The 10 Most Powerful Star Wars Characters Ranked

Star Wars has not often delved into defining the boundaries of the Force, yet given its prominence in nerd culture, it hasn’t always had the luxury to do so. Over time, certain characters have emerged as powerful figures, making it relatively simple to rank their abilities within this franchise. The films and TV shows presentably demonstrate character growth based on the narrative requirements, and they effectively make these power-ups seem plausible. Novels, comic books, and even video games generally follow suit, although the latter can sometimes distort the balance. What’s more significant is how Star Wars manages to keep things in perspective.

Despite characters performing extraordinary feats, there’s always an impression that there’s boundless untapped ability in this immense cosmos. This is the power of a “soft magic system” like the Force, and it’s what gives this series the capacity to accommodate the ten powerful figures listed below. Continue reading to discover the top 10 strongest characters we’ve encountered thus far.

#10 – Kylo Ren

Kylo Ren, being a grandson of Anakin Skywalker, places him just two generations away from a miraculous birth. Despite predominantly aligning himself with the dark side throughout the sequel trilogy, he exhibits remarkable mastery over his emotions, which is evident in his actions and the internal turmoil he experiences. This complexity adds depth to his character, but it also amplifies his power.

Ben Solo, also known as Kylo Ren, boasts an impressive repertoire of Force abilities, such as aiding Rey in eliminating both Snoke and Palpatine through a Force bond, a feat unparalleled in the Star Wars universe so far. However, he’s unique not just for his ability to catch incoming blaster fire mid-air, but also because this raises intriguing questions about the nature of blasters and the manipulation of energy by the Force. On the contrary, Kylo Ren has experienced defeats despite seeming to have the upper hand, and his allegiance to the dark side has hindered his keen senses, resulting in a lower rank on this list.

#9 – Rey Skywalker

In simpler terms, Rey Skywalker, who is the other half of Kylo’s connection, is proficient in using the Force and learns quickly. She effectively combines the noble aspects of a Jedi with the cunning ways of a trickster, frequently making her enemies underestimate her. Towards the end of the Star Wars sequel series, she demonstrates powers that are almost unmatched, achieved with very little formal training or study.

In the upcoming years, I could potentially climb up this list if given the chance to reappear in future Star Wars films. At our last encounter, I was instrumental in dismantling the First Order and had aspirations for creating a new order. If I manage to establish lasting peace throughout the galaxy, my influence might surpass everyone else on this list.

#8 – Bendu

In the series “Star Wars Rebels: Steps Into Shadow”, there emerged a character known as Bendu, who made an appearance in five episodes in total. Despite not being a Jedi himself, Bendu interacted with Jedi Knight Kanan Jarrus and his Padawan, Ezra Bridger, offering them guidance from a position of authority. His insights suggested he had a deep connection to the Force. Initially, Bendu refused to engage in any violent acts. Beyond battle, Bendu demonstrated extraordinary foresight in predicting events, a skill rarely seen among Force users, and possessed potent empathic abilities that stretched across both the light and dark sides of the Force.

When Bendu found himself compelled to fight, his powerful Force skills combined with his colossal physique turned him into an unstoppable fortress. He could endure head-on attacks from AT-ATs and gunfire. As retaliation approached, Bendu transformed into a monstrous tempest, halting Grand Admiral Thrawn and his troops dead in their tracks. In the final moments, he seemingly disappeared without a trace – possibly shifting form again or employing a teleportation technique unknown anywhere else.

#7 – Darth Revan

A significant number of characters on this roster hail from the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic video game series – for obvious reasons. During an era when both the Sith and Jedi were abundant and influential, it’s no surprise that exceptional practitioners like Darth Revan emerged. As the initial game’s protagonist, he was a strategic mastermind, an unyielding combatant, and a bearer of extraordinary foresight.

Initially, Revan served as a crucial figure among the Jedi during the Mandalorian Wars and played a significant role in their victory. However, following the end of the conflict, they mysteriously vanished only to resurface later as a Sith, aiming to reestablish a Sith Empire with dominion over the galaxy. Ultimately, Revan fell victim to betrayal by one of their apprentices, underscoring the Jedi’s wisdom that emotional attachments can impair judgment.

#6 – Darth Nihilus

Hailing from “Knights of the Old Republic II”, Darth Nihilus gained colossal power following a catastrophic attack on Malachor V during the Mandalorian Wars, an event that should’ve extinguished his existence. This extraordinary power came at a heavy price: he would now hunger for Force energy, with the potential to drain life force from those around him if he consumed it. Such a trait made him a formidable adversary, even among other Force-wielders, as their efforts to control the Force could unwittingly bolster Nihilus’ strength instead.

