The moment has finally arrived, Rise of Skywalker, the 9th installment of the Skywalker Saga, has hit theaters and Star Wars fans can rejoice! But does it hold up to the rest of the franchise?…
…No.
11. (Worst) Episode IX: Rise of Skywalker
Rise of Skywalker spends too much time preoccupied with undoing the past, that it fails to move forward and give a proper conclusion to the characters of the sequel trilogy. A muddy and disorganized plot and over reliance on fan service over substance drop it last on the list. It’s truly bad, although some Star Wars die hards (even though I do consider myself one) seem to love it. 🤷🏻♂️
High Point: Babu Frik
Low Point: The plot in general
10. Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Episode 2’s god awful dialogue, over-reliance on CG, and cringeworthy performances make it truly difficult to watch. Luckily, the action is awesome, and the deep dive into Star Wars lore is still somewhat worth it.
High Point: Battle of Geonosis
Low Point: “…Sand…”
9. Episode I: The Phantom Menace
While fans who waited nearly 2 decades for it were (rightfully) disappointed, Episode 1 still has the practical effect charm of the original, while boasting phenomenal action sequences. The Podracing and Duel of Fates scenes alone keep it from being at the bottom of this list… even if Jar jar and Midichlorians are unforgivable.
High Point: Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon vs. Darth Maul
Low Point: Jar-Jar
8. Solo: A Star Wars Story
Solo is far from a bad movie, it’s actually quite okay, but it’s ultimately unnecessary. Forgettable action, and far from memorable supporting characters keep it from having a rightful place in the franchise. Aside from a pretty awesome train heist scene, it’s also very lacking in action, although the Wild West feel of it does give it some charm.
High Point: Train robbery
Low Point: Solo’s name origin
Disclaimer: The Jump from 11-8 to 7-1 on this list is very significant in terms of quality (in my honest opinion)
7. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Rogue one is a very intimate story that gets you very close to the characters, and builds great emotional tension around Jyn, the lead character. Her personal story interwoven into the greater Star Wars universe is intriguing, and the classic war movie-esque feel of the action is a fresh take on Star Wars.
High Point: K2-SO
Low Point: Wonky CG’d Princess Leia
6. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
The most divisive Star Wars movie (we’ll see how Ep. 9 plays out) which was praised by critics and torn apart by fans ends up dead center on my list. Personally, I side with the critics on this one. The Last Jedi takes bold steps in a new direction and makes a truly different, and strange, Star Wars adventure. While the risks taken by Rian Johnson angered many, they created the most grounded and character driven entry in the Skywalker Saga. It also opens with the best opening sequence in the franchise since Empire.
High Point: Opening Bombing sequence / Holdo’s Sacrifice
Low Point: Canto Bight / Leia in Space (I still can’t defend that)
5. Episode VII: The Force Awakens
The Force awakens may have been a rehash of A New Hope, but it’s a great one. While the story was similar, The cast of new characters was refreshing. New planets, a return to the practical effects from the CG mush that was the prequels, and a good blend of Nostalgia and new showed that the franchise could be handled well in new hands. The mystery TFA set up left fans wanting more, and re-inspired the wonder the original film did (even if it didn’t pan out in the long run).
High Point: Rey vs Kylo
Low Point: Being a retelling of A New Hope
4. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
The last of the prequels, Episode III sent them out on a high note. Although the dialogue is quite terrible, finally seeing all of the pieces of the prequels fall into place and align with the original trilogy is still, to this day, very satisfying. The opening space battle sequence is truly spectacular and the final showdown between Obi-Wan and Anakin is iconic to the franchise. Episode III was the ending (we thought) that the franchise deserved, and fans wanted.
High Ground: Obi-Wan vs. Anakin
Low Point: Anything Padme says (The dialogue made NATALIE PORTMAN look bad)
3. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Much like Episode III, Return of the Jedi was a perfect wrap up of what the previous entries had set up. Say what you will about the Ewoks, Return of the Jedi boasts great action throughout, and an emotionally resonant conclusion to Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker’s story (we thought).
High Point: Luke vs. Vader
Low Point: (This is a stretch) Changing the songs in Jabba’s Palace and at the end when the Empire falls in the remastered versions. Seriously, George Lucas, why?
1 (Tie). Episode IV: A New Hope (Star Wars)
I decided that I have a tie for my top 2. A New Hope, although culturally recognized, is actually vastly underrated in terms of the Star Wars franchise, in my opinion. A simple idea, great characters with phenomenal chemistry among them, and stunning visual effects (especially for the time) catapulted this film into cinematic immortality and captivated generations of people. Awe inspiring and fantastically thought out and designed, Star Wars (A New Hope) was a borderline perfect film for people of all ages and tastes to enjoy. We owe you, George Lucas.
High Point: Death Star trench run
Low Point: (Actually a high point) the storm trooper banging his head on the door . Seriously if you haven’t seen/noticed this blooper look for it.
1 (Tie). Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
What is widely regarded the best Star Wars movie, is also one of the best films, let alone sequels, of all time. Empire strikes back took the simple idea of good vs. evil and expanded it into a much bigger universe. Empire gave us the best opening sequence in the franchise in the battle of Hoth, introduced us all to Yoda, and gave audiences the showdown of Luke vs Vader that no one was expecting. Iconic in nearly every way, Empire lands at #1.
High Point: Luke vs Vader
Low Point: …I got nothing
FlickFix 