Not all Star Wars movies are created equal—especially when it comes to hitting that play button a third or fourth (or thirtieth or fortieth) time. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, some entries in the saga just beg for repeat viewings. Maybe it’s the pacing, the characters, the action, or that one lightsaber duel you can’t stop thinking about—I'm looking at you, Darth Maul.
But some movies...well, some you watch just once, simply because it's Star Wars, never to pick them up again.
I know, I know...Star Wars lists abound all over the internet. We've even got our own here, where we show you how the movies stack up according to Rotten Tomatoes. But they've got The Last Jedi at No. 4.
That can't be right. Can it?
Today, we’re ranking all 11 live-action Star Wars films—from the ones you can’t help but revisit to the ones that might be better left in the archives. Let’s find out which stories from that galaxy far, far away truly stand the test of time.
1. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Ohhh, coming in hot! There's going to be some old guys out there (easy, I'm forty, I can say that) who will die on the "The Empire Strikes Back is the best" hill. And I won't fight them, because let's be real: Either of these could have taken the first slot. However, we prioritized rewatchability, not overall quality. And Rogue One just has that...something...that makes me want to watch it.
2. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Yes, this could be number one. But it's my list, so I make the rules. Still, there are so many iconic moments in this one that it was tough: Luke and Vader's fight, Luke's parentage, Solo's "I know" and "Never tell me the odds," and even Lando getting choked out by Chewbacca. It's such a classic that it did hurt a bit to put it number two.
You know what? Maybe I'm wrong. You rewatch them and let me know.
3. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Of the prequels, it's easily the best. I could rewatch Anakin and Obi-Wan's fight a dozen times. And that opening space battle?
Just turn it off before the "Nooooo..."
4. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Epic space battle? Check. Adorable Ewoks smashing Stormtroopers? Check. Luke being a Jedi—a real Jedi—for the first time? Check.
5. Episode IV: A New Hope
A classic from the get-go. We meet the crew for the first time, have the most epic opening in cinema history, and see the most iconic ship in Star Wars (hint, it's not what you think—find out here).
6. Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Okay, I said rewatchability, not quality. I want to hammer that point home right now, because this movie...it's just such a roller coaster. Jar Jar Binks? Baby Anakin 'accidentally' taking out the Droid Battlestation? Come on...
But then there's pod racing, Darth Maul, and Liam Neeson as a Jedi. The highs and lows are wild in this movie.
7. Solo: A Star Wars Story
Stop yelling at me. Please? I can hear you. This movie is NOT that bad. Go back. Give it a second try. There are some incredible action sequences and set pieces. A little cheesy, but definitely worth a rewatch.
8. Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Worst of the prequels. We can agree on that. Go rewatch Obi-Wan fight Boba Fett. He gets knocked down, then gets up like a forty-year-old man (I know, because that's how I get up). Not to mention "I hate sand..."
It could have been so much better.
9. Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Here we go. We made it, guys and gals: the best of the worst. I know people who claim these movies don't exist. I disagree. We need to remember them, so it doesn't happen again. So much potential, so much excitement. I loved Rey in this one. And Finn. And Poe. Even Kylo Ren. When he freezes that blaster bolt? Come on! That's cool!
But remaking A New Hope with a bigger Death Star wasn't the way to go.
10. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
Ooohhh, are you yelling at me again? "Somehow Palpatine returned" isn't in last place? Trust me, that says more about the next film than it does this one.
11. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
I just...I don't want to talk about it. They did Luke dirty. Then "Superman Leia?" And we have to watch the world's slowest chase in space? Bleh...
But when Holdo 'hyperspaced' through the Supremacy? *Chef's Kiss* The greatest visual in almost all of Star Wars. But one visual cannot redeem this movie.
Well...someone around here thinks it can.
More from Dork Side of the Force: