From Rey and a new generation of Jedi back in history to the Prime Jedi – the founder of the Order – there have been many storied Knights and Masters. They had impressive power and abilities through The Force and fought on the side of what was right, but the Jedi didn’t always come out as absolute heroes, especially in the prequels.
Some Jedi had more powers – or more useful powers – than others, but the rest of the Star Wars universe judged them on their actions more than on their abilities alone. From the movies and TV shows, here’s a look at those who commanded the most respect.
10 Aalya Secura Wasn’t The Strongest Jedi, But She Was A Good Leader
Aayla Secura doesn’t play a big role in the Star Wars movies, but the Rutian Twi'leka is a Jedi General of the Grand Army of the Republic during the Clone Wars. She was respected in the role and proved herself to be a calm leader with a good sense of strategy.
She helps Ahsoka and the clones and is fearless in battle. Despite her battle smarts, when Order 66 is enacted, she gives up without a fight. That seems oddly weak for a former general experienced in war.
9 Kit Fisto Was An Expert Swordsman & Member Of The High Council
Along with his dreadlocked style, Kit Fisto was remarkable for his abilities as a master lightsaber duelist. That skill was acknowledged by Mace Windu, and it's why he chose him as one of the Jedi he took to arrest Palpatine.
Although he was killed by the Sith in short order, the Nautolan Jedi Master was a general for the Grand Army of the Republic, and a member of the Jedi High Council. Fisto was also known for his powerful ability to use the force physically, as well as for his excellent swimming skills.
8 Ki-Adi-Mundi Was A Council Member With Clout
Ki-Adi-Mundi was a member of the Jedi High Council, and a former Jedi General in the Grand Army, like his contemporaries. He led his troops in many battles and was a member of the High Council, he's shown as having the same kind of clout as Yoda and Mace Windu.
That doesn't mean he was the smartest one in the group, however. When Qui-Gon Jinn tried to tell the Council about his duel with Darth Maul, Ki-Adi-Mundi was the most skeptical – and short-sighted, as it turned out.
7 Anakin Skywalker Was More Respected Than He Realized
Long before he became Darth Vader, as a Jedi General in the Grand Army, Anakin Skywalker commanded an elite legion and became renowned for his record of daring victories. Later on, though, his growing resentment at what he felt was a lack of respect by Obi-Wan Kenobi and the Jedi High Council drove a serious wedge between the young Jedi and the rest of the Order.
It’s too bad he didn’t realize that, in fact, they did respect his powers a great deal, and that his placement as Palpatine’s rep on the Council was a sign of that.
6 The Council Had To Respect Qui-Gon Jinn Despite His Maverick Style
Qui-Gon Jinn had the respect of the Jedi High Council, even though they were well aware of his tendency to push the envelope – such as betting everything on a kid piloting a Podracer.
He’s not afraid to confront The Council directly, as he does when they decline his request to turn young Anakin into his Padawan. He’s driven by his principles, and they understand that. His judgment, it has to be said, is not nearly as reliable as the courage of his convictions.
5 Leia Organa Solo Became A Jedi Knight – But Was Probably More Respected As A General
Leia Organa Solo was born Force-sensitive, like her twin Luke. She was always a fighter and a revolutionary and won huge respect from members of the Rebellion and fans of the movies alike.
She became the youngest Senator of the Galactic Empire ever at age 18, and later, was twice elected Chief of State of the New Republic. Leia also became a Jedi Knight of the New Jedi Order, as a flashback scene in The Rise of Skywalker reveals. Luke himself trained her, along with other Jedi Masters.
4 Mace Windu Was The Only Jedi To Wield A Purple Lightsaber
Mace Windu was a revered leader, a member of the Jedi High Council, a Jedi General during the Clone Wars, and was elected leader of the Jedi. During his long career, he served on the battlefield and was an advisor to Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine at one point.
He also served as a diplomat, even though he preferred the role of warrior. Strong with The Force, he practiced a risky and advanced type of combat called Form VII or Vaapad with his unique purple lightsaber.
3 Obi-Wan Kenobi Earned Respect As ‘The Negotiator’
Obi-Wan Kenobi’s first loyalty was to the Jedi High Council and the Order itself, and in many ways, he’s the ideal Jedi. He was selfless, and never displayed ego. He was a superior fighter, having bested the Sith Darth Maul, and General Grievous.
He’s even a match for the growing Sith Lord Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader and fights him even though his own feelings are against it. Obi-Wan was a General of the Grand Army and served on the High Council towards the end of the Galactic Empire.
2 Luke Skywalker Redeemed His Family Name & Used His Final Moments To Save The Resistance
Even Kylo Ren, who saw himself as Luke’s arch-enemy towards the end of his life, respected the Jedi Master and his abilities. His Jedi training began much later than with most Jedi, but he went through none of the psychological difficulties that his father did.
Luke earned his way into the Resistance with his bravery and devotion to the cause, and his willingness to take Vader and the Emperor head-on cemented his reputation. His sacrifice to save the last of The Resistance in The Rise of Skywalker only added to his legend.
1 Yoda Was The Most Powerful & The Most Respected Jedi Of All
Yoda was the Grand Master of the Jedi High Council – there are no higher honors to be granted within the Order. He’s had 800 years to perfect his training, and it’s made him wise and compassionate, and the perfect mentor (in hindsight) to the young Jedi who would save The Force for everyone.
Luke Skywalker was far from the only Jedi who was influenced by Yoda; he literally trained generations of Jedi Knights and lived through the growth and decline of both the Republic and the Empire.