Star Wars is the biggest sci-fi franchise in the world, with multiple movies, TV shows, comics, and novels telling the story of a galaxy far, far away. Like any story, Star Wars has often depended on smart characters making silly decisions. In fact, many of the story's biggest moments rely on foolish choices. However, that's not always the case.
The plots of many Star Wars stories have hinged on smart decisions as well. The various factions that have driven galactic events never would have gotten as far as they did without some wise decision-making.
10 Palpatine Sent Maul To Oversee The Trade Federation On Naboo
Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace
The Star Wars prequels' supporting characters were very important, and that started with Darth Maul. Palpatine's plans to destabilize the Republic began at Naboo. Maneuvering the Trade Federation to blockade the planet forced the Senate and the Jedi's hand, allowing Palpatine to become Supreme Chancellor. He could have left the whole thing in the Trade Federation's hands and let them fail on their own, but he sent Darth Maul to oversee them.
On the one hand, Maul was killed, which robbed Palpatine of an apprentice. However, it also ended in the death of Qui-Gon Jinn, which allowed him to get Count Dooku into his camp, and robbed Anakin Skywalker of a better master than Obi-Wan. Palpatine gained a lot with this simple decision.
9 Han Solo And Chewbacca Deciding To Work Together Started An Iconic Friendship
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Few duos in Star Wars are more important or as close as Han Solo and Chewbacca. The two met during the Imperial campaign on Mimban. Solo was imprisoned for desertion with the Wookie, with the Imperials believing Chewie would eat Solo. However, Solo used his knowledge of Shryiiwook to convince Chewie to "fight" him, which allowed them both to escape.
Chewbacca's choice to believe in the scruffy human changed the history of the galaxy. The two became the greatest smuggling duo ever and were instrumental in the Rebel Alliance's greatest victory. The destiny of countless beings hinged on their actions.
8 Punishing Anakin Skywalker With Ahsoka Tano Made A Huge Difference In History
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Anakin Skywalker was known for being impulsive and rash, but even so, he was an amazing Jedi. As the Clone Wars got started, the Jedi Council decided that Anakin needed to learn responsibility. As punishment for his latest impetuous action, he was saddled with Padawan Ahsoka Tano. It can be argued that this didn't help to mature Skywalker, but it was still a very smart decision.
Tano would become a hero of the Clone Wars. Her role in the liberation of Mandalore was easily her biggest accomplishment, and she was instrumental in the early days of the Rebellion. Without being teamed with Anakin, none of that would have happened.
7 Palpatine Choosing Anakin Skywalker As His Future Apprentice Changed The Course Of History
Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Darth Vader was an unstoppable force of evil who served the Emperor. Anakin Skywalker was of great interest to Palpatine and the future Emperor had a decision to make. He could have let the boy die when he made his planned move on the Jedi or make use of the most powerful Force user anyone had ever encountered.
Palpatine chose the latter and mentored Anakin, eventually gaining him as an apprentice, Darth Vader. Vader cut a bloody swath through the galaxy at Palpatine's behest, ensuring the rule of the Empire. On top of that, Vader would also be instrumental in the freedom of the galaxy through his children, Luke and Leia.
6 Han Solo And Chewbacca Returning To Yavin IV Saved The Rebellion
Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope
Han Solo had a tough life, but he charted a new course when he decided to take an old man, a young man, and two droids to Alderaan. Solo was instrumental in getting the Death Star plans to the Rebellion, but he was ready to go back to his life of crime before the Imperial battle station made it to Yavin IV. He chose the selfishness that had helped him survive for years.
However, Solo and Chewbacca had a change of heart. Racing back to the battle, they saved Luke Skywalker from Darth Vader. This allowed Luke to destroy the Death Star, save the Rebel Alliance, and put the Empire on the road to its ending.
5 Yoda Deciding To Train Luke Gave The Galaxy A Fighting Chance
Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
The Force in Star Wars is a powerful tool. It's decided the fate of the galaxy numerous times, empowering the Jedi, the Sith, and various other sects throughout history. Palpatine's Empire was built on the power of the dark side of the Force, with his various enforcers destroying every remnant of the Jedi Order.
Luke Skywalker joining the Rebel Alliance was a huge step forward for the group. His Force powers made him an asset. However, he was basically untrained, even with the help of Obi-Wan's Force ghost. Kenobi sent him to Dagobah where Luke encountered Yoda. Yoda taking on Luke as a student was a huge moment, as Yoda knew exactly what had happened the last time the Jedi had tried to teach an older student named Skywalker.
4 Andor Going On The Aldhani Raid Ensured Its Success
Andor
Andor has introduced some great new characters and expanded on how the titular character became who he is. After murdering two Corpos, Andor was desperate for money and a way off Ferrix. This came when Bix got in touch with her contact Luthen to sell the Imperial Starpath unit Andor had procured. Luthen came just as the Corpos were making their raid to get Andor, and the two escaped.
Luthen offered Andor a job, to join the team on the Aldhani raid, and Andor accepted. This raid changed the course of the Rebellion in many ways, and it put Andor on the course of his indispensable role in procuring the Death Star plans.
3 Finn Deciding To Free Poe Began The End Of The First Order
Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Poe Dameron's mission to find Lor San Tekka was meant to bring hope to the Resistance. The mission was basically a disaster, as Kylo Ren and the First Order attacked, killed Tekka, and took Dameron prisoner. Luckily for Poe, Finn was a part of this mission and seeing the terrible slaughter changed him forever.
Finn saving Poe changed the course of the Resistance. Finn found Rey on Jakku, which led to Han Solo and Chewbacca's return to the fold, the destruction of Starkiller Base, finding Luke Skywalker, and the eventual end of the First Order.
2 Qui-Gon Jinn Deciding To Train Anakin Saved The Galaxy
Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Qui-Gon Jinn finding Anakin Skywalker was a momentous moment and the true inciting event for the entire Star Wars saga. Jinn was a firebrand in the Jedi Order who cared more about helping people than the rules. This is what drove him to Anakin, and he worked to free the boy.
Jinn's choice to save Anakin might seem foolish given what the boy would become, but it saved the galaxy. Palpatine's plans were going to happen with or without Anakin. However, Anakin and Padme's children would hold the key to defeating him. Jinn saved the galaxy but never lived to see it.
1 Luke Deciding To Go With Obi-Wan Saved His Life
Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope
There are many important planets in Star Wars but none seem so out of place as Tatooine. The desert world hosted many pivotal galactic events, but the most important thing about it was being the home to Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Kenobi watched over the boy, who would seek him out looking for the new R2 unit his Uncle Owen had bought. This led to Kenobi revealing some truths to Luke. Luke cleverly chose to go to Alderaan with Obi-Wan. This event changed everything, as it led directly to the destruction of the Empire.