May the 4th Be With You: Ranking Every Star Wars Film (From Worst to Best)

#11 . Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker 

If there was ever a time to say, “I’ve got a bad feeling about this,” it was during the writing process for the final chapter of the Skywalker saga. This film feels like a rushed, last-minute attempt to appease angry fans, and unfortunately, it shows. The decision to backtrack on The Last Jedi’s bold choices, like Rey’s parentage, and to bring back Emperor Palpatine—out of nowhere—was a major misstep. Why wasn’t this cult of the Empire introduced earlier? It would’ve made for a much more compelling story if this shadowy force had been building since Episode VII rather than being tacked on in the final act. 

And don’t even get me started on Rose’s arc. What was once a strong, integral character gets sidelined and essentially erased, leaving a massive hole in the story. It’s clear that the writers had their hands tied, trying to appease disgruntled fanboys who hated the strong female characters like Rey and Rose, but instead of staying true to the characters and story, the film takes a few lazy shortcuts. The reveal of Palpatine as the mastermind behind everything felt cheap, and his sudden return didn’t pack the emotional punch it should’ve. 

Honestly, The Rise of Skywalker feels like the end of a franchise that had so much promise, but lost its way along the journey. The conclusion falls flat, lacking the coherence, depth, and impact we were all hoping for. It’s hard to look back at this film and think of any moment that truly resonates. Instead, it feels like a missed opportunity after missed opportunity, which is why it holds the lowest spot in my rankings. 

#10. Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi 

Ah, The Last Jedi. If there was ever a film that divided fans like a lightsaber through a droid, it’s this one. I can’t deny that it took bold risks, and in some ways, that’s what makes it stand out in the Star Wars saga. But here’s the thing: the risks it took weren’t the ones that needed taking. Instead of deepening the story and continuing the legacy of the Skywalker family, the film spends too much time trying to subvert expectations in ways that feel more frustrating than rewarding. 

Let’s start with Luke Skywalker. I’ve always admired Luke’s character arc, from a farm boy with dreams of adventure to a wise Jedi Master. So, when we see him as a grizzled hermit who’s given up on the Force entirely, it doesn’t sit right. I get it—Luke’s character had to evolve, and it’s hard to live up to that legendary figure. But his sudden, almost nihilistic shift felt forced and out of character, especially when it goes against the very principles he spent years defending. 

Then there’s the subplot with Finn and Rose on a mission to the casino planet Canto Bight. While I get that the film wanted to explore the idea of the rich and corrupt fueling the war machine, this detour ends up feeling like filler and ultimately irrelevant to the main story. It’s hard to see it as anything more than a way to give Finn something to do, which could’ve been better integrated into the larger conflict. 

And don’t even get me started on the way Snoke was handled. This villain is hyped up in The Force Awakens as a powerful, mysterious dark side figure, only to be killed off with a wave of Kylo Ren’s hand. His entire storyline is tossed aside, and it’s honestly disappointing. There was so much potential to explore who Snoke was and how he came to power, but instead, we got a quick, unsatisfying end to what could have been an interesting villain. 

The last issue? The pacing. The Last Jedi’s middle act feels like it drags, with the plot stalling as the Resistance tries to escape the First Order. It’s full of tense moments, but not enough forward momentum. By the time we reach the final battle, the payoff just doesn’t feel earned. 

The Last Jedi wasn’t all bad, but it’s definitely a confusing, frustrating mess in a few key places. It tried so hard to be unconventional and “subversive” that it missed the chance to build on the foundational elements laid out in The Force Awakens. It’s an ambitious but ultimately divisive entry in the saga, and as much as I wanted to love it, it falls short in ways that are hard to overlook. That’s why, unfortunately, it lands almost last in the franchise for me. 

#9. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace 

The film that heralded the return of the Star Wars franchise, and yet, somehow, managed to be one of the most disappointing entries in the entire saga. The Phantom Menace was supposed to reignite the passion of fans. Instead, it left us with more questions than answers and a lot of cringeworthy moments that still haunt us to this day. 

