The top 15 best performances in Star Wars

13. Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron

Poe Dameron is the impulsive, wise-cracking Resistance pilot that General Organa trusts more than anyone, who also gets himself in trouble by acting first and thinking later. And Oscar Isaac was the perfect actor to portray the character. Poe exhibits passionate resolve throughout the sequel trilogy, taking initiative again and again and yet reluctant to be considered a leader. Isaac’s performance brings some well-placed comic relief, especially in The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, but he’s also fiercely committed to his friends.

Isaac’s standout performance as Poe Dameron comes in the final act of The Rise of Skywalker when he becomes acting general after Leia dies. Though he’s reluctant to take the mantle of leadership, he eventually rises to the occasion and leads the Resistance fleet to battle against the Final Order on Exegol. During the battle, Isaac demonstrates both moments of sheer confidence and dire hopelessness, making Poe one of the bright spots of the sequel trilogy.