The Most Beloved Star Wars Movie, Ranked

Choose the movie you think is the most beloved!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 10, 2024 06:21
Debates often arise among fans about which Star Wars movie holds the crown as the most cherished. Each film brings its unique charm and has gathered a dedicated following. By ranking these movies, it allows everyone to see which titles resonate the most with the audience. Your votes on these beloved movies contribute to creating a dynamic and always current list that reflects the collective preferences of Star Wars enthusiasts. This list not only serves as a guide for new fans but also sparks interesting discussions and maybe even a reevaluation of the films. Cast your vote and see how your favorites stack up against the rest.

What Is the Most Beloved Star Wars Movie?

  1. 1
    56
    votes
    Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back - considered by many to be the best Star Wars movie, this film is loved for its darker tone, iconic moments (such as the reveal of Darth Vader as Luke Skywalker's father), and character development.
    Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is the second installment in the original Star Wars trilogy. Released in 1980, this epic space opera film was directed by Irvin Kershner and produced by George Lucas. The movie follows the story of the Rebel Alliance as they continue their fight against the evil Galactic Empire. With its iconic characters, thrilling action sequences, and dramatic plot twists, The Empire Strikes Back has become one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed films in the Star Wars saga.
    • Release Year: 1980
    • Director: Irvin Kershner
    • Producer: Gary Kurtz
    • Screenplay: Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan
    • Music: John Williams
  2. 2
    25
    votes
    Star Wars: A New Hope - the original Star Wars movie that started it all, this film introduced audiences to the world of Star Wars, its characters, and its mythology. It's loved for its classic story, memorable characters, and groundbreaking special effects.
    Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) is the first film in the iconic Star Wars saga. It takes place in a galaxy far, far away, where a young farm boy named Luke Skywalker discovers his destiny as a Jedi Knight and joins the Rebel Alliance in their fight against the oppressive Galactic Empire.
    • Release Date: May 25, 1977
    • Director: George Lucas
    • Runtime: 121 minutes
    • Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
    • Box Office: $775.4 million
  3. 3
    38
    votes
    Star Wars: Return of the Jedi - the final installment in the original trilogy, this film sees the culmination of the story of Luke Skywalker and his friends as they confront the evil Empire and Darth Vader. It's loved for its epic battles, emotional moments, and satisfying conclusion.
    Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983) is the third installment in the original Star Wars trilogy. Directed by Richard Marquand, it continues the epic space opera saga set in a galaxy far, far away. The movie follows the final battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire, with the iconic characters Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Darth Vader playing pivotal roles in the storyline.
    • Release date: May 25, 1983
    • Running time: 131 minutes
    • Genre: Science fiction, Action, Adventure, Fantasy
    • Production company: Lucasfilm Ltd.
    • Music by: John Williams
  4. 4
    28
    votes

    Star Wars: Rogue One (2016)