First, let’s talk about the most baffling addition to the Star Wars lore: Midi-chlorians. For those of you who might have blocked this out of your memory, the concept of Midi-chlorians introduces a biological explanation for the Force, turning something mystical and awe-inspiring into an inconvenient science lesson. It completely undermines the magic of the Force and shifts it from being something universal to just some cells that dictate who’s strong in the Force. It was the ultimate Jedi buzzkill, and it felt like a massive mistake from a narrative standpoint. 

Now, onto the acting. Jake Lloyd, the young Anakin Skywalker, is certainly not the most compelling lead in a galaxy far, far away. His performance is stiff, wooden, and awkward to the point where it’s almost painful to watch. Natalie Portman as Queen Amidala fares a bit better, but the age gap between her and Jake Lloyd was distracting, particularly since the film focuses heavily on Anakin’s “childhood,” making their relationship and the budding connection between them seem… off. There’s no chemistry, and the dialogue doesn’t help. It’s hard to believe that this would evolve into the love story we get in Attack of the Clones. 

Speaking of things that were hyped and then let down—Darth Maul. This character was marketed as the next big villain. The anticipation for his epic duel with Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn was through the roof, yet what did we get? A lot of cool moments and… that’s it. Maul barely spoke—he had almost no lines—and his death scene was forgettable at best. For someone with such a striking appearance, his role in the film felt utterly wasted. His character’s potential was massive, and it’s tragic that he was reduced to an expendable villain who couldn’t even finish what he started. 

And don’t get me started on Jar Jar Binks. Not even going there—everyone knows how that character took away any seriousness the film might have had, offering “comedic relief” that was just painful to watch. 

But the biggest crime? The pacing. There were long stretches of mind-numbing political discussions about trade routes and galactic tariffs that went nowhere and added nothing to the story. In the meantime, the stakes felt pretty low, with the big finale feeling more like a formality than a truly exciting moment. 

The Phantom Menace is a film that tried to introduce a new generation to Star Wars but did so with a disjointed, confusing narrative that relied on bad acting, a ridiculous subplot, and an underwhelming villain. It’s a frustratingly mediocre experience for fans who had been waiting years for the prequels to return. While it gave us some cool visuals, it failed to capture the magic of the original trilogy, leaving us wondering if George Lucas had lost his touch—or if the Force was just not strong with this one. 

#8. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith 

Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith lands at #8 on my list, and while it has some redeeming qualities, it also makes some significant missteps that keep it from reaching its full potential. First, Hayden Christensen’s performance as Anakin Skywalker continues to be a struggle. His portrayal of Anakin’s emotional descent feels forced, and the chemistry with Natalie Portman in the scenes with Padmé is almost non-existent. The dialogue doesn’t help either, with awkward lines that make it hard to buy into the supposed emotional weight of the character’s arc. 

The biggest flaw in Revenge of the Sith, however, is how the Jedi Council is portrayed. Their poor decisions, particularly when they ask Anakin to spy on Palpatine, completely undermine their moral high ground. The Jedi’s actions, especially Mace Windu’s moment when he tells Anakin that Palpatine is “too dangerous to be left alive,” feel out of character. These actions push Anakin toward the dark side and, instead of the Jedi being noble heroes, they come off as paranoid, power-hungry, and morally compromised. This makes it hard for the audience to sympathize with them as they fall. 

While the film does a decent job of setting up Anakin’s eventual turn to Darth Vader, it suffers from rushed pacing and missed emotional beats. The Jedi purge feels rushed, and the action-heavy finale, while thrilling, doesn’t offer enough time to fully process the devastation that’s unfolding. In the end, Revenge of the Sith is a film that has its moments but is bogged down by clunky performances, weak storytelling, and choices that don’t fit with the established characters. It’s a decent conclusion to the prequel trilogy but not the masterstroke it could have been. 

#7. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones  

Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones comes in at #7 on my list, and while it has its strengths, it also suffers from some major missteps that hold it back from being a truly great entry in the saga. One of the standout elements is Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi. His journey to uncover the truth about the clone army and his investigation into the mysterious plot were engaging and showed a much-needed focus on intrigue and detective work. McGregor’s performance was a shining point in an otherwise uneven film. 

