All The Star Wars Movies Reviewed: A Complete Guide

We think it’s safe to say that there are very few people in the modern world who don’t know about Star Wars. Whether you’ve been watching them since you were young, love the Sith or the fluffy little Porgs, know the name of every species on every planet, or whether you’re a newbie, Star Wars is an exciting, fun-filled sci-fi ride. George Lucas’ epic tales have been at the forefront of futuristic entertainment since they first debuted in 1977. The characters of the Star Wars universe have enthralled and entertained generation after generation, and they’re not showing any sign of slowing down. Now, in the golden age of television, we can watch not only the movies on demand but also the Star Wars series that have started popping up over the last few years.

If you’re a newbie to the wonderful world of Star Wars, we’ve got you covered. We’ve listed all of the Star Wars movies and ranked them, for your viewing pleasure. While we do recommend that first-time watchers watch the films in chronological order (the order in which they were released, not chronologically as the storyline goes), now you know what you’re in for! Read on for the ultimate Star Wars ranking list.

Films

The Clone Wars (2008)

As more and more of the universe gets drawn into the Clone Wars, the Jedis embark on a dangerous mission. The evil Count Dookoo is plotting against them, of course, while Yoda and Obi-Wan lead the clones against the Dark Side.

Episode 1: The Phantom Menace (1999)

We meet Obi-Wan as a young man, apprenticing under Qi-Gon Jinn, and Anakin Skywalker is only nine years old, a lifetime away from all the damage he will cause. The Jedi are sent to investigate the cutting off of trade routes to Naboo. Overflowing with filler characters with no exciting attributes, the Phantom Menace is bumpy and predictable, albeit visually dazzling.

Episode 2: Attack of the Clones (2002)

Ten years on from the events of the Phantom Menace and the Republic is still in chaos…the Clone Wars are coming. While the action is certainly worthwhile and the script is a lot more interesting than the previous installment, the characters remain undeveloped.

Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Three years after the start of the Clone Wars, we start to see the cracks in Anakin Skywalkers’ smooth veneer. The Jedi begin to suspect that all is not well between him and Chancellor Palpatine and Anakin’s bitterness pushes him towards the dark side. Definitely the best of the 2000’s Star Wars releases.

Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

We finally get a look into how Han Solo became Han Solo. We meet a young Solo as he finds adventure and meets Chewbacca for the first time. He’s in trouble with some galactic gangsters, so the crew of the Millennium Falcon concocts a plan to steal coaxium from the mining planet Kessel. It’s fast-paced, adventurous, and fun, but not as much of a deep dive as the best of the Star Wars franchise.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

Another branch into the Star Wars universe and characters who contribute to the overall story without us knowing it. Jyn Erso finds her place in the rebellion, not knowing that her long-lost father is now a member of the opposing team. Visually stunning, with a gripping storyline and performances by all the actors.

Episode 4: A New Hope (1977)

The film that started it all. The Imperial forces hold Leia hostage and attempt to quell the rising rebellion. Luke, along with the crew of the Millenium Falcon, attempts to rescue her and aid in restoring freedom to the galaxy. A legendary film and the start of one of the greatest film dynasties in the world.

Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Luke, Leia, Han, and Chewy fight the Empire on the ice planet Hoth. Luke travels a long way to meet Yoda. One of the darkest and most sinister of all the films, this one has action, emotion, and brings excitement to new heights.

Episode 6: Return of the Jedi (1983)

One of the classics. We join Luke as he takes on Jabba the Hutt and Darth Vader. Han and Leia reaffirm their love, C3PO and R2DT join the Ewoks to disrupt the Dark Side’s plans. While it’s not as cinematically exciting as the rest of the early films, it’s the perfect wrap-up for the trilogy.

Episode 7: The Force Awakens (2015)

The perfect meeting point for old and new characters. With the Galactic Empire long gone, a new threat arises in the form of Kylo Ren. This film brought back the feeling that the older installments gave to fans and restored glory to the franchise.

Episode 8: The Last Jedi (2017)

The force awakens in young Rey, as she leaves the only home she’s ever known in search of a bigger life. Kylo Ren, along with the First Order, moves against Leia and the rebels. It’s a rich and complex story: full of action and emotion.

Episode 9: The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)

Fan service is the word here. The rebels race against the clock to find Emperor Palpatine, Finn, and Poe lead the resistance against the First Order and Rey anticipates the fight she must inevitably face up to with Kylo Ren. The cast is wonderful, and it’s a difficult task tying up all those plotlines, but pandering wasn’t the answer.

Wrap Up

The Star Wars franchise is the perfect blend of excitement, nostalgia, and characters with real emotion, what’s not to love!  If you want a bigger dose of Star Wars than the films can offer, there are a number of exciting Star Wars series now available to stream. The original Star Wars animated series, Droids and Ewoks, ran from 1985 to 1987, The Clone Wars ran from 2008 to 2020, Resistance ran from 2018 to 2020 and the Bad Batch began last year: all animated. The Mandalorian live-action series started in 2019 and is ongoing and The Book of Boba Fett began last year and is ongoing as well.