Every 'Star Wars' Movie, Ranked Best To Worst

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, takes the Star Wars saga to new heights under the direction of Irvin Kershner. With an ensemble cast featuring Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, and introducing Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian, this sequel deepens the epic narrative. After a relentless assault by the Empire forces the Rebels to retreat from Hoth, Luke ventures to the Dagobah system to train with the enigmatic Jedi Master Yoda. Meanwhile, Han and Leia navigate a complex relationship while evading Darth Vader's pursuit. The film culminates in one of cinema’s most unforgettable reveals, altering the course of the saga forever. Lauded for its complex story and character development, The Empire Strikes Back was an instant critical and commercial success. It won an Academy Award for Best Sound and received a Special Achievement Award for Visual Effects, highlighting its groundbreaking achievements in film.

Box Office: $550.9 Million

Budget: $33 Million

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, directed by George Lucas, marked the beginning of the most iconic space opera in cinematic history. Released in 1977, the film stars Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, and Alec Guinness as Obi-Wan Kenobi. This epic adventure unfolds as Luke Skywalker embarks on a journey from his desolate life on Tatooine after discovering a distress message from Princess Leia, leading him to join the Rebellion against the tyrannical Galactic Empire. Alongside the roguish pilot Han Solo and the wise Jedi Master Obi-Wan, Luke undertakes a daring mission to rescue Leia and deliver plans capable of destroying the Empire’s Death Star. A New Hope revolutionized special effects and storytelling, igniting the global Star Wars phenomenon. It garnered significant critical acclaim, winning six Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects, Best Original Score for John Williams, and Best Art Direction, among others, while also receiving a Special Achievement for Sound Effects Editing, underscoring its groundbreaking impact on the film industry.

Box Office: $775.8 Million

Budget: $11 Million

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, originally released in 1977 under the title "Star Wars," redefined the sci-fi genre under the visionary direction of George Lucas. The film stars Mark Hamill as the earnest and hopeful Luke Skywalker, Harrison Ford as the charismatic smuggler Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as the resolute Princess Leia, and Alec Guinness as the wise and powerful Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. Set against the backdrop of a galaxy ensnared by the grip of the Galactic Empire, it tells the story of a young farmer, Luke, who embarks on a daring quest to save Princess Leia from the clutches of the nefarious Darth Vader. With the help of Han Solo, his Wookiee co-pilot Chewbacca, and Obi-Wan, Luke undertakes a desperate mission to deliver the plans of the Empire's lethal weapon, the Death Star, to the Rebel Alliance. A New Hope was a monumental success, winning six Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects, Best Original Score for John Williams' iconic music, and Best Art Direction, solidifying its place as a monumental achievement in filmmaking and a cornerstone of popular culture.

Box Office: $475.1 Million

Budget: $32.5 Million

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, directed by Gareth Edwards, is a thrilling addition to the Star Wars saga that serves as a direct prequel to the original 1977 film, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Starring Felicity Jones as the rebellious Jyn Erso, Diego Luna as intelligence officer Cassian Andor, and Alan Tudyk voicing the droid K-2SO, the film charts a perilous mission to steal the Death Star plans, the very plans that play a crucial role in the Rebel Alliance's victory over the Galactic Empire. Released in 2016, Rogue One explores themes of sacrifice, courage, and the complexities of war, offering a gritty, ground-level view of the Star Wars universe. The ensemble cast, including memorable performances by Ben Mendelsohn, Mads Mikkelsen, and Forest Whitaker, brings to life this tale of unsung heroes who band together to make a stand against tyranny.

Though Rogue One was celebrated for its visual effects, storytelling, and depth of character, it garnered two Academy Award nominations, including Best Visual Effects and Best Sound Mixing, showcasing its technical excellence and its compelling contribution to the broader Star Wars narrative.

Box Office: $1.056 Billion

Budget: $200-265 Million

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, directed by George Lucas, serves as the dramatic culmination of the prequel trilogy, exploring the tragic fall of Anakin Skywalker and his transformation into Darth Vader. Released in 2005, the film stars Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker, Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Natalie Portman as Padmé Amidala, and Ian McDiarmid as Chancellor Palpatine/Darth Sidious. Set against the backdrop of the Clone Wars' final days, Revenge of the Sith delves into the sinister machinations that lead to the rise of the Galactic Empire and the near-extermination of the Jedi Order. Betrayal, loss, and an intense lightsaber duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan on the volcanic planet of Mustafar punctuate this dark chapter in the Star Wars saga.

Revenge of the Sith was noted for its poignant narrative, impressive visual effects, and John Williams' compelling score. While it marked a controversial yet pivotal point in the Star Wars series, the film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Makeup and received praise for its action sequences and special effects, although it did not secure a win in this category. Its portrayal of Anakin's descent and the Emperor's rise remains a crucial piece of the expansive Star Wars narrative.

Box Office: $868.4 Million

Budget: $113 Million

Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, directed by J.J. Abrams, reignited the Star Wars saga for a new generation while paying homage to the original trilogy. Released in 2015, it features a mix of familiar faces and new heroes, including Daisy Ridley as Rey, John Boyega as Finn, Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, and brings back Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as Leia Organa, and Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker. Set approximately 30 years after the defeat of the Empire, the film introduces the galaxy to a new threat: the First Order, an organization seeking to destroy the New Republic. The story follows Rey and Finn as they join forces with the Resistance, led by Leia Organa, in a quest to find Luke Skywalker and restore peace to the galaxy.

The Force Awakens was both a critical and commercial success, praised for its dynamic direction, engaging story, and compelling characters. It received five Academy Award nominations, including for Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects, showcasing its achievements in music, special effects, and sound editing. While it did not secure a win in these categories, the film's impact on the franchise and its ability to blend nostalgic elements with new storytelling secured its place as a beloved addition to the Star Wars legacy.

Box Office: $2.068 Billion

Budget: $306 Million