The film’s biggest flaw, however, is the forced romance between Anakin and Padmé. It never quite works, and in fact, it comes across as creepy. Anakin’s incessant pursuit of Padmé, despite her clear discomfort, feels out of place and perpetuates an outdated trope where the male lead repeatedly pushes himself onto the female lead until she eventually succumbs to his advances. What could have been a natural, exciting love story—similar to Han and Leia’s—ultimately fails. A stronger approach would’ve been to make both characters strong, independent, and challenging each other, allowing their love to develop more naturally through shared experiences and respect, not forced affection. 

Another odd and underwhelming plot point is Anakin’s return to Tatooine to “save” his mother. This story felt clunky, a forced attempt to introduce an iconic character like Uncle Owen while also justifying Anakin’s path to the dark side. The emotional beats felt shallow, and it didn’t serve the overall narrative as well as it could have. While Attack of the Clones has some cool moments and strong performances, it’s weighed down by a clunky romance and a lack of emotional depth, making it feel more like a set-up film rather than a fully realized chapter. 

#6. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens 

Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens lands at #6 on my list, and while it did some things right, it also fell short in a few key areas. First off, I’m not one of those Rey haters that the internet loves to throw around. Daisy Ridley did a fantastic job introducing us to Rey, a strong-willed and capable force wielder. She brought a fresh energy to the franchise, and it was nice to see a new generation of heroes stepping up. Plus, Han and Chewie were an absolute blast as the nostalgic “memberberries” from the original trilogy. It was a true pleasure to see them back on screen together. 

However, The Force Awakens didn’t completely win me over. The biggest issue for me was Kylo Ren. His constant emo outbursts were frustrating, and as a villain, he lacked the gravitas I was hoping for. His “conflict” felt more like an adolescent tantrum than a real internal struggle, and it made it harder for me to take him seriously as the big bad. I also felt that there was so much unexplored potential in the chemistry between Poe and Finn. The sexual tension between them was palpable, and I can’t help but feel that the studio missed a huge opportunity by not exploring this dynamic. Why can’t there be LGBTQ+ characters in a galaxy far, far away? As a gay fanboy, I’d have loved to see that explored on-screen—especially since the chemistry was clearly there! 

Then there’s Han Solo’s death. While it was emotionally impactful, I couldn’t help but feel that it undermined Han’s legacy. Killing off such an iconic character made him seem weak, and it stripped away any heroic actions he could have had in this new trilogy. Han Solo deserved better than to be a mere plot device to elevate Kylo Ren’s story. The film’s nostalgia trip was fun, but it ultimately didn’t live up to the potential of the story it was trying to tell. The Force Awakens was a strong step into the new era of Star Wars, but there were some key moments that didn’t sit well with me as a fan. 

#5. Solo: A Star Wars Story 

Coming in at #5: Solo: A Star Wars Story is a film I genuinely enjoyed. The exploration of Han Solo’s backstory was an absolute blast, giving us a deeper dive into how the iconic smuggler became the character we all know and love. Alden Ehrenreich did a fantastic job stepping into Harrison Ford’s shoes, bringing a younger, scrappier version of Han to life. I was fully invested in seeing how his journey unfolded, from his first meeting with Chewbacca to the iconic Kessel Run. The action was fun, the pacing was solid, and the dynamic between the characters worked well. 

What really surprised me was how much potential this movie had. It felt like the beginning of what could have been a fantastic Han Solo trilogy, exploring more of his past, his relationships, and further developing his iconic rogue persona. There were a lot of loose ends in the plot that I was excited to see explored, and honestly, I’m still bummed that the studio gave up on this idea. There’s so much more to Han’s story that could have been told, and I feel like Ron Howard did a fantastic job at helming the film and would have loved to see where else he could take the characters. The film was a great adventure, and I can’t help but think about what could have been if the studio had committed to exploring this corner of the galaxy further. 

