It’s coming up on 50 years since we first heard the iconic music of Jon Williams boom throughout the theater while the text scrolled down the screen. The moment is still as enthralling as it was when I first saw it.
All of the Star Wars movies and outshoots have their place, and I have the utmost respect for everyone involved in this cinematic endeavor involved with the series. With that being said, I will attempt to rank the Star Wars movies in honor of May the 4th and just because I can.
Call me a traditionalist, but I will be sticking to the original trilogy and the following trilogy as we have had the time to step back and properly compare them and their impact over the years.
Plus, I’m not a huge fan of the Disney trilogy. I’m hoping I develop an appreciation and update in time.
*Spoilers Ahead*
Attack of the Clones
Annakin Skywalker is an adult now. We learn more about the politics of the universe at the time, and we watch the relationship with the former-queen turned senator Pandame unfold. Natalie Portman’s beauty and nerdy personality shine in this role, possibly eclipsing some good but not as dynamic performances.
Revenge of the Sith
In revenge of the Sith, we see the full transformation of Anakin Skywalker to the dark side. We cringed while knowing that Luke was coming to ultimately overtake him. The prequel trilogy ties it together in a satisfying way.
The Phantom Menace
Many people put this at the very last item on the list, but I have to strongly disagree. The scene with young Anakin Skywalker racing his pod still makes me cheer. Also, Darth Maul was almost as compelling as if not more compelling than Darth Vadar. Plus, he had two lightsabers. Finally, say what you will about Jar Jar Binks; he was an entertaining addition (minus the, I hope, unintentional racial undertones).
The Empire Strikes Back
The Empire Strikes Back has one of the most effective reveals in cinematic history. We all wanted to know what would happen next to Luke, Leia, and Han Solo. Not everyone was so sure they wanted to return for another movie, though. Han Solo’s character ends the movie frozen in order to give the opportunity for him to reconsider the role (and add a bit of mystery for the viewer).
Return of the Jedi
The last movie brings the trilogy to a satisfying end, as well as the beautiful Carrie Fisher in that slave outfit (or so we thought). We also come to realize how much we care about the characters and their fate throughout the journey through space, which is what makes the franchise so appealing.
A New Hope
As the movie that started it all, there’s something special about our first introduction to the characters and the universe that stands out above the rest, especially for those of us lucky enough to experience the magic as it happens. This is the only movie in the original trilogy not written by the creative mind of George Lucas. While his ability to create a captivating world is undeniable, it’s best he left the script to someone else.
Star Wars is entertainment pure and simple. Whether you watch it in chronological order, watch your favorite trilogy at a time, or play Russia Roulette with your Star Wars playlist, just watch it. Otherwise, the dark side wins.