Regardless of whether you’ve experienced the “Knights of the Old Republic” games yourself, you may have come across pictures of Nihilus online, particularly more so in recent times. Various fan speculations proposed that he might be the primary antagonist in “Rise of Skywalker,” and some fans still harbor expectations for his reappearance in the current storyline.

#5 – Darth Sidious

Darth Sidious, also known as Emperor Palpatine, orchestrated an audacious plan, one that has left the galaxy awestruck. Given the rare existence of the Sith and the need for clandestine operations, his accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary. It’s astonishing enough to think he managed to stay hidden amidst the most powerful Jedi of his time. But what’s even more astounding is that he was not only unnoticed but also manipulating events from behind the scenes all along.

Regarding his abilities demonstrated throughout the series, we witnessed Palpatine moving objects, handling a lightsaber, and frequently using Force lightning – nothing overly exceptional to note. He managed to hold his own against Mace Windu, the Jedi’s top swordsman at the time, in a close duel, and he also fought evenly with our next subject. In the sequel trilogy, we observe that Sidious came remarkably near to mastering death itself.

#4 – Yoda

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but marvel at the centuries-long tutelage Master Yoda provided to young Force-wielders and the strategic leadership he offered the esteemed Jedi Order. Among numerous other characters gracing this list, he was there, a guiding beacon.

Although many of his remarkable deeds are now part of the Legends timeline, even his canon powers warrant this impressive number-four ranking. It’s said that Master Yoda personally trained around 20,000 Jedi in his lifetime, all while tirelessly serving the Order and its noble cause.

Loyalty to the Jedi Order might have been Yoda’s most significant flaw since he believed the Jedi had grown too complacent, allowing Darth Sidious to rise. However, he found tranquility in solitude during his final days and managed to merge with the Force after death, transforming into a Force spirit that lived on for many years afterward.

#3 – Anakin Skywalker

Throughout his entire existence, Anakin Skywalker, the Chosen One, who was once Darth Vader, demonstrates immense power at every stage of his life. Originating from slavery, he ascended to the rank of Jedi Knight and Republic General, displaying deep thoughtfulness and dedication in his apprenticeship. Over a lifetime filled with war and sorrow, it’s challenging not to understand why Anakin succumbed to the lure of the dark side for almost half of his existence.

In a unique circumstance, Anakin was born without a biological father, leading Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn to suspect that he came into existence through the Force itself. This extraordinary being displayed remarkable skills in combat and piloting due to his heightened Force reflexes, but it was his exceptionally potent connection with the Force – granting him greater telekinetic abilities than most of his peers – that truly set him apart. However, it wasn’t just his supernatural power that made Anakin exceptional; it was his unwavering convictions. Driven by the allure of power promised by Palpatine, he found himself on the brink of a deadly battle against his dearest friend and guide, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Yet, when the truth about his manipulation was revealed by his son Luke, Anakin mustered the last of his strength to bring down the one who had deceived him.

#2 – Luke Skywalker

Luke Skywalker impressively learns swiftly under pressure, even without the guidance of a large Jedi order to nurture and teach him. Instead of impulsively plunging into war, Luke chooses the Jedi path, eventually maturing into an exceptionally composed and capable individual by the conclusion of the original trilogy. His skills are on par with those who were trained within the temple in the prequels.

In the next series of Star Wars films, it’s suggested that Luke Skywalker might have found greater contentment in peaceful times as a Jedi scholar or philosopher. But when prompted by Rey, he performs an extraordinary feat, creating a deception across the galaxy to trick his former apprentice. To add to this, Luke played a crucial role in turning his father from the dark side and defeating the Empire.

#1 – Tenebrae

In conclusion, let’s revisit the epic “Knights of the Old Republic” series to introduce you to one of the most powerful Star Wars characters – the Sith Emperor Tenebrae. This tyrant ruled the galaxy for more than a thousand years, thanks to his unique ability to transfer his consciousness into new bodies, effectively ensuring his immortality, and by exerting mental control over countless numbers of Sith for extended periods.

In numerous games, it’s been suggested that much of Tenebrae’s power has vanished into obscurity – powers that were unknown to both Sith and Jedi alike. Notably, no other character within the Star Wars universe has exhibited mind control or compulsion on such a massive scale as Tenebrae did. Unfortunately, Tenebrae was vanquished thousands of years prior to the events depicted in Star Wars, making it unlikely that we’ll encounter his likes again in the current storyline.

2025-01-08 00:41