A consensus-led ranking of the strongest theatrical Star Wars films, balancing storytelling, filmmaking, saga importance, rewatchability, and recurring placement in reputable movie rankings.
The saga’s defining sequel combines emotional depth, visual invention, unforgettable characters, and unusually confident dramatic stakes.
Repeatedly identified as the franchise benchmark in supplied rankings, with broad critical and fan consensus behind its lasting reputation.We earn commission from qualifying purchases.
The original remains a landmark adventure whose elegant mythic structure, characters, music, and visual language launched the modern saga.
Supplied rankings consistently place it near the top, while editorial commentary treats it as the foundational Star Wars experience.We earn commission from qualifying purchases.
This ambitious prequel delivers operatic tragedy, strong performances, and a powerful bridge into the original trilogy’s mythology.
Multiple supplied rankings place it among the best Star Wars films, especially for its tragic arc and connection to the original trilogy.We earn commission from qualifying purchases.
A striking standalone war film, Rogue One adds grounded stakes and memorable sacrifice while expanding the saga beyond its central family story.
Supplied editorial rankings repeatedly recognize its distinctive tone, high aspirations, and strong standalone impact.We earn commission from qualifying purchases.
The Last Jedi takes bold thematic risks, features exceptional set pieces, and remains one of the saga’s most visually assured modern entries.
Its placement varies more than the top four, but supplied commentary and rankings recognize its ambition, craft, and memorable sequences.We earn commission from qualifying purchases.
Three independent write-ins unlock an honorable mention. The 10 strongest active mentions are shown; inactive mentions archive after 12 months. At 25 recent votes, a contender is scored for possible automatic Top 5 promotion.
No honorable mentions yet. Community suggestions appear below while they gather support.
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The five criteria create the AI baseline. The community adjustment is then added or subtracted to produce the current published score.
| Criterion | #1The Empire Strikes Back | #2Star Wars: A New Hope | #3Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith | #4Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | #5Star Wars: The Last Jedi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98 | 96 | 91 | 90 | 85 | |
| 97 | 95 | 88 | 91 | 94 | |
| 98 | 100 | 95 | 88 | 86 | |
| 95 | 94 | 90 | 90 | 88 | |
| 94 | 90 | 90 | 86 | 82 | |
| AI baseline scoreWeighted criteria result | 96.7 | 95.3 | 90.8 | 89.3 | 87.5 |
| Community adjustmentVote-share influence | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Current published scoreBaseline + community | 97 | 95 | 91 | 89 | 88 |
The five criteria create the AI baseline. The community adjustment is then added or subtracted to produce the current published score.
| Criterion | #1The Empire Strikes Back | #2Star Wars: A New Hope | #3Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith | #4Rogue One: A Star Wars Story | #5Star Wars: The Last Jedi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98 | 96 | 91 | 90 | 85 | |
| 97 | 95 | 88 | 91 | 94 | |
| 98 | 100 | 95 | 88 | 86 | |
| 95 | 94 | 90 | 90 | 88 | |
| 94 | 90 | 90 | 86 | 82 | |
| AI baseline scoreWeighted criteria result | 96.7 | 95.3 | 90.8 | 89.3 | 87.5 |
| Community adjustmentVote-share influence | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Current published scoreBaseline + community | 97 | 95 | 91 | 89 | 88 |
Choose any two contenders.
We’ll line up what matters.
1980
1977
Irvin Kershner
George Lucas
Episode V
Episode IV
124 minutes
121 minutes
Sequel to A New Hope
Original theatrical film
Scores synthesize recurring placements and critical commentary in supplied Rotten Tomatoes, IGN, IndieWire, Metacritic, Entertainment Weekly, and other editorial rankings. The list emphasizes durable all-around quality rather than release recency.