So... Who's the Best (and Worst) Star Wars Character?
Well, today we're going to rank a large portion characters from this massive galaxy far, far away. And to be honest? I'm nervous, because I'm 100% sure I'm about to commit at lest one pop culture crime here. But hey... let's see how bad it gets
Before we get into the names themselves, let's break down the categories, from the absolute bottom of the Sarlacc pit to the shining peak of Jedi legend.
Bantha Poodoo - The lowest of the low. These are the characters who absolutely deserve to be deleted from canon. Remove them and the story wouldn't just survive...it might actually get better.
Lost in the Outer Rim - Our forgettable bunch. The ones you barely remeber existed and who added nothing to the story
Just Another Moisture Farmer - Characters you don't love, don't hate...they just exist
Cantina Regulars - The "fun but not famous" crowd. You like them, you remember them, but they're far from headlinning the next trilogy
Hidden Kyber Crystals - The underrated and underappreciated. The ones who deserved more screen time and fan love.
Holocron Icons - Instantly recognizable faces. The moment you see them, you think Star Wars, and you'd never dream of erasing them.
Chosen Ones - The legends. The ones who broke through pop culture, ended up on tatoos, and shaped the lives of countless fans.
The Living Force Itself - No competition here. This is reserved for the true gods of Star Wars
Now that we've laid out our categories...let's get ranking
Bantha Poodoo
Kylo Ren
Alright, let's get this over with. Yes, I'm putting Kylo Ren in the "deserves to be deleted" category. But hear me out: I'm not doing this because of the sequel trilogy disaster (okay, maybe a little). I'm doing it because he had so much potential...and it went completely to waste.
His journey was clearly inspired by Jacen Solo's arc from the Legends continuity, which, by the way, was amazing. But in the sequels? Thanks to zero long-therm planning, no one really knew what to do with him,
In The Force Awakens, he's the villain who kills Han Solo. Brutal. In The Last Jedi, he kills Snoke and you think, "Oh, this guy's about to be the ultimate trilogy villain!" And then... In The Rise of Skywalker, they just slap on a half-baked redemption arc so he can end up a good guy.
Kylo Ren wasn't a bad idea, he was a victim of poor planning and a lack of vision. So, putting him here isn't about hating the character; it's about saying he deserves a full do-over. Wipe the slate clean and give him the trilogy he should've had from the start.
Lost in the Outer Rim
Let's be completely honest here, while making this list, I went down the rabbit hole of Star Wars characters, and a lot of them ended up in this category. We're talking everyone from Jedi Masters who showed up in exactly one episode of The Clone Wars to random Inquisitors.
But instead of ratting off a dozen "Who was that again?" names, let's talk about the one rare gem in this otherwise forgettable bunch, a character who's worth mentioning: Embo
Embo's a bounty hunter who pops up here and there across various Star Wars stories. And visually? I think he's great, especially with that giant Kung Lao-style hat. But let's be real: he's never had anything close to a meaningful spotlight. He's usually just that background enforcer who looks cool but does nothing memorable.
Which is why I was stunned when it was confirmed that he might actually be the main villain in the upcoming Mandalorian & Grogu movie. Will it work? Can you really take such a "meh" character and make him the big threat of a feature film?
Well...while it sound risky, it could also be Embo's redemption arc, his shot at finally becoming more than just another forgettable face in the galaxy
Just Another Moisture Farmer
Savage Opress
Yes, he's Darth Maul brother, but honestly, he's basically Maul's "tank" variant. Sure, he got a fair amount of screentime in The Clone Wars, but he never had a meaningful arc, deep motivations, or much emotional range. Could he have been better developed? Absolutely. Is he forgettable? Not quite. He's just...big, angry, and there
Snoke
Ah, Snoke. Once upon a time, he was dripping with mystery and fan theories, some people swore he was secretly Darth Sidious in disguise. The possibilities were endless...until The Last Jedi, when Kylo Ren sliced him in half. I would't have minded that twist if Kylo had then been the big villain of the trilogy. But nope, turns out Snoke was just a Palpatine pupped. He's not forgettable per se, because he really did shake the fandom at the time, but in hindsight...there's not much left to hold onto.
Fifth Brother & Ninth Sister
These inquisitors (Rebels, Obi-Wan Keboni, and Fallen Order) are pure muscle with zero personality. Even Ninth Sister's boss fight in Fallen Order was way easier than it should've been. And no, that's not me flexing gamer skills. Quite the opposite.
Cantina Regulars
Second Sister
Among the Inquisitors, she's the most compelling. Cool origin story, redemption arc, actual emotional depth. Easily the standout in her creepy little family
Shaak Ti
A Togruta Jedi Master (same species as Ahsoka) and a high-ranking general in the Clone Wars. She's most famous for...dying. A lot. I think she racked up about 15 on-screen deaths in various media, none of them definitive. Fun trivia, but not much else to anchor her character
Kit Fisto
Charming smile. Solid Clone Wars presence. Sadly, cut down far too quickly by Palpatine in Revenge of the Sith
Mother Talzin
Witchy, mysterious, and Maul's mom. She's cool, but never given enough to make her truly unforgettable
Chirrut Îmwe & Baze Malbus
This Rogue One duo works because of their chemistry. Chirrut's blind, unwavering faith in the Force plays perfectly against Baze's cynical, heavyly armed realism. Great dynamic, emotional impact, but their big-screen time wasn't enough to cement them as Star Wars Legends.
Hondo Ohnaka
The Jack Sparrow of Star Wars. Hilarious, unpredictable, and a fan favorite in Rebels. But still a side act.
Jango Fett
Sorry, Jango. You're interesting, but you've been overshadowed by your own son. You deserved more stories, instead, you got "that guy who Boba came from"
Barriss Offee
Her Clone Wars arc, especially her clash with Ahsoka is one of the most compelling Jedi betrayal stories. Her ending? Not as satisfying. Still, a solid, complete character
Pre Vizsla
A major player in The Clone Wars Mandalorian storyline and central to the Darksaber's lore. Big impact, but not enough charisma to rise higher.
Aayla Secura
One of the most memorable Jedi Masters outside the main films, with appearances in games and animation. Strong presence, but not a top-tier icon.
Finn
Ah, Finn. Another sequel trilogy victim of messy writing. Introduced with tons of potential, but ended up spending most of his screentime yelling "REY!" at the top of his lungs.
Hidden Kyber Crystals
Grand Inquisitor
Funny thing about the Grand Inquisitor, most casual fans don't realize he was a master of every single lightsaber combat form, from Form I to Form VII. The guy could've run a masterclass in "How to Ruin a Jedi Day." His entire arc in Rebels was surprisingly well-developed, and if you dig into the Darth Vader comics, his fate is...well, grim. Vader literally traps his spirit in the material world, forcing him into an eternal, restless purgatory. Imagine working for the Sith, failing once, and then neigh stuck in your own horror movie forever. Rough
Asajj Ventress
Born from an alternate concept art for Darth Maul, Asajj Ventress became a powerhouse character in her own right. We've seen her whole life play out, from dark side assassin to complex antihero and she's still getting new stories. Honestly, she's one of the most underrated characters in the galaxy. She deserves way more conversation than she gets, especially considering she could probably beat half the Sith in a lightsaber duel before breakfast
Saw Gerrera
Saw is like "extreme sports" version of a Rebel. Appering everywhere from Clone Wars to Rogue One, he's the guy who took Rebellion's playbook and said, "Nah, too soft". His guerrilla tactics were so brutal, even the Rebels thought he'd gone too far. He's fascinating mix of political idealism paranoia, and moral compromisse, yet somehow, he's still not talked about enough. Maybe because the galaxy isn't ready to admit he kind of had a point.
Bad Batch
This genetically enhanced squad of clones had their own excellent series...which not enough people actually watched. Each member has unique abilities, basically turning them into the Star Wars version of the X-Men. Their story ends on an emotional high note, but they deserved way more spotlight in the larger Star Wars universe. Honestly, if you skipped their show, you're missing some of the beast clone storytelling out there.
Wolffe & Cody
These two clones have solid reputations among fans, but let's be real, they're still living in Rex's shadow. Cody especially has huge gaps in his story that have never been filled. Untill we get more on what happened after Order 66, they'll remain "cool side characters" rather than fully fleshed-out legends.