    Directed by Gareth Edwards
    Star Wars: Rogue One is a standalone film set before the events of A New Hope, Rogue One tells the story of a group of rebels who steal the plans for the Death Star. It's loved for its gritty tone, compelling characters, and ties to the original trilogy.
    Star Wars: Rogue One (2016) is a standalone Star Wars film that takes place before the events of the original trilogy. It tells the story of a group of rebels who undertake a dangerous mission to steal the plans for the Death Star, the Empire's ultimate weapon of destruction. The film is known for its gritty and realistic portrayal of warfare in the Star Wars universe.
    • Release Date: December 16, 2016
    • Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure
    • Runtime: 133 minutes
    • Box Office: $1.056 billion
    • Production Company: Lucasfilm Ltd.
  5. 5
    15
    votes
    Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
    Wiki · Public domain
    Star Wars: The Force Awakens - the first film in the sequel trilogy, The Force Awakens introduces new characters and continues the story of the original trilogy. It's loved for its nostalgic callbacks to the original films, exciting action, and emotional moments.
    Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) is a science fiction film that serves as the seventh installment in the Star Wars saga. It takes place 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi, and follows the journey of a new generation of heroes as they battle against the dark forces of the First Order.
    • Release Date: December 18, 2015
    • Director: J.J. Abrams
    • Screenplay by: J.J. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan
    • Production Company: Lucasfilm Ltd., Bad Robot Productions
    • Distributor: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
  6. 6
    5
    votes
    Star Wars: The Last Jedi - the second film in the sequel trilogy, The Last Jedi continues the story of Rey, Finn, and Poe as they confront the First Order and learn more about the Force. It's loved for its bold storytelling choices, stunning visuals, and character development.
    Star Wars: The Last Jedi is the eighth installment in the Star Wars film franchise. It is a science fiction epic that continues the story after the events of 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'. The movie follows Rey, a young Force-sensitive woman, as she seeks guidance from Luke Skywalker, a legendary Jedi Master, while the Resistance faces the threat of the First Order led by Supreme Leader Snoke. The Last Jedi is filled with intense battles, exploration of the Force, and unexpected plot twists.
    • Release Date: December 15, 2017
    • Director: Rian Johnson
    • Producer: Kathleen Kennedy, Ram Bergman
    • Screenplay: Rian Johnson
    • Music: John Williams
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    Star Wars: The Mandalorian is a television series set in the Star Wars universe, The Mandalorian follows the adventures of a lone bounty hunter as he protects a mysterious child. It's loved for its Western-inspired storytelling, lovable characters (such as Baby Yoda), and nods to Star Wars lore.
    Star Wars: The Mandalorian is a live-action streaming television series set in the Star Wars universe. It follows the story of a lone bounty hunter, Din Djarin, in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic.
    • Release year: 2019-present
    • Genre: Science fiction, Action, Adventure, Western
    • Number of seasons: 2 (as of October 2020)
    • Number of episodes: 16 (as of October 2020)
    • Average episode runtime: around 40-50 minutes
  8. 8
    10
    votes
    Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith - the final film in the prequel trilogy, Revenge of the Sith depicts the fall of Anakin Skywalker and the rise of Darth Vader. It's loved for its epic battles, tragic story, and the iconic "I have the high ground" scene.
    Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (2005) is the sixth episode of the Star Wars saga and the third installment of the prequel trilogy. It was directed by George Lucas and is set during the final days of the Clone Wars. The film showcases the fall of Anakin Skywalker to the dark side, his transformation into Darth Vader, and the rise of the Galactic Empire.
    • Release Date: May 19, 2005
    • Runtime: 140 minutes
    • Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
    • Box Office: $848.8 million
    • Production Company: Lucasfilm Ltd.
  9. 9
    4
    votes
    Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020)
    LucasArt · Public domain
    Star Wars: The Clone Wars is an animated series set between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, The Clone Wars explores the Clone Wars conflict and features beloved characters such as Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex. It's loved for its exciting action, compelling storylines, and deepening of the Star Wars mythology.
    Star Wars: The Clone Wars is an animated television series that takes place in the Star Wars galaxy. It explores the events of the Clone Wars, a major conflict that occurs between the events of Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. The series follows various characters, both new and familiar, as they navigate the complexities of war and the Jedi's struggle against the Sith. With its visually stunning animation and compelling storytelling, the series has gained a dedicated fan following.
    • Release Year: 2008
    • End Year: 2020
    • Genre: Science Fiction
    • Format: Animated TV series
    • Episodes: 133
  10. 10
    9
    votes
    Star Wars: Solo (2018)
    Georges Biard · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Star Wars: Solo is a standalone film that tells the story of a young Han Solo, Solo is loved for its fun tone, exciting action, and the performances of its cast (including Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo and Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian).
    Star Wars: Solo (2018) is a science fiction film set in the Star Wars universe. It serves as a standalone prequel to the original Star Wars trilogy, focusing on the adventures of a young Han Solo and his iconic companion, Chewbacca. The movie follows Solo's journey as he becomes a skilled smuggler and pilot, getting involved in daring heists and encounters with notorious figures from the criminal underworld.
    • Release Date: May 25, 2018
    • Director: Ron Howard
    • Writers: Jonathan Kasdan, Lawrence Kasdan
    • Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke
    • Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure

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Discussion

Ranking factors for beloved movie

  1. Storyline and plot
    The complexity, creativity, and coherence of the storyline should be considered, as well as the depth and development of the characters and key plot moments.
  2. Acting and character development
    Consider the quality of the acting performances and how well the actors portray the characters, as well as the growth of the characters throughout the movie.
  3. Visual and special effects
    A key factor for Star Wars movies is how believable and well-done the visual and special effects are, as these contribute greatly to the immersive experience of the film.
  4. Musical score
    The music plays a significant role in setting the tone of the film and evoking emotions. Assess the quality and impact of the musical score.
  5. Pacing and editing
    Assess how well the movie is paced and edited, including whether the action flows smoothly and if all scenes are necessary for the film's overall progression.
  6. Legacy and cultural impact
    Consider the movie's significance and lasting influence on society and popular culture, including catchphrases, iconic imagery, and its contribution to the overall Star Wars universe.
  7. Direction and cinematography
    Evaluate the quality of the direction and cinematography, including the film's overall visual aesthetic and how well certain scenes are shot and framed.
  8. Fan reception and reviews
    Consider how well-loved the movie is by both casual viewers and die-hard Star Wars fans, as well as its critical reception by reviewers.
  9. Nostalgia factor
    Some Star Wars movies may be beloved because they hold a special place in the hearts of fans who have grown up with the series. Take into account any nostalgia that may contribute to the movie's popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beloved Star Wars movie. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Film is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1812 views
  • 187 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Film once every 24 hours. The rank of each Film is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most beloved star wars movie

Star Wars is one of the most successful and influential movie franchises of all time. It has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world since the first movie was released in 1977. The series has expanded to include nine main movies, two spin-off films, and multiple television shows, books, and video games. Each movie in the series has its own unique story, characters, and themes, which have all contributed to its enduring popularity. With so many beloved Star Wars movies to choose from, it's no wonder that fans are passionate about debating which one is the best.

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