Revisiting Star Wars: The Ranking

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens on December 20. It is meant to be an end to the saga we've known for more than 40 years, and that includes 10 previous movies (eight in series and two stand alone tales in the world). In the run up to that release, I'll be revisiting all 10 of the released Star Wars films and sharing thoughts as we prepare for the final chapter.

Over the past few weeks I've looked at all 10 existing films. With "Rise of Skywalker" opening on Friday, it's time to consider the ranking in the cannon as it currently exists. There are 10 films, and after careful re-watch and consideration I have ranked the films from 10-1, with 1 being my favorite of the current films. It will be interesting to see where this latest film, which promises to be a conclusion, falls on the spectrum once it is released.

Without further ado, here's the films ranked from 10 to 1. Let's all get excited for the final installment due out Friday!

10. Star Wars, Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
About: When I first saw this movie, I didn't love it but I didn't dislike it as much as I do now. I had previously always been more down on "The Phantom Menace," but that movie has a few incredible sequences. This really doesn't, though I do enjoy seeing Yoda battle. This one also has some of the worst dialogue and performances, particularly in the crucial romance sequence. So it's fallen to the bottom of the list.

9. Star Wars, Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
About: This isn't a great movie in total, but it does work better as a kids film. It reminds me a bit of the first two installments of "Harry Potter," which are typically no one's favorites. They were gateway films. So, too, could this one be. The things that bother you as an adult are more easily looked over when you're younger. And there is an epic fight sequence here.

8. Star Wars, Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
About: This might be the first huge surprise on this list. I will say this film is better than the two behind it on this list, by a fair amount. But when you get to films 5-8, the differences to me are pretty small and it was tough making final positioning. But this film, while nostalgic and great in that it re-boots the world, isn't a great film. It's not that original and it drags in some spots. When you re-watch it without excitement and nostalgia, it doesn't hold up as well.

7. Star Wars, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
About: There are still some clunky things here, but this is a step way above the rest of the prequels. This is a decent film that offers plenty to consider and has some great sequences, including the fight to open the film and Anakin and Obi-Wan's battle to close it. This is a better movie that it gets credit for because it's part of the prequels.

6. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
About: This is a movie that's better than you remember. It's true. There was a lot made of this film and the change of directors. Expectations were low, and on a first viewing it might have kind of just seemed OK. Watch it again. It came in the shadow of a pair of incredible films, but it is better than you remember and, at times, a lot more fun.

5. Star Wars, Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
About: And we've moved to the top half. The toughest one to rank for me is "Jedi," which isn't the beloved film of my youth anymore, but might get a bit too much criticism. This is still a good, and fun film. Is it as good as the other films in the original trilogy? No, it isn't. But after re-watching all 10 in order, I found I still enjoyed the heck out of this one, enough that it leads this middle group of films.

4. Star Wars, Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
About: This film that started it all. This is one that's moved up in my esteem as I've grown older and appreciated the story, the nuance and the achievement as a film. It's not in the Top 3 because I have others I think are superior, but this is a darn good film and was an easy pick as new up after those Top 3.

3. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
About: This stand alone film tells the story of the brave team that steals the Death Star plans. It features some Darth Vader, including an epic fight at the end. And it's a great lead in to the events of "A New Hope." But this is about Jyn Erso, Cassian Andor and K-2SO. It's got some beautiful sequences, some great performances and tells a heck of a story.

2. Star Wars, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
About: The toughest call on this list is between my top two. I love "Empire," and for a long time felt it was the best of "Star Wars." You could still make a case that it is. It's an iconic film with so many great moments and great performances. I love the classic lines and the story packs a punch. I will always love this film, but to me it just barely loses out to the top film on this list. That's probably more of a testament to "The Last Jedi" than a knock on "Empire." It's splitting hairs, really.

1. Star Wars, Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
About: Rian Johnson is an incredible director and storyteller. No film is probably more divisive in the "Star Wars" universe than "The Last Jedi." Many loved it, many hated it. And I can see the arguments on both sides, but I clearly fall into the former. This is a beautiful, emotional film. I loved the arc for Luke Skywalker and his work in this film. The development of the relationship between Kylo Ren and Rey is fascinating. The work of Laura Dern and her sacrifice are moving. There is so much to love about this film, it vaulted to the top spot. That's something I never thought would happen. And it makes me all the more excited to see this final installment.