Jyn Erso
One of the best original characters Disney has brought into Star Wars, and yet...she's been criminally underused. With Andor proving there's audience for gritty, character-driven Star Wars, there's no excuse no to bring Jyn back. Felicity Jones has the chops to deliver an epic standalone, and the character's blend of reluctant heroism and moral grit is a goldmine waiting to be tapped.
KI-Adi-Mundi
The man, the myth, the multiple wives. Thanks to his species near-extinction, Jedi Council member Ki-Adi-Mundi got a rare pass to byoass the Jedi "no attachment" rule...for reproductuion purposes, of course. Beyond that spicy trivia, he's got rich lore and political depth that barely gets touched in the films. The more you learn about him, the more you realize he could anchor an entire series
Zeb Orrelios
At first glance in Rebels, Zeb seems like the muscle-bound comic relief. In reality, he's carrying the emotional trauma of being one of the last survivours of his species after an Imperial massacre. Beneath the banter is a skilled tactician and a deeply honorable warrior. His humor isn't just for laughs, it's a survival mechanism. Honestly, he deserves way more credit as one of Star Wars most well-rounded supporting characters.
Council-Worthy
Darth Bane
The Sith lord who came up with the infamous "Rule of Two." Without him, the Sith probably wouldn't have rebuilt their power, orchestrated their rise, or pulled off the coup that gave them control of the galaxy. If you want to understand the twisted, cunning philosophy of the Sith, his Rule of Two novel is a must read, a fascinating deep dive into the dark side's political chess game. A pivotal figure who literally rewrote the galatic power playbook
Plo Koon
One of the most well-developed Jedi Masters in the franchise, and, fun fact, the one who discovered Ahsoka Tano and brought her into the Jedi Order. Beloved by Dave Filoni, Plo Koon's bond with the Clones is both heartfelt and inspiring. Easily one of my personal favorites among the Jedi, not just for his skills but for his depth as a mentor and the important role he plays in Ahsoka's journey.
Count Dooku
Not the most iconic name in the galaxy, but absolutely one of the most important. A master dualist, complex thinker, and disillusioned Jedi who left the Order not for raw power, but because he disagreed with its growing political dependency on the Senate. Christopher Lee's legendary performance elevated him even further, and expanded lore has only deepened his intrigue. Dooku is the kind of villain you can't help but respect even if he's trying to kill you.
Darth Plagueis
Do I even need to explain? The master of one of the greatest villains in galactic history. A brilliant and terrifying mind who uncovered hidden truths of the dark side and wielded incredible influence. Until, of course, the famous Tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise. Even though The Acolyte fumbled the ball, his brief appearance still had me hoping for a proper story that digs into his life and legacy
Mace Windu
One of the defining Jedi of the Clone Wars era, and a man of many layers. He famously walked the fine line between light and dark, channeling his agression without falling into corruption. And let's be real, he was right about Anakin. Personally, I'd love to see Samuel L Jackson back in the role for one last hurrah. With Bryce Dallas Howard directing, it could be a powerhouse comeback.
The Mortis Family
While technically "gods" within Star Wars lore, they sit just a little below that level in practice. Introduced in The Clone Wars, their metaphysical symbolism is one of the franchise's most fascinating pieces of mythos. The Son as the dark side, the Daughter as the light, and the Father as balance. If the Ahsoka series actually brings them into live-action in season two, it could be a game-changer for the Force's on-screen mythology.
Padmé Amidala
Often underrated, but absolutelu crucial to the saga. As Queen and later Senator of Naboo, she was one of the loudest voices against the Senate corruption and the creeping authoritariasnism that brithed the Empire. She was also Anakin's emotional anchor, connecting him to a life beyond war, and ultimately to his downfall. Without Padmé, Star Wars as we know it wouldn't exist.
Lando Calrissian
The definition of smooth. Almost iconic, but not quite there yet. Billy Dee Williams made him charming and effortlessly cool, and Donald Glover nailed his younger self to perfection. A fan-favorite who gets better with every appearance and honestly, the more screen time, the better.
