Coolness rarely distinguishes between fame and infamy: in other words, it doesn't really matter if a Star Wars character is virtuous or wicked. Master Yoda's statement — "Luminous beings are we... not this crude matter" — includes every living soul in the Galaxy, from Padmé to Palpatine and everyone in between.
The coolest characters, however, are usually those who consistently overcome the odds stacked against them. Although these individuals are almost always underdogs, there are a few overpowered characters who are just as memorable. That being said, any coolness-based Star Wars hierarchy will typically incorporate the most iconic characters in the franchise.
10 Obi-Wan Kenobi Is Among The Most Respected Star Wars Characters
Actor Ewan McGregor's role as Obi-Wan Kenobi doesn't detract from Alec Guinness' version in the original trilogy. On the contrary, both performances have been lauded by critics and fans, making Kenobi one of the most respected characters in the franchise.
The Jedi deeply cares about his padawans, especially Anakin Skywalker, but is unable to stand idly by when his student begins displaying Sith-like traits. Obi-Wan partially redeems himself in A New Hope (1977), where he helps Luke discover his Jedi potential and subsequently topple the Galactic Empire.
9 Han Solo's Coolness Comes From His Thinly Veiled Heart Of Gold
When they first meet, Leia doesn't like Han very much, calling him a "stuck-up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf herder," but his intrepid attitude and unquestionable integrity dispel her assumptions. A smuggler renowned throughout the Galaxy, Solo's limitless charm and dramatic flair make him an incredible character and an instant fan-favorite.
Besides, there aren't many people capable of completing "the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs," although credit must also be given to his hyperdrive-enabled ship, the iconic Millennium Falcon. Solo's coolness comes not from his impetuous personality, but from his thinly veiled heart of gold.
8 Kylo Ren Is Torn Between Good And Evil, But He Never Truly Falls Prey To The Dark Side
Ben Solo, later known as Kylo Ren, refuses his Skywalker heritage in order to accumulate power. And yet, he continuously battles the demons within his mind, proving himself far more conscientious than his Sith masters.
Like his grandfather, Kylo is torn between the dark and light sides of the Force, but his interactions with Rey help put him on the right path before it's too late. While Kylo's powers are undeniably impressive, he still possesses fragments of his sensitive nature, albeit hidden behind layers of insecurity and emotional turbulence.
7 Luke Skywalker Is Nothing Less Than The Beating Heart Of Star Wars
There can be no Star Wars without Luke Skywalker, former bush pilot and eventual Jedi master. Despite his reckless spontaneity, Luke understands the true meaning of being a Jedi, stating that "the Force helped [him] win an impossible battle." As such, he remains humble even after his spectacular triumphs against Darth Vader and Palpatine.
Luke shows everyone in the Galaxy that battles aren't won with weapons, but with mercy — he willingly forgives his father, demonstrating the value of grace and compassion. The circumstance surrounding Luke's death is a highly controversial topic in the fandom, but his heroic sacrifice is not in vain.
6 Rey's Identity Crises And Evolving Philosophy Make Her Both Fascinating And Relatable
As Palpatine's biological granddaughter, Ray displays an unprecedented affinity for the Force. Unlike her malicious grandpa, however, she refuses to succumb to the dark side, no matter how many temptations are dangled before her. Rey emerges from nothing to become an overwhelming force of nature, inspiring awe as much as dread.
She successfully pulls Luke out of self-imposed retirement and convinces him to take up teaching once again. Rey has a few identity crises along her character arc, as a result of her convoluted Force-relationship with Kylo Ren. The Star Wars sequel trilogy introduces several amazing characters, none as cool as Rey.
5 Yoda Is Quirky, Wise, And Indestructible, The Trifecta Of Coolness
Like Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and Gandalf in Lord of the Rings, Yoda plays the role of an overpowered yet somewhat eccentric mentor. His mere presence puts his allies at ease, partly because of his incomparable strength but mostly due to his reassuring demeanor.
Yoda's lines are eminently quotable, many of which are now hallmarks of pop culture. The wizened, green-hued Jedi master is filled with optimism, even in the face of cosmic threats. Yoda's coolness is based on his quirky tendencies, boundless wisdom, and indestructible backbone.
4 Chewbacca's Adorably Furry Exterior Contrasts Favorably With His Formidable Spirit
Chewbacca is usually sidelined in favor of his companion Han Solo, but he's not likely to bask in the spotlight anyway. While his raucous grunts are technically indecipherable, viewers can effortlessly translate them based on context. Chewie's adorably furry exterior contrasts favorably with his formidable spirit, turning him into a cherished Star Wars character.
The Wookie's role is critical in both the original and sequel trilogies, a relatively unique and remarkable achievement. Although the story kills off numerous major characters, including Han, Luke, and Leia, Chewie survives the ordeal, much to the fandom's relief. The Rebel Alliance ultimately honors him with the Medal of Bravery for his valorous exploits.
3 Darth Vader Is One Of The Most Recognizable Fictional Characters Of All Time
Anakin Skywalker was once hailed as the Chosen One, the hero who would "bring balance to the Force." The Jedi lose faith after he switches his loyalties, consequently focusing their attention on his son Luke. The aptly named Darth Vader proceeds to tyrannize the Galaxy, bringing entire planetary systems to their metaphorical knees.
His rhythmic breathing pattern, unique visual aesthetic, and James Earl Jones-voice define him as one of the most recognizable fictional characters of all time. Darth Vader takes a circuitous route towards his foretold destiny, but he inevitably fulfills the ancient Jedi prophecy by "hur[ing] the Emperor to his death." To call him cool would be an understatement.
2 Leia Organa's Impact On The Sci-Fi/Action Genre Cannot Be Understated
Along with Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise, Leia Organa broke new ground for female heroes in the sci-fi/action genre. She subverts the tiresome damsel-in-distress trope by helping rescue Han from Jabba's carbonite clutches. Born a princess, Leia uses her immense wealth and privilege to fight on behalf of the downtrodden.
Leia's home planet is brutally annihilated, her son turns to the dark side, and she loses her beloved husband & brother, but her hope for a better future remains as bright as ever. The princess becomes a general, leading the Resistance against the First Order. There are no words to describe Leia's transcendent impact on Star Wars and cinema as a whole.
1 R2-D2 Raises The Bar For Coolness Above And Beyond Every Other Character
R2-D2 raises the bar for coolness above and beyond everyone else in the narrative. In a universe teeming with advanced technology, Artoo's delightfully quaint droid body and quasi-musical mode of communication seem almost archaic. Nevertheless, his tireless efforts are directly responsible for countless victories in all three Star Wars trilogies.
Artoo's off-color remarks have been alluded to on several occasions: C-3PO calls him "a foul-mouthed little astromech," while Luke orders him to "watch [his] language" on the sacred island of Ahch-To. R2-D2 is nothing less than legendary, earning a well-deserved place in the Smithsonian Institution's list of 101 Objects that Made America.