Ranking the Star Wars Saga: From Galactic Greats to Interstellar Flops

1. Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker 2019，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 499649, ID: 2527338
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Despite its attempt to wrap up the Skywalker saga, ‘The Rise of Skywalker’ feels rushed and overloaded with fan service. It is about Rey continuing her Jedi training under the guidance of Luke Skywalker, while finding herself mysteriously connected to Emperor Palpatine. While the movie has stunning visuals and thrilling action scenes, it struggles to find its identity, making it one of the weaker entries in the series.
2. Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi 2017，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 678107, ID: 2527336
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The Last Jedi is about the Resistance’s confrontation with the First Order after it has suffered a heavy defeat. Rey seeks out the reclusive Luke Skywalker in hopes that he will return to the battlefield, while Luke is skeptical about the future of the Jedi. The director brings a fresh perspective that challenges the traditional Star Wars formula. However, its subplots and humor can be off-putting, making it a polarizing film among fans.
3. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 980334, ID: 2488496
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A triumphant return to the Star Wars universe, ‘The Force Awakens’ successfully balances nostalgia with new characters and storylines. It is about the rise of the First Order, which has once again plunged the galaxy into crisis. New characters Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron join the Resistance to fight the First Order and search for the long missing Luke Skywalker. It sets the stage for a new trilogy.
4. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi 1983，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 1131312, ID: 0086190
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‘Return of the Jedi’ is the conclusion of the original trilogy and follows the final showdown between the Resistance and the Empire. Luke Skywalker faces off against the temptations of the dark side and has a final showdown with his father in an attempt to redeem him from the darkness. While the film has received some criticism for its Ewoks, it remains a beloved classic.
5. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back 1980，IMDB Rating: 8.7, IMDB Votes: 1393119, ID: 0080684
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‘The Empire Strikes Back’ is widely considered to be the best of the series. The movie follows the Resistance as they are losing the battle against the Empire and Luke Skywalker travels to the planet Dagobah to receive Jedi training from Master Yoda. The film’s iconic moments, such as the revelation of Luke’s life, and strong characterization make it an outstanding film.
6. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith 2005，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 853988, ID: 0121766
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‘Revenge of the Sith’ is the final chapter of the prequel trilogy and tells how Anakin Skywalker fell into darkness. As the Galactic Republic descends into civil war, Anakin is lured into betraying the Jedi Order by the dark force Palpatine. It explores the transformation of Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader with deep emotion and great action scenes. Despite some clunky dialog, it’s still not a bad prequel.
7. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones 2002，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 766775, ID: 0121765
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‘Attack of the Clones’ is about the turmoil in the Galactic Republic on the brink of civil war and reveals the birth of an army of clones. The romance between Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala develops gradually, but the romantic relationship between the two seems raw and detracts from the overall pace of the story. It’s a mixed bag that ranks low in the Clones series.
8. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace 1999，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 866784, ID: 0120915
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‘The Phantom Menace’ introduces us to a young Anakin Skywalker and takes viewers into the prequel era with groundbreaking special effects. The story centers around political intrigue in the Galactic Republic. But it suffers from a weak plot and the infamous Jar Jar Binks. The movie’s political intrigue and pod race scenes are a highlight, but it remains one of the less popular films.
9. Star Wars 1977，IMDB Rating: 8.6, IMDB Votes: 1462750, ID: 0076759
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The original ‘Star Wars’ is a groundbreaking classic that revolutionized cinema. The original tells the story of young Luke Skywalker, along with Han Solo, Princess Leia and Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi, as they fight against the Galactic Empire. Its simple yet compelling story, memorable characters and innovative special effects set the stage for an enduring franchise.
10. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story 2016，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 33, ID: 29895189
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‘Rogue One’ stands out as a gritty, war-focused entry in the Star Wars saga. Its story of the rebels stealing the Death Star plans is compelling and adds depth to the original trilogy. The film’s darker tone and willingness to take risks make it a refreshing addition to the franchise.
11. Solo: A Star Wars Story 2018，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 383777, ID: 3778644
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‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ is about the adventures of a young Han Solo and how he becomes a legendary smuggler. The movie’s charm lies in its great performances, but it lacks the depth to really explore Han Solo’s character. The film doesn’t add much to the Star Wars saga, but it’s not a bad piece of entertainment for the whole family.
12. Star Wars: The Clone Wars 2008，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 123830, ID: 0458290
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‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ is a visually compelling animated adventure that expands the Star Wars universe. The movie follows the various battles and conflicts during the Clone Wars and introduces new characters such as Ahsoka Tano. It’s a fun cartoon for kids and a nice addition for fans of the Star Wars franchise.