Forty-eight years after the release of the very first Star Wars, the saga continues to excite, divide, and inspire endless debate. While the original trilogy often remains untouchable in the hearts of fans, the proliferation of new films, spin-offs, and the gradual rehabilitation of the prequel series have profoundly reshuffled the deck. In 2025, it's time to dare a subjective, assumed ranking that prioritizes audacity, emotion, and risk-taking. Here is our ranking, from best to least notable, and we already know it's going to get a reaction.
We obviously await your opinions and rankings in the comments, with one simple rule: may respect be with you (and with us).
1) Star Wars, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Let's be honest, was there really any doubt? The Empire Strikes Back remains the undisputed pinnacle. Darker, more mature, emotionally more complex than its predecessor, it dared to defy expectations. The Battle of Hoth, Luke's training on Dagobah, Lando's betrayal, and of course, THE final twist... It's the benchmark against which all other Star Wars films are compared, and often in vain. A model of the genre, still unrivaled.
2) Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Long maligned, the prequel series has won over a new generation, and its conclusion, frequently criticized upon its release, is being fervently reevaluated by the new generation. Revenge of the Sith now rises to second place, establishing itself as one of the most powerful and tragic episodes. Why? Because it finally delivers the promised drama: the tragic fall of Anakin Skywalker. Despite sometimes uneven dialogue, the film offers poignant dramatic intensity, spectacular action scenes (the duel on Mustafar!) and a dark and operatic conclusion that finally gives weight to the prequel. A film that is both spectacular and moving, and has earned its stripes as a classic.
3) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
The best film of the Disney era, hands down, and which even stands out as a major work in the entire Star Wars universe. The first spin-off of the saga, Rogue One proved that it was possible to tell a different story in this universe, more grounded, more desperate. A true war film with characters to whom we become attached despite their dire fate. Its bold ending and its direct link to A New Hope make it an essential and brilliantly executed piece. It has captivated critics and audiences alike, striking a rare balance.
4) Star Wars, Episode IV: A New Hope
Where it all began, the seminal film remains a model of introduction to a teeming universe, of writing and effectiveness. It helped define the modern blockbuster by allowing us to discover iconic characters (Luke, Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, R2-D2, C3PO, etc.). Its importance is historical and its charm intact, but it gives up some places because other episodes, like The Empire Strikes Back which knew how to deepen its universe in a more striking way, or even the prequel Rogue One with its darker approach, have since demonstrated other forms of audacity or complexity that resonate more with our criteria.
5) Star Wars, Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
The film that fractured fans and which remains, to this day, the most divisive of the saga. We assume: its place is here, at the top of the basket. Rian Johnson dared to take risks, deconstruct myths and offer a bold and visually sumptuous vision. Yes, Luke's treatment was divisive, yes, Canto Bight may not have been essential, but The Last Jedi has the merit of not being a repeat and of pushing the saga in new directions.
The film dared to take the risks (too surely) that the other two works of the third trilogy failed to take, shaking up the codes. It also offers one of the best performances by an actor in a Star Wars film with Adam Driver as Kylo Ren/Ben Solo, managing to brilliantly embody the complexity and inner conflict of the character. He manages to make Kylo Ren at once menacing, vulnerable and tortured, making him one of the most nuanced characters in the saga. Between memorable action scenes and reflections on transmission, it is an episode that leaves no one indifferent.
6) Star Wars, Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
A generally satisfying conclusion to the original trilogy, driven by the final confrontation between Luke, Vader, and the Emperor in the throne room to deliver some iconic scenes. However, the film suffers from a certain unevenness, with a somewhat long start for Jabba and Ewoks that are still as divisive as ever. Less daring than Episode V, these few weaknesses in pacing prevent it from ranking higher, but it remains a must-see.
7) Star Wars, Episode I: The Phantom Menace
The film that marked the return of Star Wars to cinemas after a 16-year absence... left many people perplexed. A complex political storyline, controversial characters (yes, we're talking about you, Jar Jar), and sometimes flat dialogue. Yet, it has undeniable qualities: a visually rich universe, the charisma of Qui-Gon Jinn, the pod race, the style of Darth Maul, an attractive cast (Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman) and above all, the final lightsaber duel ("Duel of the Fates") which remains one of the best of the entire saga.
Often mocked upon its release, Episode I is now undergoing a rehabilitation and while it is not without flaws, its colossal effort to build a new universe gives it a unique flavor. It is this ambition of pure creation, even clumsy, that makes us prefer it, by a short head, to the more tried and tested but less surprising recipe of Episode VII. And The Phantom Menace is also one of the best posters of the saga (we see the young Anakin Skywalker on Tatooine, whose shadow projected on the wall takes the form of Darth Vader).
8) Star Wars, Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Often considered the low point of the prequels, Attack of the Clones suffers from a clumsy romance between Anakin and Padmé and an excessive use of CGI that has sometimes aged badly. However, it considerably expands the universe (Kamino, Geonosis), introduces the Clones and offers an impressive final battle. Obi-Wan's investigation is also a strong point. Like The Phantom Menace, its flaws are legion, but its contribution to the construction of the saga gives it a slight edge over the next film in our ranking.
9) Star Wars, Episode VII: The Force Awakens
The film that relaunched the Star Wars machine with crazy energy and phenomenal commercial success. So why so low? Because as enjoyable as it is, it feels too much like a carbon copy of A New Hope. The new characters are endearing (Rey, Finn, Poe, Kylo Ren), the return of the old ones is moving, but the lack of originality and risk-taking ultimately weighs on it. An excellent "remix", but not a great original work in our eyes, despite the initial critical enthusiasm. Effective blockbuster, but too tame to truly awaken the Force.
10) Solo: A Star Wars Story
The film that no one really felt they needed offers us a nice galactic Western, but it lacks stakes and identity. Solo isn't inherently bad, it's a rather entertaining space adventure, and while Alden Ehrenreich does his best, he doesn't make Harrison Ford forget. Despite some good ideas and a solid cast, it remains the most dispensable installment in the saga, and its commercial failure, in addition to its mixed critical reception, condemns it to the bottom of the rankings.
11) Star Wars: Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
Too rushed, confused, and desperate to please disgruntled fans of The Last Jedi, the film offers a disappointing conclusion to the Skywalker saga. The Rise of Skywalker multiplies the plot shortcuts, the improbable returns (Palpatine...) and the easy resolutions. The result is a mess that lacks soul and coherence, denying some of the bold choices of its predecessor. A finale that leaves a very bitter taste and concludes our ranking.
This ranking shakes up the traditional hierarchy and attempts to reflect the evolution of the view of the saga. The Force is never fixed, and neither is Star Wars: each generation reappropriates these films, reevaluates them, defends them or criticizes them. And this is also why the saga continues to fascinate us, almost half a century after its creation. May the Force be with you... and let the debate begin!
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