The films set in a galaxy far, far away have been making history since 1977. From box office hits to critical acclaim, many Star Wars movies have found great amounts of success. The beloved characters and storylines have kept fans watching for decades and the franchise shows no signs of slowing down.
In addition to the 9 Skywalker Saga movies, there have been several other films and TV shows made that are set in the same world, some of which will soon be released. Even though not every film in the series is met with the same amount of acclaim, Star Wars has consistently been able to generate a great deal of hype every time a new movie is released.
9 Star Wars: Episode II - Attack Of The Clones Showed Anakin As A Jedi Knight - 6.5
2002's Attack of the Clones welcomes Hayden Christensen's Anakin Skywalker to the big screen for the first time. The film also includes the introduction of Jango Fett and Count Dooku, who both serve as antagonists of the movie. Anakin's right arm is cut off during a battle with the latter.
In addition to the lightsaber action, Attack of the Clones explores the romantic relationship between Anakin and Padmé. Subsequently, the end of the film sees the two getting married on Naboo, with R2-D2 and C-3PO as witnesses to the event.
8 Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Began The Prequel Trilogy - 6.5
Following a 16-year absence of a Star Wars movie, The Phantom Menace hit theaters in 1999. Directed by George Lucas, the film acted as the first of three prequels to the original trilogy. The Phantom Menace introduced the viewers to younger versions of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, and Anakin Skywalker, among others.
Darth Maul acts as the villain of the film and succeeds in killing Obi-Wan's master, Qui-Gon Jinn. The film was also the first in the series to gross over $1 billion at the box office.
7 Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise Of Skywalker Ended The Skywalker Saga - 6.5
In 2019, the final film in the Skywalker Saga was released. J. J. Abrams returned to the director's chair after previously directing The Force Awakens. Billy Dee Williams's reprised his role as Lando Calrissian, who last portrayed the character in 1983's Return of the Jedi. A shocking moment in the film occurs when Kylo Ren reveals to Rey that she is the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine.
Both Leia Organa and Ben Solo, aka Kylo Ren, meet their end during the film. Rey visits Luke's childhood home on Tatooine at the end of the film and takes on the Skywalker surname.
6 Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi Featured The Death Of Luke Skywalker - 7.0
The second film in Disney's sequel trilogy was released in 2017. The Force Awakens's J. J. Abrams did not return, and the film was instead directed by Rian Johnson. Much of the movie focuses on Luke Skywalker training Rey on the planet of Ahch-To.
The film featured the death of the villainous Supreme Leader Snoke, as well as the death of Jedi Master Luke Skywalker. In addition to the returning cast, The Last Jedi included several other stars, such as Laura Dern, Benicio del Toro, and multiple celebrity cameos.
5 Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith Witnesses The Birth Of Darth Vader - 7.5
The 2005 film continues the story of Anakin Skywalker's journey to becoming Darth Vader. In an unsuccessful attempt to save his wife, Padmé Amidala, from death, he joins Palpatine and the dark side. Obi-Wan and Anakin engage in an epic battle on Mustafar, during which Anakin is severely injured.
Palpatine finds Anakin and gives him the iconic Darth Vader costume. Padmé dies while giving birth to twins, Luke and Leia. The twins are separated, and the rest of the surviving Jedi go into hiding from the newly formed Empire.
4 Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens Was The First Film In The Series Released By Disney - 7.8
10 years after the previous film in the series, Revenge of the Sith, The Force Awakens was released. Set about 30 years after Return of the Jedi, the movie focuses on a new cast of characters, while also featuring Star Wars alumni, such as General Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker, and Han Solo, who met his demise in the film.
The Force Awakens became the highest-grossing film in the series and one of the few movies to make more than $2 billion at the box office.
3 Star Wars: Episode VI - Return Of The Jedi Concluded The Original Trilogy - 8.3
In 1983, the original trilogy came to an end with Return of the Jedi, which was directed by Richard Marquand. The beginning of Return of the Jedi shows the heroes traveling to Tatooine to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt. The heroes then reunite to stop the Empire once and for all.
After Luke helps to redeem him, Darth Vader dies from his injuries inflicted by The Emperor. The closing moments of the film see the heroes of the film as well many others in the galaxy celebrating the downfall of the Empire.
2 Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope Is Still One Of The Best - 8.6
In 1977, George Lucas made one of the most revolutionary films ever. The original title was simply Star Wars, and the surprising result of the movie helped to launch one of the most successful film franchises. The film introduced the iconic characters of Darth Vader, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Leia Organa, just to name a few.
Luke left his home to train to become a Jedi with the wise Obi-Wan Kenobi. After the main characters destroyed the space station known as the Death Star, Luke and Han were honored for their acts of courage in a ceremony on Yavin 4.
1 Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back Is One Of The Greatest Sequels Of All Time - 8.7
After the success of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back was made in 1980 by director Irvin Kershner. The film is considered by many to be not only the best film in the Star Wars series, but also the best movie sequel of all time.
The Empire Strikes Back also featured the introduction of the Jedi Master known as Yoda, who would help Luke continue in his training. The shocking twist that Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker's father is still one of the biggest reveals in movie history.