneven pacing. The heavy digital environments remain a double-edged sword for this film, but the emotional beats are what set this apart.
5. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
A still from Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015) | Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.
The Force Awakens was a make-it-or-break-it moment for Star Wars: it had to outdo its predecessors and set the stage for a new era of stories and fans. Deliberately, J.J. Abrams responded by mirroring the story beats of the first film by introducing the new lead ensemble in a familiar way.
Here are key details of the film.
CategoryDescriptionTitleStar Wars: Episode VII – The Force AwakensDirectorJ.J. AbramsWriterLawrence Kasdan, J.J. Abrams, Michael Arndt (screenplay, from a story by Lawrence Kasdan, J.J. Abrams, and Michael Arndt)StudioLucasfilm Ltd.; distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion PicturesCastDaisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, Max von SydowRelease dateDecember 18, 2015 (USA theatrical)SettingApproximately 30 years after Return of the Jedi, following the struggle between the Resistance and the First Order across worlds such as Jakku, Takodana, Starkiller Base, and D’QarIMDb score7.7/10 (as of March 8, 2026)Rotten Tomatoes score93% (as of March 8, 2026)
Fans finally got a Star Wars film that could use CGI to its fullest, creating striking images that boosted the film’s energy and aesthetic. The first film in the sequel trilogy was a confident, fresh chapter for the saga, though it didn’t pay off later.
4. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
A still from Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983) | Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.
Return of the Jedi concluded the original trilogy with a roller-coaster adventure. Tonal whiplash and repetitive stories weighed this movie down, but compensated well with some iconic scenes: Jabba’s palace, the speeder bike chase, and the climactic throne room showdown.
Here are key details of the film.
CategoryDescriptionTitleStar Wars: Episode VI – Return of the JediDirectorRichard MarquandWriterLawrence Kasdan, George Lucas (screenplay, from a story by George Lucas)StudioLucasfilm Ltd.; distributed by 20th Century FoxCastMark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, Ian McDiarmid, Frank Oz, James Earl Jones, Warwick DavisRelease dateMay 25, 1983 (USA theatrical)SettingFinal confrontation between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire, including the rescue on Tatooine, the battle over and on Endor, and the second Death Star above the forest moonIMDb score8.3/10 (as of March 8, 2026)Rotten Tomatoes score83% (as of March 8, 2026)
The emotional resolution among Luke, Vader, and the Emperor elevated the film to new heights, offering a cathartic finish. The belief in redemption felt real, crystallizing this film in history.
3. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Rogue One was the first standalone Star Wars film to take a different approach, leaning into grit and moral ambiguity. The ensemble of doomed characters offered a ground-level view of the galactic conflict, making us care about a fresh set of characters in the most heroic way.
Here are key details of the film.
CategoryDescriptionTitleRogue One: A Star Wars StoryDirectorGareth EdwardsWriterChris Weitz, Tony Gilroy (screenplay), based on a story by John Knoll and Gary WhittaStudioLucasfilm Ltd.; distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion PicturesCastFelicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen, Forest Whitaker, Riz Ahmed, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan TudykRelease dateDecember 16, 2016 (USA theatrical)SettingIn the lead-up to A New Hope, following a rebel team’s mission to steal the Death Star plans across locations such as Lah’mu, Jedha, Eadu, Scarif, and Yavin 4IMDb score7.8/10 (as of March 8, 2026)Rotten Tomatoes score84% (as of March 8, 2026)
Despite a choppy first half, the movie’s visuals were grand, and the adrenaline escalates with great pacing. The visceral action, especially Darth Vader’s brief sequence, was iconic to say the least. The tie-in of the film to A New Hope felt genuine, not just nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake, making it the best Star Wars movie to come out after The Empire Strikes Back.
2. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
A still from Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) | Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.
A New Hope launched the entire Star Wars phenomenon, blending pulp serial adventure and mythic archetypes into one package that redefined cinema. The film served as a self-contained journey of a farm boy who discovers his destiny, but also worked as a lived-in galaxy with rich detail.
Here are key details of the film.
CategoryDescriptionTitleStar Wars: Episode IV – A New HopeDirectorGeorge LucasWriterGeorge Lucas (screenplay and story)StudioLucasfilm Ltd.; distributed by 20th Century FoxCastMark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, Peter Cushing, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, James Earl JonesRelease dateMay 25, 1977 (USA theatrical)SettingDuring the Galactic Civil War, following Luke Skywalker’s journey from Tatooine farm boy to Rebel hero, across Tatooine, the Death Star, and the Rebel base on Yavin 4IMDb score8.6/10 (as of March 8, 2026)Rotten Tomatoes score94% (as of March 8, 2026)
The movie’s straightforward three-act structure and battle between good and evil are effectively used to support its iconic trio. The ensemble and narrative remain templates for many space operas to come. The movie still feels relevant and ahead of its time for its use of visual effects and great storytelling.
1. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
The Empire Strikes Back is unanimously considered the greatest Star Wars movie ever made, setting a benchmark for both the franchise and cinema in general. The characters, themes, and epic plot twists are still spoken about today for their intimate storytelling and rewatchability.
Here are key details of the film.
CategoryDescriptionTitleStar Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes BackDirectorIrvin KershnerWriterLeigh Brackett, Lawrence Kasdan (screenplay), from a story by George LucasStudioLucasfilm Ltd.; distributed by 20th Century FoxCastMark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, Frank Oz, James Earl Jones, Alec GuinnessRelease dateMay 21, 1980 (USA theatrical)SettingThree years after A New Hope, following the Rebel Alliance’s struggle against the Empire across Hoth, Dagobah, Bespin’s Cloud City, and the wider galaxyIMDb score8.7/10 (as of March 8, 2026)Rotten Tomatoes score93% (as of March 8, 2026)
The film’s decision to end on unresolved notes, combined with the revelation of Luke’s parentage, turned it into a cultural movement. Star Wars had officially broken new ground with its mythic storytelling and memorable set pieces, turning the franchise into a blockbuster.
Here is a summary of the rankings in a table.
RankMovieSummary12Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of SkywalkerRushed, fan-service-heavy finale that struggles to wrap up the saga.11Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last JediBold but divisive entry with uneven humor and polarizing character choices.10Solo: A Star Wars StoryFun but expendable heist prequel that adds little to Han’s legacy.9Star Wars: The Clone WarsPatchy animated debut, mainly notable for introducing Ahsoka.8Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the ClonesClunky romance and heavy CGI undercut an otherwise intriguing mystery.7Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom MenaceSlow, politics-heavy comeback saved by Maul and “Duel of the Fates.”6Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the SithDark, emotional fall of Anakin with uneven dialogue and visuals.5Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force AwakensEnergetic soft reboot that replays A New Hope with a fresh cast.4Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the JediTonally mixed finale elevated by Jabba’s palace and the throne-room climax.3Rogue One: A Star Wars StoryGritty, sacrificial war story that leads directly into A New Hope.2Star Wars: Episode IV – A New HopeClassic hero’s journey that built the template for modern space opera.1Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes BackDarker, richer sequel famed for its character depth and iconic twist.
From the rough chaos of The Clone Wars to the operatic high of The Empire Strikes Back, the galaxy far, far away has endured the tides of time to be a beloved franchise. Star Wars will never lose its appeal, and fans will always hope for great films to come.
What’s your favourite Star Wars film? Let us know in the comments.
All Star Wars films are streaming on Disney+ in the U.S.
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