Grand Admiral Thrawn
Part of me wants to crown him as iconic alredy, but realistically, he's just shy of that status. His original Heir to the Empire trilogy in the 80s was phenomenal, and his reintroduction in Rebels solidified him as one of the franchise's sharpest villains. Now, with his live-action debut in Ahsoka, the stage is set. If he ends up the big bad in a Mandoverse movie, Thrawn could make the leap from "fan favorite" to "legend"
Ezra Bridger
One of Rebels most compelling arcs, from an irritating street kid on Lothal to a Jedi who makes galaxy-changing sacrifices. His refusal to let Palpatini access the World Between Worlds, even at the cost of reuniting with his parents, was the kind of selfless hero moment that sticks with you. His live-action version has only made me more excited for what's next
Cal Kestis
Like Ezra, Cal's journey is one worth following closely. The second Jedi: Survivour game deepened his character, exploring his struggle with the dark side. Now we just need to see how his story ends and hopefully, see him step off the gaming screen and into a live-action series or film. He's got all the infredients to become iconic if Lucasfilm plays it right
Captain Rex
Rex isn't just "another clone." He's proof that individuality, honor, and humanity can thrive even in an army bred for obedience. From a disciplined soldier under Anakin's command to a leader who questions orders and fights for what's right, Rex's story is one of the emotional backbones of Clone Wars and Rebels
Cad Bane
If you're a fan of Star Wars underworld stories, Cad Bane is practically royalty. His cold, ruthless demeanor and unforgettable look make kim one of the saga's most memorable bounty hunters. His backstory might not be groundbreaking, but it completes the character in a way that makes him unforgettable.
Bo-Katan Kryze
A cornerstone of Mandalorian culture, developed across The Clone Wars, Rebels, and now The Mandalorian. She's rumored to be in the running for a solo series, an idea I'd take over her sidelining Din Djarin any day. She's a fascinating mix of ambition, tradition, and leadership, and I'm curious to see where her journey goes next.
Kanan Jarrus
A Jedi Knight who survived Order 66 and became a key figure in the early Revelion. As a mentor to Ezra and leader of the Ghost crew, Kanan preserved Jedi teachings in one of the darkest times in history. His sacrifice wasn't just heroic, it was deeply personal and changed the course of the fight against the Empire.
Rey
Love her or hate her, you can't deny she's impotant. No, she's not "iconic" her divisiveness holds her back. But younger audiences have embraced her in a way that matters. I've seen little kids light up at concentions dressed as Rey, and that's the ultimate legacy: introducing a new generation to a galaxy far, far away.
Mon Mothma
Who would've throught that the woman with one single line in Return of the Jedi would end up as one od the most compelling characters in the entire Star Wars galaxy? Her presence was never about bruthe strength, but about the unshakable calm of someone who knows exactly what freedom costs. Both in Rebels and especially in Andor, Mon has managed to stir emotions and give goosebumps with nothing but her words, delivering the same thrill you'd get from an epic space battle. And that, my friends is a rare gift.
Luthen Rael
A relatively new addition to the Star Wars canon, yet alredy one of the most fascinating and enigmatic figures in the saga. In Andor, his actions show a man willing to make sacrifices that border on unthinkable, not out of ego, but because he understands that freedom comes with a hefty price tag, and he's more than ready to foot the bill...even if it costs him his soul. Luthen embodies the idea that the fight against the Empire didn't start with shiny, perfect heroes, but with people ready to dive into the shadows so others could live iin the light.
Director Krennic
Clad in that pristine white cape, Krennic isn't just an Imperial officer he's a man dead set on leaving his mark on the galaxy, no matter the collateral damage. His arrogance, spiced with a calculated charm, constantly puts him at odds with bigger sharks like Tarkin. And honestly? Thar's when shines. Krennic proves that in the Empire, the biggest threat isn't always the Rebellion, it's the backstabbing office politics.
Cassian Andor & K-2SO
Back in 2016, Cassian Andow was introduced as a mysterious, somewhat reserved rebel, some even (wrongly) called him a "budget Han Solo" Fast forward a few years, and Andor became, let''s just say it. The Best Star Wars project since the original trilogy. Yes, I said it. No, I'm not taking it back. Cassian's not your perfect, noble hero, and that's exaclty why he's fascinating. His cunning, adaptability, and sheer survival instinct make him indispensable
And honestly, my heart just melts whnever I see Diego Luna talk about the role. The man loves Star Wars as much as we do, and nowing he got to lead such a gem of a series? That's a "we all win" moment
An of course, we can't skip K-2SO the sassiest, most brutally honest droid in the galaxy. His perfect mix of cold logic and dry humor is the ultimate foil to Cassian's intensity.
