My Favourite Star Wars Movies of All-Time

Few film franchises about starry galaxies facing wars are as celebrated as Star Wars. Created a long time ago in a galaxy far far away, Star Wars has become a commemorated phenomenon in popular culture today. A powerful force to be reckoned, George Lucas’ science-fiction series forever changed the world. Listed below are my picks for the greatest movies made in a science-fiction franchise that deserves to be celebrated.

1. Star Wars: A New Hope

Star Wars is a spectacular science-fiction franchise that shaped my teacher’s identity. Years ago, I developed powerful bonds with a teacher that was a fan of the franchise. Star Wars was a franchise my English teacher came to cherish. A force to be reckoned with, he spoke fondly about a series that shaped his identity. His classroom was decorated with posters of a film series that he appreciated. He was a huge fan of a franchise about starry galaxies that made him feel happy. My teacher loved all the movies in the Star Wars franchise but his favourite film was always the first movie “A New Hope”. Ever since its release in 1977, George Lucas’ film has stood the test of time as a science-fiction classic. The first film in the long-running franchise was a revolutionary piece of filmmaking that forever changed the world of entertainment. Packed with awe-inspiring action, sharp storytelling and phenomenal acting, it remains the greatest Star Wars film ever made. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Harrison Ford, who created one of the most iconic characters in the world of science-fiction. For instance, the iconic Cantina scene in which Han Solo is introduced remains one of the best moments in the franchise. Ultimately, what makes “A New Hope” the greatest Star Wars movie is its message. The film delivers a profound message about importance of finding identity which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following introduction of a science-fiction series that was created a long time ago in a galaxy far far away, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a legendary franchise that definitely deserves to be celebrated today.

2. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

Fathers are powerful figures that shape children’s futures. As far back as I can remember, I’ve always shared strong bonds with my father. An inspiring role model, he has motivated me to achieve dreams that I am pursuing. Without his inspirational words of wisdom, I may not have achieved dreams I am passionate about. Fatherhood has always been a recurring theme throughout the Star Wars franchise, and it is most evident in the second film “The Empire Strikes Back”. Released in 1980, George Lucas’ spectacular science-fiction sequel explored strong themes of fatherhood. Sequels rarely live up to the quality of predecessors, but “The Empire Strikes Back” is an exception. It marked the first time that Luke Skywalker was developed as a character with backstory. For instance, the iconic scene in which Luke discovers that Darth Vader is his father in a state of shock remains one of the greatest moments of the series. Ultimately, what makes “The Empire Strikes Back” a masterpiece is its message. It delivers a message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Luke’s desire to battle the empire, it’s a riveting reminder about a franchise that hasn’t lost abilities to inspire which audiences admire.

3. Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi

Mentors are wise figures that have shaped my identity. At an early age, I formed bonds with a professor in university that delivered an inspiring message. He would often give me valuable advice about how to cope with anxiety that I valued highly. Through his guidance, my teacher gave me valuable life lessons that have shaped my experience. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the roles of mentors that identify individuals’ lives as powerfully as “Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi”. Released in 1983, Richard Marquand’s movie did an excellent job of highlighting mentors in the Star Wars series. Throughout the movie, Yoda is an inspiring mentor whose advice guides Luke in the right direction. With Yoda, Frank Oz created one of the most iconic characters in the Star Wars franchise. For instance, the scene in which Yoda gives Luke advice during a training is one of the best moments of the franchise. Ultimately, what makes “The Return of the Jedi” stand out is its meaning. The film delivers a meaningful message about mentors which would resonate with everyone. As powerful as advice Luke Skywalker is given by Yoda, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated space opera that has always attracted audiences to the Cinema.

4. Star Wars: The Revenge of the Sith

Revenge has shaped my identity. At an early age, I sought revenge against my cousin that caused damage. When he was teasing me one day, I became upset by his actions causing me to behave in a cruel way. I ended up hurting him using a broomstick with consequences which were severe. As someone impacted by revenge, I loved “Star Wars: The Revenge of the Sith”. Released in 2005, George Lucas’ movie did an extraordinary job of rebooting Star Wars for a new generation years after its introduction. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Hayden Christensen, who embodied Anakin Skywalker. Christensen brought a legendary villain in the franchise to life. For instance, the scene in which Anakin Skywalker engages in a duel with Obi-Wan becoming Darth Vader is one of the most memorable moments in the Star Wars franchise. Ultimately, what makes “The Revenge of the Sith” stand out is balance. Unlike most Star Wars movies, it finds a strong balance between character and action. As powerful as Anakin’s desires to join the dark side, it’s a fantastic reminder about a franchise which has always left audiences satisfied.

5. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

It isn’t easy to create a reboot of a science-fiction franchise. When it was announced that a reboot of Star Wars was in production, several fans questioned whether it could meet expectations. I remember being conflicted when I first heard the news that Star Wars was being rebooted questioning whether the new film would be celebrated. That being said, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” took me by surprise. Released in 2015, J.J. Abrams’ movie introduced Star Wars to a modern generation. What made “The Force Awakens” a great Star Wars movie was its callbacks to the original franchise. Abrams created unforgettable scenes that honoured original Star Wars trilogy. For instance, the scene in which Han Solo and Chewie board the Millennium Falcon is one of the greatest moments of the Star Wars franchise. Ultimately, what makes”The Force Awakens” stand out is its universal appeal. Unlike most Star Wars movies targeted towards fans, it tackled themes everyone could relate to. A fantastic reboot of a world-famous franchise with force, it’s a fabulous reminder of a series giving audiences happiness rather than remorse.

6. Star Wars: The Last Jedi

When it comes to the most controversial Star Wars movies produced which audiences are perplexed by, it’s worth discussing “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”. Released in 2017, Rian Johnson’s controversial movie divided fans of Star Wars in a huge way. Some believed it was a great film while others criticized it for out-of-the-ordinary risks it took. Personally speaking, I found “The Last Jedi” entertaining. Rian Johnson did an excellent job of taking risks in the commemorated series that paid off tremendously. It was wonderful to see Mark Hamill return towards his role as Luke Skywalker after several years. While it’s admittedly not a perfect movie, it celebrated the Star Wars legacy. As powerful as Rey’s desire to become a commemorated jedi, it’s a riveting reminder about a science-fiction franchise that hasn’t lost abilities to satisfy.

7. Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

Movies one grows up watching during childhood are always special. “Attack of the Clones” is one of those films that influenced my identity. Released in 2002, George Lucas’ second prequel is widely regarded as one of the worst Star Wars movies ever made. That being said, it has always held a special place in my heart since I saw it in my childhood. What makes “Attack of the Clones” stand out in the franchise is that it captures strong sense of spectacle of Star Wars. The Star Wars franchise has been driven by spectacular action, and it’s clearly evident in “Attack of the Clones”. Although it’s far from a perfect movie, “Attack of the Clones” is still worth seeing for celebration of the Star Wars legacy. As strong as Anakin’s bond with Obi-Wan Kenobi, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated franchise that audiences always regard highly.

8. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace

Obi-Wan Kenobi is a fascinating character in the Star Wars franchise that I’ve always found inspiring. With his forceful strength, larger-than-life personality and wisdom, Obi-Wan has built a lasting legacy. Obi-Wan has played a crucial role in all the Star Wars movies, but he shined the brightest in “The Phantom Menace”. Released in 1999, George Lucas’ first prequel in the Star Wars franchise was not well received by critics upon release. The film was criticized for its poor storytelling. While it admittedly isn’t a perfect Star Wars film, “The Phantom Menace” does benefit from a strong depiction of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Ewan McGregor did an excellent job of bringing the beloved character to life in an iconic role. As strong as Obi-Wan Kenobi’s desire to explore space, it’s a riveting reminder about a sci-fi franchise that audiences embrace.

9. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

It’s challenging to bring a franchise to satisfying conclusions. Most film franchises begin on a high note. However, franchises rarely come to a closure. The final film in a franchise rarely sticks the landing creating satisfying endings. That being said, “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” is an exception. Released in 2019, J.J. Abrams’ final Star Wars film brought the forceful franchise to a satisfying conclusion. Abrams did a great job of honouring the legacy of the franchise about galaxies. In her final outing as Rey, Daisy Ridley demonstrated why she’s one of the finest actresses today. While it’s a problematic film that can’t quite capture the magic of Star Wars, it’s still worth watching. As strong as Rey’s desire to become a Jedi guided by Luke Skywalker, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated franchise that fans will always treasure.

10. Solo: A Star Wars Story

Not many characters in the Star Wars franchise created years ago are as beloved as Han Solo. With his charming personality, sharp humour and strong presence, Han Solo is a highlight the Star Wars series. In 2018, Alden Ehrenreich did a great job portraying the pilot exploring the galaxy in “Solo: A Star Wars Story”. It’s challenging playing an iconic role belonging to Harrison Ford, but Ehrenreich succeeded. For all its strengths, “Solo: A Star Wars Story” remains the worst film in the franchise. It lacks magic of the greatest films in the series. Nevertheless, “Solo: A Star Wars Story” is worth seeing for celebration of Han Solo. As strong as Han Solo’s desire to become a hero, it’s a spectacular reminder of a commemorated franchise which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to follow dreams of film criticism several years ago.