#4. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story 

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is hands down one of the strongest entries in the Star Wars franchise, and it rightfully earns its place near the top of my list. The film successfully expanded the Star Wars universe in a way that felt fresh and new, introducing a group of characters who were compelling, complex, and downright unforgettable. The story, focusing on the team who stole the Death Star plans, was both thrilling and emotional, with Felicity Jones delivering an excellent performance as Jyn Erso. 

The one thing that stuck with me, however, was the decision to kill off Galen Erso, Jyn’s father, far too early in the film. His character had so much potential, and I couldn’t help but imagine how much stronger the narrative could have been if Jyn had rescued him—giving her the chance to have him by her side for the rest of the journey. The loss of him felt like a missed opportunity for a deeper father-daughter bond that could have added even more emotional weight to the story. That being said, Rogue One was still an incredible addition to the saga, offering a unique, gritty, and deeply impactful look at the sacrifices made for the Rebellion. It was a satisfying and intense ride that solidified itself as one of the best Star Wars stories ever told. 

#3. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi 

Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi holds a special place in my heart as the film that concluded the original trilogy and wrapped up the epic journey of the Rebel Alliance. As a kid, Return of the Jedi was actually at the top of my list, and I loved the Ewoks and the thrilling battles, but now that I’m a writer myself, I can’t help but see some of the storytelling flaws that knock it down a few pegs in my ranking. 

The Endor mission, for example, felt a bit underwhelming in hindsight. The whole plot revolving around “taking down the shields” of the newly constructed Death Star, just so they could almost blow it up shot for shot like they did in the original film, felt a little repetitive and less creative. Seriously, how many Death Stars does the Empire need to build? The trope of creating a massive space station to destroy planets seemed almost like a missed opportunity for something bigger and better, and the Empire’s creative evil plans started to feel a bit stale. This same issue is echoed again in The Force Awakens, where it almost feels like the Empire is stuck in a loop of destruction rather than trying new, innovative ways to assert their dominance. 

That being said, Return of the Jedi still offers some truly memorable and fun sequences, and it holds a certain nostalgic charm for me every time I watch it. Whether it’s the Death Star trench run, Luke’s redemption, or the classic Imperial march, the film remains a fan favorite for its rich character arcs, climactic battles, and emotional moments. 

#2. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope 

Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope is where it all began—the spark that ignited one of the most iconic franchises in cinematic history. Despite the oddity of starting with the fourth chapter of the story, this film introduced us to the legendary characters that would forever be ingrained in pop culture: Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and the unforgettable droids C-3PO and R2-D2. 

At the heart of this groundbreaking film is the looming menace of Darth Vader, whose presence alone set the stage for a galactic battle between good and evil. A New Hope captured the imagination of audiences and laid the foundation for a space opera that would transcend generations. 

It’s impossible to overstate how much this film did to change the landscape of cinema. From the first time the title crawls across the screen to the iconic Death Star trench run, everything about this film felt new and revolutionary. This is the fire that started it all and still burns brightly in the hearts of fans worldwide. A New Hope will always remain a pivotal moment in movie history, and the beginning of Luke’s journey to becoming a Jedi is, and always will be, a cinematic classic. 

#1. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back 

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back is without a doubt my all-time favorite film in the franchise. This movie has everything—a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and action. But for me, it’s truly Han Solo’s movie. He steals the show with multiple acts of heroism, securing his place as one of my favorite action heroes of all time. 

Han’s character arc is what makes this film so special: he saves Luke on Hoth, helps Leia escape from Darth Vader, and ultimately sacrifices himself so that Leia can be protected. The love story between Leia and Han doesn’t feel forced at all—it grows naturally, driven by their chemistry and the dangers they face together. On top of that, we have Frank Oz’s unforgettable performance as Yoda, guiding Luke on his journey to becoming a Jedi, but for me, the real excitement comes from Han, who, in my opinion, is cooler than any Jedi. 

Everything about this film is perfect, from its darker tone to its unexpected twists, making it a standout entry not just in the Star Wars saga, but in cinematic history. The Empire Strikes Back is the movie that elevated the franchise to legendary status, and it will always be my ultimate favorite.