Every Star Wars Movie Ranked by Rewatchability (And There’s a Clear #1)

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Over the last ten years, Star Wars has stayed incredibly popular by focusing on big-budget TV shows. This new approach has led to hits like Andor, a gritty political thriller, and The Mandalorian, a space western that has captivated viewers worldwide with its ongoing story. These shows, along with animated series like The Bad Batch and Tales of the Jedi, have broadened the Star Wars universe, keeping the franchise exciting and current even without frequent movie releases. Now, after a long break, Star Wars is returning to the big screen with several new films designed to deliver the classic cinematic experience fans love.

The next chapter for Star Wars in theaters starts with the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu on May 22nd, bringing the popular streaming series to the big screen. Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling, is scheduled to follow on May 28, 2027. Lucasfilm, now led by Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan, is also developing other films, including a sequel starring Rey Skywalker (Daisy Ridley), signaling a new era of ambitious storytelling for the franchise. However, the lasting success of Star Wars also relies on how enjoyable its existing movies are, as they’re all perfect for watching again and again.

11) Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker

Considered the weakest film in the Star Wars saga, The Rise of Skywalker feels rushed and messy, trying to tie up too many storylines in its short running time. Director J.J. Abrams unexpectedly brings back Emperor Palpatine, which clashes with the character development from the previous two films. The movie jumps quickly from one plot point to another, sending Rey and Ben Solo on a series of quests that don’t allow for meaningful character moments. Subsequent viewings highlight the film’s flaws, revealing a plot that relies on convenient coincidences and lacks a clear, central theme, ultimately making The Rise of Skywalker a tiring experience.

10) Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is a mixed bag, with some truly great moments alongside noticeable weaknesses. While important for establishing the Star Wars universe, the film can be a bit of a slog due to its heavy focus on trade negotiations and political details, which slow down the action. The character of Jar Jar Binks and his comedic style also aren’t for everyone. However, the film boasts some incredibly exciting scenes, like the podrace on Tatooine and the thrilling lightsaber battle with Darth Maul. Plus, the beautiful worlds of Naboo and the Gungan city showcase a remarkable level of creativity that still impresses today.

9) Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones

Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, the middle film of the prequel trilogy, often feels uneven. While visually ambitious, it’s held back by stiff and unnatural dialogue, especially in the romance between Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala – their lines have become famously awkward. The film’s early 2000s digital effects also haven’t aged well, making the visuals feel less immersive than other Star Wars movies. However, the storyline following Obi-Wan Kenobi’s investigation on Kamino is a strong point, offering a compelling, detective-style mystery that adds depth to the story of the clone army.

8) Solo: A Star Wars Story

Solo: A Star Wars Story works well as a standalone, action-packed space western because it focuses on a thrilling heist rather than the fate of the galaxy. The film offers a fresh perspective by diving into the criminal world of Star Wars and showing how a young Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) makes a name for himself. The playful dynamic between Han and Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover) is consistently entertaining, and the way Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) joins the story feels natural. By keeping the focus on personal stakes, the movie avoids getting bogged down in complex backstory, making it a fun rewatch. However, Solo is held back by a script that feels uneven and struggles to find a consistent tone, and it sometimes spends too much time explaining details that don’t really matter.

7) Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi

Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi is a divisive film that deliberately challenges many of the established conventions of the Star Wars universe, aiming for a more thought-provoking experience. Director Rian Johnson centers the story on Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), portraying him as a disappointed and reluctant mentor, a character choice that continues to spark discussion. Visually, The Last Jedi is arguably the most impressive film in the series, particularly the stunning red salt flats of Crait where the climactic battle takes place. The film appeals to viewers who enjoy complex themes, with the relationship between Rey and Kylo Ren offering a nuanced exploration of power and failure. However, some parts, like the extended Canto Bight scenes and the slow-paced space chase, can feel disconnected from the main story and may slow things down on subsequent viewings.

6) Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is incredibly energetic and effectively relaunches the entire franchise. Director J.J. Abrams skillfully revisited the storytelling style of the original 1977 film, focusing on real sets and creatures to make the science fiction feel more tangible. The quick connection between the new characters – Finn, Rey, and Poe – creates a strong emotional core that keeps viewers engaged despite the fast-paced plot. Although some criticize the film for being similar to its predecessors, its ability to bring the wonder of Star Wars to a new generation makes it highly rewatchable.

5) Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi

Return of the Jedi, the thrilling conclusion to the original Star Wars trilogy, is packed with memorable moments and visuals. The film begins with an exciting rescue mission at Jabba the Hutt’s palace, filled with unique alien creatures and plenty of suspense. While the introduction of the Ewoks on the forest moon of Endor provides a lighter, more family-friendly element, the film’s heart lies in the intense battle taking place aboard the second Death Star. Luke Skywalker’s confrontation with the Emperor and his father, Darth Vader (voiced powerfully by James Earl Jones), delivers a moving and satisfying conclusion to their complex family story, offering fans a bittersweet yet ultimately triumphant resolution.

4) Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith

Considered the best of the Star Wars prequel films, Revenge of the Sith is a thrilling and heartbreaking story about the fall of the Jedi. The film immediately grabs your attention with a large-scale space battle and relentlessly builds toward its tragic conclusion. At its core, it’s about Palpatine’s manipulation of Anakin Skywalker, leading to a dramatic and intense lightsaber duel on the fiery planet Mustafar, ultimately turning Anakin into the menacing Darth Vader. With its somber mood and exciting action, Revenge of the Sith is a standout film in the Star Wars saga, and it powerfully connects the prequel and original trilogies.

3) Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope

The original Star Wars, now known as Episode IV – A New Hope, is a brilliantly crafted story that still captivates audiences almost fifty years later. George Lucas built a clear and focused adventure around the familiar hero’s journey, quickly introducing a whole galaxy of characters and settings. The film moves at a perfect pace, seamlessly transitioning from the desert planet Tatooine to the massive Death Star while always keeping the main characters at the heart of the story. The strong connection between Han, Leia, and Luke is a key to its success, providing both humor and emotional depth that balances the grand, fantastical plot. A New Hope remains a cornerstone of filmmaking, offering a thrilling and comforting experience no matter how many times you watch it.

2) Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back

Many consider Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back to be the best film in the series, and it earns that reputation by taking bold storytelling chances and giving its characters more emotional depth. By splitting the action across different planets, the movie allows us to focus on Luke’s training with Yoda and the developing, and often tense, relationship between Han and Leia. The film’s settings, from the icy landscapes of Hoth to the stunning city in the clouds, are incredibly detailed and make the Star Wars universe feel real. The final fight between Luke and Darth Vader is a brilliant example of storytelling that focuses on the characters’ emotions, and its shocking conclusion changed pop culture forever. All of this makes The Empire Strikes Back a must-see for anyone interested in film.

1) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

When it comes to movies you can watch again and again, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story stands out. Unlike most Star Wars films that focus on Jedi and grand destinies, Rogue One is a raw and realistic war story that highlights the bravery of ordinary soldiers. The film follows a band of unlikely heroes, led by Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor, offering a fresh and down-to-earth look at the rebellion. The battle on the beaches of Scarif is arguably the most exciting action sequence in the entire Star Wars saga, with intense fighting on multiple fronts. This culminates in a truly terrifying scene with Darth Vader, seamlessly connecting the film to the original trilogy. Because it tells a complete, emotionally powerful story, Rogue One is incredibly rewarding to rewatch, thanks to its technical skill, gritty atmosphere, and strong themes.

What’s your favorite Star Wars movie to watch again and again? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-29 23:14