Ranking the Original 6 Star Wars Movies: From Worst to Best

 

With a franchise as beloved and iconic as Star Wars, opinions on the best and worst movies in the series can vary greatly among fans. However, there are certain films that tend to consistently rank lower or higher in peoples lists. Here’s my ranking of the six main Star Wars movies, from worst to best:

 

 

6. Attack of the Clones


Let’s get the worst of the Star Wars movies out of the way quickly – Attack of the Clones. This film suffers from the middle movie curse, as it tries to bridge the gap between the innocent Anakin in Episode I and the eventual Darth Vader in Episode III. However, the overreliance on CGI sets, the boring senate scenes, and the awkward romantic conversations between Anakin and Padmé make this movie a disappointing entry in the saga.

5. The Phantom Menace


The first prequel Star Wars movie also has its fair share of issues, including poor CGI and the fact that the young Anakin, played by Jake Lloyd, can’t deliver a convincing performance. The story of a young Darth Vader before he turns evil isn’t particularly interesting, and the movie has been criticized for lacking substance.

4. Revenge of the Sith


Although Revenge of the Sith is the prequel movie that fans were waiting for, as it depicts Anakin’s turn to the dark side and becoming Darth Vader, it falls short in some areas. The storyline feels forced at times, with Anakin’s journey to the dark side being driven by poor relationship advice and questionable decision-making skills. Despite some redeeming moments, this film could have been better.

3. Return of the Jedi


The final film in the original Star Wars trilogy is often regarded as the weakest of the three, but it’s still a great movie. The opening sequence with Luke and his friends saving Han from Jabba the Hutt is iconic, and the redemption moment between Luke and Darth Vader is unforgettable. However, the Ewoks and the incestual implications between Luke and Leia are low points in an otherwise satisfying conclusion to the original trilogy.

2. A New Hope


The movie that started it all, A New Hope, holds a special place in the hearts of Star Wars fans. Its simplicity and relatable story of a young hero striving to be a part of something bigger resonates with audiences. The film’s setting in space, the introduction of iconic characters like Princess Leia and Darth Vader, and its impact on popular culture make it a classic that fans keep coming back to.

1. The Empire Strikes Back

Topping the list as the best Star Wars movie ever is The Empire Strikes Back. This film is widely regarded as a rare sequel that surpasses the original in terms of action, heart, and storytelling. The darker tone, the reveal of Darth Vader as Luke’s father, and the development of the characters and their relationships make The Empire Strikes Back a standout entry in the Star Wars saga.

In conclusion, while opinions on the best and worst Star Wars movies may vary, Attack of the Clones is often considered the weakest, while The Empire Strikes Back is widely regarded as the best. Whether you agree or not, there’s no denying the impact and popularity of the Star Wars franchise.