Sabine Wren
A free spirit with killer artistic skills and combat talent to match, Sabine Wren is style and efficiency rolled into one. Alredy magnetic in Rebels, she's had a bit of a bumpy start in the Ahsoka series (at least in my opinion), but Natasha Liu Bordizzo absolutely nailed the Live-action portrayal. In fact, she might be the quickest actor to fully "get" the character. I'm very curious to see where her story goes.
Hera Syndulla
The heart and moral compass of the Ghost crew. Hera is a born leader whose strategic mind is matched only by her compassion. She's the perfect balance of command and humanity, inspiring those around her to keep hope alive, even in the darkest times.
Chopper
Sarcastically loyal and absurdly effective, Chopper is proof that a droid can bem much more than just a walking toolkit. His snarky attitude and unconventional methods make kim utterly unforgettable.
Ahsoka
Like it or not, Ahsoka is one of the defining faces of the Disney era of Star Wars. First appearing in 2008's Clone Wars, a creation of George Lucas himself alongside Dave Filoni, she's since become the banner carrier for a new generation. From Clone Wars to Rebels to her own show and Tales of the Jedi, Ashoka's journey is far from over.
Grogu
Ah, Grogu. The little green bundle of merchandising glory. He came out of nowhere and instantly became a pop culture phenomenon. With only 50 years under his belt (and a lifespan of about 900), this little guy has centuries of cuteness left to weaponize. And he doesn't even have to speak to own every scene he's in.
Darth Maul
Sure, he got sliced in half way too early in The Phantom Menace. But Clone Wars gave him a glorious return, cementing him as one of the saga's most iconic figures. He's even about to get his own series, an fun fact. George Lucas originally planned for him to be the main villain of the sequel trilogy.
Chewbacca
Chewie's the kind of icon you can recognize in a blurry photo from across the room. Even people who've never seen a single Star Wars movie can spot him instantly. An honestly? We all wish we had a partner as loyal (and huggeable) as this walking carpet.
The Mandalorian
Din Djarin is proof that you don’t need a lot of dialogue or even a visible face to become a fan favorite. His presence is built on body language, pregnant silences, and a personal code of honor. His bond with Grogu humanizes him in the best possible way, creating one of the most beloved duos in Star Wars history.
Qui-Gon Jinn
If we had more material with Qui-Gon, he’d probably rank among the absolute legends of the saga. Still, he was a crucial figure in the prequels a Jedi Master who uncovered the secret of becoming one with the Force after death, who found and believed in Anakin Skywalker and the prophecy of the Chosen One, and who wasn’t afraid to stand up to the increasingly rigid Jedi Council.
General Grievous
Let’s be honest Grievous could’ve made this list for the “Hello there” meme alone. With one of the coolest designs in the franchise, he debuted in Clone Wars before hitting the big screen. It’s almost comical how the writers bent over backwards to keep him and Anakin apart until Revenge of the Sith. He was underused in the movies, sure, but animation gave him the justice he deserved, becoming the catalyst for some truly spectacular episodes.
Chosen Ones
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Possibly one of the most iconic, legendary, and downright essential Jedi in the galaxy. He’s been everywhere original trilogy, prequels, Clone Wars, Rebels, and more. Obi-Wan isn’t just a beloved Star Wars character; he’s a pop culture monument. People tattoo his quotes, cosplay him, and can recite his lines by heart. He’s as much a part of global geek culture as lightsabers and John Williams scores.
R2-D2
What’s there to say? R2-D2 has transcended “iconic” status he’s legendary. Everyone knows him. Everyone knows those beeps. R2 isn’t just a fan favorite; he’s a pillar of the Star Wars mythology, carrying the very essence of adventure, friendship, and the fight for freedom in his little astromech frame.
Han Solo
Let’s face it Han Solo is pure legend. Played by cinema royalty Harrison Ford who also happens to be Deckard in Blade Runner and Indiana Jones Han’s swagger defined what “cool” means in pop culture. For generations, he’s been the template for the charming rogue, and yes, he’s shaped the personality of more than a few fans.
