Star Wars: The Force Awakens – 3 Things That’ve Aged Well a Decade Later (& 3 That’ve Aged Badly)

It’s hard to find consensus among Star Wars fans right now. Several new movies are in the works, but not everyone is excited about them. Some worry that The Mandalorian won’t work as a big-screen film, and the upcoming Starfighter movie, directed by Shawn Levy, feels very different from anything Star Wars has done before, which is concerning to some. But the biggest debate centers on the planned Rey Skywalker movie, which would be the first sequel to the last set of Star Wars films – if it ever actually gets made.

Most Star Wars fans aren’t thrilled with the sequel trilogy. However, there was a period when discussions about characters like Rey and the roles of the original actors didn’t immediately spark outrage. Here’s a look at three aspects of Star Wars: The Force Awakens that still hold up well ten years later, and three that haven’t aged so gracefully.

Aged Well: Poe Dameron & Finn’s Dynamic

The Force Awakens immediately jumps into the action, starting with Resistance pilot Poe Dameron attempting to escape the First Order—the new version of the Empire, who are determined to find Luke Skywalker. Poe quickly teams up with a stormtrooper who refuses to participate in the First Order’s oppressive rule.

The movie really takes off when Poe and FN-2187 climb into the TIE Fighter. Their connection is instantly strong, and it grows even more when they meet again at the Resistance Base. A touching moment – Poe giving FN-2187 his jacket – perfectly shows their blossoming friendship.

Aged Poorly: The Mystery Around Supreme Leader Snoke

From the moment Kylo Ren appears in The Force Awakens, he definitely looks intimidating, but the film quickly reveals he’s not exactly leadership material. He’s constantly flying off the handle, and honestly, no one seems to take him seriously – not even General Hux. It’s pretty clear why: Kylo isn’t calling the shots himself. He’s answering to someone even scarier, the Supreme Leader Snoke, and that’s where the real power lies.

One of the most striking moments in The Force Awakens is when Supreme Leader Snoke first appears – a huge, intimidating hologram delivering orders. However, his follow-up appearance in The Last Jedi wasn’t as effective. Looking back, the story might have worked better if Snoke hadn’t been included at all.

Aged Well: Han Solo’s Exit

Han Solo isn’t exactly cheerful when he reappears in The Force Awakens after being gone for so long. The film gradually shows us he’s lost a lot of important people and things over the years, which led him back to his old life as a smuggler. But when it’s time to do the right thing, Han doesn’t hesitate to act like the hero he once was.

When Han and his crew arrive at Starkiller Base looking for Rey, he attempts to connect with his son, Ben Solo, who is known as Kylo Ren. Instead of confronting him with anger, Han tries to appeal to his son’s better nature, but this turns out to be a tragic error in judgment. Despite the mixed reactions to the sequel films, Han’s death remains a powerfully emotional moment, resonating more deeply than any other character’s farewell in the Star Wars saga.

Aged Poorly: General Hux

If you just look at The Force Awakens on its own, the villains are all very effective. Kylo Ren feels like a new Darth Vader, Supreme Leader Snoke is as intimidating as Emperor Palpatine, and General Hux, though a bit more vocal, is as memorable as Grand Moff Tarkin. However, Hux repeatedly makes mistakes throughout the rest of the trilogy.

In Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, General Hux betrays the First Order because he disagrees with Kylo Ren’s leadership, and starts secretly helping the Resistance. This makes all of his earlier efforts in The Force Awakens – like destroying the New Republic – pointless.

Aged Well: Luke Skywalker Cliffhanger

Although the film The Force Awakens briefly references Luke Skywalker early on, he doesn’t actually appear until the very end. After Rey helps destroy Starkiller Base and defeats Kylo Ren, she travels to find Luke, hoping he’ll train her. She finds him on a remote island and offers him his lightsaber, signaling her readiness to begin her Jedi training.

Although some criticize Luke’s initial scene in the sequel trilogy, it actually holds up remarkably well. With John Williams’ iconic music building and the credits approaching, it remains a perfect example of what makes Star Wars so special. Just focus on that moment and appreciate it, regardless of what happens later.

Aged Poorly: Rey’s Vision

When talking about The Force Awakens, Rey is central to the conversation. She immediately stands out as unique, with an intriguing and mysterious quality. Her journey to Takodana reveals clues about her history and hints at a clear plan for her character within the franchise.

That statement is completely inaccurate. Rey experiences visions featuring the Knights of Ren, Bespin, and the voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Unfortunately, these visions ultimately prove meaningless, as the subsequent movies abruptly change her backstory, inexplicably making her a Palpatine.

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2025-12-12 00:13