Ranking The Skywalker Saga
I've been wanting to do this for awhile now that the Skywalker Saga is complete. Please note that this is my opinion. I respect other people's opinions about this as well, so please respect mine.
Here are my rankings from best to worst:
A New Hope
While The Empire Strikes Back is generally regarded as the best of the Star Wars films, I chose A New Hope because I remember how big this film was when it first came out with lines going around the block. That scene at the beginning when Leia confronts Darth Vader is one of the best and most powerful moments in Star Wars history. It's the introduction of Luke, Han, Obi-Wan and the rest. Such a great film.
The Empire Strikes Back
The Empire Strikes Back is the most dramatic of the original series. I mean, how can you beat the scene when Darth Vader reveals that he is Luke's father. That was one of the biggest twists of the century. It also contained the introduction of Lando Calrissian and that wonderful scene in which Leia says, "I love you," and Han responds, "I know." Classic.
Return of the Jedi
Probably the most reviled of the original trilogy is Return of the Jedi. But, I personally love this film and probably because of the reason it is reviled - Ewoks. I loved the Ewoks and thought they were a fun comedy relief in all this. I also liked how Leia and Han reverse things when Han proclaims,"I love you," and Leia responds, "I know." It shows that the two are on equal footing and that's why they made a good match.
The Last Jedi
Yes, I am one of those people who loved The Last Jedi and I am proud of that. Outside of the original trilogy, I think it is the best. I felt the direction Rian Johnson took was a good one. I, for one, liked Luke's journey in this and how he learned of the hubris of the Jedi Council. The moment when he and Leia were reunited was such a tender one. And, the scene where Rey and Kylo Ren battle against the Praetorian Guards was thrilling and beautiful.
The Force Awakens
The Force Awakens was a great return of the saga. It had Han and Leia being reunited, Han and Chewie being reunited with the Millennium Falcon, and a mysterious appearance by Luke Skywalker. It also had the surprising death of Han Solo. I had such a visceral reaction to it for sure. But, most of all, it introduced us to great new characters in Rey, Finn, Poe and BB-8.
Solo: A Star Wars Story
I thought Solo was a fun movie. It showed Han on Corelia, how he met Lando Calrissian, the introduction of Lando's droid L3-37, and we got to go on the Kessel Run. And, we see the return of a very powerful and popular villain! Who couldn't love the story of the making of a legend?
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
I really liked Rogue One. I thought it was a tad slow at parts, but, overall, I thought it had some great things. First of all, it introduced two of my favorite characters in the Star Wars universe in Chirrut and Baze. I loved their story and want to know more. I also loved seeing the early days of the rebellion and the roles that were played in delivering the plans for the Death Star to a certain Princess who utters the words, "hope," at the end.
Revenge Of The Sith
To me, Revenge of the Sith was the best of the prequel trilogy. It's probably because I felt it wrapped up the Clone Wars fairly well with the fight between Anakin and Obi-Wan on Mustafar, Palpatine's betrayal of Anakin and Anakin's transformation into Darth Vader. I thought all of that was pretty powerful stuff. I also like the deals that were made to protect the twins against their odious father. There were still holes, but, overall, I enjoyed this film.
The Rise Of Skywalker
The reason why The Rise of Skywalker ranks lower is because I felt there was a lack of cohesive storytelling. It seemed to be all over the place and there were just too many storylines going on that never achieve resolution. Either that or storylines that came out of nowhere that didn't have the pay off it should have. While I enjoyed the film more than most of the prequel trilogy, it was not by much.
Attack Of The Clones
The Battle Of Geonosis, to me, highlighted everything that was wrong about the prequel trilogy. It was this dazzling display of everything on screen - Jedi, droids, monsters...oh, my! But, it was too much and took such a long time that it ultimately hurt the overall story. Another part that I just don't like are the love scenes between Anakin and Padme, especially when they were romping around the fields among the Shaaks. I did like the burgeoning relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin, though.
The Phantom Menace
I used to think I didn't like this film because of Jar-Jar Binks, but I later discovered during the run of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, that I actually like that character. I think my issue with it is the creepy relationship Anakin had with Padme, but mostly because I felt it wasn't necessary and took away from the prequel trilogy spending any significant time in the middle of the Clone Wars themselves. I did like the podraces though and Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Maul. So, it wasn't all terrible.