Leia Organa
Her name echoes across the galaxy as a synonym for courage, leadership, and hope. Princess of Alderaan, senator, general, and resistance icon Leia faced down empires and tyrants with the same determination she used to protect the vulnerable. Smart, sharp, and with a presence that could silence a room, Leia has inspired countless girls in the real world proof that a fictional character can change lives.
C-3PO
You didn’t think I’d split the duo, did you? Sure, he’s a prissy chatterbox who could talk a moisture vaporator into self-destructing, but we still love our golden protocol droid. Even if he does remind you of that one coworker who sends unnecessarily long emails.
Boba Fett
Even before The Empire Strikes Back hit theaters, people were cosplaying as Boba Fett and buying the action figure. Over 50 years later, the mystique is still there. In fact, Boba is basically the reason the entire Mandalorian lore exists. Not bad for a character who, in his original appearances, barely spoke.
Jar Jar Binks
Jar Jar Binks carries a massive weight in cinema history he was the first fully CGI main character in a film. Without Jar Jar walking, Thanos wouldn’t have run, and Gollum wouldn’t have flown. Every CGI icon owes this Gungan a “thank you.”
And here’s a bit of trivia George Lucas himself has said Jar Jar is his favorite Star Wars character. Behind the scenes, though, the story wasn’t all sunshine. Ahmed Best, the actor behind Jar Jar, endured so much fan backlash he nearly took his own life. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend the second season of Light & Magic, the ILM documentary series. It dives deep into the Ahmed Best story, and yes it’s emotional.
Thankfully, both Jar Jar and Ahmed Best got their comeback. Today, they’re celebrated, with Jar Jar even scoring a Fortnite skin as Darth Jar Jar. Somewhere out there, the galaxy is smiling.
Living Force Itself
Yoda
Yoda transcends Star Wars. His design? Iconic. His way of speaking? Instantly recognizable. Even people who’ve never seen a single second of the saga can point at the little green guy and say, “Oh yeah, that’s Yoda.” But beyond the memes and merchandise, what truly makes him special is his wisdom. His teachings cut deep so deep, in fact, that many of us carry them into our own lives. When Yoda says something, it’s not just dialogue… it’s a mic drop.
Palpatine
Shocking to put a villain here? Maybe. But let’s be honest he’s arguably the most iconic villain in all of cinema (with only one other dark figure rivaling him, and you already know who I mean). Palpatine is the ultimate mastermind, manipulating everyone like pieces on a dejarik board, always four steps ahead. And since balance is key to the Force, it’s only fair we put someone from the dark side on the list.
Darth Vader
Was there ever any doubt? This is Darth Vader. Full stop. Everything I said about Palpatine? Multiply it by ten. Vader isn’t just a villain he’s the villain. The most recognizable, most feared, and most culturally influential antagonist in film history. The heavy breathing alone is more iconic than some entire franchises.
Luke Skywalker
Luke didn’t just topple the Empire he restored the spiritual balance of an era drowning in darkness. From a humble moisture farmer on Tatooine to the Jedi Master who faced and redeemed the most feared Sith Lord in history, Luke became a living embodiment of light. He’s not just a hero in Star Wars he’s the gold standard for what a hero is.
Anakin Skywalker
No, I’m not crazy for listing Anakin separately from Vader. This isn’t just a costume change we’re talking about a character whose story is equally fascinating in both personas. Anakin was raw power, unmatched talent, and emotional intensity wrapped into one. He’s the kind of mythic figure who doesn’t just live in the Star Wars narrative he defines it. Without Anakin Skywalker, there is no saga.
And that’s a wrap, folks. This was the massively oversized ranking of Star Wars characters I managed to cram into one article before it started rivaling the length of the Holocron.
Now it’s your turn drop your thoughts in the comments. Who did I nail? Who did I criminally forget? Because let’s be real: there are plenty more characters waiting in the wings, from the Legends era to those obscure fan-favorite side characters you’ll fight me over.
If the Force is willing (and the word count doesn’t crush me first), we’ll do a Part 2—bigger, bolder, and with even more galaxy-sized opinions.